Internships

Our Mission: To deliver a complete and thorough, all inclusive experience, about the daily operations of our business while providing support and encouragement during the learning process.

Your agreement: To acquire as much hands-on knowledge as you are capable from this intern position in our dive operation, identify areas of interest that will benefit your career in the dive industry, and develop new skills during this learning process.

The opportunity to do an Internship with us is one of the best in the Caribbean as it keeps staff and students moving around on daily assignments and experiencing different aspects of island life, dive sites, responsibilities, and adventures.

The day to day operations here are varied and are a breath of fresh air for most Instructors and Divemasters… and in the same way, participating with us as an intern means you have to wear MANY hats (we ALL , do it all!)… no day is the same… you have to be able to think and move fast… as we prepare you to develop into a decision maker and a person that can make things happen. Being a Professional Divemaster is not a position where you just come in and punch the clock and space out. When we interview Internship candidates, we are looking for go-getters… people who are flexible, with an open mind, a willingness to learn. It makes us so happy to mentor students who take pride in their work!  We encourage each individual to develop that personal pride that comes from always doing your best!

The safety of our guests is obviously our primary concern and one of the key aspects we will teach you in regards to assisting in classes or dive excursions as you become a Rescue Diver and/or Divemaster.  As an Intern of Jost Van Dyke Scuba & BVI Scuba Co., all must be extra vigilant in watching the entire group from the minute they get on board until they are safely back on the beach.  We should never assume any tourist has the experience to swim alone or unsupervised, whether it be on scuba or snorkeling.  At times, the anxiety of a tourist causes us to deny them the opportunity to participate in a scuba dive.  This is a decision that only the person(s) on board the vessel can make.  Using your better judgment may just save their lives… so use it if you must!   We believe in solving problems on the surface before a guest gets in ‘over their head‘ and has a bad experience or becomes a liability to the rest of the group! We also believe in upholding the Training Standards of any SCUBA organisation that we teach under.  Never will you be asked to cut short, skip, or alter any standard when it comes to dive training.  We have a moral, ethical, and a professional responsibility to teach according to standards and our customer’s deserve the best in safety and professionalism that the industry has to offer.

If you would like compete info on our Divemaster Internship, please hit this link to fill out our Questionnaire, and we will promptly follow up with you.

Get ready for a life changing Adventure in one of the safest, most beautiful places in the World: THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS!

WHAT IS A DIVEMASTER?

If you are a certified scuba diver, you have experience with Divemasters. And if you’ve done a lot of diving, you know they have the potential to make or break your dive experience. Although as a certified diver it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that you are prepared for and remain safe throughout the dive, a Divemaster can assist with these objectives.

A Divemaster should be familiar with the local dive sites and provide information that will alert divers to potential hazards as well as noteworthy features and creatures. Divemaster internships at Jost Van Dyke Scuba provide all interns with the opportunity to learn all the great scuba sites local to Jost Van Dyke.

A Divemaster is a role model, displaying excellent dive skills and attention to detail at all times. As your internship progresses, you will find yourself gaining knowledge and confidence and skills not only in scuba diving, but in customer safety and service as well.

A Divemaster is prepared; not only do they have all the dive gear they need for a successful dive, but they are always looking to ensure the other divers are prepared as well. In addition, they know their boat is equipped with all required and recommended safety equipment, they know where to locate it, and they know how to use it in an emergency. As a Divemaster Intern, safety will be your first priority, always.

A Divemaster can assist with dive courses, and in certain cases, can teach the course. During your internship, you may be called upon to assist with many different scuba courses.

A Divemaster is observant. If a nervous or inexperienced diver may encounter problems or issues on the boat or underwater, a Divemaster observes the potential for trouble and does their best to avoid it by keeping a close eye on the situation and stepping in as needed to assist. As an intern, you can help out with minor issues, and alert the Divemasters to situations best handled by a professional.

A Divemaster has professional level of knowledge about scuba diving and can answer questions from other divers. If they do not know the answer, they have the resources to find out! During your Divemaster Course and Internship, you will be learning everything you ever wanted to know about diving – Physics, Physiology, Dive Theory, etc. You will be happy to share your newfound knowledge.

A Divemaster is friendly and enthusiastic about diving, and willing to chat with the divers about what they saw and where they’ve been. If you’ve gotten this far, it’s clear you have a love for diving. This duty should not be very difficult!

A Divemaster helps the divers to have fun during the dive and on the boat. Underwater, they help to point out interesting creatures or natural features of the dive site. On the boat, they share in the community of divers and help make the dive experience a special one. Join in the fun and make your divemaster internship a once in a lifetime experience.

