Our former students: Evi

Evi completed her Divemaster course with us in May 2025.

Where are you from and how did you start diving?

I am from Lombok, Indonesia. I started diving in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 where I joined a dive certification program for local people from the government. I then quickly fell in love with it and never really stopped!

⁠What made you decide to embark on the Divemaster course?

I decided to embark on the Divemaster course because I wanted to take my passion for the ocean to the next level. I needed to deepen my skills, knowledge, and experience in diving, and becoming a Divemaster felt like the right step. This Divemaster course allowed me to push my limits, build new leadership skills underwater, and open new opportunities for sharing the beauty of our oceans in a safe, responsible, and inspiring way. For me, becoming a Divemaster is not just a personal milestone, it's part of a larger commitment to protecting what I love and sharing that love with others. 

What was your favourite part/highlight of the training?

Honestly, my favorite part of the training was being able to dive almost every day, it felt like living the dream! But one of the biggest highlights was definitely when I got to guide Helene and her friend, Ben. It was my first time leading a dive, and to make things more intense... It was with the Big Boss, Helene! I was super nervous (my heart was probably diving deeper than I was), but in the end, I managed to lead the dive, and I think Helene was happy with it too. That moment gave me a real confidence boost and reminded me how far I’d come.

⁠What was your biggest challenge and how did the team help you overcome this?

My biggest challenge was definitely my swimming skill. I struggled a lot in the beginning, and it was something that really made me doubt myself. But what amazed me was how supportive everyone was in Purple Dive (literally everyone). Without hesitation, they took the time to give me advice, cheered me on, or even jumped into the pool to teach me how to swim. Thanks to their patience and encouragement. That kind of support meant the world to me. I kept improving day by day. And by the time I finished the Divemaster training, I could say, I can swim better now :D

Where are you working now and what is your current role?

I’m currently working as a Divemaster at Blue Corner Penida. I feel incredibly grateful and lucky to have been given the opportunity to start working right after completing my Divemaster training. It’s been an amazing journey so far. Full of learning, laughter, and amazing encounters with manta rays and mola-mola. I’m excited to keep growing, both as a diver and as someone who gets to share the magic of the ocean with others every day.

⁠What is your favourite part about your job?

My favorite part is seeing the happiness on people’s faces after a dive. Many times, it’s their first time seeing manta rays or drifting with the current, and their excitement is contagious. I love being able to share that experience with them and make them feel safe and inspired in the water. For me, every smile or “that was amazing!” after a dive makes all the hard work worth it.

How did your training at Purple Dive prepare or facilitate you in finding/working as a dive professional?

Purple Dive prepared me not only with strong diving skills, but also with real experience that gave me the confidence to step into work as a professional. During the training, I learned how to guide dives, assist courses, manage groups, and solve problems underwater.

My mentor, Daniel, really helped me to grow in leadership and decision-making, which are key to working with guests and ensuring safety. 

And of course, all the people at Purple Dive. The team pushed me when I needed it and supported me when I doubted myself. They were not only professional and supporting me during training, but also accepted me and gave me their love so I could grow into who I am today. Purple Dive team truly became like a family to me. Helene, Lisa, Yvonne, Julia, Daniel, Bas, Ara, Ardi, Prisil, Kadek, Axl, Marchy, Wirda, Mariam, and their amazing boat crew; Captain Sada, Capt. Rian, Indra, Juli, Made, Putu, Ketut. My DMT girls; Leyla & Maylise, and also the lovely people I met during my DMT; Juan, Wancan, Caca, and so many others I can’t mention one by one (you know who you are!). Oh, last but not least, my mood booster, Kairo, Helsinki and Tokyo! Thank you so much! I love you all!

What is your best dive to this day?

That’s a tough question because every dive feels special in its own way! But if I had to choose, I would say one of my best dives was at Manta Point in Nusa Penida. It was my first time seeing not just one, but several manta rays gliding so gracefully around us. I remember feeling so small and humbled, yet so connected to the ocean at the same time. It was a moment I’ll never forget.