Dive Shop Question

[ScubaDuba723]

Hey Guys I'm currently 16 and work at a Hawaiian Coffee shop "Java Kai" and I as you can see am addicted like "ADDICTED" to diving mainly because all the members on scubaboard are supporting of me. I want to work at a Scuba Shop in La Jolla and Dive with groups. Is there a certain need to dive in the guided tours. Right now I am only an OW cert taking my AOW cert in 2 months and just wondering what you need to do something like that?

 

[akdeepdiver]

Hey Guys I'm currently 16 and work at a Hawaiian Coffee shop "Java Kai" and I as you can see am addicted like "ADDICTED" to diving mainly because all the members on scubaboard are supporting of me. I want to work at a Scuba Shop in La Jolla and Dive with groups. Is there a certain need to dive in the guided tours. Right now I am only an OW cert taking my AOW cert in 2 months and just wondering what you need to do something like that?

Get your Divemaster cert as a minumum

 

[onemorefalcon]

Not all of the local dive shops require to be a DM. I can think of several divers who have their advanced certs. If you want to lead dives for a shop then you need to get your DM cert. If you just want to work in the industry then go talk to some of the dive shops and get in the water. Is there a particular shop you want to work for? The only one I can think of that is in La Jolla is OEX.

 

[dpaustex]

I agree that the DiveMaster, or Dive Control Specialist, is the minimum certification level you will need. Any reputable shop won't let you lead dives without these certifications, due to insurance and liability requirements (not to mention you don't know nearly as much as you think you might, as only OW or AOW). It takes a couple of months, at least, to get these certifications. Generally, you'll need to be AOW certified, have Stress/Rescue certification, First Aid, CPR, Oxygen Provider cert., and have at least 60 dives under your belt. It's a long haul, but it will make you a much better diver than you ever thought you'd be. The DiveCon really works on the physics of diving, group management, a little bit of how to teach, emergency planning, and a whole list of other things. All-in-all, it's well worth the effort and expense. The one snag is you have to be 18 in this program.

 

[ScubaDuba723]

Alright thanks guys, Yeah the dive shop i was thinking of was OEX in la Jolla (onemorefalcon)