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Divemaster Internship Program At CoCo View Resort

Dockside on Roatan - Bay Islands of Honduras - http://docksidedivecenter.com Phone: 011-504-455-7505 Dockside Dive Center Training Program Page 2 of 11 Purpose: The purpose of the CoCo View Divemaster Internship program is to give the participant the opportunity to successfully complete the PADI Divemaster course, develop a strong skill set as a diver, and develop those skills further by working in an actual dive resort/dive center environment. It is the participant’s goal to learn how to become an asset to the diving community.

Key Standards: Prerequisite Certification: Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver or qualifying certification, and PADI or qualifying certification. CPR and certified.

Prerequisite Dives: 20 needed to begin course. 60 by the end of the course.

Minimum Age: 18

Being a Team Player:

Being a team player is the key to success. In an unfamiliar place, surrounded by unknown individuals, it is the act of cooperation which will build strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie. As part of the CoCo View Dive Resort Internship program, you are being put into a situation you have never experienced before, and from personal experience, taking this challenge head on is the best path to success.

Being a team player involves many things. You must be able to step up and give a hand without being asked. You must be able to work hard and excel at the things that you do, and you must be able to cooperate with such individuals who share common goals. Being a team player is more than being good. It is the ability to work with others for the greater benefit of all.

Here at CoCo View, it may seem a daunting task to try and fit in with the local who have been doing this for many years. But, by simply working your hardest at the things that you do, everyone will come around and consider you a viable addition to the crew. Take each day, and each task by itself, and do them one at a time. If you need help, ask, and never be afraid to get your hands dirty and try something new.

PADI Divemaster Course

The Divemaster course is one of the most challenging PADI programs offered, and also one of the most rewarding. During the course, you will master diving-related knowledge in areas as diverse as physics, physiology, equipment, theory, and general skills such as and the environment. You will practice and master diving and water stamina skills, and learn to lead dives and assist with . These are just some of the areas covered by the course. The full PADI course requirements are included at the end of this document.

Dockside Dive Center on Roatan - Bay Islands of Honduras - http://docksidedivecenter.com Phone: 011-504-455-7505 Dockside Dive Center Divemaster Training Program Page 3 of 11 An internship with Dockside Dive Center takes Divemaster training a step further. In addition to all the aspects of a career in diving covered by the PADI course, your Dockside Internship will teach you valuable skills in other areas vital to success in the diving industry. Following are some of the aspects of a Dockside internship not required by the PADI program…

Orientation Program:

Overview: The CoCo View Orientation program consists of a resort overview, given by a knowledgeable representative of CoCo View, an overview of dock procedures, given by the head Divemaster, and then a guided underwater tour of the Front Yard, including the Wreck of the Prince Albert, Newman’s Wall, and CoCo View Wall. Guests staying at CoCo View Resort for the first time must participate in the orientation program given that it informs them of local and familiarizes them with the environment. Orientation program is also important because it reassures the resort of each diver’s capability to dive safely. Interns will accompany CCV Divemasters on the orientation in the capacity of safety diver. Only an insured and renewed Divemaster can lead the orientation dive.

Time: Saturday, Sunday and occasionally throughout the week, depending on when the guests arrive.

Outline:

Provide an area overview of local conditions and points of interest:

Give guests a description of the most diving conditions, and describe where Newman’s Wall, CoCo View Wall, and the airplane are located in relationship to the Prince Albert. Inform guests that the sandy bottom going out to the Prince Albert can be easily stirred up by wind and the subsequent wave action, by tidal activity, and by diver’s kicking hard too close to the bottom. The orientation should also point out the navigational markers to help them get to and from each of these areas and then back to the staging platform.

Explain special procedures used at CoCo View Resort:

When entering and exiting the Front Yard, divers must use the natural cut in the , located by following the chain. Guests must understand that this is the safest route for both themselves and the environment. In addition, guests should try and not walk past the platform since many animals make their homes in the surrounding areas. Also, no one is allowed to wear gloves while diving, unless specifically required by a medical condition. Touching anything while underwater is strictly prohibited. All divers wishing to make night dives must also know where the buoy is located and how to attach their strobe and clip.