THINGS TO STRIVE FOR TO ADVANCE IN THE DIVE BUSINESS AND LIFE IN GENERAL:

Respect:  We treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves.  We do not tolerate abusive or disrespectful treatment.  Rudeness, callousness and arrogance don’t belong here.  Humility and gentleness are traits of mature, kind people that everyone notices, values, and honors.  ‘Good morning’ – is the only way to start a day and ‘Good night’ the only way to end it!!!   (We language, rather than you language).

Integrity:  We work with customers and colleagues openly, honestly and sincerely. When we say we will do something, we will do it.  When we say we can’t do it, we won’t do it, but can express the reasons why in a good spirit of cooperation.

Communication:  We have an obligation to communicate.  Here, we take the time to talk with one another… and to LISTEN.  No matter how busy we are and how much we have to do, open communication goes so far in really developing a solid team of hard working friends.

Accountability:  There is nothing better to express your level of maturity and honesty than when one makes a mistake… and we all do… no one is perfect .  How good it feels though, from a Manger’s perspective, when a staff member acknowledges their mistake ‘promptly and accurately‘, rather than hiding it or hoping it goes unnoticed.  Everyone makes mistakes and breaks things from time to time.  We MUST learn from our mistakes (and better yet, those of other peoples!).  We believe that happiness comes from doing your best, and as long as you give it your best at everything you do, we will be happy.

Excellence:  We are satisfied with nothing less than the very best in everything we do.  The great fun here will be for all of us to discover just how good we can really be. For our clients we strive to make ’each day’ “the best day of their vacation! : it is our daily challenge in the pursuit of excellence   Again, happiness comes from doing your best, and as long as you give it your best at everything you do, we will be happy.. And we look forward to sharing the experience of all growing to be better people, together.

We are looking for high energy, trustworthy, polite, self-motivated and dependable participants who have good organizational skills. Ideal interns and staff are able to follow directives, think on their feet, and jump in at a moment’s notice. We will provide orientation and training, but if you are not ready to have some responsibility please do not apply. Remember we are a tourist oriented island and company – we work hard all season and hustle at scuba diving and running tours- even if it is Christmas Day!

Lot’s of fun…Being part of a great company and team… Enjoying the work – never boring. The people you will work with on the yachts and in Jost Van Dyke and other parts of the BVI will become part of your lifestyle and form long-term friendships. Our work environment is outdoors — with endless sunshine and great opportunities for sailing, beaching, snorkeling and SCUBA diving. The company offers a variety of work ranging from island hopping tours, snorkeling, sport fishing, kayaking and of course, scuba diving… the work is exciting and different every day! The Caribbean is a great place to work and live. The weather is wonderful, the marine life spectacular, the island is more ‘laid-back’ than you can imagine. We welcome you to apply for this life changing opportunity. 

We are proud members in good standing of PADI, SSI, DAN, BSAC & the BVISO.

INTERN DAILY ROUTINE

Our company has been divided in five operational areas: Charter Operations, Dive Training, Fill Station Operations, Dive Shop/Retail Operations, and Dive Center Maintenance Operations.
Listed are the learning goals set up for your internship on each area.

Charter Operations

  1. Preparation of boats before tours and trips
    1. Assist with general boat checks: engines, safety equipment, O2 and first aid, etc.
    2. Verify rental gear requirements and arrange for boat loading
    3. Loading gear necessary for trip (pressure checked tanks, weights, rental gear, etc)
    4. Load and set up guest’s gear (what they brought with them, what they are renting)
    5. Load supplies and amenities (water, fresh fruits, extra fuel)
    6. General boat presentation and cleanliness before and after trips
  2. Role of the Divemaster and instructor during trips
    1. Gear checks
    2. Dive site selection coordinated with captain according to the divers’ or students’ level.
    3. Proper site and/or class briefings, dive and navigation plans
    4. Lead divers on dive site and point out items of interest
    5. Ensure divers safety before, during and after dives
    6. Assist captain with mooring or anchoring
    7. Follow dive plan: planned depths and bottom times.
    8. Assure a safe return to the boat of all divers, and account for all present.
  3. Role of the captain and responsibilities aboard the vessel. Including additional responsibilities when in dual role as captain and dm.
    1. Assure proper functioning of the vessel at all times monitoring gauges
    2. Assure comfort and safety of the guests at all times: sitting location, gear secured, need for water, etc.
    3. Coordinate dive sites with DM and guests, as applicable.
    4. Proper anchoring of vessel protecting local reefs and securing anchor location
    5. Proper mooring of vessel, assuring that is secured and providing for contingency plans (girdle lines, etc)
  4. General Boatmanship
    1. Boat terminology knowledge
    2. General boat handling and navigation
    3. Handling of lines: cleats, knots, securing to mooring balls, safety lines, trail lines, etc.
  5. Customer Service
    1. Attention to detail (boat presentation & comfort)
    2. Attention to guests needs (accommodating for special requests)
    3. Build rapport with guests
      1. Learn their names and use them
      2. Stay away from debatable topics such as religion, race and politics
      3. Keep your language clean and polite
    4. Gratuities: No direct solicitation. We have signs on the boats. Answer questions about tips cordially and professionally.

