Very specific Q for Resort work

[Acid0]

Hi there.
I tried to search but did not find anything.

This is just for personal information
Could anybody tell me what you need (regarding qualifications and amount of dives(if applicable)) to work in a resort around the world.

I am thinking of maybe taking time off in the next two years to persue this adventure and would like to know if its worth it.

Thank You

 

[Dive-aholic]

If you want to work in a diving capacity, typically you will need at least a divemaster rating. Many resorts will require instructor.

 

[matts1w]

If you are young and want to bum around the world for a few then GO FOR IT.

1. You need an instructor rating to open most doors- teaching specialities helps.
2. PADI is a your best option for finding work. (Dont start flaming- I said best option for finding work on resorts.)
3. Liability insurance
4. The more skills the better- compressor mechanic, computer skills, boat skills, captain, outboard mechanic, scuba gear repair, etc...
5. Being a UK citizen opens doors with work permits.
6. Being good looking helps. Sadly I fall short
7. Having 100 certs helps.
8. Knowing a few different languages can be huge.

Most importantly you will need a strong work ethic and realistic ideas about resort work. Some people think working in resorts means playing in the sun and teaching diving to happy, attractive, fun, fit people. The reality is you bust your a$$ humping tanks, dealing with disgruntled customers who cannot believe the wind has the nerve to blow hard duirng their vacation, and dealing with sketchy resort managers. For me it is alot like a bartending lifestyle- you are really working more in the service industry as well as the dive industry. When it is fun it is really fun...when is sucks it really sucks.

However, I have been to parts of the world and seen cultures and sealife most people only dream about. I have also made friends with amazing people from all over the world: USA, UK, NZ, AUS, South Africa, Canada, France, etc... For me it is so worth it. Last summer I lived in huts in Fiji and the Solomon Islands. This year back to the Lesser Antilles. Next year I think I will be in the Red Sea...maybe...you get the point.

 

[Garrobo]

In most foreign countries, especially in the Third and Forth Worlds, you will not be allowed to work in any capacity. Unlike the United States, in these countries there is no shortage of manpower. Like in Mexico, it takes almost an act of their congress to get a work permit considering that they have a 50% unemployment rate. That's why many of their residents come here for work. Another good example would be the Bay Islands off of Honduras. I would estimate that half the foreign population on Utila are DMs and instructors wishing that they could work there.

 

[matts1w]

In most foreign countries, especially in the Third and Forth Worlds, you will not be allowed to work in any capacity.

Ummmmmm.......you sure about this?

 

[Busdiver]

Retract--Not being familiar with the term fourth world I made an obnoxious comment. Apologies. It appears that since the 70's fourth world has come to represent many of the regions we choose to dive. Slowly removing foot from computer

 

[fisherdvm]

In most foreign countries, especially in the Third and Forth Worlds, you will not be allowed to work in any capacity. Unlike the United States, in these countries there is no shortage of manpower. Like in Mexico, it takes almost an act of their congress to get a work permit considering that they have a 50% unemployment rate. That's why many of their residents come here for work. Another good example would be the Bay Islands off of Honduras. I would estimate that half the foreign population on Utila are DMs and instructors wishing that they could work there.

I don't know if I agree with this. I've met instructors and DM from France, Japan, and other countries there working. One mexican instructor suggested that I should work for his LDS which hired several foreigners. There might be reciprocity agreement between some countries to permit easy exchange of professionals. Diving might or might not be such a profession.

 

[diver 85]

Hi there.
I tried to search but did not find anything.

This is just for personal information
Could anybody tell me what you need (regarding qualifications and amount of dives(if applicable)) to work in a resort around the world.

I am thinking of maybe taking time off in the next two years to persue this adventure and would like to know if its worth it.

Thank You

You'll probably need a DM level....Our middle child worked for 3.5 years on Roatan(starting @ the age of 19) --got his DM upon arriving there & 3 months later got instructor's.....Now, saying this, you probably will barely 'make it' money wise but the diving experience will be 2nd to none, @ least for him it was...He left the island with 3400+ dives & a lifetime of memories......Also left as water sports director on a Wind Star sailboat---transatlatic'ed 3 times & finally got tired of the Greek Isles & the Med. after 1.5 years......what a life he had for 6.5 years(worked for Peter Hughes for the next 1.5 years after the Wind Star Cruises)

 

[diver 85]

In most foreign countries, especially in the Third and Forth Worlds, you will not be allowed to work in any capacity. Unlike the United States, in these countries there is no shortage of manpower. Like in Mexico, it takes almost an act of their congress to get a work permit considering that they have a 50% unemployment rate. That's why many of their residents come here for work. Another good example would be the Bay Islands off of Honduras. I would estimate that half the foreign population on Utila are DMs and instructors wishing that they could work there.

Just reading your post, see my above post..I'm thinking you are not correct with this info......

 

[String]

5. Being a UK citizen opens doors with work permits.

Closes lots too. UK citizen means basically you can work in Europe (as would any other EU passport). Unfortunately most workers for resorts in europe are illegal in that they are unofficial labour, paid in cash and earn way way under the minimum wage.
It certainly wont help you get work permits for the more interesting places like Australia, Thailand(asia in general), Caribbean, Mexico etc.

But generally yes you want to be PADI as its by far the most common agency seen around, you really need to be an instructor and really need to have specialities. You MAY make enough money to break even if you're lucky.