If you have been following Joe Zeiler – Best Dive Job 2012 runner-up’s story you will also be rooting and cheering for this Canadian lass…She’s had a really rough last few months but her wait is finally over!
Intern managers Henley & Mike have been busy getting Joe “geared-up” so to speak, She now sports the brand new Legend LX Twilight series AquaLung Regulator, and with a wetsuit to match
Make sure you check out Joe’s BDJ winners blog about her adventures at Blue Season, and all the great stories that are part of life as a Divemaster in Bali!
It has been one year since we announced Kenzo Kiren as the winner of The Best Dive Job in the World 2011. In the meantime, Kenzo has come and gone, having spent seven months with us fulfilling his dream of becoming a PADI scuba diving instructor. We now look forward to welcoming Marlies Tumolo to Bali for a seven-month scuba diving internship as the grand prize winner of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012.
Choosing a winner this year was no easy task, and Jonathan and I have been discussing it for quite some time. Like last year, we understand that this decision will have a big impact on someone’s life and while we wish the possibility existed to help everyone, it is just not an economic reality. For those of you who have so positively influenced and participated in the contest, we’ll stay in touch with some special information about developments for next year’s contest.
It has been my personal pleasure to gain insight into the lives and personalities of you interesting people and I thank you for that opportunity. Once again, I extend the gratitude of our entire family here at Blue Season Bali for your support and participation.
Please congratulate Marlies Tumolo as the winner of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012.
Joe Zeiler – congratulations for winning the second place prize in The Best Dive Job in the World 2012 competition. It is my pleasure to invite you to join us in Bali for one months to complete your Eco Diving Conservation Internship with our team here at Blue Season Bali.
It’s time pack your bags and get ready for some fun in the sun as you will be joining us here in beautiful Bali. Your efforts during the competition have been amazing and you should be very proud of what you have achieved. We are looking forward to seeing you again in Bali as you dive alongside our in house marine biologist, Niels.
We will give you a call later today to see when you would like to come out and join us. You might expect some contact from press as well due to the huge following you have in the contest.
In the meantime, congratulations Joe. We will look forward to diving with you soon here in beautiful Bali!
Jonathan Cross
Tom West
The Best Dive Job in the World 2012
Blue Season Bali
PADI Career Development Center 6570
Well, well, well… Today is the big day and I would like take this opportunity to break the suspense and thank everyone on behalf of our team here at Blue Season Bali for all the outstanding support we have seen in this year’s competition. To all of the fantastic entrants, I offer my sincerest congratulations on a contest well fought. As with the inaugural competition last year, we have met some very interesting people with some very interesting entries!
One of the things which surprised me last year as the competition drew to a close is how lucky most of our entrants are to have so much love and support of their friends and family. As you know, much of the program is based on activity in social media such as Facebook. Regardless of the results, today would be a good day for you to pause and give some thought (and even a quick word of thanks) to all the people in your lives who have taken the time to comment here on the blog, on Facebook, help with video production and just provide general moral support. You are some very lucky people.
I would like to extend my personal thanks for the (once again) positive and supportive vibe we have been getting from day one. We will be announcing our second place winner shortly, and then the grand prize winner. Thank you once again for your support of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012.
Tom West,
Jonathan Cross,
and the entire Blue Season Bali family
Good morning from our team here in beautiful Bali. After the first ten days of the month I have taken a much needed day off and we’re now ready for the final phase of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012 competition. Today marks the announcement of our second place prize.
Some weeks ago, we sat down and had a chat about all the great feedback we were getting from the entrants and their supporters in this competition. We had planned to give only one prize this year, compared with last year, but make it much more special. However, we realized that there were too many great applicants to pick just one. We decided that all this great support meant that we should offer a second place internship prize as well this year.
Naturally, all of our fantastic Top Ten finalists are in it to win the seven months of instructor training, including equipment and materials with us here on the Island of the Gods. Well, only one person will win that prize, so please have a look at our announcement for the second place scuba diving internship being given away:
1 month BSB Eco Internship (starting from any level)
It is now a scientifically indisputable fact that human beings are having a profound effect on our environment. On an individual basis, we can all take small steps to start improving the situation, and ourselves in the process. Our Eco Internships can benefit you in a number of ways:
• Eco internships are increasingly important for divers looking to gain employ in the diving industry and looks impressive on your resume. As an Eco-Intern you’ll be involved in the day to day Eco Internship in Bali.
• Eco Internships are designed to help divers put their training into practice in a real-life environment and see how they can be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
• Learn more about coral, fishes and the marine environment.
• Show future employers that you are environmentally conscientious.
• Contribute to a global dataset on corals, marine debris and other marine environmental issues.
• Be a more well-rounded and traveled person.
• Plus… hey, it’s cool.
Our Eco Internships are run by our own marine biologist who will ensure that your Eco Experience is educational, effective and most of all, enjoyable.
For each of our Bali Eco Internships, we include all of the following:
Airport transfers (return).
Four (4) weeks’ single accommodation in a local Balinese losmen.
Five days of Eco Internship diving each week – total of twenty days research diving.
At least two (2) dives each day – location of dives depends on the projects ongoing at the time.
Lunch and soft drinks are included on every diving day.
PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty course
PADI Project AWARE Specialty course
PADI Coral Reef Conservation Specialty course
One extra PADI Dive course – Open Water / Advanced / Rescue or PADI Specialty courses (depending on your current certification level)
This Eco Internship is completely free (normally (USD2900) and is a big “thank-you” from our team here at Blue Season Bali for your participation in the program.
