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Scuba Forum / General / December 2005padi cerfitication
Hi all, I am 23 years old, I am living I don't know why in the freezing cold, the minesota winter, and not only are things looking hard temperature wise, but also job market and career. I was thinking why don't I try become a scuba dive instructor? I am thinking of all different professions- i'm kind of a generalist person- and if I do decide to be an instructor, it will not be without it's due diligence and seriousness. I'm going to take it seriously as a serious profession, if I decide to go for it. But I was thinking of going back to koh tao, thailand, where I had my training to advanced.. and becoming an instructor there. I know there's a market. I was wondering about the cost and I was wondering about the committment, and about the process. This type of work you are always on vacation, even when you are working! It is warm, and thai food is wonderful! But I was also wondering about the pay and financial compensation. That is not the most important thing to me, what is most important is doing something you love. At this age I'm very undecided about career and life direction, so maybe scuba can be a five or 10 year relaxation and reflection period, a nice fun detour. I got along great with everybody I learned from and met, and I got to meet lots of foreigners, and some pretty girls! I was wondering what the committment is like, the cost of training, and that kind of thing. I am looking forward to making some life choices. do what you like and do it where you want! > This type of work you are always on vacation, even when you are > working! Nope. Coffee, boy, black, hot and now.  Signature"A bunch of us went down to Gettysburg. Some of us didn't come back. If you weren't there, you'll never understand." --Unknown Infantryman The problem with trying to escape your life, is that wherever you go, there you are. > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > forward to making some life choices. do what you like and do it where > you want! > The problem with trying to escape your life, is that wherever you go, > there > you are. I can't imagine feeling like that. For just a fraction of a second, I almost felt sorry for you. But I got over it. >> Hi all, >> [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] >> forward to making some life choices. do what you like and do it where >> you want! > > The problem with trying to escape your life, is that wherever you go, > > there [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > But I got over it. :^) I wasn't talking about myself, of course. Nor is it original advice to those that want to run away. I do feel sorry for you but you'll never understand why. > > The problem with trying to escape your life, is that wherever you go, > > there [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > But I got over it. Not to mention, that nowadays, it seems wherever I go, you show up. "Loser." >> > The problem with trying to escape your life, is that wherever you go, >> > there [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Not to mention, that nowadays, it seems wherever I go, you show up. I was here before you were, and I'll be here long after you're forgotten. > "Loser." "The problem with trying to escape your life, is that wherever you go, there you are." Compared to who...? > > Not to mention, that nowadays, it seems wherever I go, you show up. > > I was here before you were, and I'll be here long after you're forgotten. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzttttttttttttttttt > > "Loser." > > "The problem with trying to escape your life, is that wherever you go, > there you are." > > Compared to who...? It's just an old adage, Doug. Though it might mean something to someone that keeps moving and changing jobs . . . >> > Not to mention, that nowadays, it seems wherever I go, you show up. >> [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > It's just an old adage, Doug. Check... > Though it might mean something to someone that keeps moving and changing > jobs . . . Or to someone aging fast, alone, and stuck in the same -excruciatingly- monotonous rut. You're the one that posted it... > > Though it might mean something to someone that keeps moving and changing > > jobs . . . > > Or to someone aging fast, alone, more projection >and stuck in the same -excruciatingly- > monotonous rut. > > You're the one that posted it... You're the one having the strong reaction to my posting. Sorry. >> > Though it might mean something to someone that keeps moving and >> > changing [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > You're the one having the strong reaction to my posting. Is that like your leap to "admiring"? > Sorry. You're the one that posted it... Sorry. > Is that like your leap to "admiring"? It wasn't my leap. Grumman said it: "> I seem to remember that he believed his actions were right until the end... > There is something to admire in that..." How's Kingman? >> Is that like your leap to "admiring"? > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > How's Kingman? I'm on the phone with Curtis... Go for it, you only live once. The pay is not good and it will cost a fair bit to become instructor. Check the fees by calling PADI or which ever organisation you will use, remember you will need to have your own equipment and training material. If you do decide to become an instructor, make sure the course director you choose to train you is good. Ask around about who can be recommended. ahh, finally