Eat, Divemaster, Love

It’s been ten days since I started my PADI divemaster internship with World Diving in Nusa Lembongan, an hour across the sea from Bali. Ten short days, during which the first few days fraught with self doubt have faded into memory and with each day that passes I feel more grounded and confident in my abilities.

Five days in I was joined by Kai and Carolyn and one of the first things we learnt is that being a Divemaster is about being a role model; The PADI Divemaster manual describes the role as someone who has excellent dive skills, exudes confidence and prioritises safety, their own and that of others, someone who practices safe responsible diving, who has the ability to read people and situations, who demonstrates care for the environment and is equipped with well maintained and up to date gear. Someone with a good level of fitness who keeps up with dive and environmental trends and practices and easily builds rapport with others, who demonstrates customer service and acts upon the needs of the dive operation. It is not a self serving role, rather one of being in service to others, which without sounding all Mother Teresa about it, I am absolutely loving. I’ve spent the last few days with Catur, one of the instructors here assisting with two students undertaking the first stage in diving, the PADI Open Water Certification course and I am LOVING IT, loving helping, in whatever small way, introduce someone to the magic of the ocean (now there’s some words I never thought I’d say).

When not assisting Catur or being taught mapping techniques by John or going out on the dive boat and shadowing an active divemaster or learning about the smooth running of a dive shop from checking in guests, getting them kitted out, giving boat and dive briefings, I’ve been cramming my brain with a myriad of new habits and behaviours, reading late into the night and watching instructional videos until my eyelids droop and a new day dawns. It’s exhausting! and exhilarating, after so long dormant my brain is rather enjoying the stretch. We’ve also been perfecting presentation level skills which form part of the final examinations we need to pass.

Everyone at World Diving is pretty special, inclusive, welcoming and helpful and it’s a great family environment to learn in, making the long hours and brain cramming much more bearable. We also (J and I) have our relaxing new home to return to at the end of each day and I am still thrilled with it, quiet and clean and just about as great as I could possible have imagined.

It’s been a journey I never expected to take, discovering a love of the ocean where once there was only fear, but it’s a journey I am utterly thrilled to be taking. You only live once, wouldn’t it be a shame if you never stepped from your comfort zone and saw all the possibilities on the other side Xx