If you’re one of the Top Ten, please post here or email us if you would like to be considered for the second place prize (of course, that is, if you don’t win The Best Dive Job in the World). Tom and I are still poring over the awesome entries from all of you, so everything is still up in the air. One thing is sure, we have committed to publishing our decision on the 15th, and we’ll let you know both winners on that date. In the meantime, thanks once again from all of our team here at Blue Season Bali for your outstanding support for The Best Dive Job in the World 2012.
So now we have the top ten finalists and only a few more days to go until we announce the winner of The Best Dive Job in the World competition. Right now we know the top ten but we still have not decided on a winner. Here is your chance ladies and gentleman to have that final push towards winning this competition.
How? Well what Tom and I would like to see is something unique, something we haven’t seen before. Go out and do something that is going to make you stand out in this competition. Perhaps that will tip the scales and help us decide who will win.
As if you didn’t have enough stress already. Have fun!!!!
Today marks the tenth and final announcement of Blue Season Bali’s top ten finalists into The Best Dive Job in the World 2012 scuba diving internship competition. For all of you included in the top ten, well, a huge well done. For those that did not make the top ten I want to thank you so much for your efforts and tell you not to give up on your dream of becoming a PADI Instructor.
Today’s announcement confirms Allie Keen as a finalist in this year’s competition. You can show Allie your support by clicking here and leaving a comment on her entry. Congratulations, Allie, for making it into the Top Ten of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012. You have done a great job and we wish you the best of success as the competition moves toward its inevitable close.
Like many of you, we had a quick email interview with Allie:
What is the most amazing experience of your life? When I was 18, in love and travelling the world! I experienced things I never thought I would do and had I not of gone travelling I don’t think I would of ever been brave enough to get in the sea let alone scuba dive!
If you are already a scuba diver, what is the best place you have ever dived, and why? Kuredu Express, Maldives. I love this dive site as it is has 2 large overhangs teaming with fish and it’s the perfect place to watch sharks cruising by in the blue. The current is usually very strong which adds to the adrenaline rush.
If you were stuck on an island for the rest of your life but could take only three things with you, what would they be?I would have to say a flint so that I can make a fire and cook my catch of the day, my iPad so I can listen to music, watch movies and play games, and a gorgeous man of course!
What do you feel is the most pressing environmental issue threatening our oceans? I would have to say pollution. As population has risen so has pollution. Cars, boats, toxic waste and oil spills are all major factors affecting our oceans.
What would you say is your most positive personal attribute? Open mindedness – Willing to give anything a try and can always adapt to any situation
If you could improve one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would love to click my fingers and be a size 8, sadly no matter how much I work out in the gym I can’t get that small! The only time I have is when I travelled around Thailand for 8 weeks…perhaps living in Bali would help me J
And finally, you get a chance to ask me a question so make it a good one! (and no, I can’t tell you quite yet if you will win!) Why did you change your life to become a PADI Dive Instructor and what is the best thing about it?
I had to make the choice of doing the nine to five in sunny blighty (England) or travelling the world. It wasn’t really a hard choice! The best thing about it………well I guess that could be that I am constantly surrounded by happy people. You never see unhappy PADI Instructor, plus I get to live in paradise. I am sure there are more things but hey…..this Best Dive Job in the World 2012 competition is keeping me pretty busy
Ok, so that’s it for the top ten. Well done to everyone….now the hard work begins!
Shew waking up everyday the first thing I check on my phone was did I Make it, did I make it ??? and everyday its like a piece of me is falling away … I have been sooooooo excited since this competition started and I really did try my best Im so proud of everyone that has already made the shortlist and I wish I could actually describe in words how badly i want to win It would be the best thing that has ever happened to me ever !!!
Its my dream to make a difference in life and help people achieve their dreams , and come on lets be honest: there is a HUGE number of people who’s dream is to Scuba Dive and I would love to be that person to help them achieve their Goals.
There is one place left in the shortlist and Im praying so hard that I can be that last person. I know I can make a different this truly and sincerely is my passion and I would do ANYTHING to get an opportunity like this. Its like a calling: Diving makes me alive , wildlife and the outdoors make me alive, meeting new people and most importantly seeing a persons smile after a great dive , even after a dive trip.
There is only one place left in the shortlist so I thought well hey let me give it one last chance , I really need this I feel I’m so passionate about diving but its so hard and expensive to get somewhere in it , This would be The PERFECT opportunity for me !!!
Today marks the ninth announcement of Blue Season Bali’s top ten finalists into The Best Dive Job in the World 2012 scuba diving internship competition.
Today’s announcement confirms Alec Hynek as a finalist in this year’s competition. You can show Alec your support by clicking here and leaving a comment on his entry. Congratulations, Alec, for making it into the Top Ten of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012. You have done a great job and we wish you the best of success as the competition moves toward its inevitable close.
Like many of you, we had a quick email interview with Alec:
What is the most amazing experience of your life? The most amazing experience of my life is what I am currently doing right now. For the last 3 weeks I’ve been touring around Europe with my cousin, who is a musician. We have been staying in hostels and couchsurfing for the majority of the tour, and we have been meeting the coolest people along the way. I’ve been filming our adventure to make a documentary of the tour, and I’ve also been rocking out on stage with him sometimes with my ukulele.
