Thanks again,
I'll respond to each as I go.
I do love diving but I'm not a huge fan of my home countries weather. I've spent 5 of the last 7 years out of England. I also drive a 1969 August Mini and I live between Manchester and Leeds. I dislike going over any motorway in that vehicle and driving rather long distances in it as well ...
Nope it would have been PADI qualified.
I have done PADI OW and AOW and I recently did SSI's OW and AOW (cheap offer in Sydney and a good fresher about 5 years on).
---------- Post added February 26th, 2014 at 09:18 AM ----------
Hi,
Thanks for the response.
It was a shop owner from NZ who was probably try to push his own course on me. He said the course would be easier in Bali and I'd gain less experience with things such as currents.
Having just read about the Japanese tourists - I seem to be inclined to agree with you!
Also nope it would have been a PADI instructor course.
---------- Post added February 26th, 2014 at 09:22 AM ----------
Hi,
Thanks.
I probably wouldn't write it off but it depends on costs. I don't think I'll be affording a dry suit anytime soon so then it comes down to fuel to get there + dive and rental costs. Not sure how realistic it will be cost wise for me but I wont know that until I get home and get a job ...
---------- Post added February 26th, 2014 at 09:23 AM ----------
Thanks DD!!
I spoke with my missus the other day and it does actually sound a lot more fun ... going to Bali to dive for fun and explore for a few weeks!!!
---------- Post added February 26th, 2014 at 09:27 AM ----------
>I would assume that upon completion of my DM course no matter where I did an IDC I would not be 'guaranteed' a job
I would disagree. Ask the shop you currently are doing your DM course with (who are they out of interest?) and I dare say that if you were to do the IDC with them they would give you some work straight after your IDC. then you could certify 30 or so OW's, a few AOW's, some speciality and a few rescue students... after that virtually anyone will hire you (assuming there is actually a job going) as long as you don't bomb an interview as someone impossible to work with. This way you could take the slow route home and pick up work in Asia. Dive instructing in any country is a job of passion, not money.
the issue with the thai/bali courses is they will certify you then wave goodbye. Other shops (like most I've dealt with in Sydney) will work you a lot more as they are also investing in you under the assumption that you will DM or instruct for them after.
the shop I now dive at have said that if I did the IDC, certified divers in the rough numbers above and perform well then they'd be happy to hook me up with a 6 month sabbatical job over in Fiji or somewhere given the contacts they have. I've no idea if they were talking rubbish to sign me up, but they've never lied to me before.
Also, ring around a few stores in Australia and tell them you're a Thai/Bali certified instructor and looking for work. don't hold the phone too close to your ear, the sound of phones hanging up can cause emotional damage. Not that I am doubting the quality of the course, but that's the reality... I have no idea how the IDC's are viewed in other asian countries.
Thanks Bracko.
It's through PRODIVE Coogee.
They recently circulated an e-mail looking for Instructors.
I have 10 month on my visa and a DM to complete. They would have to sponsor me in advance of evening starting my IDC and I'm not sure if that would ever be an option.
Plus it's quite the commitment here as you mentioned. They pay about $700 a week but more like 10h days, 6 day weeks. I earn short of double that right now for a 37 hour week and it's for 4 years as well. Quite the sign up.
But as you say, passion not money!!