some words of wisdom. I don't need a bunch of chumps to insult my ideas. thanks kristian > ahh, finally some words of wisdom. I don't need a bunch of chumps to > insult my ideas. Then *why* did you come here? http://www.geocities.com/grumman581/welcome-rec-scuba.htm > ahh, finally some words of wisdom. I don't need a bunch of chumps to > insult my ideas. thanks kristian Better you here it now from us than find out the hard way later. If you want your ego stroked, go see your mom. Welcome to Rec.scuba, a.shole. >> ahh, finally some words of wisdom. I don't need a bunch of chumps to >> insult my ideas. thanks kristian [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Welcome to Rec.scuba, a.shole. why is it that when one's preconscived ideas are agreed with. it is "Words of wisdom" ? > why is it that when one's preconscived ideas are agreed with. it is > "Words of wisdom" ? Something about chumps. Signature"A bunch of us went down to Gettysburg. Some of us didn't come back. If you weren't there, you'll never understand." --Unknown Infantryman > I don't need a bunch of chumps to insult my ideas. Yes, you do. Where's that coffee, boy? Signature"A bunch of us went down to Gettysburg. Some of us didn't come back. If you weren't there, you'll never understand." --Unknown Infantryman territorial, aren't we! most people seem to be I think everyone has a right to work that they love. ya only live once. in jobs, most people probably need discipiline, motivation, encouragement, if not force. but if you have a job you can be proud of you need none of this, because you are self-initating i wanted to konw what kind of committment I could expect. you can't analyze an idea, and therefore can't make plans, until you know of the level of committment and responsibility. if you can, i don't know how yet. what i choose for profession, temporary or forever, I plan on not becoming a hack or a jack at it, but being qualified and performing at least as much, if not beyond, what my qualification says i should i guess that's just my attitude. i know it's probalby a bad one > ahh, finally some words of wisdom. I don't need a bunch of chumps to > insult my ideas. thanks kristian How can I automatically quote the previous message when I post a reply? <http://groups.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=14213&topic=250> What's good 'netiquette' when posting to Usenet? <http://groups.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=12348&topic=250> John >Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >thailand, where I had my training to advanced.. and becoming an >instructor there. I know there's a market. Let's see, in 10 years I've made about $1000 a year for 4 of them, and less than $500 for 2. And lost money on the other 4. Of course, if you want to head to the tropics you can probably make enough to live on, as long as you can remember the daily special at the restaurtant you're working at at night. Also remember that many of these tropical resorts have national laws favoring local citizens over foreigners. >I was wondering about the cost and I was wondering about the >committment, and about the process. This type of work you are always on [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >forward to making some life choices. do what you like and do it where >you want! Expect to spend anywhere from $1000 (an 8 week weekend course) to about $2500 (a one week residential course) or more for the IDC. I don't know exactly what the IE is these days, figure about $500 for that. Add insurance and annual membership, totalling about $750 (I could do the numbers if I were so damned lazy, call PADI and they'll tell you everything). If it's your dream, go live it. But make sure you take a major dose of reality with it. And be aware that sometimes it just doesn't pay to work at a hobby you love. Imagine doing the same dive 6 times a week. Most instructors in the tropics don't teach much. They're DM's. As will be pointed out by others, learn to make good coffee. I know a few DMs who make a living at it, but not many. They all work for high end dive operators and are considered family. The ones who aren't actually family. I worked as a DM for one of them for a summer. Up at 4, lug tanks to the boat, at the dock by 6:30, off we go by 7:15 (after serving coffee and donuts to the clients). Two dives and back to the dock by 2. Trailer the boat back home, lug tanks to the fill station. Oh yeah, wash down the boat at the dock. Off work about 4. If it's Wednesday, that means a night dive, so a quick nap until about 5:30, then down to the dock with the boat, stopping for pizza along the way. You can figure the rest out. Not exactly the glamourous life. I did open water referrals for a total of 4 students. You're value really goes up when you have a 6-pack license or (even better) a 100 ton master's. Signaturedillon 666 permissions of the beast > >thailand, where I had my training to advanced.. and becoming an > >instructor there. I know there's a market. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > you're working at at night. Also remember that many of these tropical > resorts have national laws favoring local citizens over foreigners. The other thing odysseus should remember is to keep enough money available to buy his ticket home. Otherwise, he may find himself wanting to go home but not be able to make enough for the airfare and other trip expenses back. (snip) > The other thing odysseus should remember... There's dozens of "one more things". First off, I'd not go the Tropics/Resort route without first picking up good training for Diesel Engine mechanic - - DM's are a dime a dozen, but someone who can fix the diveboat's engines will be (slightly) better valued. Overall, the profession's a great way to lose weight and get in shape by hauling tanks. Of course, if you have even the slightest hint of a preexisting back injury, "Stop, Do Not Pass Go". Finally, the comment made about "running away" is a very accurate one: when it comes to "small island" ExPats, a good rule of thumb is that half of them have "issues" of one sort or another. -hh >> The other thing odysseus should remember... > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >but someone who can fix the diveboat's engines will be (slightly) >better valued. I give these recommendations to lots of people. Before you go, see to it that you cover as much as possible of the "full six" : * The dive side . Preferrably more than an OWSI, at least certify a hundred or more students at home before you go. Dry suit conditioned instructors are valued everywhere. * The dive equipment side. See to it that you have experience in fixing dive stuff, and can document it. We jokingly call it "PADI Caddy Course"; all gasblender and service exams, service techs from at least 5 major vendors, and experience in this. * The boat stuff. At the very minimum a Yachtmaster Offshore, preferrably a full ocean 250 ton certification. The offshore/ocean part is more important than the tonnage. Prepare to take full instrumentation and astronavigation courses. * The engine stuff. Ability to make diesels work is essential. Must be documented, but can come from many sources. * Sales experience. This may be from the job you have to fund it all. Experience from professional sales staffs in large organisations is well appreciated. Teaching skills may substitute. * Language skills. The USians have a challenge here. The guests will instantly favour the guide that understands their home language. It includes cultural skills and other international experience is valuable. >Overall, the profession's a great way to lose weight and get in shape >by hauling tanks. Of course, if you have even the slightest hint of a [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >when it comes to "small island" ExPats, a good rule of thumb is that >half of them have "issues" of one sort or another. There are a number of warm, aggreeable places that will overlook this if Interpol isn't pestering too hard, and you bring in the cash. But be a nuisance, and they will whisper a word to the old place you wanted to get away from. -- mrr > Before you go, see to it that you cover as much as possible of the > "full six" : Good list. > >Finally, the comment made about "running away" is a very accurate one: > >when it comes to "small island" ExPats, a good rule of thumb is that > >half of them have "issues" of one sort or another. > > There are a number of warm, aggreeable places that will overlook this > if Interpol isn't pestering too hard, and you bring in the cash. FWIW, I wasn't really thinking of legal problems as much as personal problems that will follow with you wherever you go - - alcoholism, depression, jealousy, etc. As what was already mentioned this thread, "The problem with trying to escape your life, is that wherever you go, there you are." Even if you're mentally screwed together OK, the other island residents will contain those who are not, and you're now in a 'small island' microcosm where everyone knows everyone and it can be hard to avoid individuals: are you up to having to deal with it on a daily/weekly basis? -hh > Otherwise, he may find himself wanting to go home > but not be able to make enough for the airfare and other trip expenses back. Nope. He'll never do it. He wants to know about commitment, and he wants to know before he decides. It'll never happen. Signature"A bunch of us went down to Gettysburg. Some of us didn't come back. If you weren't there, you'll never understand." --Unknown Infantryman >>>thailand, where I had my training to advanced.. and becoming an >>>instructor there. I know there's a market. [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > The other thing odysseus should remember is to keep enough money available > to buy his ticket home. That's what the one and half ounce gold necklace is for. Second advice, if working abroad, is to get a second passport, in case one gets confiscated. Reason for getting a 2nd passport are you travel frequently, and namely you have to travel when one passport is being sent away somewhere because a visa application. Matthias > > The other thing odysseus should remember is to keep enough money available > > to buy his ticket home. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > frequently, and namely you have to travel when one passport > is being sent away somewhere because a visa application. Interesting. I didn't even realize you could get more than one passport unless you had dual citizenship. >>>The other thing odysseus should remember is to keep enough money > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > Interesting. I didn't even realize you could get more than one passport > unless you had dual citizenship. I had two, in the Eighties, when I was working abroad frequently. Since it took sometimes weeks to get a visa, it was essentiell. The trap DMs may fall for, is, when they borrow money from their employer, and are unable to pay it back because of the low income they have. The employer, of course, will keep their passport in his safe. So they have to work longer to get their passport back. Matthias >> > The other thing odysseus should remember is to keep enough money >available [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >Interesting. I didn't even realize you could get more than one passport >unless you had dual citizenship. In the US, you can't. The only ways you can get a new passport are to send your old one in or to declare it lost/stolen/destroyed, in which case the old one is "removed". A friend lost her passport in Oz this spring. It took her 4 hours at the US embassy to get a one year passport. And $150. I would imagine that one could get a new one in most countries by simply declaring it stolen. Signaturedillon 666 permissions of the beast > >Interesting. I didn't even realize you could get more than one passport > >unless you had dual citizenship. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > passport. And $150. I would imagine that one could get a new one in > most countries by simply declaring it stolen. Same up here. Mayhap things are different in Mattias country? Somebody wrote: .. >> In the US, you can't. The only ways you can get a new passport are to >> send your old one in or to declare it lost/stolen/destroyed, in which >> case the old one is "removed". A friend lost her passport in Oz this >> spring. It took her 4 hours at the US embassy to get a one year >> passport. And $150. I would imagine that one could get a new one in >> most countries by simply declaring it stolen. I lost a passport several years ago. I was able to get it replaced at the Miami passport services office (whatever it is called) the next day. (This is a wild story, but we'll not go down that rat-hole!) I was told that if I EVER lost it again I would NEVER be issued a passport that was good for more than one year. I cannot verify that this is an actual "rule" or that this "rule" is actually enfourced. However, lost passports are taken seriouslu! If you ever loose one, report it as soon as you notice it is missing -- even if you are not replacing it right then. See http://travel.state.gov/passport for the forms and procedures. SignatureCharlie Hammond -- Hewlett-Packard Company -- Ft Lauderdale FL USA (hammond@not@peek.ssr.hp.com -- remove "@not" when replying) All opinions expressed are my own and not necessarily my employer's. > I lost a passport several years ago. I was able to get it replaced at > the Miami passport services office (whatever it is called) the next day. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > are taken seriouslu! If you ever loose one, report it as soon as you > notice it is missing -- even if you are not replacing it right then. I've lost my passport twice and still managed to get a third. I've had my passport seized as well, but that's a different story. >> I lost a passport several years ago. I was able to get it replaced at >> the Miami passport services office (whatever it is called) the next day. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >I've lost my passport twice and still managed to get a third. I've had my >passport seized as well, but that's a different story. Was that before you after you changed your name? Signaturedillon 666 permissions of the beast > I've lost my passport twice and still managed to get a third. I've had my > passport seized as well, but that's a different story. Had mine siezed at the Yugoslavian border while passing from Austria in 1978...but since I wasn't on a dive trip, this story belongs in another forum. >> I've lost my passport twice and still managed to get a third. I've had >> my passport seized as well, but that's a different story. > > Had mine siezed at the Yugoslavian border while passing from Austria in > 1978...but since I wasn't on a dive trip, this story belongs in another > forum. I had mine seized in the good 'ole US of A. Toronto, to be more specific. > >> I've lost my passport twice and still managed to get a third. I've had > >> my passport seized as well, but that's a different story. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > I had mine seized in the good 'ole US of A. Toronto, to be more specific. Preclearance? Geo >> >> I've lost my passport twice and still managed to get a third. I've >> >> had [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >> > Preclearance? Yep. Just like those secret prisons in Romania. Violating my rights as an American before I even get back to America. And ever since, that passport seemed to get me in trouble. Fortunately it was lost, and the new one doesn't seem to have me flagged as some sort of traitor. Haven't been back to secondary yet at home or in any of the countries I've visited recently, though I haven't attempted Canada since the last time I was brutally interrogated on arrival in Calgary. > Yep. Just like those secret prisons in Romania. Violating my rights as an > American before I even get back to America. And ever since, that passport [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > though I haven't attempted Canada since the last time I was brutally > interrogated on arrival in Calgary. How did I guess? They do a pretty good job of violating our rights as Canadians as well, despite being on Canadian soil. We do have the right to invite them to venture forth and fornicate with sheep, but good luck getting into the US anytime thereafter. Seems the more miserable get that gig. Must be something to do with our weather. I used to run that gauntlet a couple of times per month, sometimes more. Thank God that's over. Shame about your experiences in Calgary, its one of my favorite cities in the world. Geo > They do a