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Nudibranch Heaven

By on January 26, 2012 in Diving in Bali

As underwater enthusiasts we tend to focus on the things like sharks, whales, dolphins and turtles which of course, why not, they are fascinating. Like many people, these magnificently large, intelligent and ancient forms of life spark both curiosity and sheer amazement. Many people, myself included are drawn to the ocean for this very reason. We saw videos and read books on these incredible species and wanted to see them for ourselves. Anytime you do have an encounter with one of the above, it becomes an absolute memorable experience. Each sighting has it’s own unique element making every sighting unforgettable. Unfortunately, some may only get a chance to see these things in aquariums which for many reasons I don’t agree with, but to see these animals in there true environments among nature swimming in a vast ocean is the way they should be seen. I’ve seen many dolphins and sharks stuck in tanks when I was younger but after seeing them in the open ocean, you realize just how wrong it is for them to be stuck in a confined space day after day. It would be the equivalent of a human living his life, never being able to leave his room. I think we could all agree that this would drive anybody insane… Just one thing to keep in mind next time you pay to see dolphins, whales and sharks in captivity…. The same goes for most animals for that matter…

On a more positive note, one thing I have really come to appreciate since coming out to Bali is something called a Nudibranch. Many people refer to them as sea slugs, which is pretty much what they are, but the term “slug” to describe them just doesn’t do it justice. Nudibranch are actually in the subclass Opisthobranchia from the class of Gastropoda from phylum Mollusca. Before coming out to Indonesia, I had seen Nudibranchs in video’s and magazines before but had never seen one for my own eyes. I’ll never forget the first dive I did out in Seraya when I saw my first Nudibranch. (Well, actually it was two moving together which happens from time to time) Since then I’ve become somewhat obsessed with them. I’ve made it my mission to find and document as many different types of Nudibranchs as possible. With over 3000 different types worldwide there is never any shortage. I have had the pleasure of spotting numerous different types with a vast array of vibrant colors, shapes and sizes. Everyone here knows, if they’re on a fun dive with me and they spot a Nudi, you better show it to Kenzo! Just last week I saw one of the most incredible types of Nudibranch, a spanish dancer around 17m on the USAT Liberty Wreck. I was doing an open water course so I didn’t have my camera to snap a shot. ughh! I must admit it is my pet peeve to see a new type of Nudi and not get a photo of it… Oh well. To date I’ve probably only spotted just over 100 different types but with the new found appreciation I have for these little buggers, I always pay special attention to the small things that many people just swim over while looking for the big stuff. Sure everyone wants to see sharks and turtles but any time I’m on a dive and see a Nudibranch I’ve never seen before I consider it an awesome dive. Luckily for me out in the waters of Indonesia and diving in Bali, there is an abundance of marine life home to thousands marine species and when it comes to Nudibranch, you won’t be disappointed.

Time is ticking on a 7 month dream coming to an end…

By on January 17, 2012 in Diving in Bali

Hello once again fine people of the world,

Over the past 5 and a half months my life has taken a turn that has forever changed not only the way I live but also the future path I will take once I move on from the island of the gods. Blue Season Bali’s Best Dive Job in the World contest has more than fulfilled the proposal of changing someone’s life. I’ve transformed from a hard working kitchen manager working his way through school sweating in the kitchen 6-7 days a week, to a PADI dive instructor who now spends his days in the refreshing waters of Indonesia teaching people from all over the world the wonders of scuba diving. The new job opportunities alone is something that has made this experience undeniably life changing but also the perspective you gain on life from living on the other side of the world and being immersed in such different cultures and lifestyles than what you are used to back home, is truly rewarding. Every day is a new adventure and through the wide array of people you meet, you discover things that open your eyes to limitless future travelling destinations.

Many people see the contest as a way to free themselves from the life they have back home but take my word for it, it does so much more than that. As you may or may not know, Blue Season Bali has officially launched the BDJ contest 2012 and it’s BIGGER and BETTER than ever with an even greater prize package than before. If you have great passion for diving and the aquatic world, are full of energy and can bring an even brighter side to the BSB team than you are fit to win the BIG prize. Teaching and learning go hand in hand in the diving world which makes every day a rewarding and exciting experience. Just read past blogs to get a taste of the BDJ life in Bali! So, if you’re tired of the life you’re locked in and need a ticket out, here it is! Enter at http://www.bestdivejob.com/!!! You can’t win if you don’t try!

Finally, as the clock ticks on my time in Bali and I begin to map out my next adventure, I want to throw the question out there and give people a chance to ask questions of curiosity with regards to Bali, Blue Season’s internship programs and of course the Best Dive Job Contest! People from all over the world come to Bali, one of the premiere diving destinations of the world for many different reasons… Want suggestions on dive trips to go on? Have a week to kill and want tips on what to do? Are you looking to do a divemaster program, tec course or the new eco internship BSB is running? Need some tips from the BDJ winner on how to increase your chances for the 2012 contest? Anything at all you may have a question about I would be happy to do my best to answer. Many questions can be answered on the BSB site http://www.baliocean.com/en/ but if you want a more personal response or in depth opinions, feel free to shoot me a facebook message either personally or through the Best Dive Job page or comment on the blog site. Hopefully I can answer everything you need to know and help you make the best of your Bali diving experiences!

Life as a PADI Instructor

By on December 29, 2011 in Diving in Bali

The recent days over in Bali have been jam packed with new and rewarding experiences both in and outside the water.

To start with, I spent my first ever Christmas away from home. I figured I may be eating Nasi Goreng instead of turkey this year but we had the most incredible Christmas dinner over at Blue Season Bali complete with all the fix ins; turkey, gravy, potatoes, stuffing and everything else you could hope for. In total there were about 30 of us who all had to unbuckle the belts by the time it was all said and done. To make the occasion a little more special we had a secret Santa present exchange which filled the childhood void of tearing open a present on Christmas morning. All in all, even though I was a long way from home, friends and family, it was truly the best Christmas a guy could hope for. If you ever plan to do an internship with BSB over the Christmas holidays, not only will you be in under the paradise sun and palm trees but you will get that warm Christmas feeling complete with quite the feast!