If you are already a scuba diver, what is the best place you have ever dived, and why? I have actually never scuba dived in my life before. I have been wanting to scuba dive for years, and that’s how I found this contest when I was researching certifications and jobs in the field. One place I need to scuba dive at is on the north shore of Lake Superior, it was here when I was a little kid that my interest in scuba diving first started when I talked to some scuba divers getting ready for a dive.
If you were stuck on an island for the rest of your life but could take only three things with you, what would they be?First thing would have to be an axe. From watching tons of survival shows I’ve learned that an axe is probably the most versatile and efficient tool you could have. Next would be a hammock, because they are awesome for taking naps in. And lastly and probably most important would be a stereo with satellite radio and unlimited battery life, so I can throw awesome beach parties… for myself…
What do you feel is the most pressing environmental issue threatening our oceans? While there are several things threatening the oceans, such as over fishing and climate change, I have to say pollution is the worst. It’s been going on for centuries and the effects go across a very large spectrum. Also, it is often the most expensive and time consuming problem to take care of.
What would you say is your most positive personal attribute? I would have to say my most positive attribute would have to be how open-minded I am. I love getting to know new people, learning about and experiencing their different cultures. I am always ready to try things that I haven’t done before, and also to teach people the things I know. The world is too cool to stick to the status quo.
If you could improve one thing about yourself, what would it be? The thing I am trying to get better at is initiating conversation. Once I get started talking I will talk all day long, but I find it tough to walk up to a stranger and start a conversation.
And finally, you get a chance to ask me a question so make it a good one! (and no, I can’t tell you quite yet if you will win!) Can I drive the dive boat?
Can you driver the boat?
Ok, so that’s it for today. Tomorrow I will announce the next top ten finalist. Stay tuned!!!!
Today marks the eighth announcement of Blue Season Bali’s top ten finalists into The Best Dive Job in the World 2012 scuba diving internship competition.
Today’s announcement confirms Emily Bowles as a finalist in this year’s competition. You can show Emily your support by clicking here and leaving a comment on her entry. Congratulations, Emily, for making it into the Top Ten of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012. You have done a great job and we wish you the best of success as the competition moves toward its inevitable close.
Like many of you, we had a quick email interview with Emily:
What is the most amazing experience of your life? Without a doubt going down in a cage to see the Great Whites in South Africa, due to my passion for sharks from about the age of 8. I finally got to see my hero of sharks up close and personal, August 2008 best time of my life.
If you are already a scuba diver, what is the best place you have ever dived, and why? This is a hard one as i have been blessed with many great dives. In memory of a great friend Adrian Tiller, and my first cave dive, it would be ‘The Apartments’ off Manly Beach Australia in 2001.
If you were stuck on an island for the rest of your life but could take only three things with you, what would they be?Stone Flint (for practical reasons,) mask, fins, snorkle (counts as one) and Lord of the Rings (it took me 3 months to read in Oz)
What do you feel is the most pressing environmental issue threatening our oceans? Shark Finning would be up there for me as i am a huge shark fan! I get so enraged by it. Of course there are plenty of issues which need to be addressed, too many to put into 50 words in fact.
What would you say is your most positive personal attribute? Patience
If you could improve one thing about yourself, what would it be? My career, become a Dive instructor………..no really, confidence would be the answer.
And finally, you get a chance to ask me a question so make it a good one! (and no, I can’t tell you quite yet if you will win!) What are you waiting for?? (get me out there) ……..Just joking – What would you be doing if you were not in Bali in your current role?
I have never imagined not doing what I do…..I would just hope that it was not doing something away from the ocean. Good question, it has made me think!
Ok, so that’s it for today. Tomorrow I will announce the next top ten finalist. Stay tuned!!!!
Today marks the seventh announcement of Blue Season Bali’s top ten finalists into The Best Dive Job in the World 2012 scuba diving internship competition.
Today’s announcement confirms Dawn Doell as a finalist in this year’s competition. You can show Dawn your support by clicking here and leaving a comment on her entry. Congratulations, Dawn, for making it into the Top Ten of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012. You have done a great job and we wish you the best of success as the competition moves toward its inevitable close.
Like many of you, we had a quick email interview with Dawn:
What is the most amazing experience of your life? Being my sister’s coach when my Niece was born. I got to cut the cord, hold, feed and bathe her first, I think that is pretty amazing because it is as close to having a child I will be and I have a special bond with my niece….ahhhh the miracle of life…. (learning to dive was pretty darn amazing too!!!)
If you are already a scuba diver, what is the best place you have ever dived, and why? I’ve dived some exceptional locations, Cozumel, Fiji & Canada. Bali’s my favourite because I’ve been fortunate the have the best buddy. I met Wally Siagian, who has taught me about sealife, conditions, environment, sites & much more. The best was starting Batu Kelebit & ending the Coral Garden.
If you were stuck on an island for the rest of your life but could take only three things with you, what would they be?
a flint to start fires, mask/snorkel for fishing and another person to keep me sane!!
Ok if I could, I would take all my scuba gear, a compressor and solar panels for power…..
What do you feel is the most pressing environmental issue threatening our oceans? Pollution- sewage, industrial waste, garbage, oil spills, I flew over the gulf, the spill was clearly visible, you could even see the black cloud from trying to burn it.
What would you say is your most positive personal attribute? I HAVE PASSION!!!
