Cheapest and best way to start working in diving

Discover scuba diving

It’s probably fair to say that most people who try SCUBA diving enjoy it. Many of those who start off with what is known as an Introduction Dive or Discover SCUBA Diving dive, continue to learn how to dive more independently. The bottom rung of the ladder with regards to independent diving is the PADI Open Water (Diver) course, but there are several levels above that for amateur or fun divers, and many levels of professional SCUBA diving. The start of anyone’s work life in diving would be to become a dive guide, normally referred to as a Divemaster. Although it sounds fancy and expert, it is the lowest level of professional SCUBA divers. Becoming a Divemaster enables the individual to work in SCUBA diving all over the world as an underwater guide and helper for fun divers and above.

There are several routes to becoming a Divemaster but undoubtedly the most common is some kind of Divemaster internship, which involves learning and working at the same relatively long period of time. Why do most people choose this route? Well, in simple terms a Divemaster internship is the cheapest way to qualify as a Divemaster, and it also beneficial to learn the trade through experience over a period of time and varied conditions, rather than cramming it all into a week or two. So, the two main benefits of a Divemaster internship over other options are the cost and learning experience.

PADI Open (Diver) course

The cost is often a key factor in Divemaster candidates’ (DMC) choice of an internship. Many of them are young and travelling, spending time and money enjoying other aspects of beach life. Most will buy equipment at the start of their training, or bit by bit as they go along. Professional divers need the best equipment, which is not cheap. Finally, once graduated from one’s Divemaster internship, the pay for working as a Divemaster is not great. Instructors earn far more, but also carry a great deal more responsibility.
Receiving the best learning experience is essential for DMCs. If they cram all the knowledge, 60+ dives and tests into a short space of time, they are bound to miss out of many practical lessons which cannot be learnt from a book, computer program or test. The best way to learn any practical skill is over time with varied situations (both good and bad) to reinforce what is taught through text books and by instructors. Very much like life skills when we grow up from childhood, the best lessons are learned the hard way. Graduating through a Divemaster internship slowly is far more valuable than rushing through as fast as you can.

In summary, the process of reaching the first level of professional divers can be as cheap as you like, and take as long as you like.