Now for diving and the PADI instructor experience.

Last night another fellow MSDT instructor and I took part in a night dive speciality training session. Accompanying us was Course Director Thomas Barrett, staff instructor Tom Mckenzie and new to the BSB team eco internship instructor/marine biologist Neils. We dropped in just off the beach in Sanur at around 7pm following a beautiful sunset and within 5 minutes we saw 2 juvenile harlequin fish, 2 eels and a Spanish dancer! Absolutely stunning! We carried along and by the end we saw so many eels I lost count, a couple more harlequin fish, 2 snakes, several crabs and loads more nocturnal critters which come alive at night. Unfortunately I didn’t have a camera along with me or what great footage I would have captured to show you guys! What a great way to end a 4 dive day in beautiful Bali. Yes, there was some rain, but nonetheless

A couple days prior to the night dive I started my first ever open water course. I had a 10 year old boy who luckily, was a natural little fish in the water. Although full of enthusiasm and energy, I was faced with the challenge of working with this kids 10 minute classroom/workbook attention span. Of course we have structure to the open water course following along with difficulty progression and different things that must be done before moving on to the next however, the order is somewhat flexible and allows us as instructors to slightly modify a course plan. With this guy I really had to be on the ball. All the planned intentions I had more, less went out the window. Luckily the training and lessons I learned during the IDC came into practice and I was able to roll with the punches no problem ensuring that while learning, this kid never stopped having fun! He was a joy to teach and reminded me much of myself in the water when I was young. He also taught me a lot about my own teaching abilities of how patience is the key when dealing with new divers and how you must be able to modify lesson plans while still sticking to a time frame. In the end once we surfaced from that final open water dive and I told him he was now open water certified, the look on his face said it all. The feelings of achievement and satisfaction he felt and knowing I helped achieve that with him was a great feeling and one I will never forget. His parents had been diving for years and long awaited the day where their son could dive alongside them and helping make this families dream come true was truly a rewarding experience.

A thousand thanks to Blue Season Bali for not only giving me the opportunity to become and live out my life here in Bali as a PADI instructor but also for the incredible teachings you have provided me with that allow me to go out and interact with people from around the world and experience the rewarding feelings of teaching people how to dive and have the pleasure of introducing them to the wonders of the underwater world!!

 

Master Scuba Diver Trainer – First Official Course

By on December 19, 2011 in Diving in Bali

The long awaited day has come where the dream of becoming a PADI instructor has become a reality. Today marks the day of my first official Open Water course! Until now I have assisted with several courses during my days as a DiveMaster in training and I have done several training simulations during the IDC but now it’s time to put my training to the test. Over the past couple days I have conducted a few Discover Scuba Diving experiences which were greatly rewarding not only for myself, but for the guest who took part in their first underwater experience. It’s kind of weird to put yourself back in the mentality of how you felt the first time you entered the underwater world but it’s a mindset you must put yourself in to properly conduct any course involving new divers. The more DSD’s (discover scuba dives) you do, the more aware you become of the little things you must do and how to manage another diver more effectively while ensuring their safety and enjoyment. This of course is the most important part of the DSD experience. Although you need 5 DSD’s to equal 1 official certification, it’s an essential element to an instructors training and something that all instructors will no doubt have several encounters with. After surfacing from the dives, the satisfaction you get from the rewarding experience you have provided and seeing the change in the individuals after they have explored the wonders of the underwater world is simply unforgettable! You have opened a gateway into a new world and for many people, the diving will not stop there. One way I see it is the more people who appreciate the ocean and are aware of its complexities, the more people will make the effort to protect it and fight for its survival. Nothing is more important at this point in history.

As I await the guests who will be taking the Open Water Course, Susanne one of the other instructors and myself, map out how we plan to conduct the course. It is a family of 3, the mother, father and 11 year old daughter so we must follow the youth standards and procedures and keep in mind the possible short attention span of a child, especially one who is trying scuba skills for the first time. We have the assistance of Master Instructor Yasu who will be supervising and giving feedback on how we conduct the course as well as possible suggestions and modifications for future courses. This is the advantage of taking the MSDT program. You get the experience of teaching courses but do it with the supervision and guidance of experienced individuals. Of course the key to any job is finding your own methods and what works best for you, but getting various tricks of the trade and learning through other peoples experience is extremely beneficial which is why I think all new instructors should take the MSDT. This foundation you will receive during the MSDT period will undoubtedly make you a much better instructor as you move forward in your career, whatever that may be.

For now I am at the start of my MSDT program so follow in the coming weeks as my training progresses. I will surely post another blog once this course is complete, but confidence is high, energy is high and I can only imagine how great the feeling will be when I hand this family their Open Water certification. I think it is awesome that a family has decided to take part in an activity like diving all together and I will certainly focus on making this a fun, family bonding experience. The key to the open water course of course is learning how to dive but, there has to be a large emphasis of FUN!

Stay tuned…

Final days of IDC & Mock IE…Check!

By on December 1, 2011 in Diving in Bali

Hello again ladies and gentleman, people of all ages!

