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The Project Laut Story

From Bali with Love

Project Laut was founded by Joma, an SSI Instructor Trainer, and Sita, an Extended Range Tech Instructor, united by a passion for marine conservation and a commitment to protecting reefs. Starting with the photo-identification of critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles, our work quickly expanded to include coral restoration and various ecological monitoring efforts.

Power
in Teamwork

Love for
Our Oceans

Educate,
Inspire, Protect

Our team includes Asia Galli, an SSI instructor from Italy; Margeaux Wayne, a marine biologist from America; and Barnabas Yoseph, a respected Indonesian Marine Researcher. Together, we focus on making a lasting positive impact on Bali’s reefs through direct conservation actions. At Project Laut, our goal is clear: protect and preserve our underwater ecosystems while training the next generation of diving conservationists. We equip our interns with the skills and knowledge they need for meaningful careers in conservation, striving for a sustainable future for our oceans.

Meet The Team

JOMA
SSI Instructor Trainer

Co-Founder and resident turtle whisperer, known for occasionally taking nice underwater photos and never answering the phone

SITA
SSI Tech Instructor

Co-Founder & Deep Diving Enthusiast often spotted at 50m trying to take Mola IDs

ASIA
Divemaster Instructor

Unmistakable in her all pink dive gear! Makes the best Gnocchi on the Island!

MARGEAUX
Marine Biologist

Scientific team leader & the perfect coral gardener for our restoration site

ABAS
Marine Researcher

The Published One. Will likely know exactly what you are talking about even when your way deep in the esoterism

SIDANA
Local Coordinator

The Friendly One – Always very kind & respectful, listens almost exclusively to 80’s alternative rock (on loud)

GEDE
Captain & Coral Magician

The reliable OG. Probably laughing at you trying to use zip ties for the first time.

WAYAN
Captain & Coral Wizard

The reliable OG. Probably laughing at you trying to use zip ties for the first time.

OUR VALUES

Curiosity:

Driven by a desire to uncover the mysteries of the marine world, we encourage questioning, exploring, and discovering at every turn.

Continuous Learning:

We believe in growing every day, embracing new knowledge and skills to stay at the forefront of marine conservation.

Integrity:

We commit to honesty and transparency in all our actions, ensuring our work always honours the trust placed in us by our community and the environment.

Collaboration:

Together, we achieve more; we value every team member's contribution and believe in building strong partnerships to enhance our impact.

Innovation:

We're constantly seeking innovative solutions to conservation challenges, employing creative approaches that benefit marine ecosystems.

Respect for Nature:

Our operations and interactions are guided by deep respect for the ocean and all its inhabitants, aiming to leave a positive mark on the environment.

Do you have the passion... but you just
can’t land a job?

You are not the only one.

We understand the high barriers of entry into conservation like no one else. We have experienced intense competition first-hand, the pitfalls of unpaid internships that exploit free labor, short-term work opportunities and the obstacles presented by lacking specific academic & professional qualifications.

We are here to help you get the positions you are seeking by providing you with the tools you need to succeed. From professional certifications and dive training to hands-on conservation experience and access to a network of young diving conservationists, you will gain the skills you need to be successful.

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Choosing to join the Project Laut team was an amazing opportunity to advance my career with a Divemaster certification while also gaining invaluable conservationist and scientific diving experience. After my three-month internship with Project Laut, I received job offers from multiple companies where I had sent my application, allowing me to become a marine biologist and whale researcher! Plus, it was a lot of fun, with people I have now made life-long friendships with and some of my happiest memories. Thank you, Project Laut!

Britney Jeffs (New Zealand)
SSI Divemaster, BSc Marine Sciences & Entrepreneur

I wanted to be part of something meaningful and help the planet, specifically the oceans. After reviewing many programs, Project Laut caught my attention due to its wellstructured organization, professional recruitment process, and incredibly experienced team. I especially appreciated the tech-inspired training and the thorough dive theory taught. After training here, going back to Mexico and doing the cenotes technical dive certification seemed like a walk in the park. My dream is to leave corporate life and find work with an NGO or an eco-minded company, and Project Laut has set me on the right path. Thank you, Project Laut!

Juan Pablo (Mexico)

SSI Divemaster, BSc Actuarial Science, MBA

I recently graduated from a Canadian university with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, where I discovered my passion for animals and conservation. I joined Project Laut because I wanted to gain the diving and conservation experience needed for a job in marine research. My favorite part was the tech-inspired teaching and the extensive hands-on conservation work. I also appreciated having the Divemaster training spread out over a longer time, which allowed me to truly master the skills. After my internship, I landed a job with Wallasea-talk about diving into uccess! I would recommend it to nyone! Thank you Project Laut Team!

