I can only advise you from a Queensland perspective (we are based in Cairns).
First you will need an Australian working visa (your one is fine) and no school here will employ someone without seeing them first. As Cairns is a main centre for diving we get so many instructors looking for work here it makes competition fierce.
You have to be in town, be persistent and be [prepared to wait. Some will give you sporadic work to fill in, or when they get busy and then you may get some regular work if a position arises. Peak season here now so it’s busy.
As a minimum you will need a workplace first aid course (Senior First Aid or Emergency First Response - first aid at work). Overseas ones are not accepted. If you do have EFR you can take the missing modules as bowlofpetunias says but it will basically be the same price as the full course.
You wil also need Oxygen Administration. Coxswains certificates or some form of marine licence is looked upon favourably as part of your position will be often using a dive tender.
As mentioned above language is useful, but depends on what you speak. Here the ones in demand are German, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. You can get business sponsorship with these ones.
Your insurance will be fine, and you just have to transfer your PADI details to Asia Pacific as this will be your Home Office whilst you work here. So make sure you do that or you will not be able to certify anyone here. (Remember if you work 6 months or more then you have to transfer to a new home office. Less than 6 months Asia Pacific will be your service office but Americas will still be your home office).
First you will need an Australian working visa (your one is fine) and no school here will employ someone without seeing them first. As Cairns is a main centre for diving we get so many instructors looking for work here it makes competition fierce.
You have to be in town, be persistent and be [prepared to wait. Some will give you sporadic work to fill in, or when they get busy and then you may get some regular work if a position arises. Peak season here now so it’s busy.
As a minimum you will need a workplace first aid course (Senior First Aid or Emergency First Response - first aid at work). Overseas ones are not accepted. If you do have EFR you can take the missing modules as bowlofpetunias says but it will basically be the same price as the full course.
You wil also need Oxygen Administration. Coxswains certificates or some form of marine licence is looked upon favourably as part of your position will be often using a dive tender.
As mentioned above language is useful, but depends on what you speak. Here the ones in demand are German, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. You can get business sponsorship with these ones.
Your insurance will be fine, and you just have to transfer your PADI details to Asia Pacific as this will be your Home Office whilst you work here. So make sure you do that or you will not be able to certify anyone here. (Remember if you work 6 months or more then you have to transfer to a new home office. Less than 6 months Asia Pacific will be your service office but Americas will still be your home office).