I believe the last time I filled you in on the IDC we were right in the thick of things, preparing and presenting various in class knowledge developments as well as inwater skill circuits. Before wrapping up the IDC, we were given one ‘day of rest’ an optional day off which as a group we decided to for once enjoy a stress free day out on the boat in Nusa Penida. We were blessed with a shining sun, perfect dive conditions and a sighting of about 6 large mantas. But now back to the serious stuff… Today we wrapped up the official final day of the IDC portion with day 2 of the mock exam. The mock exam basically consisted of a imitated Instructor Exam like the one we will be facing tomorrow morning and the following 2 days. It was one final assessment/opportunity to practice and master the possible skills and subjects we may get during the actual exams as well as one last chance to review the theory that at this point hopefully we should have down pat. The past couple weeks have consisted of many moments of course directors towering over us or behind us ticking things off on their slates as we present in both confined and open water situations. But in the end, it was for the better and now we know when they are towering behind us, they are marking off all the things we are doing right! Instead of clapping after a presentation, we splash the “instructor” which is a really great feeling and fun for all. Come take the IDC at BSB and you too can have the satisfaction of being splashed with praises.(it really is a great feeling) Fun and games aside, at this point, times were tense as we took on the mentality that this was the real thing. Although a matter of one question can be the difference of a pass or fail, all in all I think we have a pretty confident bunch. We’ve had lots of fun and plenty of progress and it’s finally time for the little birdies to leave the nest and try our luck in the big, big world.

In the end, the mock went very well. Everybody passed, confidence was high and we were now mock instructors..(if only that meant something) It is 930pm right now and I’m sitting in the BSB classroom going over some last minute stuff alongside my buddy and fellow instructor candidate, Jacques. Steve just left after a long day at the office and at this point it’s up to fate. Tomorrow morning we will meet at BSB around 9am then head off to possibly the most stressful, nerve-wracking couple days of our lives. The exams run for three long days. Day 1 consists of 5 theory exams covering physics, physiology, general skills and environment, Recreational Dive Planner and equipment. Each section is only 12 questions but this means if you get more than 3 wrong on 2 sections, YOU FAIL. If you get more than 3 wrong in only one section you get 1 chance make up which I’m sure would be the most frightening test of your life. If all goes well, after the theory section, we write a standards exam going through the many PADI general procedures and standards. Day 2 is when we present a knowledge development in class presentation as well as a confined water presentation and a 5 skill circuit. Once again there is a passing criteria, but for now we won’t go into details. Finally if all is still fine and dandy, we move to day 3 which entails an integrated open water skill presentation as well as rescue exercise 7. This is when we come across an unresponsive, non-breathing diver on the surface and must remove both theirs and our equipment while providing rescue breaths every 5 seconds… Not an easy task with surface currents and examiners watching your every move… Good thing we’ve practiced this about 50 times up to this point. So, all that said, I think the Blue Season Bali IDC team will have no problems blowing through the 3 days and coming through the other side as instructors. We’ve worked hard mentally and trained very hard physically up to this point and with the dedicated work our course directors have given us, we have all the tools necessary to pass the exams. For now, think positive thoughts, deep breaths and hope lady luck doesn’t give us any trick questions on the exams…Or else…..

Wish me luck!

It’s Official, the IDC has begun!

By on November 21, 2011 in Diving in Bali

The IDC is officially under way and all 7 of us instructor candidates are in full focus, soaking up every slide show & pool/ocean lessons and feeling very confident as the days roll on. The first official day of IDC was yesterday so we went through many of the main focuses and philosophies and stressed the team mentality approach of not just worrying about yourself the individual passing the IE (instructor exams), but all of us collectively passing. I thought this was a great way of looking at things because not only does it promote the teamwork mentality but it also encourages us to learn through each other while also allowing us to teach one another. One person’s strengths may be another’s weakness, this way we all  can ensure that in the end, there are no weaknesses. We did another exam assessment on our theory and after reviewing my scores, I was fascinated with how much I improved over the past week. Without a doubt the IDC prep helped tremendously and now moving forward I know what more I have to do to fine tune my theory and pass those IE theory exams.

This IDC our group has had the pleasure of getting lectures by the best Blue Season Bali has to offer. Due to a Tec40 course going on during IDC prep, we got to spend a week with Gold Course Director Tom West. Let me tell you, this guy is brilliant! He knows something about everything and when it comes to his diving knowledge, there isn’t a question he can’t answer. The knowledge that guys brain contains really is frightening. Next we have Jonathan Cross Platinum Course Director and owner of BSB. I must say, we are a truly lucky group to be able to learn through the experience and knowledge Jon has to offer both in the classroom and in the water. Today he took us out to Sanur and let us practice being instructors controlling a group of students. This was a very beneficial experience and a great step towards our end goal. With the in water direction and feedback I think we all benefited greatly through this exercise. Finally, we will soon be joined by Thomas Barret (Baz), who has been running the majority of the IDC’s this year and has a 100% passing success rate. Let’s hope this group can keep that streak in tact! Like I mentioned before, we also have Staff Instructors Robert Scales & Tom Mckenzie helping out. When it comes to the help at hand, we got a pretty extensive group of individuals with a lot to offer! They’re always willing to spend extra time either in the pool or classroom helping any of us get on our game as well as show us some good tips and techniques that once helped them with their IDC’s. Anyone considering taking the IDC and or MSDT in the future, this is the place to do it. I can’t say enough good things with my experience thus far and I know it will only get better…You won’t regret it. ( the special IDC lunches are a reason alone to come take the course…let’s just say they’re mouth watering!) This team makes it a fun filled experience that no doubt ends with fantastic rewards that paves the way for a great future in the proffessional diving world…whatever you may choose to do.

Stay tuned for more on my IDC experience!

Another couple days blow by

By on August 20, 2011 in Diving in Bali

It’s been a couple days since the last blog so we’ll fill you in on what you’ve missed.

First off I officially got my dive equipment package from the great people of DiveMasters, Aqua Lung and Blue Season Bali so thanks so much for that. With the new gear my peak bouyancy will soon  be in check and confidence is now at an all time high!

I’ve had some beautiful dives down at Seraya’s Secret a macro site full of nudibranch, lionfish, spotted rays, the occasional barracuda and many other little critters. Fortunately for us not many tourist go to this site (maybe they haven’t heard of it) but it is an amazing little place requiring patience and diligence with rewarding results.

