Is that it's a dive job in the caribbean...
Unless some one has roots here, or some vested interest, (ie: proprietary interest in a shop) ..... There's an incredible burn out factor involved with babysitting what amout to *mediocre at best* tourist divers day in and day out, at the same weenie dive sites day in and day out. I've seen a lot of turnover at the dive shops here on St Croix, it's part of life. The first year is fun and new, but getting tiresome, by the second or third year, many are looking for someplace else, or just ready to get out of diving as a living entirely.
St Johns is beautifull, it's made for tourists, and caters to the tourist dollars. Finding affordable living there on dive bum salary is going to be interesting, lol .... Why should some guy rent you a 1 room hovel for $600 a month, when he can get $600 plus a Week from tourists. Local affordable housing is a big problem. Many who work there commute by ferry from St Thomas. If you're a chain smoking alcoholic, you can do ok, if you like to eat decently, food is outrageously expensive. (cigs and alcohol are quite cheap) The main area of Cruz Bay is where the ferries dock and everything centers from there, it's a happening place, it's almost like "spring break" all the time. Lotsa little bars and sidewalk joints and places to hang out.
I like to visit there when we sail over, anchor in the harbor and get to be almost like tourists, but I'm not too keen on the thought of living or working there. As for diving there, I guess the fact that I've never bothered to spend the $$ to go do it tells you that it's nothing special .... just more warm water and good vis, with decent reefs and some pretty fishies.... but no wall dives like here.
Overall, if you're a young guy with no real responsibilities yet, it'd be a blast, .... otherwise, ya gotta ask yourself, "Why are there always so many caribbean job openings if they are all so wonderfull as they are made out to be"
Anyway, just some random thoughts on St Johns,
Darlene
