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So I learned tons at the course, some was hard for me; it had been a while since I took a written exam, a long while. The swim test had me worried but I passed it. Parts were in the “gimme” range, knot tying and compass navigation was my reprieve from the hard parts. I also learned that I had been doing things right all along, a strong awareness of safety and concentration on divers was already engrained in me.
I have been leading dives all along this voyage, taken several divers from rank beginners to well experienced, Sam came with 7 dives now has over 70. Several of my crew have gone on to be Instructors and are working in the dive industry, I am happy to have been able to inspire this life change. I had not had the experience of taking different divers every day, analyzing their skills fast and providing a joyful experience to each one, I yearned for that experience.
Not having actually worked as a Dive Master I was eager for the experience. When my friends at Blue Marling Dive Center on Gili Air asked me to return during Ramadan to help I jumped at the chance. They seem to lose some of their staff who goes back to the families during this sacred time.
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After thirty years of enjoying diving all around the world and leading many friends and crew on exciting dives, I too the next step and became a PADI Dive Master. I took the class last year at DiveDownbelow in Kota Kinabalu. It was an excellent course, starting with emergency responder, first aid and the oh so beneficial Dive Rescue course. Every serious recreational diver should take this course, packed with knowledge and practice.
So I learned tons at the course, some was hard for me; it had been a while since I took a written exam, a long while. The swim test had me worried but I passed it. Parts were in the “gimme” range, knot tying and compass navigation was my reprieve from the hard parts. I also learned that I had been doing things right all along, a strong awareness of safety and concentration on divers was already engrained in me.
I have been leading dives all along this voyage, taken several divers from rank beginners to well experienced, Sam came with 7 dives now has over 70. Several of my crew have gone on to be Instructors and are working in the dive industry, I am happy to have been able to inspire this life change. I had not had the experience of taking different divers every day, analyzing their skills fast and providing a joyful experience to each one, I yearned for that experience.
Not having actually worked as a Dive Master I was eager for the experience. When my friends at Blue Marling Dive Center on Gili Air asked me to return during Ramadan to help I jumped at the chance. They seem to lose some of their staff who goes back to the families during this sacred time.
I arrived and talked to the manager of the dive center. At first they seemed to be adequately staffed but invited me to dive with them anytime I liked. Not wanting to just get a free ride I helped out whenever I could. As in all industries the pros are a bit territorial so I was met with reserved yet friendly regard. After a short while they realized I was not after their jobs and could help so now I am regularly given groups to guide and help on most dives.
Blue Marlin has some excellent staff; they really take care of the customers and give that extra inch for their satisfaction, so my customer service beliefs fit right in. Each day I meet people from all around the world, some newbies some very experienced. I get to help with the newbies and enhance their love of diving, very rewarding.
Yesterday I had the extreme privilege to be the dive master for a remarkable 12 year old Kiwi girl on her 22nd dive. She was so calm and comfortable and she spotted the first turtle! This was the highlight of my experience here. I thought wow; this kid will be a world class diver before she can drive.
So my month is winding down and we will leave Gili Air for some local exploring then return for new crew and the end of Ramadan celebration and then back to Komodo. This has been a remarkable experience, so rewarding to share the sport I love with so many people. I have also learned the ins and outs of a well run dive center. Thank you Chris and all the staff at Blue Marlin Gili Air for the great time, it has been a pleasure. In the words of the great general, “I shall return”.