Last night we took our weekly Blue Season Bali BBQ to the beach and decided to have a bonfire with a battle of the sexes games challenge. The games consisted of a relay of spinning around multiple times then balancing an egg on a spoon (not an easy task when you’ve had some bintangs in you and walking down slope in sand and speed is a factor). We also had team balloon toss, cracker eating relays and to finish off a game of waterfall (a relay of downing beers as fast as possible). In the end although it was down to the wire, the boys claimed victory and thus bragging rights for the week. All in all it was quite the eventful night and I’m sure the first of many beach bon fires to come as I’m sure the girls want another shot at the title…

Today we were off to Amed, another dive site roughly 15 minutes from Tulamben Wreck but unfortunately due to shallow tide we were unable to enter past the reef so it was back to Seraya’s Secret. This was particularly exciting beacuse I got to brief and guide my first ever dive! Once again we saw an array of aquatic wildlife including 2 large moray eels, several cleaning shrimp and an octopus. The pictures I have dont really do it justice so you’ll have to come to Bali and check out Seraya’s Secret for yourself… I also managed to lose one of my integrated weights on my brand new BCD, thankfully after some search and recover and a lucky break, I found it on my way back to shore!!

Once again some great dives and eventful days over in Bali!

Stay tuned…

Feelings on coming to Bali

By on August 4, 2011 in Life in Bali

When thinking about coming to Bali I am overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation. The duration of which I have waited since winning the contest has added to the overall built up which makes it that much more exciting that finally I am just hours away from touching down.

Of course my immediate thoughts are related to the eagerness to get in the water and start diving. Everything I know up to this point about Bali diving is through magazines, Youtube videos and other peoples experiences but to finally be able to submerge myself in the underwater world will truly be incredible. Of course I could go on forever about how I can’t wait to dive the USS Liberty wreck or venture around Nusa Penida and see my first ‘Mola Mola’ Sunfish, but for me when I think about Bali, I look at what this experience will be as a whole.

I look forward to the many new foods I will be trying. The many clubs and bars I may not remember the following morning. The exploring and diversity of nature and wildlife I will see. The difference in lifestyle I will be living compared to what I am accustomed to back home. The many people I will meet and make friends with both locals of Indonesia but also tourists from around the world just stopping by to enjoy the many things I myself am there to enjoy. How the spiritual and majestic nature of Bali will impact my life. What I will learn about myself while living abroad and how I will adapt to the culture shock. I’ve always been quite open minded and love experiencing new things and luckily since I’ve had the pleasure of visiting different places around the globe like Africa, Japan, Europe, and the Caribbean I have some experience with navigating my way through foreign countries and learning the ways of the locals by the locals.

Of course, since I am far away from home I will have to be diligent and responsible for not only the wellbeing of myself but also my girlfriend. Thankfully I have the Blue Season Bali team to show me the ropes and teach me the ways. I look forward to taking on the challenge of learning new things both with diving and living. If this contest has showed me anything it’s that if you truly want to achieve something you really have to put your heart and soul into it. Your determination only stretches as far as your motivation and with this opportunity I have been granted, I certainly don’t need any added incentives to truly relish on the experience I have ahead of me.

Everything I’ve heard about Bali thus far from friends, family or friends of friends has been that they never wanted to leave. If that’s the case, then I guess all my friends and family back home will have to come here if they want to see me. The balls in their court!

Gareth Jones

By on February 28, 2011 in Gareth Jones
Gareth Jones Best dive Job in the World

Gareth Jones Best dive Job in the World

Hey guys!

I have been thinking about how to write this now for a while, what can I do or say to really make you think this is our guy! Well here is an attempt anyway! My name is Gareth, that’s a start, from the UK currently finishing a degree in archaeology. Studying archaeology you may instantly have all these stereotypical thoughts about who I am, that may be good or bad! Being at university I have met people from all over the world and have had the opportunity to work abroad. I spent 3 months in the Czech Republic which I can say is an amazing country with excellent beer (not relevant but I love talking about the place)! When I’m not studying I am going out with mates or most importantly diving (andy studying a bit. Currently a BSAC sports diver I have dived all over the UK from Scotland to the South coast, guess what, I LOVE IT!

Gareth Jones Best dive Job in the World

Gareth Jones Best dive Job in the World

So why me? Why do I want this opportunity of a lifetime? Why change my life? Hundreds of people are applying for this and to argue that my life is worth changing more than someone else is impossible all I can say is that I make mean cocktails and awsesome back rubs ;)! On a serious note though, after studying in the UK, diving in the UK and living in the UK I want to get out there and work outside of the UK. Currently studying archaeology I want to work and eventually further study maritime archaeology. Already having a passion for archaeology I want to further my diving experience and introduce and teach the amazing sport to others not just at a recreational level but a professional level.

Being a student and a diver lets just say I have a rather wet and outgoing sense of humour and quite often balls of steel, whether its losing a bet and jumping into the see but naked at 5 degrees (see below right) or trying to be professional when really being clueless (see below left). What I can bring to you guys and Bali? As I said, I love diving; being a near grad student I am hard working and ambitious! I’m easy going and always happy to learn and teach. I hope I can also bring some archaeological knowledge to others and share my passion for the discipline.

Hope you enjoyed the poorly written application! Thanks for reading I hope to hear from you guys!

Navin Sadarangani

By on February 28, 2011 in Navin Sadarangani

I changed my life 2 years back by leaving the Indian corporate world and joining business overseas. Little did I know that it would change my life. Two of my passions evoked from deep within – Running and Diving.

Navin Sadarangani - Why I want to change my life and become a PADI Instructor

Navin Sadarangani - Why I want to change my life and become a PADI Instructor

And I live by both these passion completely.

I have completed 8 marathons in 18 months. And I don’t stop there. I kept running, got certified as a long distance coach and (through my blog and social networks) guide many budding running into taking up running and participate in marathons. This is fulfilling since besides sharing the joy of running, you’re bringing richness in health and enriching the quality of life besides some satisfying those adrenalin junkies.

