DIVE DOJO Puerto Gallera- info needed

[CODMAN]

The gin and beer comes after the run... Ethei is a regular and it's a great way to socialise while there... And it's fun if you like jogging...

OK, this is my take on the PADI specialties... Take it for what it's worth, MY OPPINION no more... I think Nitrox is a must for DM or instructor... You need it... Take it... Wreck... maybe usefull also (I've never done it...)... The others??? Honnestly, in my oppinion (others may share theirs).... Marketting...$$$$... You are going to learn much of each of these (and much more) in the DM course. And I wouldn't spend a dime doing them... And in all honnesty, I don't believe for a second they add anything on to your employability as a DM or instructor...

The TECH course will teach you skills, theory and planning skills that will make you a much better diver. The course is not necessarily going to make you more employable as a DM or Instructor, but it will show employers you are serious about diving and have developped considerable technical skills underwater (YOU WON'T PASS IF YOU DON'T). So that is a plus. I don't think either of the specialties (except Nitrox) or Tech course are necessary for working. But the TECH course will considerably further your diving skills and knowledge (and you said that was what you were after).

In my oppinion, if you seriously want to work over there in diving, do your IDC. For DM work (to get paid) there are so many more local DMs more knowledgeable about the local diving than you (and yes, that applies pretty much every dive destination), chances of getting paid to DM are slim. Now Instructors are a different story... There are not as many (although competition is still fierce) and your chances are better.

Just my 0.02$

don't mind jogging so bring it on....but not after hash or gin-----whatever it may mean??????



regarding the above- good advice I guess. But what if I don't really intend to go into tech diving in next few years (unlike my boyfriend, he is just sitting opposite me, searching frantically for a new wing, and ways to sell his existing BC)
But what would you say, a possible DC manager would be more impressed with if wanting to hire a new DM or later on newly qualified instructor? Somebody who did tech courses or these Padi specialties. Or rather what would be more desirable in recreational diving industry. Maybe a silly question but I just don't know that much about tech diving... I know that they push you one step further every time, and that they teach you to deal with super extreme situations; and of course this makes you so much more confident and this should be a sole reason for me to do it; but I would need to know if this would make me more employable that, let's say wreck, drift, deep and navigation courses...... I really want to work as a DM for a while before doing IDC so would have to make the right decision.......all opinions welcome

 

[sonar]

PADI $$

thats all (common opinion in my experience)

Specialty courses just mean learning more and than go to, for example, a wreck you've been before doing skills. You just pay more and cant really do anything with it (you are not allowed to do more or something). I would recommend studying biology things so you can point out fish but also tell something about them. Way more usefull and valuable (and interesting) Cheaper as well..

Cave diving could be fun though but is also possible as a DM; there is no law to it (correct me if i am wrong guys)

Tech diving is next level. I would recommend focussing on recreational diving and maybe do a Discover tech dive once to see what it's like. To be become good in Tech (on a DM/ teacher level) you gotta be awesome at recreational diving. Do 100 tech dives and you are still a rookie but already down 7.000$..

Tech diving has more focus on the technical part of diving. You gotta switch tanks, do multiple safety stops, more focus on gear period, lot of stuff about gasses. It's less about seeing fish/ coral and more about the activity 'diving'. I have done 1 tech dive and really enjoyed it but in the beginning you can only go to 45m/ 135ft (10m/30ft more than i am used to)

If i were you i would leave tech to it. If everything works out you will have a awesome next goal in 2 years.. PG is by the way sort of tech capital. You will see there so many tech dudes (rebreathers, 4 tank-dives etc.) that you start thinking rec. diving is childs play but thats just PG

Oh yeah, start your first day with nitrox! simply said; 10 minutes longer diving every dive

think I wrote more in this post than I did at work all day

 

[CODMAN]

I agrre with Sonar. To be good at Tech diving, you need to do a lot of it... $$$$ But.... Just doing the course does teach you a lot and improves your skills tremendously... It won't give you anything to teach with or let you go into teaching Tech... But it will make you a better diver (in my oppinion) and that is part of what being a pro is all about IMO (after all, you you are no good at controling yourself underwater, how can you be good supervising/ teaching others?). Necessary? No... Good? Definetly...

Since $$ will be scarce at the beginning, the smartest thing might be to save the $$ from specialty courses and tech courses and put it towards your IDC/ costs of living... ANyways, these things you can talk over with your instructor once there and make an nformed decision...

 

[buddy-boo]

) I had some email exchange with Ethei and funny- he mentioned all the jogging, running and 'trimming' exercise and also his gym at Dojo!!!

another good thing- our internship would not be just in one shop, but in few shops that he has connections with!

I think we will have to cut on some specialties and keep the money to do the IDC. this would also mean that we won't be able to do any tech courses either- it is just too expensive!!!! I know it is impossible to be paid for working as a DM. When I said 'working' I meant staying on with the DC for few months to dive and get experience.

 

[buddy-boo]

I had some email exchange with Ethei and funny- he mentioned all the jogging, running and 'trimming' exercise and also his gym at Dojo!!!

another good thing- our internship would not be just in one shop, but in few shops that he has connections with!

I think we will have to cut on some specialties and keep the money to do the IDC. this would also mean that we won't be able to do any tech courses either- it is just too expensive!!!! I know it is impossible to be paid for working as a DM. When I said 'working' I meant staying on with the DC for few months to dive and get experience.

 

[Tortuga68]

Don't forget to save some $$ for gin juice... or of course you can win the Capt'n Gregg's pizza challenge and get free GJ!

 

[buddy-boo]

you guys were writing at the same time as me...... and seems Im having the same thoughts

 

[buddy-boo]

Don't forget to save some $$ for gin juice... or of course you can win the Capt'n Gregg's pizza challenge and get free GJ!

??? right...so what is the pizza challege?? if eating as much as possible- I won't have any problems in winning that! ....or..making your own- this I won't even attempt

 

[Tortuga68]

No, they make it for you... the last guy I saw try it was a 6' 4" Australian, he ate about half. We all enjoyed the free gin juice that he paid for

 

[sonar]

haha

that pizza is impossible

Better prepare for passing your DM; you gotta finish a meter long glass with a bunch of San Miquel beers and some 'other ingredients'. Your biggest worry will be to keep the ladies of your boyfriend; think that hasnt been stressed out yet; sabang nightlife is kinda dirty (and not much fun in my opinion) I still ended up in these places too often cause once I am tipsy and with some blokes who wanna go party i will follow regardless. (But i look and dont touch)