Dive Plan:

Dockside Dive Center on Roatan - Bay Islands of Honduras - http://docksidedivecenter.com Phone: 011-504-455-7505 Dockside Dive Center Divemaster Training Program Page 4 of 11 To assess proper weighting, check to make sure that each diver can sink to the shallow bottom before leaving the platform. From there, out to the buoy and descend to the sandy slopes. To check each diver’s comfort level, a partial mask flood and clear and a regulator recovery drill will be performed in the sand flats. Inform guests that there is no need to completely remove their mask or perform either skill with any extravagancy. Once finished, proceed over the Prince Albert, to Newman’s Wall, and then past the stern of the Prince Albert to CoCo View Wall. Once seeing both walls, return to the sand flats near the diamonds and allow divers to either explore further by themselves or return to the platform. It is extremely important that you keep track of all the divers in your group and that you end the orientation dive with the same number of participants that you started with.

After the dive, debrief participants and discuss observations:

Answer all questions that they may have about the resort, or their diving experience, and review any special sightings that may have occurred. Counsel divers who experienced any problems such as anxiety or buoyancy control difficulties, and offer suggestions to increase their comfort level in the water. If such counseling is required, suggest further training and inform Coco View Resort Management of the divers significant problems that may effect safety. In addition, remind divers that the afternoon boat departs at 2 pm and that they should be on board 15 minute prior to receive a boat and dive site briefing.

In Addition:

The Orientation Program is a great way for the Divemaster Intern to introduce himself/herself to the guests. Guests will often be intrigued by your ‘job’ and make conversation, either there, or later throughout the week. Don’t be surprised if they remember your name, but don’t feel bad if you are unable to remember theirs. One of the most important jobs of the intern is to remain a friendly face for those with similar interests to talk to. As the Intern, you are an ambassador for the Resort and the Dive Shop and should be open and friendly with the guests at all times, making yourself as available as possible.

Working on the Boats:

Overview:

Working aboard the dive boats is one of the most rewarding activities to take part in. It involves hard work, including moving tanks and setting up gear, but also exposes you to the variation of jobs and working conditions which the Divemasters work in on a daily basis.

Time:

Morning: Boat preparation begins at 7:30. Boat leaves at 8:30.

Afternoon: Boat preparation begins at 12:30. Boat leaves at 2:00.

Tank Loading: Dockside Dive Center on Roatan - Bay Islands of Honduras - http://docksidedivecenter.com Phone: 011-504-455-7505 Dockside Dive Center Divemaster Training Program Page 5 of 11 Each diver who will be participating will need two tanks. Air tanks are located in between the Yellow (EZ-1) and Blue (EZ-2) boats, and the Green (EZ-3) and Red (EZ-4) boats. Each diver will need two. For those divers using Enriched Air , they remain personally responsible for analyzing and marking their own tanks. Under no circumstance will you do this for them. If their Enriched Air Nitrox tanks have not been analyzed and marked, do not load them until they have been. Correct markings on a Nitrox tank may include a name, first name and a possible last initial, the percentage within the blend, that blends maximum depth, and the date which it was analyzed by .

Gear Assembly:

As a consideration to each diver, their buoyancy control devices and regulators will be assembled for them before they reach the dock. BCD’s are placed upon the tank with the top of the back plate on the same plane as the neck of the tank. However, some divers will personally adjust them due to their own preferences. Before the briefing starts, remind the guest to check to make sure that they have all of the gear they need for the upcoming dive, i.e. mask, snorkel, fins, belt…

Dive Briefing:

Inform guests of information they will need to be successful during the dive. This may include special aquatic life or underwater structures, the direction the Divemaster will be swimming, and the depth and duration they will be underwater. Give an update on the local diving conditions, and how these may affect their underwater experience. Also, if guests are planning to take their cameras, let them know to take 2 or 3 pictures and then allow another photographer to do the same. If they wish to take more, they are welcome to come back once everyone has finished and is moving on. Tell guests the easiest way to both exit and board the , and remind them to please include a 3 minute safety stop at 15 feet at the end of their dive. In addition, dive times are restricted to a maximum of 1 hour for the convenience of everyone.