Dive Training Operations
Divemasters will gain experience on how to be an effective certified assistant during instructor led classes.  Divemaster can lead Try-Dives and DSD experiences with the ‘DSD Leader’ course add-on

  1. Class assignments
    1. Obtain class booking details: class enrolled, participants, contact information, dates
    2. Identify materials needed for instructor and student (manual, forms, equipment)
    3. Meet/Talk with students to set up schedule and times for class and/or dives
    4. Prepare yourself and ask questions
  2. Teaching in Classroom
    1. Provide class briefing and state performance requirements
    2. Assess student preparation and knowledge
    3. Practice effective time management using your instructor manual and other teaching tools
    4. Provide a professional learning environment free of distractions
    5. Secure and properly store teaching materials after each use
  3. Teaching in the Pool/Confined Water and Open Water
    1. Organize equipment necessary for you and the student
    2. Plan for effective logistics and safety
    3. Identify standards to be followed by you and the performance requirements for the student
    4. Provide complete briefings about training session and/or dive
    5. Follow your slates
    6. Assure you have the environment and depth required for experience (DSD) or course
    7. Record training completed after each session as required for the course
    8. Collect and properly store all teaching materials and diving equipment used
  4. Teaching Discover Scuba Diving (Resort Experience)-Pool/Confined Water
    1. Identify the difference between “Try Dive” and complete DSD (Discover Scuba Diving)
      1. Try Dives: in-house/company release only, no underwater skills required from the participant, limited briefing, can’t be followed with an open water dive unless the full DSD program is completed.
      2. PADI DSD: Complete appropriate PADI releases, must be conducted according PADI Standards, u/w skills required to allow the participant in an open water dive
    2. Make sure all releases are completed according to the experience
    3. Prepare diving equipment for you and participant; be mindful of public surroundings and standing gear
    4. Inform participants about how to continue their dive education and/or additional trips available
    5. If full DSD: provide participant with a record of the experience and register the DSD with PADI, online
  5. Upon class completion
    1. Review all paperwork and class documents. Assure thorough and accurate completion
    2. Obtain student photograph, if applicable, for PIC card processing
    3. Input student information on PADI PIC Online
    4. Provide the student with proof of training completion as required by class
    5. Provide information about continuing diving education
    6. File completed class paperwork for future reference

Fill Station Operations

  1. Daily operations of compressors
    1. Steps to turn on
    2. Steps to turn off
    3. What to do while is running
  2. Filling tanks and tracking system for fills
    1. Check the whips are functioning properly
    2. Identify problems while filling tanks
    3. Proper monitoring of filling station while active
    4. Accounting and record of fills for maintenance
  3. Identifying problems with tanks and what to do about them
    1. Leaking air (tanks or whips, while filling)
    2. Valve problems
    3. O-Rings (how to identify problems and repair if necessary)
    4. Expired VIS and Hydro’s


Dive Shop/Retail Operations

  1. Opening and closing procedures of dive shop
    1. Daily routines
    2. Cash and credit card handling
    3. Check out and check in of rental gear
  2. Introduction to Point of Sale system
  3. General retail organization and presentation
    1. Merchandising
    2. General cleaning
  4. Sales
    1. Create a positive sales environment for customer service
    2. Locate and provide accurate price information
    3. Payment methods and processing
  5. Phone handling
    1. Greetings
    2. Answering questions
  6. Reservations procedures
    1. Where information is stored
    2. Forms used
    3. Price lists for tours and products sold
    4. Exceptions and additions  (extra people, special requests, etc)