I’ve heard plenty of how beautiful it is to dive. But after experiencing it, I was marveled by the sheer beauty of life beneath. I got PADI certified (Open Water) not just because I wanted to dive often, but also because I wanted to be close to sheer magnificence. When they say that it’s a much beautiful world out there, they under-estimated that. Because I think it’s a world apart.

I was enjoying diving too much. And I wanted to share a slice of the pie with others. What better way than to live your passion and also it’s beauty by taking it up as a full profession. This opportunity presents me with the right channel for doing so by becoming a Master Diver. And it it could be my dream profession. After all, if one truly enjoys what they live of, they would excel in it’s doing and truly share the pleasure. I have the ability to teach, the passion to usher people to recognize the beauty of another world and include more people into the circle of joy of the world under. But there is one more reason why I’d like to be a PADI instructor.

I have earlier participated in restoration drives in communities I’ve lived in to assist organizations who focus on such initiatives. Nature, a respect for it’s existence, appreciation of its unique form of being and preservation of its livelihood has been something I have vouched for. I’d like to help in preservation of reefs, discovery of of new species / wrecks, etc. that may not just help us understand history, but also preserve it for generations to come.

It would be saddening to see diving only in the history books. My vision in scuba diving stems from all spheres of motive. Get people to enjoy recreational dives, initiate & certify students into the PADI programs, and assist nature to make it long lasting. I would wish to be a professional PADI certified Master diver so that I can give more than I get, and let the general goodness benefit from something natural and awe-inspiring for everyone around. Being a marathoner, I’ve learned that nothing is impossible to achieve if one strives with true determination and wit. I know I will be able to do this through your offering.

Nathanaël Pépin-Coulombe

By on February 28, 2011 in Nathanaël Pépin-Coulombe
Nathanaël Pépin-Coulombe Best Dive Job in the World

Nathanaël Pépin-Coulombe Best Dive Job in the World

Why I want to change my life and become a PADI Instructor?

Introduction to my life:
My name is Nath, and I’m now 22 years old. I’m the second child of five. I have already worked hard enough to own my house which I have had for nine months (so payments are not over…lol). I’m determined, really sociable, bilingual (French – English) and friendly. With the feedback I get from people around me, I know that I’m a very good teacher and leader. People show interest when I explain something, because I can present the notion in a way they like and adapt my explanation to all kinds of people. However, I was not born to live an easy, quiet and slow life. I NEVER want to be someone who thinks his live is miserable. I need to move, to express myself, to share passions with others and to be challenged.

My experiences:
In the past, I was directly in charge of 149 people. I gave courses, using safety at ALL times, motivated my mates to keep them productive…
I coached biathlon to kids between 9 and 18 years old.
I was president of my high school student council in my senior year.
I have already travelled all around the world and I have seen how people, discovering new things and diving are good.

Hobbies:
Swimming, Kayaking/canoeing, Rafting, Diving, Climbing, Skydiving…

I truly believe in life, and I think that everything happens for a reason.

Last session, I studied Sciences in college and I am now looking for a job. The reason why I want to change my life and become a PADI Instructor is to have the opportunity to do a job that I LOVE… not only a job for money, but something that will keep me young and responsible in life. I want to interact with people and have fun. I love to learn new things and travel so much. I want a job that I can do from everywhere in the world, and why not expand the company to make people discover new places while respecting the environment!

Because I’m human, I sometimes need a little push to start something and WINNING THIS CONTEST, WOULD BE MY FREEDOM! MY GOAL!

Dave Hallett

By on February 28, 2011 in Dave Hallett
Dave Hallett Best Dive Job in the World

Dave Hallett Best Dive Job in the World

Why I want to change my life and become a PADI Instructor

I’ve always loved being in and around the sea, weather its bodyboarding/surfing, fishing or snorkelling when there’s no surf. And I’ve been very luck to live quite close to the sea.

My parents have got a caravan in Cornwall, UK, which is right on the beach nearly. So I’ve been going down there since I was little. And as you can imagine, I spent most of my time in the sea. There’s a lagoon there, which on a sunny day when there is now swell, you could swear you where in a different county, may be even Bali !

Seriously this would just be the best thing to happen to me to win this. And this is why.

When I was 16 years old, I moved to London to do a 3 year football scholarship, but unfortunately I didn’t get offered a professional contract, so I had to move back home to my parents home. That was back in 2003 and ever since I have never found out what I wanted to do for a career, which now at the age of 27 is really starting to annoy me and even get me depressed.

I don’t want to bore you with all the details of why I’m not happy and why I am in a crappy job, which I hate (building labourer) but this would be the best thing to ever happen to me. (I better not let the misses read this !)
There are 3 things I have thought about doing for my career. And that is something to do with football, may be coaching or something, but I have done this before and I’ve got to say, I didn’t really enjoy it to be honest.

Then there’s web design/development, which is something I really enjoying doing. The problem there is that the college course near me has cancelled every time I apply because of a lack of personal applying…which I can’t explain how annoyed it makes me…but at the same time makes me think may be its just not to be !

And last, is in the diving industry. Either recreational or commercial. I’m not too sure. But as you know, its not cheap. Ever since doing my PADI open water in the Maldives back in 2008, I fell in love with diving. And makes me happy every time I think about it.

So, I know the chance of me winning this is quite low, and I wish I found your site earlier and not now, when there is only 10 minutes left to apply, but what ever happens Im just going to go for it. I’ve found out how much its going to be to do my PADI Advanced and have started saving already so I can complete it in the summer.

So who ever wins I wish them all the best and I know they will have a time of their life.

Dave Hallett

Ming-Ta Chang

By on February 28, 2011 in Ming – Ta Chang
Ming-Ta Chiang

Ming-Ta Chiang Best Dive Job in the World

If today were the last day of my life, will I want to do what am I about to do today?