In everything I do, I’m positive & passionate. With drive & determination, I chase my dreams, careers & follow my heart. I will jump in with both feet & give 110%. Being friendly, honest & caring while have a commitment to safety and having fun!!
If you could improve one thing about yourself, what would it be? I AM the Queen of procrastination…. if it’s not important & I can do it later, I probably will… sometimes I get an adrenaline rush from the pressure of leaving it to the last minute and can think & act quickly on my feet, but I do like the feeling of just getting it over and done with too….haha
And finally, you get a chance to ask me a question so make it a good one! (and no, I can’t tell you quite yet if you will win!) what is Jonathan Cross’ story? e.g., where are you from and how did you get where you are??
Oh wow…that’s a really big question. If I didn’t have hundreds of comments to approve and emails to reply to I would answer that one right now. Get yourself to Bali and I will tell you the whole life story
Ok, so that’s it for today. Tomorrow I will announce the next top ten finalist. Stay tuned!!!!
Today marks the sixth announcement of Blue Season Bali’s top ten finalists into The Best Dive Job in the World 2012 scuba diving internship competition. We are really getting close to the top ten now…..keep up the hard work!
Today’s announcement confirms Juanma Lopez as a finalist in this year’s competition. You can show Juanma your support by clicking here and leaving a comment on his entry. Congratulations, Juanma, for making it into the Top Ten of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012. You have done a great job and we wish you the best of success as the competition moves toward its inevitable close.
Like many of you, we had a quick email interview with Juanma:
What is the most amazing experience of your life? It started when I boarded the plane for my 8 day all round trip to South Australia. With one final destination in mind, Neptune Islands.
After travelling half the world, 5 flights, 6 airports, 48 hours later, I finally got on the boat that would take me to meet her.
The boat had no sooner anchored when along came the hottest babe I’d ever set my eyes on…
She glided along, strong, powerful, full of confidence.
I couldn’t wait for a close-up encounter, to look into those piercing black eyes.
The location of our rendezvous was through the bars of a reinforced metal cage, 1 meter below the surface.
The first second she swam up close was electrifying!!! It was breath taking, pure adrenalin, big-league impressive, totally mind-blowing!!!!
I was blown away by her deadly smile!!!!
Tinker was her name, she was a 4,2 meter, 1,5 ton pure bred great white shark… awesome!!!
My date with her was undeniably the most amazing experience of my life.
If you are already a scuba diver, what is the best place you have ever dived, and why? Sipadan, Borneo.
The perfect prototype of a paradise island & a real underwater orgy!!!
Turtles everywhere, white tips, leopard sharks, schools of bumphead parrot fish, napoleon fish, barracudas, bait balls, macro life and… the ‘Turtle Cavern’.
Truly overwhelming!!!!!!!!!
Somebody said once: ‘I have seen other places like Sipadan, 45 years ago. Now we have found an untouched piece of art.’
I totally agree with you Captain Cousteau… Hope it stays the same for future generations.
If you were stuck on an island for the rest of your life but could take only three things with you, what would they be?
1- Astronaut food, you know the type, lasts a life time, comes in air tight packets & with a whole variety of flavours (it’s making me feel hungry just thinking about it!!).
2- My surfboard of course, what a waste otherwise… stuck on an island, there’s bound to be waves, right?? & maybe later I could use it to paddle off to my next adventure.
3- My ipod with it’s seaweed powered rechargable battery (has anyone invented one of those yet???).
What do you feel is the most pressing environmental issue threatening our oceans? This one’s being the most difficult one for me.
The most pressing environmental issue threatening our oceans,
where to begin…
– Global warming & Climate change.
– Overfishing.
– Ocean acidification.
– Water pollution.
– Chemicals, Toxic waste and Heavy metals.
– Oil spills.
– Coral bleaching.
How could I possible choose just one????
They’re all as damaging, worrying & shameful as each other.
I’d like to believe we’re still on time…
What would you say is your most positive personal attribute? My positive optimistic spirit: I walk through life with a smile on my face! I always see the glass half full, never half empty!
If you could improve one thing about yourself, what would it be? My money making skills!!!!
And finally, you get a chance to ask me a question so make it a good one! (and no, I can’t tell you quite yet if you will win!) Are cold chilled bintang beers included with lunch???
Only on days off Juanma….lol
Ok, so that’s it for today. Tomorrow I will announce the next top ten finalist. Stay tuned!!!!
Today marks the fifth announcement of Blue Season Bali’s top ten finalists into The Best Dive Job in the World 2012 scuba diving internship competition. There is not long to go now until the top ten have all been decided so if you are not in there yet, it is not too late.
Today’s announcement confirms Uffe Jensen as a finalist in this year’s competition. You can show Uffe your support by clicking here and leaving a comment on his entry. Congratulations, Uffe, for making it into the Top Ten of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012. You have done a great job and we wish you the best of success as the competition moves toward its inevitable close.
Like many of you, we had a quick email interview with Uffe:
What is the most amazing experience of your life? That must have been before I was even born. I got to stay in the water for 9 months;-) No, seriously – I’ve been skateboarding, snowboarding, skydiving and bungyjumping, but my most amazing experience ever was the first time I felt absolutely weightless among colorful creatures and wonders of Nature..
If you are already a scuba diver, what is the best place you have ever dived, and why? The British Virgin Islands, because I was there for 3 weeks, diving or snorkelling almost every day, and I got to see so many different types of animals, chorals and beautiful islands. Especially Virgin Gorda, Sandy Spit, Diamond Reef(nightdive) and the Indians. Awesome diving.
