Divemaster and Marine Conservation Internship (BlueGuard Pro)
Programme overview
BlueGuard Pro is an immersive 6-week program designed for aspiring ocean advocates who are passionate about becoming professional divers while contributing to marine conservation. This program is ideal for individuals pursuing or preparing for studies in marine science, environmental studies, or those looking to gain field experience for research and conservation projects as well as dive professional roles globally.
Participants will undergo the PADI Divemaster training, equipping them with leadership skills and professional-level diving knowledge. The second phase of the program integrates intensive marine conservation training, offering daily diving activities combined with structured ecological coursework.
About the organisation
Blue Corner Marine Research (the marine science arm of Blue Corner Dive) has established an extensive coral restoration project which is the longest running and largest coral restoration project in the Nusa Penida Marine Park. This huge project requires the help of passionate ocean enthusiasts, and dedicated environmentally conscious people. Using proven stabilastion and regrowth frames and techniques our restoration site has proven to be a successful model for coral regeneration in the area.
We also offer training in several other vital ecological concerns/threats in not just this area but globally.
About the programme
As a BlueGuard Pro volunteer, you will:
- Participate in daily scuba dives for skill development, guided training, and conservation data collection
- Complete the PADI Divemaster course, which includes:
- Dive theory
- Skill development workshops in confined and open water
- Assisting instructors in dive courses
- Supervised leadership scenarios to prepare for professional-level responsibilities
- Attend conservation lectures and field sessions focused on marine ecology
- Contribute to ecological surveys, monitoring projects, and underwater restoration
Participants will rotate through specialized modules including:
- Ecological Monitoring Program – Learn reef health assessment methods
- Sea Turtle Ecology – Identification, study behavior, biology, and conservation strategies
- Coral Restoration – Hands-on work with coral frames and reef rehabilitation
- Manta Ray Conservation – Learn about identification, ecology, and protection efforts
- Coral Taxonomy & Identification – Develop genera-level ID skills
- Giant Clam Monitoring – Survey and support conservation of Tridacna species
Location
Situated on Nusa Penida, the biggest of the 3 Nusa Islands off of Bali’s southeastern coast in the Lombok Strait, the Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA) is home to a year-round population of manta rays, seasonal appearances of mola mola, and vibrant coral reefs
Duration
Dependant on the Students’ current certification and dive count, minimum length is 6 weeks for rescue certified divers with a maximum length of 10 weeks
Costs and pre-requisites
Packages are available depending on your current level of scuba diving certification.
We accept applications from open water divers to dive professionals and everything in between.
The minimum age is 18 years old. If you have no previous diving experience you must be able to swim 400m and tread water/float for 10mins
The price for the standard Blueguard pro 6 week package is USD 2,500
What’s included
- Divemaster training
- Six conservation speciality certifications
- Unlimited diving for the duration of the courses
- T-shirt
- Online learning materials and support
- Boat lunch on dive days
- Dive equipment (except for dive computer, SMB, Reel and compass)
- DAN Dive Insurance during diver training courses
Not included:
- Return flights
- Personal expenses/spending money
- Travel insurance or dive insurance outside of dive training courses
- Dive computer
- Accommodation
- Diving certifications to Rescue level
- PADI Divemaster application fee 220 AUD
How to apply
To find out more detailed information on start dates and overall estimated duration/costs (depending on your current certification level) and to apply, please email us penida@bluecornerdive.com
