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Post by sglake on Dec 10, 2004 22:53:05 GMT -5
Hello everyone I've been reading from this site for awhile and really enjoy what everybody has to contribute ! so my first post here will be for some advise ! I'm a new divemaster working through a dive shop in wisconsin or should I say volunteering in a shop  . this shop does not pay its divemasters and since there are only 2 of us we get as much time in the water as we want , but only because we enjoy diving and the people ! My question is I would like to chnge careers and going into the diving industry full time , is it possible to make a living at it or is it a job just because you enjoy diving and the people and places associated with it ?? |
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Post by dayupha on Dec 22, 2004 6:53:45 GMT -5
Hi SGlake,
It can indeed be more than just a hobby if you wish for it to be. Diving is an industry and as much fun as it is it must survive on a cash flow.
Equipment sales, dive trips, courses and con-ed all contribute towards money flowing into the dive centers. As a business a dive operation can be extremely lucrative even when not over charging and giving superb value to customers and paying staff also - it is all about the approach.
I know of a business here in Thailand that can place divemasters into positions with it's job placement scheme and the DM's are earning on average 1000 baht per day ($25US) - not fantastic money but a reward for efforts at least. The particular scuba diving internship facility on the eastern seaboard offers this service to interns taking their career further with them.
I would sincerely suggest that if you really wish to earn money then an upgrade to instructor would be the way forward. With an instructors qualification itr is really your ambition, dedication and commitment that can limit you.
An instructor internship program was embarked upon a while back by myself and I have now been working actively within the industry for nearly 5 years. When I came to this country it was for a holiday and I brought over little money. I have built a life and regard this place as my home now fully on the foundations of the diving industry.
The instructors for our center all earn on average $2000 per month.
I wish you the very best in finding the mix of hobby and career - if you are determined it should not be too hard to find :-)
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