If you were stuck on an island for the rest of your life but could take only three things with you, what would they be?
Assuming I would have to survive on my own: Fishing equipment, a knife and something to make fire. But if the island was inhabited with cities, I would probably choose: a female companion, a toothbrush and money.
What do you feel is the most pressing environmental issue threatening our oceans? Human behaviour! How we overfish and pollute the oceans, and don’t treat the animals and reefs with respect. There should be a natural balance, but a lot of people don’t care or don’t even know about the seriousness of these issues. Ignorance is definately a huge problem.
What would you say is your most positive personal attribute? Either my ability to adapt into different environments, or my way of connecting with people. I am good at communication, and I am always looking at the positive aspects in life. People like me, and I like people.
If you could improve one thing about yourself, what would it be? Tough question. A little bit darker skin, or that I could play an instrument really well, or sing better, dance better? Maybe working with something meaningful like poverty or environmental issues could give me the extra feeling of belonging, like making a difference on a larger scale.
And finally, you get a chance to ask me a question so make it a good one! (and no, I can’t tell you quite yet if you will win!) Let’s say I won the competition and stayed after the 7 months, to work as a dive instructor in Bali. Then after a while, if I found a woman, or for any other reason decided to stay in Bali. Would it be possible for me to obtain citizenship, or a permanent residence in Bali? Would I be allowed to own a house or land there? And what are the terms and conditions for such an arrangement? If you don’t know the answers by heart, perhaps you could drop me a link to a web page that holds the answers..
Big question!!! You can try this website for a load of information about this – http://www.expat.or.id/
Ok, so that’s it for today. Tomorrow I will announce the next top ten finalist. Stay tuned!!!!
Today marks the fourth announcement of Blue Season Bali’s top ten finalists into The Best Dive Job in the World 2012 scuba diving internship competition. The finalists are being announced over the first ten days of March and we are yet to finalize the top ten, so keep on pushing!
Today’s announcement confirms Renay Logan as a finalist in this year’s competition. You can show Renay your support by clicking here? and leaving a comment on her entry. Congratulations, Renay, for making it into the Top Ten of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012. You have done a great job and we wish you the best of success as the competition moves toward its inevitable close.
Like many of you, we had a quick email interview with Renay:
What is the most amazing experience of your life? Apart from winning the Best Dive Job in the World (!!), it would have to be backpacking on my own for 3 months visiting 20 different countries in Europe in my early 20’s. I meet the most remarkable people, gorged my way through so much food & wine and stayed in some unique places.
Albeit, I’ve had so many incredible experiences that it’s hard to narrow this down to one!
If you are already a scuba diver, what is the best place you have ever dived, and why?
Sha’ab Sadd, Red Sea.
It was my first fun dive as an advanced diver & my buddy & I went in search of turtles amongst the bright coral & marine life on our last dive together.
After swimming through a cave & not getting lost coming out the other side, we stumbled across a baby hawksbill sea-turtle & spent a good 10 minutes following it at a slow pace admiring its curiosity. The turtle then swam into the distance & a HUGE Napoleon Wrasse came into forefront! It was a mesmerizing dive but I only have 50 words in which to describe it!
If you were stuck on an island for the rest of your life but could take only three things with you, what would they be?
If the Island is already considered paradise i.e. abundance of food and freshwater then I’ll take a surfboard. With all the extra time on my hands, I may be able to finally teach myself to surf. Next up would be a portable solar-powered radio & for a companion my adorable, slightly mad Dalmatian, Cooper.
What do you feel is the most pressing environmental issue threatening our oceans? Overfishing at sea and wasteful by-catch. It is leading to the decline of marine life, destruction of habitats & the collapse of many ecosystems. It’s a global problem but consumer awareness also needs to be formulated locally in order to start educating people about sustainable seafood/fisheries.
What would you say is your most positive personal attribute? It would have to be my enthusiastic nature. I’m always full of energy and passionate in everything I do. I like to create a happy and enjoyable environment and I try to encourage this with friends & family.
If you could improve one thing about yourself, what would it be? Instead of wasting my time confined inside watching box-sets whilst the weather is miserable in London, I want to be out in the fresh air, getting involved in the community and outdoor activities. Not letting the cold weather defeat me! (Being part of Blue Season team in Bali, would help me achieve this!)
And finally, you get a chance to ask me a question so make it a good one! (and no, I can’t tell you quite yet if you will win!) Would you rather be stuck in the ocean with a great white shark or a saltwater crocodile? And why?
It would have to be the Great White as I have never been stuck in the ocean with one of them
Ok, so that’s it for today. Tomorrow I will announce the next top ten finalist. Stay tuned!!!!
Today marks the third announcement of Blue Season Bali’s top ten finalists into The Best Dive Job in the World 2012 scuba diving internship competition. The finalists are being announced over the next few days and to be honest, we’re not yet decided as to who all 10 finalists will be, so there is still time to make a final promotional push on your entry as these announcements are made.
Today’s announcement confirms Ranjit Joseph as a finalist in this year’s competition. You can show Ranjit your support by clicking here and leaving a comment on his entry. Congratulations, Ranjit, for making it into the Top Ten of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012. You have done a great job and we wish you the best of success as the competition moves toward its inevitable close.
