The Seven Seas
The History
How It Began...
The Seven Seas is a traditional Buginese schooner, crafted in the timeless shipbuilding style of South Sulawesi. Long before she sailed the waters of Indonesia’s most remote regions, she existed as a dream shared by Mark Heighes and Dr. Jos Pet, who had spent years imagining the perfect vessel for true exploration.
In April 2005, that dream finally took shape. They discovered an unfinished but exceptionally built ironwood hull — solid, elegant, and steeped in traditional boat-building heritage. Within two days, the deal was sealed. The Seven Seas now belonged to them, and co-owners Tuti Heighes and Lida Pet-Soede immediately joined in the process of bringing the vessel to life.
The Start
Crafted by Masters of the Trade
The hull was already a masterpiece of traditional carpentry, built from the finest ironwood, prized in Indonesia for its strength and durability. To complete the vessel, Mark assembled a team of experts he trusted from previous projects.
• Pak Darwis, a seasoned boat builder from South Sulawesi, led the team of local carpenters.
• Michael “Locky” Lock, an old friend and experienced craftsman, took on the role of project manager. With over a decade of experience building and maintaining liveaboards, Locky knew exactly what the Seven Seas needed.
Working side by side with Tuti and Lida, the team refined the design, upgraded the interiors, and ensured that the boat would offer both comfort and resilience at sea. After just under one year of intense craftsmanship and dedication, The Seven Seas Liveaboard was ready to operate.
The Seven Seas
A Crew United by Experience and Passion
One of the Seven Seas’ greatest strengths is her crew. Many members have been onboard since the very beginning. The vessel’s two captains have worked with Mark for over twenty years, and several key crew members helped during the original finishing of the ship.
This longevity has created a team that works together like a well-oiled machine, maintaining high standards of professionalism, safety, and heartfelt hospitality. Every detail is cared for, and guests consistently describe the atmosphere onboard as warm, welcoming, and deeply personal.
Two Decades of Exploration
Mark Heighes has spent over forty years diving and exploring Indonesia. He is recognized as one of the early pioneers of the Komodo region, charting routes, discovering dive sites and anchorages long before the area became world famous.
With more than 300 expeditions completed, The Seven Seas stands today as one of the most experienced and respected liveaboards in Indonesia. The team has explored every corner of the archipelago, from Komodo to East Flores, from the Banda Sea to Raja Ampat, unveiling hidden reefs, remote islands, and untouched coastlines.
This deep, two decade-spanning relationship with Indonesia’s oceans forms the soul of the Seven Seas:
authentic exploration, true expertise, and a dedication to sharing Indonesia’s most extraordinary marine environments with divers from around the world.