For additional information about each dive site refer to Deeply Honduras by Liz Wayne. The book provides applicable dive briefings and charts of each dive site on the south side of Roatan between Mary’s Place and Calvin’s Crack.

Divemaster:

As a Divemaster, you are able to make the dive more fun by guiding divers to the best areas to locate animals, take pictures, and see breathtaking formations. You can help divers improve their safety by providing information such as local dive conditions and protocols/techniques and by making yourself available to manage and assist should an accident occur. In addition, you can help divers assess whether their skills and experience level match the conditions, by talking with them and by being available to answer their questions. You are able to add to the enjoyment of the guests experience by being a fun person, with a friendly and approachable attitude, someone they would like to be around, and you are able to allow each guest to relax and enjoy their diving experience Dockside Dive Center on Roatan - Bay Islands of Honduras - http://docksidedivecenter.com Phone: 011-504-455-7505 Dockside Dive Center Divemaster Training Program Page 6 of 11 to the fullest. While in the water, lead divers in a conservative manner along each dive site. Show divers any aquatic animals of interest and lead them into areas where they are able to make their own discoveries. It is important to try and keep a mental note on the position of each diver in the party so that if an emergency occurs, you can be ready to respond. When guests are re-boarding the dive boat, it is the duty of the Divemaster to help with fins, cameras, and any other object given by the diver to make their boarding easier. Remember that dives are no longer than 1 hour including a 3 minute safety stop at 15 feet. The Divemaster is a role model and should exhibit excellent diving skills. As the Divemaster, you should discuss with the Boat Captain the length of the surface interval needed by the divers so that they can make a safe drop-off dive. Remember, only an insured and renewed Divemaster can lead dives.

Boat Captain:

As the Boat Captain, you are responsible for a variety of things. Guests must sign onto the boat’s roster so that everyone can be accounted for prior to leaving the dock and after the end of the dive. Match the number of guests with the number of sets of gear on board so that those divers not going on the boat are still able to dive from the shore. A major skill is the navigation of the boat to and from each dive site. Remember, when approaching the buoy, do so from down current and move up towards it. A firm understanding of each dive site is needed so that the dive boat does not land upon any reef or damage any other object in the water. While the Divemaster and each diver is in the water, the Boat Captain is responsible for making sure that the mooring remains secure, and that if any diver comes to the surface in distress, is ready to provide assistance. Select a constructive vantage point, one where all sides of the boat can be seen, and where you can easily respond from. When guests are re-boarding the dive boat, it is the duty of the boat captain to help with fins, cameras, and any other object given by the diver to make their boarding easier. Once every individual is secure back on the boat, change each diver’s air cylinder for the next dive and answer any questions that they may have.

Working on the Dock:

Overview:

Working on the dock will often seem drab and slow, but is a necessary step when learning how to be a Divemaster. No job is simply glitz and glamour, its takes hard work and dedication in every duty to be able to do something well. Before giving a comes a broom, and before showing guests your favorite part of the dive site comes cleaning the rinse tanks and attending to filling tanks.

Weight Room:

You have the opportunity to be one of the first contacts a guest has once they arrive at the resort. Each guest must turn in a registration form, liability release and chamber donation form. This is done at the weight room while guests pick up their and turn in their certification cards. Check to make sure all forms have been completely filled out and witnessed. Complete a form for each diver showing the amount of weight they received and if a weight belt was issued. Clip the divers c-card to the form and file it under their Dockside Dive Center on Roatan - Bay Islands of Honduras - http://docksidedivecenter.com Phone: 011-504-455-7505 Dockside Dive Center Divemaster Training Program Page 7 of 11 room number in the file box. It is very important to make yourself available to guests during the registration process.

