Have you ever considered diving as a career?

Ailsa Laurie takes us through why she wanted to undertake a Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction

February 26, 2024
Jacques Cousteau said that the best way to become a fish is to observe one. Although we do not have gills like a fish, a blow hole like a whale or waterproofing like a seal, diving is about as close as we can get to understanding the underwater world and gain an awareness of its profound diversity.
Jacques Cousteau said that the best way to become a fish is to observe one. Although we do not have gills like a fish, a blow hole like a whale or waterproofing like a seal, diving is about as close as we can get to understanding the underwater world and gain an awareness of its profound diversity.
Photographer:

Learning to dive as a hobby is a great way to do this. However that's only the beginning.

Deciding to do my open water was a combination of wanting to see more of what goes on below the surface but also as a challenge for myself, knowing full well it would push my comfort zone. I remember hearing another student on my course talk about how he wanted to work as an instructor, and dive professionally. Meanwhile I thought ‘not in a million years, absolutely not for me’. However after another year or so of diving I decided having access to being underwater was too special not to pursue into something more, the diploma fitted really well as a gateway for exactly that.
Being swarmed by kingfish, pestered by a kelp fish or a handshake from an octopus are the regular experiences that keep the excitement alive to get back in the water. The privilege of getting to witness not only the rare and special encounters but simply how the underwater world works so cohesively and interacts is something not to be taken for granted.

With commercial opportunities available and marine tourism thriving, taking on a career in diving opens many more doors.  

My First thought was the opportunity to dive in new environments... Trying our hand at drift and altitude diving in Taupo, exploring the Canterbury Wreck and the Poor Knights Reserve while learning more about nitrox blends, as well as the adaptive techniques specialty courses, teach us how to make courses suitable, and more accessible for those with various physical or mental challenges.
Nothing creates suspense on the boat quite like the prospect of getting a visit from larger oceanic species.
Throughout various seasons we were lucky enough to have pods of dolphins and orca stopping by to say hello, Brydes whales in the distance and visits from Sunfish and Manta Ray over the summer to top it all off.

The coastline and nearby islands around the Whitianga and the eastern seaboard of the peninsula makes for endless dive sites
The coastline and nearby islands around the Whitianga and the eastern seaboard of the peninsula makes for endless dive sites

Most dive location options are suitable for year-round diving whatever the weather. No two days are ever the same! With many islands at our doorstep we are fortunate to be able to move around, and find the right location for diving out of the weather, there is always somewhere without wind.

Some of my fellow Diploma students, all so happy to be diving
Some of my fellow Diploma students, all so happy to be diving  

The diploma kicks off with the PADI Open Water course and leaves you with a Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction, and the internationally recognized PADI Instructor rating with 5 specialties. You gain hands on experience from the skilled staff instructors with decades of collective industry experience.

In essence, we as humans do not belong underwater. We are not designed to thrive in an underwater cave, among kelp forests or migrate with the currents. Getting to witness, interact with and appreciate this wonderful underwater world through diving, is an opportunity not to take for granted.
In New Zealand we are so fortunate to have access to world class training providers that bring us one step closer to generating comfortable, experienced and passionate divers who are invested in their underwater office and enthusiastic about protecting such environments.  

Thank you for your support and opportunities Dive Zone Whitianga family. You contribute to creating well rounded and experienced graduates that have gone on to work across New Zealand, and internationally in tourism, commercial, conservation, film and media, and many other sectors.
Now imagine if this were you! Find a new blue office or choose a unique tertiary experience, the career options are endless.

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Ailsa Laurie

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