IDC + MSDT Internship - Where to go?

[azwarian]

Hi All,

I recently finished off my DM here in Australia and am keen to do my IDC + MSDT and travel the globe as an instructor living the dream

Whilst I did learn alot during my DM, i think completing an internship to get my MSDT and actually teaching courses with an experienced instructor would be invaluable in regards everything.

My dilema is, I cant make up my mind where to go! I was thinking of maybe moving to Thailand (Koh Tao / Phuket) or the Caribbean (Utila / Roatan) to do my internship, then hopefully stick around and work for 6 months or so before moving on.

However, I would also enjoy staying down under to finish my IDC and getting a job at Hamilton Island working out on the Barrier Reef - this seems a little less scary as I would be doing the move by myself

I was just wondering if anyone out there had any thoughts / recommendations on doing an IDC + MSDT internship and if I should just take the leap and move overseas and just go for it, or maybe just stay local until I've been instructing for a while, then head overseas with a buddy or something....

It's definitely the biggest step I'm going to be taking in my life and the beginning of what I'm sure will be an amazing journey!

Many thanks in advance,
Cheers

 

[ScubabunnyCR]

If I were you, write to some different places and see what they can offer. If you complete an IDC somewhere there is not normally a guarantee of a job, but you can normally stick around and easily gain some experience and a job may come up. Whether you stay in Australia, or head to Thailand, Roatan pr even where we are in Costa Rica you should receive the same level of training for your Instructor course. The difference will be in the experience you can gain either before or after and what additional training,e.g MSDT resort operations is available. Good luck with your Instructor training. Its a great experience!

 

[RU4SKUBA]

If you were only OW certified I'd say go get an internship if you're excited about the diving world, but expect to work hard, tips are sometimes poor, you're shacked up with multiple roommates you don't get to choose, and remember you almost always have to pay all PADI fees, books, flight expenses, gear, and food.

In your case you're already close to OWSI. If you simply take the IDC through a course director in a diving destination, you'll be a valued customer with potential for job recommendations at local resort contacts and not really add much to the total budget.

If you're thinking of saving money, then I'd seriously consider another avenue... OWSI certification is expensive.

 

[seahorsey]

I did my IDC and IE in Roatan in May, and it was a great and valuable experience. However, if you hope to find work there afterward, you may be disappointed. Many dive pros are produced on this small island every month, and even more on Utila - and those all want to work on Roatan, too . If I ever get to travel the globe as an instructor, I KNOW that in the beginning, it will have to be, "Ok, so who will have me - then that's where I go?", not "So where do I want to live?". Don't get me wrong, I highly recommend Roatan for getting your training. Just don't stake too much on the hope of getting a steady job, there right afterwards.

 

[String]

Don't forget the staying to "work" thing is vastly dependent on your ability to get a visa and work permit in lots of areas. You can't just turn up anywhere you want and (legally) work.

Personally id love to live and work in Aus but my UK passport wont allow that for example!

 

[marinediva]

There are a number of instructors and DM who are currently working in Aust on UK passports.
They are on two year working visa.
One problem that is faced here is places like Hamilton Island, which is a five star island, require
the Instructor to have two years experience and most likely a coxswain ticket as well.

Cairns and Townsville are a more relaxed on the requirements.

Would suggest you use My Career and check out the positions vacant. That will give you a good
idea of the businesses and what they are looking for.

If you decide to do your IDC in Australia, check out a number of shops before you decide.
I know there is a demand at the moment in WA. They seem to be advertising for residents rather than accepting working permits. Where as Cairns area is willing to take backpackers who work for little money, in exchange for the experience.

 

[String]

Working visa has restrictions such as an upper age limit (31) and no more than 6 months with any single employer. To get the 2 years you need to do 6 months "harvest work" as well.

Its not a proper long term work visa. Those are impossible to get for a diver.