Tank Filling:

As a Divemaster Intern, you must learn how to use the compressors to fill both air and nitrox tanks. The process is not complex, but must be followed carefully. The first couple of times make sure that a knowledgeable supervisor is there to make sure everything is done correctly. To fill Nitrox tanks, you must be Nitrox certified. If you are not Nitrox certified, the class is short and simple, and will not take more than a couple of days. When filling tanks, first remove any old tape from the cylinders.

Tank Overhaul:

As part of the upkeep of the resort and its ability to furnish divers with safe diving cylinders, the tanks must be visually inspected (once a year), and old tank valves must be replaced. To visually inspect the inside of a tank, simply look and see if there is water or any type of growth, or stress on the inside walls of the cylinder. Then, check to make sure that the grooves at the neck are not cracked and that they are strong. From this point, replace the tank valve following the instructions of a knowledgeable supervisor.

Rental Gear Service:

Servicing rental gear each week for Dock Side Dive Center is an introduction to scuba equipment maintenance. Each week, gear will be rented by the guests and then returned once again at the end of the week. Before the new group of divers come in for the following week and expects to rent this gear, it must be rinsed and checked. Learn the particular steps from Dockside staff.

Sweeping:

Sweeping is one of the most laborious, but necessary jobs that the Divemaster Intern will do. You may think that as the ‘intern,’ you should not have to do this type of work, but the truth is that you are learning ALL of the jobs that a Divemaster is expected to do. It’s easier to remove wet sand from the dock by splashing it with water than by sweeping the wet sand off with a broom. Make sure all of the dock areas are clean, organized and safe. While sweeping, check for potential such as loose or broken deck boards, slippery wood, protruding nails, etc. Report any problems to the head Divemaster immedietly.

Power Washing:

Wet wood will always become scummy and slippery given time. When this occurs, use the power washer to remove the slippery layer off of the wood and make it easier to walk on once again for the guests.

Rinse Tanks:

Dockside Dive Center on Roatan - Bay Islands of Honduras - http://docksidedivecenter.com Phone: 011-504-455-7505 Dockside Dive Center Divemaster Training Program Page 8 of 11 The rinse tanks around the dock are a vital part of a dive resort. It allows guests to properly rinse their equipment and get it ready for the next day’s dives. The “cameras only” tanks are vital to a photographer’s enjoyment of their trip; they need to be able to rinse their gear thoroughly in clean water. Every morning and every afternoon, the rinse tanks must be emptied, scrubbed, and then refilled with clean water. Since the water on the island is not high enough to support all of the tanks being filled at the same time, empty, wash and refill them in stages while the guests are out on their morning and afternoon dives.

Bathrooms:

There are two bathrooms located on the dock that must be kept clean. Yes, cleaning toilet bowls is one of those illustrious Divemaster jobs! Everyone on the dock takes turns with bathroom duty and interns will be expected to help out here too.

Transportation Using Red Boat:

Learning how to drive the red boat is a level of success for the Divemaster Intern, and a privilege earned through the accumulation of trust from the CoCo View Staff. The Red Boat is used many times throughout the day to transport both staff and resort guests on and off of the property. While driving the boat, remember that both ends of the lagoon are encompassed by a No Wake Zone, and that you must drive through the main channel of the lagoon, marked by wooden polls. Remember to be careful, keep the boat safe, and learn how to drive the boat from an experienced member who is already knowledgeable about the technique needed.

Extras:

Protect Your Ears:

It is recommended that you use some formula which will dry and sanitize ears after any exposure to water. As a Divemaster Intern, you will likely be in the water at least 3 hours a day, and will therefore stress your ears in a way they have not been so far. Some to use include a half Vinegar half Isopropyl alcohol , or Liz Fizz, made of grain alcohol super saturated with boric acid. It is best to take preventative measures for your ears than have to sit out 4 to 5 uncomfortable days waiting for them to heal. Also, don’t use cue tips to dig into your ears, it simply irritates them and leaves them open to be exposed to an infection.