Like many of you, we had a quick email interview with Ranjit:
What is the most amazing experience of your life? The most amazing experience so far is definitely be my first boat dive, during my Open Water Certification in Redang Island, Malaysia. That was my first time ever being on a boat in the open sea, having just learnt to swim a little, i ventured out on shaky legs. The bahagian wreck was just the most amazing thing I had seen, the crystal clear waters, the beautiful fishes, it was just awesome, not to mention being shit scared at the same time!!
If you are already a scuba diver, what is the best place you have ever dived, and why?
Having been diving just for about a year and half, the best diving spot I have done so far would have to be Labas island in Tioman, Malaysia.Though not very deep at just around 12 metres, the series of swinthroughs in the rocks is still the greatest things I have seen so far, the tiny nudibraches on it and the amazing marine life.
If you were stuck on an island for the rest of your life but could take only three things with you, what would they be?
My ingenuinity, perserverance and patience, coz with these three, u can survive just about anywhere!!! oh..add a pinch of humor to that, just for laughs!!
What do you feel is the most pressing environmental issue threatening our oceans? Though there’s been a lot of talk and action regarding the environmental issues about our oceans, like everything else, it does not have much impact until people actually and see for themselves what the damage is, as myself, I was not so environmentally aware until I started diving and realised how just a few degree change in the temperature of the water can just wipe out entire stretches of coral life, all the colour gone with just white dead corals left behind. People have to be educated more, and a good way for that is to make more people take up diving!
What would you say is your most positive personal attribute? I would say it would be my patience and my ability to make the best of whatever situation I am in!
If you could improve one thing about yourself, what would it be? Yeah, now about that super-can-save-the-world power, u say i can have it now ?? :))
And finally, you get a chance to ask me a question so make it a good one… (and no, I can’t tell you quite yet if you will win!) Do u have like a small submarine or something by any chance, u know the ones u dont have to decomp to come up ?? :))
You mean like the ones they have in the James Bond movies? Oh how I wish I did!!!!
Ok, so that’s it for today. Tomorrow I will announce the next top ten finalist. Stay tuned!!!!
Today marks the second announcement of Blue Season Bali’s top ten finalists into The Best Dive Job in the World 2012 scuba diving internship competition. The finalists are being announced over the next few days and to be honest, we’re not yet decided as to who all 10 finalists will be, so there is still time to make a final promotional push on your entry as these announcements are made.
Today’s announcement confirms Marlies Tumolo as a finalist in this year’s competition. You can show Marlies your support by clicking here and leaving a comment on her entry. Congratulations, Marlies, for making it into the Top Ten of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012. You have done a great job and we wish you the best of success as the competition moves toward its inevitable close.
Like many of you, we had a quick email interview with Marlies:
What is the most amazing experience of your life? The first time I went diving my life changed forever. I cherish the moments in life where time freezes and you realize that there is nothing you would change. You are purely and deeply happy. For me many of those moments come with raw true human connection.
If you are already a scuba diver, what is the best place you have ever dived, and why?
My favorite dive so far was my first night dive (Twin Peaks in Koh Tao). I was terrified but as soon as I descended I realized how alive everything was and my fear melted away. My instructor used a special torch that brought out the fluorescents in the coral; it was truly magical!
If you were stuck on an island for the rest of your life but could take only three things with you, what would they be?
An endless music supply that could be played whenever I wanted to hear it! My best friend so we could explore, laugh, and have deep heart to hearts. Diving equipment so I could explore the seas! Since this is my fantasy I decided I need nothing practical and that diving equipment counts as one item
What do you feel is the most pressing environmental issue threatening our oceans? The destruction of ecosystems through both pollution and over fishing is devastating. We need to show the world what is happening and inspire people to change it. My goal is to teach others, help them feel connected to the ocean, and show them that they have the power to make a difference.
What would you say is your most positive personal attribute? I make true connections with all the people that I meet. I open myself up to them and because of that they trust me. I get along with people from all walks of life and enjoy their differences. I love to have a good time and am very easy going!
If you could improve one thing about yourself, what would it be? If I could improve one thing about myself it would be have more of what Buddhist call Samadhi, or being calm and focused. Now and then I get so excited that I am literally jumping around. Sometimes I have to remind myself to take a breath, calm down, and focus.
And finally, you get a chance to ask me a question so make it a good one… (and no, I can’t tell you quite yet if you will win!) My favorite thing about living abroad is connecting with local cultures and learning more about them. Have you as expats found it easy to connect with locals? What has helped you to learn more about Balinese culture?
I think the easiest thing about living in Bali is that the local population are extremely friendly. I come from a part of the world where you don’t normally welcome strangers into your world; Bali is totally the opposite. The Balinese are so happy to welcome people into their culture and show you their Hindu ways. It’s a very friendly and rich culture that you will allow you to absorb the Bali way of life.
Ok, so that’s it for today. Tomorrow I will announce the next top ten finalist. Stay tuned!!!!
I was sitting with my Pastor Today and he asked me ,, What makes me Alive in life. What a question WHAT MAKES YOU ALIVE ?? not what makes you happy and I thought there is no doubt in my mind that Diving brings the life outta me!!!
The way I smile on the boat , on he drive out to a reef, the amazing stories being told after a dive, The SMILE on a new divers face. And most of all seeing how glorious God is and experiencing his Glory underwater.
At this point in my life the best thing that could ever happen to me would be winning this competition and seeing how proud everyone would be of me. The smile on my parents face knowing that I actually got an opportunity like this !!! Its what I pray for everyday!!!