Eugenie Ollenberger (Canada)

SSI Dive Instructor, BSc Biology

Heya! I’m Lisa from Scotland. I was at a bit of a crossroads in my personal life and decided to throw myself into my passions. After 20 years of coaching various sports and my love for diving, it made sense that I should eventually become a pro diver! I loved the Conservation Divemaster Internship and even stayed on afterwards to do my SSI Instructor Training course with Project Laut. They let me stick around for a while to shadow their instructors and help out with intern courses, too! If you’re thinking about dipping your toes into a career in professional diving, this is the place to start! Everywhere I went afterwards, dive trainers praised my skills and diving. I couldn’t be happier—Project Laut, you rock! Thanks for everything!

Lisa Thompson (United Kingdom)

SSI Dive Instructor, Sports Scientist

I joined Project Laut just after graduating high school! I wasn’t sure what to study yet, but I knew I loved working with animals and got interested in conservation during some field trips. It was very exciting to leave Canada and move across the world at 18 years old! I had the best time with Project Laut and stayed on to do my SSI Dive Instructor training right afterwards with Joma and Sita. This landed me a job at a dive shop in Mexico, where I’m working now before starting my Bachelor’s in Marine Biology! Thank you for everything-the beautiful island life, the diving, my instructors, and all the friends I made
along the way. I cannot wait to be back for my independent research work!

Mackenzie Martinez (Canada)

SSI Dive Instructor, BSc Marine Biology

I graduated with my Master of Science in Marine Biology from Bangor University, where I was part of the Sub Aqua Dive Club and gained some diving experience-albeit in a dry suit and British waters! After my studies, I went to Australia for work and travel when a friend told me about Project Laut. It was a great experience, with sea turtle monitoring, coral restoration, and professional dive training. I stayed on at the end to help out with BRUV drops, which are used to determine reef biodiversity and quantify the effect of reef recovery. This made me feel really independent and confident in my diving, allowing me to take part in activities after completing my Conservation Divemaster internship.

Conchur Hughes (United Kingdom)

SSI Divemaster, MSc Marine Biology

I wanted to be part of something meaningful and help the planet, specifically the oceans. After reviewing many programs, Project Laut caught my attention due to its wellstructured organization, professional recruitment process, and incredibly experienced team. I especially appreciated the tech-inspired training and the thorough dive theory taught. After training here, going back to Mexico and doing the cenotes technical dive certification seemed like a walk in the park. My dream is to leave corporate life and find work with an NGO or an eco-minded company, and Project Laut has set me on the right path. Thank you, Project Laut!

Ophelie Paroux (France)

SSI Dive Instructor

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Flinders University and was  looking for a program to advance my career prospects in marine conservation. I needed more hands-on experience and a Divemaster certification. I had the most wonderful time in Nusa Penida. It was my first time abroad by myself, but the team made me feel comfortable and taken care of. It really felt more like a family, and I’m glad the group numbers are kept small. The team genuinely cared about my personal growth, not only in diving and conservation but in general. I’m so glad I did my Conservation Divemaster with Project Laut. Thank you!

Abbeygale Hill (Australia)

SSI Divemaster, BSc Marine Biology

I was in an exciting transition period, eager to learn, grow, and experience hands-on conservation efforts with immediate and lasting impact. I wanted to build my experience to pursue further education and a career in marine and environmental conservation. I entered the Divemaster program as a non-diver, and it was the most exciting thing-I knew I liked the ocean, but I had never dove before in my life. I went from zero to hero! The work Project Laut does is very impressive, especially their community work and vision. The program is very well-structured with lots of dive training and ecology workshops you wouldn’t find in other Divemaster programs. Nusa Penida is beautiful, and I’m glad I got to spend three months there! I hope to come back soon.

Dylan Ellis (USA)

SSI Divemaster, BSc Economics

Don't just take our word for it, our graduates say it all.

“ What is there to say? I loved my 10 weeks with Project Laut more than I ever expected to, it’s been the highlight of my backpacking journey so far! Sita, Joma and all of the staff at Project Laut and Nomads were fantastic and I already miss them now that…”

Conchur Hughes
2024 Alumni
Read More

“I joined Project Laut as a rescue diver and marine biologist to improve my diving skills becoming Conservation Divemaster and at the same time study the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles. Assess, monitor, and analyse their population abundance and distribution in the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area…”

Elana Gialdi
2023 Alumni
Read More

“ I had an incredible two months with project laut. I came to do my divemaster and felt supported the entire way. Everybody there made you feel so welcomed and really made the whole experience that much better. It was so much more than just diving. We had ecology …”

Yida Jiang
2023 Alumni
Read More

PROJECT LAUT MILESTONES

01/21 FOUNDED!

our mission is to assist those passionate about marine conservation and professional diving in navigating their career path. Founded with the core aim of helping conservational and anyone interested in conservation to acquire the skills needs to turn their passion into a job, we are committed to making difference in the field.

