My how the times have changed!

In 2002, when I first visited Raja Ampat, tourism infrastructure was minimal; other than the occasional seasonal liveaboard and a single land-based facility, it was virtually non-existent.  Waisai, Raja’s capitol, didn’t even exist…now you can do your scuba instructor training there. And at a PADI 5 Star resort no less!

The first PADI IDC in the Bird’s Head Seascape was held in August 2025 at the Meridien Adventure Dive Resort (a PADI 5 Star IDC Center) located in Waisai, Raja Ampat.

Many of the dive guides at various homestays and smaller resorts only have basic training.  Training is expensive, especially when you have to travel elsewhere in the country to become certified.  Now locals can become dive-masters, even instructors, without the additional cost of travel and lodging.  Every dive operation can now have qualified dive guides!  This is a milestone for Raja Ampat and the Bird’s Head Seascape.

Follow the link for more information about Meridien’s IDC courses and schedule.