We just had one of our Divemaster interns leave, Helen from Australia. She spent 4weeks with us in both Bunaken and Lembeh, and this is her diary.
Week 1
First day of Divemaster Course and I’m amped!
Wake up to 2 fun dives – awesome!
That afternoon I sat down with my instructor and was given my Divemaster Pack, my eyes popped out of my head. I asked “will I finish all this in 4 weeks?” Answer – Yes. With a confident instructor and a well laid out timetable, its possible
Week 2
My eyes are square from reading and my head is pounding. My fabulous instructor takes me out for some well-deserved fun dives. This is what its all about, the enjoyment of diving and being able to share it and the knowledge!
Week 3
Assisting the instructor and being there for the student. Brushing up on all the skills we first learnt in our Open Water Course. Its harder than you think to be able to efficiently demonstrate skills and have someone complete the skill. With practice I can see the benefit and also start to get satisfaction.
Week 4
Its hard to believe its the last week! We have covered so much – watching, learning and being able to pass on knowledge – fantastic. Mapping – grrr, “you want me to map underwater! Really?” First attempt is average – Instructor: “I’m sending you out again to map more details!” I took a deep breath, asked for some advice and on returning to shore I was now happy and satisfied with the map I had produced. Suddenly it wasn’t a map that just said swim in that direction, it now had compass bearings!
The funniest thing that happened during my divemaster course was having to complete my last task, the Equipment Exchange which means exchanging mask, fins and BCD/reg with buddy underwater whilst buddy sharing one regulator. My equipment is all black and hot pink, and my buddy did look cute in the hot pink mask!
Helen’s advise – Challenge yourself – Do it!
Thanks Helen for all your help, and good luck! We run 4week and 6week PADI Divemaster Internships in Bunaken and Lembeh, as well as in our new resort in Lembongan (Bali). Check out our website for more information about our Divemaster programs.