God bless to everyone that has been supporting me throughout this competition so far and thank you !!!
Today marks the first announcement of Blue Season Bali’s top ten finalists into The Best Dive Job in the World 2012?scuba diving internship?competition.? The finalists will be announced over these first ten days in March- in no particular order.? Truth be told, we’re not yet decided as to who all 10 finalists will be, so there is still time to make a final promotional push on your entry as these announcements are made.
Today’s announcement confirms Joe Zeiler as a finalist in this year’s competition. You can show Joe your support by clicking here and leaving a comment on her entry. Congratulations, Joe, for making it into the Top Ten of The Best Dive Job in the World 2012. You have done a great job and we wish you the best of success as the competition moves toward its inevitable close.
Like many of you, we had a quick email interview with Joe:
What is the most amazing experience of your life?
THE most??? What a difficult question! I’ve had a lot of amazing experiences in my life but I guess I would have to say that my move to Japan when I was 21 was the most life changing. The time I spent there opened by eyes to a world beyond my home in Canada; to people, cultures and experiences I would never have imaged.From that point on I knew I’d never go back. Since then I’ve lived and worked in Brazil and Thailand and I’ve travelled pretty much everywhere in between. The amazing experiences that were born from that initial move are still happening!
If you are already a scuba diver, what is the best place you have ever dived, and why?
Last summer I did a night dive under a full moon on the Liberty wreck in Tulumben. The bioluminescents were unbelievable. The entire dive we were surrounded by clouds of fluorescent sparkles igniting, blinking, pulsing and moving all on their own. Me and my guide turned off our torches and just floated in a sea of flashing lights. It was like being in outer space. …oh and there were those 3 free swimming spanish dancers… I heart the USS Liberty.
If you were stuck on an island for the rest of your life but could take only three things with you, what would they be?
Ahhh a question for the ages.. I considered saying “my iPod” but I figured why waste an item on that when I could make my own one woman band out of coconuts and bamboo. I also considered “sunscreen” but that hurts the coral, then I thought “a friend” but being stuck on an island with one person for the rest of my life might mean “friend” turns into “former friend” So…
1) a hat – good for me and good for the coral
2) a BIG notebook and a pen that never runs out so when I’m long gone people will know all about my amazing island adventures
3) a cat – almost as good as a friend but much less complicated…and maybe it could help me catch dinner
What do you feel is the most pressing environmental issue threatening our oceans? I don’t think we can say that one issue is more pressing than the next. Instead, I think that the biggest issue threatening our oceans is the lack of education out there about how our actions affect the seas. Every environmental issue our seas are threatened with are the result of human actions. Being a SCUBA instructor would allow me to show people the beauty of the ocean and in turn teach them to think about how their daily activities and purchases are impacting the sea and the creatures that call it home.
What would you say is your most positive personal attribute?
I’m friendly and outgoing and I’m driven. I put 110% into everything I do and I try to always do it with a smile on my face. Joe Zeiler’s glass is always half full
If you could improve one thing about yourself, what would it be?
When I get super excited I get so eager to say stuff that I end up cutting people off when they’re talking or interrupting them….oh wait…were you done asking your question??
I also have a huge typo problem (as you may have noticed from my posts on the blog)…sigh
And finally, you get a chance to ask me a question so make it a good one… (and no, I can’t tell you quite yet if you will win!) ahhh the pressure!!!
What has been the most amazing experience you’ve had during your time in Bali and at Blue Season Bali?? Why?
Now that’s a hard question to answer Joe; I think it will be easier for you to come to Bali and see what all the fuss is about. The experiences are immense.
Ok, so that’s it for today. Tomorrow I will announce the next top ten finalist. Stay tuned!!!!
Sorry, that is just my delight and getting this far into the contest.
Right, so I am not putting up anymore entries for the competition. Sorry for everyone who sent in their entries after the deadline but you have had five months to get those entries in!
So what now……well, don’t stop commenting or getting support for your applications. I am announcing the top ten starting tomorrow so keep those eyes pealed to the blog. I am announcing one person a day as I want to keep you in suspense…sorry about that.
So finally, I guess a huge thank you to everyone for all their effort so far….the end is close, but not that close!
Why I want to be an instructor? When I was a little boy I looked Jacques Yves Cousteau films. It were my favourite films. Then I have told to myself I will to dive and dive as he and his command. But near to my town there is no sea or any big lakes. There is no diving here. But I necessarily will become an instructor. BECAUSE I love sea! It is my dream! It is my life!
Why I want to become an instructor? Why people want to become instructors PADI? I do not know, but I dream to live under water. You do not belive? Unless I am not similar on man-amphibian? Why? When I was small me teased a goose when I studied at university me called ichthyandr. And I want to teach of people to be a dolphins and mermaids of course !!!
When I had first time dived with scuba in swimming pool of Novosibirsk in 2009 I did such strong stroke by mine fins that my instructor could not catch up with me. After my first dive he has said to me: I see shine in your eyes, probably you too sometime will become an instructor.
October 2011 Hurgada. 10 fantastic days. Moray with large teeth and ridiculous octopuses, serious barracudas and cheerful fishes-parrots, prickly lion-fishes and fishes-crocodiles, multi-coloured corals and many other things.
