Implementation of Covid-19 protocol for Scuba diving during the pandemic: Implications for marine science students of University of Mataram

One of the most important competencies for marine science students to acquire is SCUBA diving. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered all field practices in almost all departments at Universitas Mataram including SCUBA diving. Handbook for Clean, Health, Safe, and Environmental Sustainability (CHSE) Protocol for Dive Tourism Business issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and the West Nusa Tenggara Province Governor Regulation no 50/2020 provide an opportunity for students to perform scuba diving during the new normal. By piloting the implementation of the CHSE Protocol for Dive Tourism, this study aims to evaluate the economic and logistic feasibility of the protocol to be followed by the marine science students of Universitas Mataram. To assess the protocol feasibility, we reviewed the handbook, developed a module incorporating CHSE protocol for diving, tested the protocol in the swimming pool, and tested the protocol in the sea. Based on the pilot study conducted on 17 October 2020, we concluded that the protocol is financially and logistically feasible to be implemented by Marine Science Department as a rapid test or PCR test is not mandatory for non-live-on-board activities. The challenge was to keep the 1-meter distance during the SCUBA diving for first-time learners as they required a lot of assistance. Additional cost to follow the protocol is estimated at IDR 207,000 per person including rapid test. Collaboration with other organizations was important in this pilot study as they support equipment and human resources necessary to improve students’ skills and at the same time adhere to the protocol.