12/21 100 TURTLE
SIGHTINGS

We have certified our first round of conservation divemaster interns and established our sea turtle monitoring program. We are excited to expand our project catalog & chosen to implement coral restoration using the MARRS method with structures made by local villagers.

07/21 FIRST INTERNS
ARRIVE

01/22 CORAL RESTORATION
PROJECT STARTS

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01/23 500 TRUTLE SIGHTINGS

Our turtle database is expanding as we now measure individuals with a T-stick, enabling us to gather detailed data on their development stage upon visiting penida or residing our reefs. This valuable information will be shared with our partners and the local university.

03/23 1000 CORAL FRAGMENTS ATTACHED

Our restoration patch is flourishing, thanks to our unique method of employing mixed coral fragments. This approach has resulted in high survivorship and low maintenance needs for the site.

11/23 3000 CORAL FRAGMENTS ATTACHED
& NEW PARTNERSHIPS SECURED

Our restoration patch is expanding, with an official lease secured for the area and a partnership with Go Ocean. This guarantees our reef restoration efforts for the upcoming year, bolstered by a donation of over 500 coral structures for 2024.

10/23 MARINE BIOLOGIST & DIVEMASTER INSTRUCTOR HIRED

01/22 CORAL RESTORATION
PROJECT STARTS

We’re proud and excited about our intern’s future paths. Many proceed to do their instructor training course at Project Laut after their career. Other immediately secure jobs in conservation or the diving industry, some return to university, and an increasing number delve into technical diving.

12/23 70 Intern Graduates

01/24 START OF MONTHLY
COMMUNITY EVENTS & SPONSERSHIP
PROGRAM

Thanks to our expanding network of partners and donners, we are prud to offer monthly community events that engage local schoolchildren in reef restoration, alongside ecology and conversation education. Additional, We are now sponsoring Indonesian female students through a comprehensive “Zero to Hero” program, furthering the involvement of Indonesian Woman in conservation.

82 INTERN GRADUATES!

4630 FRAGMENTS ATTACHED!

1115 TURTLE SIGHTINGS!

17 OPEN WATER INSTRUCTORS CERTIFIED!

6 COMMUNITY EVENTS HOSTED!

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

Become a part of our journey

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Haven’t found what you are looking for? Contact us

The Conservation Divemaster Internship at Project Laut is an extensive professional diving program that blends top-notch dive training with impactful hands-on conservation initiatives. Focused on coral restoration and turtle identification, this internship develops each participant to the divemaster level and prepares them for the Instructor Training Course. Additionally, interns gain valuable conservation experience and skills, helping them stand out in the highly competitive field of marine conservation.
Upon completing the internship, you will receive your Professional Divemaster Rating. Additionally, you’ll earn internationally recognized certifications in Manta Ecology, Sea Turtle Ecology, Coral Ecology & Identification, SSI Science of Diving (advanced diving theory), SSI Dive Guide, SSI Equipment Techniques, and SSI Computer Diving. You also have the option to pursue extended range tech courses, such as decompression diving, sidemount diving, and advanced nitrox.
The duration of the Conservation Divemaster Internship varies depending on the diving level of the incoming intern. It typically ranges from 8 to 14 weeks, but can be extended if the intern wishes to stay longer. If you prefer a different program length, we encourage you to contact us so we can customize a package to meet your needs.
Yes, you will receive internationally recognized certifications for Manta Ecology, Sea Turtle Ecology, and Coral Ecology & Identification. Additionally, we provide certificates of participation for our MARRS reef restoration and hawksbill turtle identification projects.
Absolutely! We’re happy to connect you with past interns who can share their experiences and provide valuable advice. Simply reach out to us, and we’ll provide you with their contact information.
At Project Laut, we believe in giving back to the local community. Each month, we host community events where local school children join us for a hands-on experience in coral restoration. The day starts with an informative and fun lecture on coral ecology, followed by the children actively participating in coral attachment. We wrap up the day with a beach clean-up, fostering environmental stewardship and a love for the ocean in the next generation.
Absolutely! Interns can choose to continue their training with our co-founder and internationally-recognized Instructor Trainer, Joma. We offer basic instructor courses as well as extended instructor internships. These longer programs include shadowing opportunities and the chance to earn instructor ratings for five marine ecology specialties: Shark Ecology, Manta Ray Ecology, Coral Ecology & Identification, Sea Turtle Ecology, and Marine Ecology. Join us to advance your career and deepen your impact on marine conservation.
Definitely! Our extended-range technical instructor and co-founder, Sita, offers a variety of advanced courses, including decompression diving, sidemount diving, independent diver, and advanced nitrox. If you’re interested, you can choose to add these optional tech courses at the end of your internship, taking your diving skills to the next level with expert guidance.

Our conservation divemaster internship has been rated 4.97/5 on GoOverseas from our 80+ Graduates

Building Careers in Marine Science and Professional Diving

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