Dive Center Maintenance Operations

  1. Proper cleaning and storing of rental gear
    1. Identifying malfunctioning gear and separating from working gear
    2. Proper organization of gear storage room- sizes, colors, etc.
  2. Maintenance of rental gear and diving equipment
    1. Identifying problems and basic repair of first stage regulators
    2. Identifying problems and basic repair of second stage regulators
    3. Identifying problems and basic repair of BCD’s.
    4. Replacing broken mask straps
    5. Taking out of rotation broken items
  3. Tanks maintenance and repair
    1. Tank visual inspections (procedures for visual tank inspections)
    2. Basic tank valve maintenance and repair
  4. Grounds maintenance
    1. Assure professional presentation and cleanliness
    2. Trash removal
    3. Stowing items in assigned places
  5. Boat maintenance
    1. Identify common boat problems and solutions
    2. Oil and gas check and replenishment
    3. Cleaning and replacement of broken parts
    4. General maintenance and cosmetic repairs
        1. Painting
        2. Carpets cleaned and/or replaced
        3. Replacement of broken tank holders
        4. Cleaning top and under, removing mildew and other growth

THE COURSE

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.

Prerequisites

      • Be certified to the Rescue Diver level
      • Be 18 years of age
      • Logged 40 scuba dives to begin Divemaster training
      • Logged 60 scuba dives to complete Divemaster training
      • Completed EFR Primary and Secondary Care training within 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 scuba 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 depth gauge (or dive computer), compass, knife/dive tool and audible and visual emergency signalling devices (whistle, inflatable signal tube).  Candidates can either purchase all equipment before arrival, or can either purchase or rent it from us.

Training Materials

      • PADI Divemaster Manual
      • PADI Instructor Manual
      • RDP Table and eRDPml (electronic RDP) including associated instructions for use booklets
      • The Encyclopaedia of Recreational Diving
      • Diving Knowledge Workbook
      • Divemaster Slates
      • Log Book


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 Encyclopaedia of Recreational Diving as a reference.
      • Review instructional manuals for the RDP table and wheel version and eRDP.

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

Waterskills and Stamina Exercises (all timed)

      • 400 meter/yard swim
      • 15 minute tread water
      • 800 meter/yard snorkel swim
      • 100 meter/yard inert diver tow

Waterskill Assessment and Development

      • Scuba Skills Evaluation (24 basic scuba skills)
      • Rescue Evaluation
      • Emergency Assistance Plan
      • Mapping Exercise
      • Equipment Exchange
      • Divemaster Conducted Program

Practical Application – Practical Training Exercises

      • Certified Divers in Open Water
      • Open Water Diver Students in Confined Water
      • Open Water Diver Students in Open Water
      • Continuing Education Student Divers in Open Water

INTERNSHIP PRICING

Our course fee categories below depend on the amount of time you can commit and your current level of qualification combined with logged scuba dives. Please inquire first.
Paid Internship Programs do not include Accommodations nor Course Manuals.

One month Internship Program $575.00

Two Month Internship Program $775.00

Three Month Internship Program $975.00

Four Month Internship Program $1,175.00

Note: These prices are not per month: i.e. if you are here for 4 months, you pay a total of only $1,175.00

 

What is included:
1.  All necessary Dive Training & SCUBA Instruction with PADI Certifications: based on the amount of time you are enrolled and your previously determined agenda with Director.
2.  All SCUBA dives needed to log your appropriate level of training while enrolled in the program.
3.  Participation in snorkelling and eco-tour activities as assigned.
4.  Transportation at 7:30am and returning at 6pm each day to the Dive Center on Jost.

 

What is not included:
1. Text books and Course Manuals
2. PADI PIC Certifications cards:  $30.00 each course except Divemaster, which you pay directly to PADI.
3. Emergency First Response Course (Intern special course price is $145.00 per student, includes online PIC Cert Card)
4. Soft goods: mask, fins, snorkel (you must provide your own or rent)
5. Scuba equipment: BCD, regulator set (you must provide your own)
6. Water, Food or Snacks (Please bring your own water and drinks each day).
7. Specialty Courses and Certifications (Intern special price is $290 which includes
Manual and Nitrox dive)
8. Company Logo T-Shirts:  we sell them to Interns for only $18.00 each. Rash-guards $29s/s.$37l.s
9. Local cell phone or SIM card. All Interns are required to have a local cell phone. A SIM card can be purchased in Road Town for $20 and put in your current phone or an inexpensive phone can be purchased for under $50 that includes a SIM card.

CLICK HERE FOR BOOKING OPTIONS

Comments are closed.

top

  • Company Overview

    Jost Van Dyke Scuba, BVI Eco-Tours, and SAIL-BVI.com were formed with the mission to give each and every tourist the best days of their vacation! We are the only dive center on the island of Jost Van Dyke and have the only day sail yacht on island, and also run powerboat charters, snorkeling and diving charters to the most remote areas of the BVI.