by Joe Taylor
Taking the decision to become a divemaster can be an exciting time. The prospect of diving every damn day is certainly enough to get our blood rushing. But it’s important to take a moment to research the options available to you. That way, you’ll not only ensure your divemaster internship is the amazing experience you hoped it would be, but also that you are confident and work-ready when it finishes. Here are the key things to consider when choosing your divemaster internship.
1. Location, Location, Location
Modern diving equipment allows us to dive in some pretty extreme conditions, meaning the options available for divemaster trainees (DMTs) in terms of location are broad. Key points to consider here are culture, climate, sea life and well… location.
For obvious reasons, the local culture can hugely affect your experience when completing your divemaster internship. It is wise to have an understanding of what religions, food, customs and traditions you will encounter during your trip. As somebody interested in travel, it is likely you enjoy immersing yourself in different cultures, but be honest with yourself. You’ll enjoy your experience a lot more if you feel comfortable and in-tune with the local culture.
Climate is fairly self-explanatory. Can you manage several months in a hot, humid country? Or are you more suited to milder temperatures? Equally, while some colder climates offer incredible diving, you need to be confident you can both live and work in such temperatures.
Sealife is a biggie, we are divers after all. Research the animals, coral and landscapes of each destination on your list. Which of those could you see every day for months and still be stoked every time? If you’re anything like us, it’ll be all of them, which is awesome! As a divemaster, your enthusiasm for a dive site and the marine life that live there can make or break a customer’s experience, so it’s important that you’re enjoying yourself.
Climate is fairly self-explanatory. Can you manage several months in a hot, humid country? Or are you more suited to milder temperatures? Equally, while some colder climates offer incredible diving, you need to be confident you can both live and work in such temperatures.
Sealife is a biggie, we are divers after all. Research the animals, coral and landscapes of each destination on your list. Which of those could you see every day for months and still be stoked every time? If you’re anything like us, it’ll be all of them, which is awesome! As a divemaster, your enthusiasm for a dive site and the marine life that live there can make or break a customer’s experience, so it’s important that you’re enjoying yourself.
Finally, location. Yes, it’s true, this whole section has been about location but we wanted to highlight that some great diving spots can be very remote, while others definitely aren’t. Before you choose your destination, ask yourself which best suits you at this moment. Remember, you’ll be living there for a while!
2. Conditions
Another factor to consider when choosing a divemaster internship are the conditions of the diving. This overlaps with location as, for example, if you want to dive in warm waters, you’d better choose a warm climate. However, there are other things to think about. Currents, visibility and depth are crucial considerations. On one hand, easy conditions make for easy and relaxed diving. On the other hand, extreme, sometimes stressful, conditions may actually push you to become a more confident divemaster.
A lot of this will depend on your own personality. Are you more of a toe dipper or do you like being thrown in at the deep end? Of course, conditions can also vary, so you can’t make any guarantees. But as a diver, you’ll recognize the importance of having an appreciation for the environment you are about to enter.
Another locational consideration is the proximity of dive sites. Are they close to the dive center or do they require long boat rides? Some centers do several dives a day, returning home after each one, while others stay aboard the boat for the whole day or even more. Both have their charms, it’s simply a matter of preference. That said, a long, bouncing boat journey is enough to put most people off a dive before it’s even begun, so it’s good to have an idea of typical sea conditions.
A lot of this will depend on your own personality. Are you more of a toe dipper or do you like being thrown in at the deep end? Of course, conditions can also vary, so you can’t make any guarantees. But as a diver, you’ll recognize the importance of having an appreciation for the environment you are about to enter.
Another locational consideration is the proximity of dive sites. Are they close to the dive center or do they require long boat rides? Some centers do several dives a day, returning home after each one, while others stay aboard the boat for the whole day or even more. Both have their charms, it’s simply a matter of preference. That said, a long, bouncing boat journey is enough to put most people off a dive before it’s even begun, so it’s good to have an idea of typical sea conditions.
3. Lifestyle
Before rushing into any decisions, it’s important to remember that you will have to live where you dive. Not literally, of course, although how cool would that be? But between the diving, the socializing and the learning, you’ll simply be living your life. So it is worth considering what you are looking to gain from the experience, besides becoming a divemaster of course.
Are you after somewhere local so you don’t have to travel, or do you want to escape to a remote part of the world? Do you dream of beach living and sunset beers or are you on a party hype? Be sure to research your options well and get a clear idea of each destinations vibe. Remember, things can change between high and low season, so it’s good to have an idea of when you’ll be arriving and when you’ll be leaving.
Lifestyle and location overlap a fair bit. For example, some religions, and therefore some countries, restrict the consumption of alcohol. So if you’re looking for a full-blown party, you’d best look elsewhere.
4. The dive center
Finally, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the dive center, how it operates and what its values are. Like with any workplace, you want to make sure it’s a good fit for you. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your chosen dive center and probably even more time with the staff, so feeling like part of the team is essential.
When choosing a divemaster internship, you also need to identify where you’re likely to get the best education. That is what you’re signing up for after all. And if you’re paying for a service, you want to be confident that you’re getting your money’s worth. Checking out their social media and testimonials can help you to get a feel.
When choosing a divemaster internship, you also need to identify where you’re likely to get the best education. That is what you’re signing up for after all. And if you’re paying for a service, you want to be confident that you’re getting your money’s worth. Checking out their social media and testimonials can help you to get a feel.
Become a Divemaster with 3W
We appreciate the importance of getting a divemaster internship just right. Not only to give you the best possible experience, but to provide the industry with competent and passionate professionals who are ready to work anywhere in the world.
We’re fortunate enough to call the beautiful island of Gili Air home. Life here is slow, the water is warm, and you never have to travel more than 30 minutes to get on a dive site. And once you’re under the water, things get even better as visibility can go up to 35 meters with a 29° degree water. Indonesia is renowned for diving, especially if you’re in the mood for awesome macro stuff like pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs. The Gilis are also a top spot for everybody’s favorite, sea turtles.
From the moment you step foot onto Gili Air, we’ll welcome you as part of the tribe, with full access to the shop and some diving for as long as 6 months! During this time you will live on an authentic paradise island, make lifelong friends and sip cold drinks in front of breathtaking sunsets.
We’re fortunate enough to call the beautiful island of Gili Air home. Life here is slow, the water is warm, and you never have to travel more than 30 minutes to get on a dive site. And once you’re under the water, things get even better as visibility can go up to 35 meters with a 29° degree water. Indonesia is renowned for diving, especially if you’re in the mood for awesome macro stuff like pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs. The Gilis are also a top spot for everybody’s favorite, sea turtles.
From the moment you step foot onto Gili Air, we’ll welcome you as part of the tribe, with full access to the shop and some diving for as long as 6 months! During this time you will live on an authentic paradise island, make lifelong friends and sip cold drinks in front of breathtaking sunsets.
But it’s not all sun and sand. Integrity and professionalism are two of our values, so you’ll also be pushed out of your comfort zone to ensure you’re comfortable underwater and can handle anything that comes your way. We strongly believe a divemaster should be exactly that… a master.
If you think this sounds like the perfect divemaster course for you, get in touch and arrange an interview. Our internship is on an interview only basis to ensure we’re a perfect fit for one another. Because once you’re part of the tribe, together, we’re in it for the long haul.
If you think this sounds like the perfect divemaster course for you, get in touch and arrange an interview. Our internship is on an interview only basis to ensure we’re a perfect fit for one another. Because once you’re part of the tribe, together, we’re in it for the long haul.
