Roatan for DM Course

[Runny]

Greetings & yes I'm new to the forum. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with Reef Gliders, Westend Divers or Anthony's Key on Roatan. I just ordered the DM crew pack from Florida Scuba Adventures but the real question is where to do my course. As I venture into the web & their websites it seems the more info I find the more questions I have. Thanks for any replies

 

[El Orans]

---

---

A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

Moved to Bay Islands forum.

---

 

[halocline]

I just finished mine at Coconut tree. PM me if you want, I'll give you my experience in more detail. Since they probably train more DMTs than all the other west end shops combined, you should at least consider them in your search. Of the shops you mentioned, two are small west end ops and AKR is a huge resort (you probably already know this) and so there is bound to be a totally different vibe.

As part of an assignment for the DMT I went around and talked with the other shops in the West end. I met a few of the instructors at both of the shops you mentioned, but only for a few minutes. I had pretty different impressions of the shops, so again send me a PM if you want more details.

 

[Bay Island Diver]

Hello Runny

I am the Course Director at Coconut Tree Divers in West End. Feel free to email me will@goprocaribbean.com with all your questions which I will be happy to answer.

You are off to a good start by buying the crewpack before you come down. Once you are in Roatan you will be having so much fun you will not want to spend the evenings on academics. So do those knowledge reviews from the manual and work through the diving knowledge workbook referencing to the encyclopedia before you leave home if you have a chance - you won't regret it!

Regards

Will

 

[halocline]

I would second exactly what Will said; I did this and it really helped me spend time in Roatan doing the things you're really there for; assisting with classes and assisting guiding certified divers. One particularly strong part of the DMT experience at Coconut tree is getting to work with Will on the skills that are useful for becoming an effective DM and crucial if you have any interest in continuing to the IDC. Will is a PADI course director, and as such has a great deal of expertise and experience preparing people to further their careers in PADI.

 

[k8brandt]

Here's another one to research - Roatan Divemaster Internship at Dockside Dive Center

Patty Grier is the best! Firm but fair.

 

[James Bond boat entry]

Remember, ANY PADI instructor (OWSI and higher) can teach the Dive Master program... so travel down that way, get a room for a few days, visit all the shops then choose a place.

The shops on Roatan are desperate for your business, so finding a slot will not be a problem.

Don't forget to ask if they can offer you paid employment after the course... no likely, but ask any way and see what answers you get.

 

[halocline]

Remember, ANY PADI instructor (OWSI and higher) can teach the Dive Master program... so travel down that way, get a room for a few days, visit all the shops then choose a place.

That's true, but if you want to continue to the IDC it's nice to do the DM with the same level of instructor that will be teaching the IDC. I'm certain it makes preparing for some of the stuff in the IDC easier.

One thing about the Cocoview internship that someone linked to was that it's only a month. I took 6 weeks to do mine at CCT, having done all the academics before I got there (took all the exams on my third day in Roatan) and I still needed every one of those weeks to finish. Most DMTs at CCT take 8 weeks or longer. It's a surprising amount of work, and taking extra time gives you a chance to get more experience leading dives and assisting with more courses.

But, I agree that going down there and checking out the shops before making a decision is a really good idea. You're going to spend a lot of time at the shop you choose, and you want to make sure you'll enjoy working with the people involved.

 

[sololady]

Greetings & yes I'm new to the forum. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with Reef Gliders, Westend Divers or Anthony's Key on Roatan. I just ordered the DM crew pack from Florida Scuba Adventures but the real question is where to do my course. As I venture into the web & their websites it seems the more info I find the more questions I have. Thanks for any replies

They are all good people. Working with Reef Gliders and Westend Divers will keep you in West End where you will mix and mingle with all of us day divers, locals and backpackers; eat where you want, party if you want as much as you want, etc.
AK is a top shelf, AI operation and you will probably spend most of your time there at the resort. So it depends on what you want. There are several other good outfits you could consider, too. Coconut Tree trains LOTS of DM's. I dive with several of the shops, but most often with Coconut Tree.

 

[sololady]

Hello Runny

I am the Course Director at Coconut Tree Divers in West End. Feel free to email me will@goprocaribbean.com with all your questions which I will be happy to answer.

You are off to a good start by buying the crewpack before you come down. Once you are in Roatan you will be having so much fun you will not want to spend the evenings on academics. So do those knowledge reviews from the manual and work through the diving knowledge workbook referencing to the encyclopedia before you leave home if you have a chance - you won't regret it!

Regards

Will

Hi Will, didn't see your post there before I wrote mine. Tell PJ and Gay and all the gang hi for me. I hope to see you guys soon. Enrique has had my gear there waiting for me since February! I guess you guys will need to do my annual on it this year.
Deborah