My answer is… Let’s Go Diving!

Hi, I am Ming-Ta, Chang. (Just call me A-da.)

I was born in a beautiful small town near the north coast. While I was a little boy playing with my brothers in the beach, diving is the familiar word as the boat, finishing, swimming, tides, reefs, and the beach. But I didn’t give a definition for diving. I had no idea what diving really meant to me.

Until one summer of my college life, I was volunteered in a program of protecting sea turtles in a southwest island apart from Taiwan. Several volunteers were divided into different teams, patrolling the beaches during the nighttime in order to investigate once mother turtles came up for laying eggs and visited her nest. In fact, the whole program is focusing on the life of sea turtles, taking necessary actions to preserve the new born turtles. The most impressive moment in my memory is once mother and baby turtles wanted to come back to their world, they crawled and “dived” into the sea.

After that, I decided to research in the Institute of Marine Biology, National Taiwan Ocean University, majoring in sea turtles diving behaviors. According to the detailed data and extensive researches, I realized that all marine animals dive were for one purpose: living.

Ming-Ta Chiang

Ming-Ta Chiang The Best Dive Job in the World

(Dive for living looks like easy and nature?)
After leaving from the school, I got a job and made a living in a diving shop at Lan-Yu, Orchid island of Taiwan. It was absolutely the best job in the world. But unfortunately, the island had been invaded by many typhoons in 2009, Typhoons caused great damage on the ecology of biology habitat and then no divers would come there again. So , three months later I was forced to quit my job and leave away.

(It is hard to dive for living!)
Now, I have two part-time jobs: one is working as a marine biology diving investigator and another one is a construction supervisor. Although I’m not a full-time employee, I have much time to approach my life goal—diving as frequently as I can.

If there is a great chance to get the best dive job in the world and you ask me to give a try, I will say, ……“YES, Let’s Go Diving

in Blue Season Bali!”

Bryan Amadore

By on February 28, 2011 in Bryan Amadore

Why do I want to become a PADI certified dive instructor…….?

Well, diving has been an interest of mine for the past 30 years. I remember back in the late 70’s completing both my basic and advanced diver certification in Canada as a young adult. It was a lot of fun even though looking back, diving in cold Canadian lakes was not as breathtaking as diving in salt water on the Canadian West Coast or tropical waters!

Nevertheless, the dive group and shop I was involved with made each dive outing a pleasurable experience to look forward to. I must admit, I became pretty hooked on diving back then and had eagerly purchased all of my equipment including regs, cylinders as I looked forward to weekend dives with my dive buddies, even if it was in frigid waters with very little aquatic life!

I remember one time going with an arranged group from our dive shop for a two week dive trip to Anthony’s Key Resort, Roatan, Honduras, which was one of my most pleasurable dive experiences navigating around all the coral reefs and trying to comprehend all the beauty surrounding me!

Time, circumstances and opportunities have a way of changing our lives. For me, raising a family and a developing career gently persuaded me that diving would have to be dropped from my list of priorities even though the interest and memories failed to diminish.

Diving has again become a part of my life as a recently certified PADI Open Water diver through Blue Season Diving in Bali where my wife and I recently visited. Children are grown and there are now opportunities to transition to another career in my life. A work colleague of mine made the transition from his career to PADI dive instructor a few years ago and is now instructing in Phuket Thailand. Drawing from his experiences made me think…..why can’t I transition into becoming a PADI certified dive instructor and start a new career teaching people something I thoroughly enjoy doing!

Do we ever stop to think why things happen to us at various times in our lives…….? I believe my recent opportunity to reconnect with diving was no accident. Taking my recertification through Paul, Emma and Mike at Blue Season Bali was no accident either!

For me, this would be the perfect opportunity to start a new career helping people safely learn, have fun while exploring the vast and beautiful “inner space” through the top notch diving instructional programs PADI and Blue Season Bali offers.

I would be starting a new career doing something I enjoy; diving, meeting and helping people achieve through PADI’s instructional programs, for I believe I have a lot to offer as a potential future PADI dive instructor based upon my vast life experiences, maturity and previous current career experiences as a mentor, trainer, manager, area director and most of all, a leader with great communication and people skills!

Aude Barthes

By on February 28, 2011 in Aude Barthes

I would like to start with a piece of information which is, to me, not negligible. I took the decision to enter this competition 10 days ago. A day after I took this decision, I fell sick. The gum around my wisdom teeth decided to express an ancient hidden haste against the rest of my jaw. I ended up at the emergency. There, I met a doctor, and not a dentist (since none was available). He did understand the cause of my pain but gave me a wrong antibiotic.

As a result, I spent the next 5 days taking useless pills which, one, were fighting against an inexistent bacteria, two, were giving me nausea, and dizziness, and three, were letting the infection spread around in my mouth. When I had enough of my guinea pig look, but also when water became hard to absorb, I ran around in town, checking in all the dentist, begging for an appointment or at list some advice.

Aude Barthes Best Dive Job in the World

Aude Barthes Best Dive Job in the World

After days of brush-off, I finally got accepted at some place, where I received a prescription for tablets that will actually treat me.

Here I am now. Since I have decided to enter the competition, this is the only day I feel good enough to think, write, and make a movie.

Now, talking about this movie. I went out this afternoon and in a few hours tried to have some nice shooting around Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, where I am at the moment. Conditions were not perfect. I wish I had some waves and clear water in order to film underwater and have some nice surfing moves on the camera. But nope. Still a beautiful day though. This is what I am showing. A nice afternoon. I can do better, I will do better. Anyway, it’s almost ready, I just need another hour. But my computer just do not want to be hurry up, and download what I have shot this afternoon.

The clock is ticking and I am tipping this letter as fast as I can. I am begging you for a chance. Please.

Diving is my life.

