Where could i work

[robpole]

Hi Guys
Im working towards my divemaster qualification, I would like to know once certified what countries would it be possible for me to work in legally? (and illegally!) Ideally Australia and New Zealand but i have already used my working holiday visa's for both these countries, and would consider anywhere that would have me!!
Thanks for any help and happy diving

 

[Brand0n]

I know nothing on this subject but i guess any resorts higher dive masters... check out some tropical resorts thats where i would like to work

 

[El Orans]

Mexico and Thailand come to mind.

 

[robpole]

Thanks for the help you have given so far guys, is there anybody else who can offer some advice as i would work anywhere they would have me!

 

[AndyNZ]

To work in New Zealand you'd have to undergo a commercial dive medical and be approved as an "occupational diver" (called certificate of competence) by the government department of Occupational Safety and Health. It's a real crock of, but no one will employ you unless you have your CoC.

What exactly are you looking for in terms of work? You *might* get some work with the charter companies during summer as a DM, but to be honest competition is high and most DM work is done by instructors in the big charter companies. To be a DM and get a job, you'd need other skills...... e.g. compressor servicing, boat handling/skippers ticket etc.

What's more likely is that you will be able to get some work in a dive shop, but again you'd probably need some retail experience to get that.

Your best bet for NZ is to get a "day job" and do some part time DM work through a shop. It probably wouldn't be paid, but you should be able to negotiate a deal on doing courses to make you more useful (and employable), for example MSDB (Master of a Small Dive Boat) and an instructors course.

 

[subaquaman]

Hi Rob,

Andy's given some very sound advice there. DM duties tend to be fulfilled by Instructors in resorts. Infact, I was looking to work in Malta last summer where I was told Divemasters could not legally be employed as they were not of EUF Instructor Level 1 (chech your DM card it's just EUF Dive Leader). You need at least your AI cert. to overcome this. DM's can get work in the Maldives as snorkel guides or try Thailand. The PADI Pros site has an emplyoment section with centres looking for DM's Instructors- try there. Or finally there's www.diversjobs.com.

Best of luck.

 

[ortoman]

Turkey could be a good alterative...

 

[robertparson77]

There is a great blog about working in diving http://www.mydivinglife.com/DiversJobs

I hope it helps you...

 

[Silvertip57]

You might think about the Marshall Islands. The RMI has some dive operations in the capital of Majuro and they might be in need of DMs......give them a try. Also, Pulau, Ponpe, and other countries in the Federated States of Micronesia may be an opportunity. Good Luck.

 

[AndyNZ]

How about Vanuatu? Before I did my IDC I had an offer to work there for 4 months. Unfortunately unpaid, but all board and living expenses covered and would have got free TDI advanced nitrox and deco training thrown in for guiding on the Coolidge. Was tempted to ditch the day job and go...