“This is not my job:”

As a Divemaster intern, you will be asked to do many different types of jobs. The phrase, ‘this is not my job’ should never be part of your vocabulary. There are times when tasks may seem odd, but they still remain vital to the resort. It is your job to do as much as you possibly can. Remember, jobs are not limited to the dock, you could be asked to do anything from run a guest to the landing, help move the barge which is carrying building

Dockside Dive Center on Roatan - Bay Islands of Honduras - http://docksidedivecenter.com Phone: 011-504-455-7505 Dockside Dive Center Divemaster Training Program Page 9 of 11 equipment or clean a toilet. As the Divemaster intern, you must be an active and eager member of the staff.

Sample Schedule: Duration: Divemaster Internship program will last 4 weeks.

Week 1: Begin Divemaster Certification. Work on Dock: Clean rinse tanks, sweep the deck and use the power washer. Assist with issuing weights and registering divers.

Week 2: Finish Divemaster Certification. Work on Dock: Learn how to drive the Red Boat, fill tanks using both the Nitrox and air compressors, overhaul tank valves, and service rental equipment.

Week 3: Rotate from boat to boat acting as a safety diver or Divemaster (if insured). Begin learning the sites. Learn how to fetch a buoy and tie up boat.

Week 4: Rotate from boat to boat acting as a safety diver or Divemaster (if insured).

Dockside Dive Center on Roatan - Bay Islands of Honduras - http://docksidedivecenter.com Phone: 011-504-455-7505 Dockside Dive Center Divemaster Training Program Page 10 of 11

PADI Divemaster Course Information

Cost of Instruction $500.00 for guests on dive package (interns $1200) course materials and PADI Divemaster Application fee are not included in cost of course. Because independent study is required for this program candidates need to purchase materials ahead of time, therefore, they are not included in cost of course. The PADI Divemaster video will be presented during the classroom sessions. 2008 Divemaster Application fee: $88.00, payable directly to PADI.

Prerequisites Be 18 years of age Certified PADI Advanced Open Water (or have equivalent rating) Certified PADI Rescue Diver (or have equivalent rating) Have completed and logged at least 20 dives (60 dives required for certification) Be certified in CPR & First Aid within the last 24 months Medical clearance for diving (PADI Medical Form) signed by a physician within 12 months

Equipment Divemaster candidates are expected to have their own equipment. This includes: mask, fins, snorkel, regulator, alternate air source, BCD with low pressure inflator, weight system, appropriate exposure suit for the environment, timing device and (or ), compass, knife/dive tool and an emergency signaling device (whistle, inflatable signal tube).

Training Materials PADI Divemaster Manual & DVD PADI Divemaster Slates RDP Table & Wheel version and eRDP (electronic RDP) The Encyclopedia of PADI Diving Knowledge Workbook (for independent study of dive theory)

Independent Study Recommendations Read the PADI Divemaster Manual and complete the Knowledge Reviews at the end of each chapter. Read and complete the PADI Diving Knowledge Workbook using the Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving as a reference. Review instructional manuals for the RDP table & wheel version and eRDP.

During the course candidates will be required to complete the following exercises:

Waterskills and Stamina Exercises 400 meter/yard swim 15 minute tread 800 meter/yard snorkel swim 100 meter/yard inert diver tow

Dockside Dive Center on Roatan - Bay Islands of Honduras - http://docksidedivecenter.com Phone: 011-504-455-7505 Dockside Dive Center Divemaster Training Program Page 11 of 11

Waterskill Assessment and Development Evaluation (20 basic scuba skills) Rescue Evaluation Emergency Assistance Plan Mapping Exercise Equipment Exchange DM Conducted Program

Practical Application – Practical Training Exercises Certified Divers in Open Water Students in Confined Water Open Water Diver Students in Open Water Continuing Education Student Divers in Open Water

Independent study is the key to success with this program. Completing the Knowledge Reviews in the manual and study guides in the workbook ahead of time will be extremely helpful. Coming prepared is very important.

Please allow yourself a minimum of 10 days to complete this course.

Dockside Dive Center on Roatan - Bay Islands of Honduras - http://docksidedivecenter.com Phone: 011-504-455-7505