Aude BARTHES, 22, Divemaster. Born in Reunion Island. Has left school and started travelling to pursue her dream, becoming a dive professional. Although have been told many times she is too short and does not look strong ,will become a technical and a commercial diver to discover more about the underwater world ,and to prove everyone that diving is not about look, but understanding. Does cry when sees marine mammal, for unknown reason. Wears tee-shirt of causes she fights for, or of associations that support it. Member of WWF, Seashepherd, Stop Shark Finning, and more. Read National Geographic and Watch BBC Documentary since she is 3 years old. Ended up in a fight with a photographer when she was 8, the man just would not stop taking photos with flash at 3 cm of newborn turtles trying to reach the ocean. Keen photographer.

Aleksey Latunin

By on February 28, 2011 in Aleksey Latunin
Aleksey Best Dive Job in the World

Aleksey Best Dive Job in the World

I am Oleksiy Latunin. I am 35 years old. Sorry, I can not a possibility to send to you my video, cause I am more photographer that cameraman. Due it, I don’t have a much photo with me, cause, I am at opposite side of the camera usually (look at photo №1 in attaches). In last day I decided to write to you. Very often I come to decision in last time, but it is not mean that me a doubt person, it is mean that my decision is considered decision and usually – right decision. Generally, my idea to write to you come to me early, but I estimate my level of English really and I am not sure now that you understand my “still phrase”. At another hand, when you wrote me first letter I started to pack my baggage in Thailand where I decided to take a DM course (look at photo №2 in attaches) and I was waiting when I finish my DMT. It is happens 3 weeks ago. But at first, something asbout me…

Something about me: I am from Ukraine, country where in winter time (now) minus 15 0C. It is a first point why I would like to win in The Best Dive Job in the World and live and work in warm land. It is a first point why I came to Thailand, on Koh Tao at November and started here my dive master course. Actually, I really understand that my “first point” is not really perfect wave to charming to you, but it is real big deal for me. Before my DMT, I worked in Kyiv at one Ukrainian TV channel like video editor and at some production studios like sound producer voiceover and dubbing work and author scenarios of commercial. I liked my job, I like it now even in Thailand, but 7 years ago I had my first dive…

I had my first dive about 7 year ago. It is happens with me in Ukraine, Crimea, in a Black Sea. Along 30 minutes of dive I met one fish and one crab, but I was enraptured bubbles of air, that came up from my regulator and filing “I can take a breath under water” (Hope, last turn of speech can be to take in account “why I would like to win in The Best Dive Job in the World”). After that I traveled in South East Asia and taken dive courses: Open Water in Philippine (Barocay), Advance in Thailand (Koh Tao), Rescue in Borneo, Malaysia (Semporna). At after and Divemaster in Thailand (Koh Tao again). After that I would like to try myself in diving job…

Aleksey Best Dive Job in the World

Aleksey Best Dive Job in the World

I would like to try myself in diving job and I do it (look at photo №3,4 in attaches). I spend a fine two month in Koh Tao on divemaster course, and already 3 weeks try work like divemaster at dive center Jolly Rojer. I still in Thailand until end of March, and after continue my travelling. My next destination – Indonesia. I never been there before. May be it is a next point “why I would like to win in The Best Dive Job in the World”. And finally…

And finally, I would to say, that I like diving, I like to show for people magic of ocean and I fill to happy under water.

I understand that my letter is some crumpled, I now that you have to many people who would like to win and they, maybe better describe owned reasons, but I hope I have a chance. Actually, sounds good: “The Best Dive Job in the Word win fellow, who send a letter in last day”.

Any way if You will have a some propose for Ukrainian, Russian and little bit English speaking divemaster from Ukraine, I will be a happy.

Sorry for mistakes and best regards,

one of a lot of candidates for a win in The Best Dive Job in the Word,
Oleksiy Latunin (last photo №4)

lam weizhong

By on February 28, 2011 in lam weizhong

Rex Chia Meng Wah Best Dive Job in the WorldJust a brief introduction on myself, been living in Singapore, grew up, work here for the past 26years. Have been helping out in my family business (F&B industry) for the past 8 years, exclusive of the 2 years that i spent in the national service (in the army that’s what we called it here). To be honest i do not have any experience in any other jobs except maybe one or two, but i do show a great interest in this job when i happen to come across the opportunity. It really makes me spent some good time thinking about it, wondering what’s going to be happening for the next 7 months IF i happen to get this job, i am certainly looking forward for this. (I know I’m dreaming but please just let me be, at least till the day u decide if it will come true for me)

Been going twice for diving within 4 months and have to say i absolutely love it! once was in Bali (my 1st actually, took my license there as well) and the recent one in Phuket, amazing experience just within the couple of months, cannot imagine hows it going to be if i ever get selected for it ( minimum 300 dives ommGGG!!) . Will be expecting to complete my advance diver course within the next few days, am loving it, so I’m hungry for more.

Why I want to change my life and become a PADI instructor? If it’s going to be a change, may it be a good and worthy one, like this. I have been helping in the business for the past 8 years, to be honest, if this opportunity did not came along, i will probably do the same for the rest of my life, i know i do not want to miss this, i want something that is different, something that 10 or 15 years down the road, while having my own free time, sitting back and relax, staring in space, i will be able to reflect on what i have done in the past, it must be something meaningful, like being able to communicate with people coming from around the world on the same interest, all the beautiful “underworld” sightings that i will be able to witness only on this activity. At least for now, my parents are very much still alive and kicking, thus i am able to set some time aside to pursue what i want in life, it can be at least 7 months or maybe more? (Can it be extend to something like 3 years? or 4?) I think i have taken a huge step forward to pursue my passion my interest, i guess there are not many people out there who are willing to make this move, at the age of 26 this year i realize that this is the chance to change my life, even if ii am not selected, at least i tried, took me lots of courage to come up with this written entry. If i have attracted you to read up to this point, i am Michael Lam; thank you for the time and consideration as i hope to hear from you soon. (Back to my dreams~~) PS: do wake me from my dreams soon 

Rowan Mintz

By on February 1, 2011 in Rowan Mintz

The question honestly is, “Why would you not want to be a dive instructor?” It stems 29 years back to when I was in the womb.  Born a Pisces, water has always been a part of my life. It courses through my veins, urging to find that ultimate feeling of weightlessness that is not to frequently found with us terrestrial mammals.  I began swimming at a young age, and my passion for the water turned into what some would call an obsession.  My mother created a monster.