pretty good job of violating our rights as Canadians as well, > despite being on Canadian soil. We do have the right to invite them to > venture forth and fornicate with sheep, but good luck getting into the > US anytime thereafter. Most of the U.S. is overrated anyway. > Seems the more miserable get that gig. Must be something to do with our > weather. Or maybe they get paid in Canadian. > I used to run that gauntlet a couple of times per month, sometimes > more. Thank God that's over. I definitely prefer driving across the border. Airports make everyone jumpy and nervous so we all appear like smugglers. With the U.S.'s vested interest in keeping out dangerous contraband like Cuban cigars, it's a wonder they don't cavity search everyone. > Shame about your experiences in Calgary, its one of my favorite cities > in the world. It's OK. After X-raying my bags again and asking me all sorts of personal questions (I lied - thankfully that was before they got computer linkage to U.S. databases), I made it through. My previous time in Calgary was worse. After discovering that there's no such thing as a late night convenience store that sells beer, I was turned on to Dial-a-Beer by the motel clerk. A great concept that we should import to the states, except that my $20 six pac of Kokanee arrived at room temperature. Drinking an entire six pac of warm beer is really nasty. >>Yep. Just like those secret prisons in Romania. Violating my rights as an >>American before I even get back to America. And ever since, that passport [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > venture forth and fornicate with sheep, but good luck getting into the > US anytime thereafter. From New Zealand? Why? Matthias > > The other thing odysseus should remember is to keep enough money available > > to buy his ticket home. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > frequently, and namely you have to travel when one passport > is being sent away somewhere because a visa application. Interesting. I didn't even realize you could get more than one passport unless you had dual citizenship. Not to mention that if your 1 1/2 oz necklace goes missing, your passport may very well be gone in the same pocket. ;^) >> >thailand, where I had my training to advanced.. and becoming an >> >instructor there. I know there's a market. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >to buy his ticket home. Otherwise, he may find himself wanting to go home >but not be able to make enough for the airfare and other trip expenses back. If he really wants to relive Odysseus's travels he should spend every last nicle, and then take work on a tramp boat to work his way home. -- mrr I built and ran a couple of bars in Portugal in my 20's. I thought that would be the perfect occupation. Lots of booze and women and song etc. It was fun for two years, then gradually became harshly boring. Drunks are so annoying to deal with on a daily basis. I'm not comparing diving with bar ownership other than to say.. You may find being a dive instructor just as much fun after two years as as I did in dealing with drunks. That doesn't mean it's not a good idea. Looking backwards, I wouldn't have missed the opportunity for anything. You never know where that path might lead you. I learned so much in those two years about myself and people in general and I found a perfect woman. Be wary of advice from others in these chats, most of them have never (and will never) attempted anything even remotely similar. > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > forward to making some life choices. do what you like and do it where > you want! (snip)> > Be wary of advice from others in these chats, most of them have never (and > will never) attempted anything even remotely similar. Most of us aren't 23 either. ;^) >(snip)> >> Be wary of advice from others in these chats, most of them have never (and >> will never) attempted anything even remotely similar. > >Most of us aren't 23 either. ;^) Or even twice that, any more. When reality jumps up and bites you in the a.s, it tends to hold on pretty tightly. Signaturedillon 666 permissions of the beast I will say, whatever the cost., go for it.; whatever the outcome, at least, you can proudly say, been there, done that..... you can put another chapter behind you, besides, who knows what that path may lead to ? wish you all the success..... > Hi all, > [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > forward to making some life choices. do what you like and do it where > you want! my instructor had like 12 years of teaching experience, he was seriously devoted and interested. that is definitely his vocation, his calling It's so different being back in the states. you get re-adjusted here. Having family here pulls you back I'll probably go back abroad. I'll probably immigrate. I'll probalby raise my future children in a foreign country, like hemingway or something the only reason to live in a city like this is career, and everyone who i read about for career advice, they seem satisfied, but they are all just telling themselves that. they dream of going abroad, they dream of doing something different but lack the confidence and courage and know how I see it in the books in the bookstore. I read a new term called "duppies" which means depressed urban professionals! so yeah, i think I will strongly consider going back when my lease ends in the spring. i want to do this for profession, but still, I am going to be searching for a vocation. thanks everybody |
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