DM Internship at Utila Includes?

[Knigge]

I’m travelling through Centralamerica from February to July and on my way my plan is to stay for a longer period at Utila to do a Divemaster internship. My plan is to go there and check the different diveshops before I decide where to do my internship. I’ve have heard a lot of good things about Cross Creek so I must admit it’s pretty high on my list at the moment. I’ve checked the prices and it seems to be almost the same at all the diveshops on the island (750$). So here’s my question: Does the 750$ include accommodation and materials? The Cross Creek hp says that they offer free accommodation with every course but does anyone know if the materials are included? Thanks

- Matias

 

[GoProHonduras]

Most dive centers charge the Divemaster course with materials, but you'll need to inquire with each one about accommodations.

I think the pricing on the DM course has increased in most centers this year, as PADI have a new standard that require all DM's in training to have a copy of the new revised PADI Instructor manual so this has been priced into the course. Our pricing is at $805 with all materials, then you pay an additional $81 to PADI for the application, $30 Utila reef fees, and if needed $50 for the ERDP ML/Table and $25 for a pocket mask.

Some dive centres have their own accommodations which tend to be used more by students on short term stays, and Divemaster/Instructor candidates on the island tend to share apartments, paying on average $150-250 per month for a room in a 2 bedroom place.

Hope this helps,
Andy

 

[Knigge]

Thanks. It helped alot.

 

[ncchuck]

Andy alwasy does a great job of explaining how things work on Utila. I'd just add that I would stay in an inexpensive hotel for a night or two and most dive operations will pay for that. Then you can look around and find a room just as Andy indicated. It's by far the best way to go if you want any privacy at all. Cross Creek is okay for a lot of people but others prefer a little separation from the dive operation that an apartment provides. As I always do, I'd warn you about getting attached to the island. It's very hard for a lot of people to leave. Some expect to spend 6 weeks or so becoming a DM and then end up staying 3 or 4 months or more and going all the way to instructor. Several of my classmates had been on the island for several months.
I did my training with BICD and had great instructors and course directors. They are gone now. If I had to do it all over again however, I'd probably choose Andy. I only met him once during my testing but he's just a great guy and excellent contributor to this forum. He surely has the best reputation on the island.
If possible, contact 2 or 3 schools and see if you can just show up as a walk in rather than choose sight unseen unless you've been there before. That way you can meet the instructor or course director that will provide your DM training. If you can't do that, just make sure you send lots of email and look at the quality of your answers.
I personally woulnd't do a DM course without direct supervisions of a course director. I can't imagine having some "just out of school" instructor that may have been a DM a couple weeks ago himself/herself provide me DM training. Check this out before you commit.
Have a great time.

 

[Robertcrockett]

Last year at CrossCreek, materials came with the regular courses like enriched air, etc..Doubt it changed or if DMT materials are any different but get the phone number from the Web site and call.. ask Nouria or Nico and they will hook you up with the answer...DMT's have a special DMT house right on the dock..just feet away from the boat! I stayed with Cross Creek and dove some last year and will return to do my own DMT with them this year.

http://www.crosscreekutila.com/en/index.php