Those interested in obtaining a diving license may want to note that there are several associations that issue such certificates in the country, namely the United States-based Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Indonesian Underwater Sports Association (POSSI), which collaborates with the Italy-based Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS), and US-based Scuba Schools International (SSI).

PADI, for instance, offers various certification levels, from open water diver and adventure diver, to advanced open water diver, rescue diver and master diver.

PADI open water scuba instructor Bhakti Suhendarwan told kompas.com that those with open water diver licenses could expect to enjoy Indonesia's marvelous underwater scene as deep as 18 meters. 

The certificate itself can be obtained through a dive center or freelance instructor.

Read also: Seven lesser-known dive areas in Indonesia

"If from a dive center, the price is usually around Rp 7 million [US$493]. Meanwhile freelance [instructors] usually charge around Rp 5 million," he said. 

Dive centers usually already own a pool to train the divers, which makes it more convenient for the participants, he said. 

"Some of the dive centers that are based in Jakarta are Bubbles, Sea Pearl and Master Selam. Or you can always opt for trusted freelance instructors," he added. (kes)

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