And in December we put a under ice fur-tree. It was simply super! Water was very warm just +2 degrees, air temperature of all -20 degrees. Regulators had to give hot water because they was cold. And they couldn’t work. They became on free-flow. And we change to bubblemakers!:) To a fur-tree dived groups through an ice-hole. I dived in last group. My suit has iced over also it I looked very funny and I hardly could move.
Recently to me has had the luck to clean swimming pool the huge vacuum cleaner. A brush was such huge that I hardly could move it. It was amusing from outside. But I do not have any photographs
Look at my pictures! I will to teach people from all over the world! I began to learn English only for it!
I real frog, dolphin, sea-bear! And where is my mermaid? I think under sea!
Choose me! You never will regret!
Why I want to be an instructor? When I was a little boy I looked Jacques Yves Cousteau films. It were my favourite films. Then I have told to myself I will to dive and dive as he and his command. But near to my town there is no sea or any big lakes. There is no diving here. But I necessarily will become an instructor. BECAUSE I love sea! It is my dream! It is my life!
Why I want to become an instructor? Why people want to become instructors PADI? I do not know, but I dream to live under water. You do not belive? Unless I am not similar on man-amphibian? Why? When I was small me teased a goose when I studied at university me called ichthyandr. And I want to teach of people to be a dolphins and mermaids of course !!!
When I had first time dived with scuba in swimming pool of Novosibirsk in 2009 I did such strong stroke by mine fins that my instructor could not catch up with me. After my first dive he has said to me: I see shine in your eyes, probably you too sometime will become an instructor.
October 2011 Hurgada. 10 fantastic days. Moray with large teeth and ridiculous octopuses, serious barracudas and cheerful fishes-parrots, prickly lion-fishes and fishes-crocodiles, multi-coloured corals and many other things.
And in December we put a under ice fur-tree. It was simply super! Water was very warm just +2 degrees, air temperature of all -20 degrees. Regulators had to give hot water because they was cold. And they couldn’t work. They became on free-flow. And we change to bubblemakers!:) To a fur-tree dived groups through an ice-hole. I dived in last group. My suit has iced over also it I looked very funny and I hardly could move.
Recently to me has had the luck to clean swimming pool the huge vacuum cleaner. A brush was such huge that I hardly could move it. It was amusing from outside. But I do not have any photographs
Look at my pictures! I will to teach people from all over the world! I began to learn English only for it!
I real frog, dolphin, sea-bear! And where is my mermaid? I think under sea!
Choose me! You never will regret!
By my watch, as I look at it right now, you 34 hours to get your entry in for the Best Dive Job in the World 2012 competition. On midnight (Bali time) of the 28th February I wont be accepting any more entries. It doesn’t matter what your excuse is, that’s the deadline. Last year someone tried to tell me that their dog attached their computer and so they had to send it late. Sorry ladies and gentleman but a deadline is a deadline.
You have all done a fantastic job so far and I hope that you can all be patient as we go through the final process.
Starting on the 1st March, we will be announcing the final ten candidates for the competition. Each day we will announce one of the top ten, in no particular order. If you are in the top ten then you need to keep up the hard work , get more support and who knows, on the 15th March it could be your name that we announce as the WINNER of the Best Dive Job in the World 2012.
So, if you haven’t got your entry in then do it now!
Valentines Day has arrived in Bali and as you are well aware, there is not so much time now before we have to make the really hard decision of who to choose for the Best Dive Job in the World 2012. You might not think it is a hard decision but I can assure you, Tom and I are not looking forward to it! So many entrants have done a great job with their entries that we are faced with a truly difficult decision in the selection process. We really appreciate your efforts to promote your entry to your friends, family and the general public; please keep that up as we head into the home stretch.
We are now beginning to narrow down our selection which is why we are now contacting people directly by email. By the time the competition ends on the 28th February we would like to have a really good idea of who are the top ten for the competition. If you get an email today then you know we are thinking of you for our top ten. Don’t get too excited now, there is still two weeks to go!
So for now, all that is left to say is Happy Valentines day and……perhaps we will be seeing you soon in Bali
Sooooo I have Been trying every single day to not think about winning this competition but thats not happening … I have made a new video which Im sure Jonathan will put up on the site and YOUTUBE Soon I hope … Thanks for all the amazing support I have had s far from friends and family Loving the excitement of the competition and Loving all the videos Diving and The Outdoors are Truly AAAMMMMAZING and God Is GREAT !!!
OK so I went to Sodwana this weekend one of The Best Dive dive sites in the world and I realized just exactly how important Diving is to me
I live on the Thrill and adventure and beautiful grace that diving has to offer I love the people on dive trips and I love seeing and discovering new things >>> I even love just chilling on the BOAt haha weird I know
This competition will be a dream come true for me …. Stay tuned though I have another amazing video on its way … we swam with dolphins for nearly 6 minutes straight , saw potato bass, ghost pipe fish, honeycomb murray eel, silver tip oceanics, turtle and much more
I Love Diving and making a difference and I so badly want to win this competition and i can see how passionate EVERYONE is and I know why.
Im praying throughout the day everyday to get this opportunity
More videos and pictures will be on their way soon Stay Tuned
You may have noticed that the buzz is already starting prior to our 2012 launch, coming up on the 30th of this month. This post is an appeal to those of you how have followed the program to have some input on the 2012 program itself.
Today’s question: Is there anything you would like to see included in the 2012 prize that was not included last year?
I love the people on dive trips and I love seeing and discovering new things >>> I even love just chilling on the BOAt 
