QuestionQUESTION: Hi,
I have been told a few times that there are places in the Caribbean that you can live & work at a dive resort for a few months & end up gaining your dive masters.
Do you know where I can do this???
Thanks very much,
Kind regards,
Michelle
ANSWER: Due to local legislation our dive centre, and many others in the Caribbean can only offer work exchanges to resident nationals who qualify on economic grounds, and even then these are very rarely offered.
Also for liability, safety, and service reasons, we only allow certified Divemasters or Instructors to work with us in a diving capacity, and Divemasters in training under supervision. You抣l find in the long run it would be better to save for a little longer and be able to invest in your training as a student and get the most from your time, and this is the most efficient method and gives you the highest degree of training and preparation to work in the dive industry.
I would estimate less than 1% of IDC centers worldwide offer such free/work exchange internships. We do run internships but these are paid training courses where you learn under supervision, and training.
The only place I know that offers such a free internship is Dressel Divers in Mexico and I would encourage you to do your research before committing to such a program. All of our candidates pay full price to take their training with us, and many travel from around the world based on our reputation. Whilst we never guarantee employment, we do help with our placement service.
My best advice is to try and find a paid job that allows you to save and invest in your training, you will get a better experience and it will be to your advantage. The reality is that dive centers are also businesses like colleges, and education has a price. Like any college they charge for tuition, and do not guarantee employment, if they do you need to research what you are getting into.
In the meantime if there is anything else I can do to help you please do not hesitate to contact me.
Warm regards,
Andy Phillips M.sc.
PADI Course Director #608779
DAN Instructor Trainer #10778
IANTD Instructor Trainer #389
Beautiful Oceans Science Instructor Trainer #7209
Director of Professional Training
Utila Dive Centre
Utila
Bay Islands
Honduras
Central America
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for the reply.
So how much is a dive masters course & how long does it take to get?
I have my advanced open water. So my next step will be Rescue diver.
How often do the courses run ?
Are the staff all locals ?
Is it expensive to find accommodation there & food prices ???
Thanks very much for the info.
Michelle van Summeren
ANSWER: Here's what we would charge from where you are;
CPR 1st Aid course including e-book and certification card $76 (1 day)
PADI Rescue Diver including e-book, certification card, pocket mask and reef fees $327 (4 days)
PADI Divemaster including all manuals and ERDP ML version $835 (4 weeks and includes new 2010 DM crew pack priced at $190 but reduced to $130, with PADI Instructor manual)
Total course fees = $1238 - package discount = $1145 and 7 nights free accommodation in our hotel when you 1st arrive on Utila.
Additional costs include;
PADI Divemaster application fee $81 (payable to PADI)
Utila reef fees $30
Total costs $1275
We run courses everyday, and our staff are an international mix.
Accommodation would be about $250-500 per month and living expenses another $500.
Plus great diving and training!
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks very much. just a few more questions please...
Is dive gear included in the total price?
Is it easy to find accommodation there when on the island?
What type of accom is it?
Are there any vaccinations needed before going ???
Do I need any visas? (Dutch & nz & uk passports)
Is there any discounts on accom for 2 people??
How much is the advanced course (if my partner comes)
How long in advance do you need to know if I make my decision to do my course with you ?
Is lunch included ?
What is the water temp like there during november / december ???
I think that is all for now !!! so thanks very much for you answers.
Michelle
AnswerIs dive gear included in the total price?
Yes, except computers/compasses.
Is it easy to find accommodation there when on the island?
Yes.
What type of accom is it?
Apartments or hotels.
Are there any vaccinations needed before going ???
Check with your Doctor.
Do I need any visas? (Dutch & nz & uk passports)
No, you will get 90 days at the airport.
Is there any discounts on accom for 2 people??
No.
How much is the advanced course (if my partner comes)
$299.
How long in advance do you need to know if I make my decision to do my course with you ?
About 8 weeks.
Is lunch included ?
No.
What is the water temp like there during november / december ???
25c so I'd recommend a 5mm wetsuit.
