Jobs on scuba charters?
I'm looking to get my dive master certification and was wondering if there were any jobs on scuba charter boats or scuba gear and rental places on stx. Just trying to get as much experience under my belt for as many things as possible before my move so it is easier for me to get a job
Get it anyway.
Then you're prepared, should the opportunity arise.8-)
I'm going to. It's like $760 where I live currently but I think it's going to be worth it in the end
Dive Masters is more intensive training and includes underwater search, rescue and recovery. You could call around the various dive shops on STX to check costs as then if you take course here, you'll be getting to know local waters and dive locations if it's not more expensive.
I'm looking to get my dive master certification and was wondering if there were any jobs on scuba charter boats or scuba gear and rental places on stx. Just trying to get as much experience under my belt for as many things as possible before my move so it is easier for me to get a job
Generally speaking it's difficult to very difficult to find a paying job as a Dive Master and those that you do find aren't usually much more than minimum wage and usually part-time at that. The majority of DM positions are taken by current DM students or those who have recently completed their training and are basically working as interns (paid or unpaid). Some of these people are trying to land a long term, better paying job with the dive operator while others are working towards their IDC (Instructor Development Course, ie, Scuba Instructor) requirements and training. In either case competition is fierce and opportunity (for money) is low.
The above being said if it's something you are passionate about or plan to go thru to instructor level or above it can be a great experience and well worth doing.
If you're just looking to build skills that may help you earn money while in the islands then there are many other options that are easier, faster, less expensive and more lucrative in the end.
If you do go that path, then like Alana touched upon doing it in the islands will give you a better understanding of local waters, features, sites, etc, etc, etc. It can also give you a leg up in the fight to get one of the jobs as you've already been working with and are a known and (hopefully) respected diver to the operators in question.
Quite frankly if you're looking to get into scuba as an occupation and making a living do yourself a favor and don't. You have a better chance of becoming a movie star.
Ever heard this joke?
What's the difference between a scuba instructor and a park bench?
answer) A park bench can support a family of four.
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If you're going to bother, you should go all the way through instructor training. It'll make you much more valuable to a dive shop. There's not much that a DM with no experience can offer.
I never wanted to be an instructor but having a dive masters (PADI/NAUI crossover) along with a 100 ton ocean operators license (in the olden days) gave me the opportunity to dive while captaining on yacht charters with those guests that already had their scuba certification. I was never at loss for a job and was paid very well for my time and expertise. I dove several times a week between the USVI, BVI and other locations down island including Barbuda which was spectacular, as was the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras, Costa Rica, Bermuda, Northern California and New Zealand were all very nice as well, with the latter 3 being colder than I prefer.
STX doesn't have quite the yachting industry that STT or the BVI can offer.
It does offer some fabulous diving, however.
Whatever floats your boat. Good luck.
If you're going to bother, you should go all the way through instructor training. It'll make you much more valuable to a dive shop. There's not much that a DM with no experience can offer.
And being an instructor with no experience won't get you hired either. Trust me I know.
I work for a dive operation. You really need to have your instructors. Sorry but DM doesn't cut it (unless you have your AI and have gone through an IE - even then it's a gamble) and really in order to get a job here you'll need a captains lisense too. There's so many divers that come down and want to dive for a living that shops have their pick. But if you have both those I know three shops that'll hire you right now. GOOD instructors that have good attitudes AND ARE GOOD WITH PEOPLE can easily find work. If you're an a-hole and have a chip on your shoulder then I'll suggest just diving for fun. Also if you don't like LONG hot days schlepping tanks and gear many times a day to the boat or shore.... Don't do it. I think In theory it sounds like a fab idea and no doubt for some it is but it's really not glamours at all. Tourist flailing - no control - gear - cleaning - drama not to mention off season. Sept and October hopefully you'll have work, IME you might works one day a week. BUT when it's good it's goood. Busy season is fun and you won't have time to spend money lol.
OR do what I do - dive for FUN (and free) and be a snorkel guide. I've been asked to become instructor by a couple shops but honestly I love to scuba so much and don't want to do it as a job. DSDs every day for $50 a dive? No thanks. I make more as a snorkel guide. Granted, I am a bad ass guide and have 17 years experience in gowing corals and critter identification 😉
I do lots of locals dives, Lionfish hunts UW photography and if I hear of a rare animal sighting - I grab tanks and go. For me snorkeling is less work and more/same money - also more fun as I've seen some of the best and rarest stuff 20 feet from shore and you can pop your head up and say "holy crap did u see that (insert awesome animal hwre)" I'm usually more excited than my guests lol and they love that.
Speaking of - today's tally 4 spotted eagle Rays, a cayman sized southern, 6 turtles the usual suspects and a young a seahorse in the sargassum. Was a nice day to get paid to snorkel. 😎
Good luck and safe diving.
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