Empowering the Locals: Raja Ampat Dive Guide School
In the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Raja Ampat Dive Guide School stands as more than just a training program, it’s a bridge between passion and purpose.
The initiative first began in 2013, when Papua Explorers started training local villagers to become dive guides. From those humble beginnings, the project has grown steadily year after year, reaching more people and creating an ever-wider ripple of positive impact.
Later, in 2017, Papua Explorers founded the Raja Ampat SEA Centre and entrusted the dive guide training to the foundation. This important transition allowed the curriculum to expand meaningfully, incorporating English language, hospitality, and marine conservation.
Since then, the initiative has been empowering young Papuans through scuba diving education, professional development, and conservation values — nurturing a new generation of local dive professionals dedicated to protecting the very reefs they call home.
Opening Access to Ocean Opportunities
As tourism in Raja Ampat continues to grow, so too does the need for skilled local dive guides. However, access to professional dive education remains limited for many young Papuans — not because of lack of talent or passion, but due to the high costs of certification and the shortage of local instructors who can teach in accessible, culturally grounded ways.
That’s why the Raja Ampat Dive Guide School was created — to bridge that gap and make dive education inclusive and accessible for those who were raised by the waters of Raja Ampat.
From the very beginning, candidates are chosen not only for their potential, but also for their deep connection to the ocean. Through this program, participants gain both technical diving skills and a strong sense of environmental responsibility. Consequently, they graduate not only as certified divers but also as guardians of their marine environment.
Training for Passion and Purpose
Throughout the program, students receive comprehensive PADI dive training, which includes:
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Open Water Diver
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Advanced Open Water Diver
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Rescue Diver
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Emergency First Response (EFR)
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Enriched Air Nitrox
In addition to diving, participants also take part in environmental classes focused on coral restoration and reef ecology. Moreover, they receive English language and hospitality lessons, ensuring they are fully prepared for careers in Raja Ampat’s sustainable tourism and marine conservation sectors.
As a result, this holistic approach ensures that every graduate emerges as a confident dive leader, an effective communicator, and a passionate ambassador for the ocean.
From Dreams to Dive Guides
Over the years, the Raja Ampat Dive Guide School has brought together talented young Papuans who share a single goal — to protect and represent their ocean.
For instance, the 2024 graduates, all from Yenwaupnor Village, are now working as professional dive guides at Papua Explorers Dive Resort.
Furthermore, for the 2025 class, the program expanded its reach, opening applications to all young Papuans who are passionate about the ocean and eager to build a future in marine tourism.
Today, the school proudly celebrates its growing network of alumni. Specifically:
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7 graduates are now professional dive guides at Raja Ampat dive resorts
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1 graduate serves as a ranger at the Dampier Strait Marine Protected Area
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1 graduate works as a conservationist in Arborek
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1 graduate manages a homestay in Fam Island
Altogether, each of them carries the same spirit — a love for the ocean, a desire to protect it, and a commitment to sharing its wonders with the world.
“We hope that for every student, this program becomes a life-changing experience — one that transforms not only their future, but also the future of Raja Ampat’s oceans.”
How can you support ?
With 300$ you can contribute to one month of full-time training for a Papuan student to become a professional conservation dive guide. You will receive monthly news about the training and the evolution of our trainees’ team. If you want to support a student for its whole training, please select the 6 months option and you will receive a personalized letter from your student along with its final certificate.
Make a difference, changing one life at a time.