Divemaster Work In Central America

[dumbylondon]

I am a PADI Divemaster, and have 6 months off to travel from September 2011 to February 2012. I would like to visit Central America and work as a Divemaster on the Bay islands, Belize or Mexico. I know in many parts of the world you can expect to get free diving for helping out at a Dive shop as a Divemaster. Is this possible in Central America? Any recommendations on where this could be done? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Krazytomdiver]

As a dive guide, I find that the more specialities you have in the dive business makes easier it is to find employment. If they do not need a dive master right now,they may need a boat mechanic,dive equipment tech,compressor/generator mechanic, and general sales ability. I have been very lucky to find work "most of the time" in the last ten years. Find an area that has alot of tourist around the holidays,maintain a professional appearance,and an positive attittude. It's very important to invest in your own quality dive equipment plus have bottomless on-line bank account.

"living life without a hard bottom"
KT

 

[Doc]

I know in many parts of the world you can expect to get free diving for helping out at a Dive shop as a Divemaster. Is this possible in Central America?

If you mean that literally, there should be no problem. Work as a DM for no money, just the diving? Quite likely.

I would write the shops in the ports of call that you are interested in. Roatan's West End would be a great starting place, many day-dive ops concentrated in one small area, plus good opportunities at reasonable lodging. Utila has a smaller volume of shops, but possibly even cheaper housing.

Belize is, in terms of diving, a nation made up of many small barrier islands. You fly into Belize city and then select an island and travel by small plane or in some cases, a boat. Each has a limited number of dive-ops. If one doesn't play out for you, easy transport between them can be problematic.

Cozumel has many operations, but since they're all pretty much-so working for free (read: tips), the likelihood of some one wanting to share the tips with you enters into the equation.

That might be the greatest barrier to your otherwise seemingly appealing economic plan.

 

[laurenceh]

i would suggest you contact u.d.c.(utila dive center), deep blue divers or altons on utila. they may have work and/or an instructor internship available that may include working part time as a divemaster while you work on becoming an instructor.