My father was a fisherman, where  I was born by the Long Island Sound. Now I find myself living on the bay in Santa Cruz, CA, opening up my laptop to find ways to make a career of something I hold so dear to my heart. I don’t like being caught up in the fast paced life so many consider normal.  I have experienced life on a boat, and that it is exactly where my souls yearns to be.

Now that I have that passion…I can’t stop.  The urge for diving starts in my navel, growing up my sides and down my legs, tickling me with a euphoric sensation. Goose bumps take over making the hair on my arms stand at attention.  As this feeling creeps up my spine and into my brain, all I can think about is one thing; “The shortest path to the ocean.” The world beneath the surface and the waters from which we all have come.

Descending down into the ocean and relying on tanks to supply your air also comes with risks. I am like a sponge ready to absorb the multitude of knowledge that keeps you safe and aware of any perils that I can pass on to others. The ocean is so much larger than us and deserves our respect.

We are the future.  We are the ones who can save our oceans from destruction by simply sharing our love, knowledge and enthusiasm to those we come in contact with. I want to be a part of saving our waters for future dreamers. I want to be the person to reveal to others the wonders of swimming the depths in the radiant underwater illuminescent gardens of coral.

Becoming a dive instructor is the first step in making this dream become a reality.  Being able to learn and teach in an environment that I hold sacred, while living in one of the most spiritual places on earth is what I am working towards. This path I have wanted for years. Even now, as I close my eyes…I can see the excitement on people’s faces after a good dive. That alone is enough to make me smile.

Gregor Fabikan

By on January 29, 2011 in Gregor Fabikan
Gregor Fabikan Best Dive Job in the World Application

Gregor Fabikan Best Dive Job in the World Application

Hi my name is Greg, I am from Austria,
21 years old and I want to live for better days!

That’s the reason why I want this amazing job!
I love diving, surfing and of course Bali too!
For me the worlds best combination of sport, fun and living.
Me and my Girlfriend want to go abroad and therefore I am looking for something to make that true.

I did my OWD course last year and I was totally stoked of it. After diving in the Maldives I decided to become dive master and make my hobby to my job, because I want to live the way I like.
I’ve been two times before in Bali and I always wished and dreamed to stay there again, but longer than 3 weeks.
It’s such an amazing island and culture and I think it’s the very best place to be, because Bali has just everything to offer.
Nice people, weather, waves, vulcanos, delicious food and much more things.

For me the best place is in the water. When I am in this awesome element of pure nature I am the happiest people on earth and my mind is totally free of any troubles or things which I really don’t want to think on it.
I am only concentrating of what I am doing and that makes me relax and feel free.
It’s like you are diving out of the “Truman show”!
No others who make you busy, just another world much beautiful and interesting than ours.
I am always fascinated when this colourful world surrounds me.
When I see animals which are as big as me or maybe bigger than me, I am always so fascinated of these creatures.
Just sitting and looking at the water is a special feeling.

I also want to do something for the environment and I think diving is not a bad idea to show people what is going to die in cause of pollution.
It would be very sad if we lost this amazing world.

Gregor Fabikan Best Dive Job in the World Application

Gregor Fabikan Best Dive Job in the World Application

I like travelling and I wish that I can see most places on earth. Our world is still beautiful and we should take the chance to enjoy and explore it and I think diving is a really good way to do that.

I often thought about jobs which would be possible for me to do in another country like Bali and I really think that diving is the best I can do, because I like it so much and I’m also good in it.
Playing basketball since I was ten helped me to get team spirit. I like to work with other people, because there are always new and interesting things to learn from different ways of life.

Diving is also a very expensive hobby, that’s also a reason why I want to do it as my job.

If I should win this chance I’ll give my best to make my dream come true.

Stop dreaming, start living!
Best regards,
Greg

Stepan Shulga

By on January 28, 2011 in Stepan Shulga

Stepan Shulga Best Dive Job in the World Application

Stepan Shulga Best Dive Job in the World Application

Hello! My name is Stepan Shul’ga. I am 29. I live in Donetsk, the city in eastern Ukraine. I work as an announcer at a magnificent football stadium, as a DJ on the radio and an anchorman on the culinary TV show. For a number of reasons I dream of changing my life once and forever by becoming a PADI instructor.

  1. I would very much like to dive every day, though I don’t have such possibility. You are welcome to watch my video here
  2. My friends. They support me in my every undertaking, they do so even now. It’s been long since  I promised to instruct many of them on diving shortly, so I should keep my word. I am confident that with your assistance I will never disappoint their expectations.
  3. My parents. They are wonderful people, they truly love me, however they still keep telling me that diving can hardly become my profession. I strive to disprove it.
  4. Another significant yet not most serious reason is that it is absolutely freezing in my city now, with no chance to tan. I would be happy to change warm gloves for sunscreen.

Being serious, I am endlessly thankful to my instructor. That’s ALEXEY BAYSTRUCHENKO (No.635670).  He opened up alternative reality to me, the splendid underwater universe. Everything connected with diving – which seems quite clear to me now – I learnt from my instructor. By the way, it was him who gave me the web link to this contest. I cannot let my mentor down, I’d rather out perform him. In fact, for me there is no bigger responsibility and joy in the world than the possibility to open the undersea wonders to the people from every part of the world, to instruct them on diving and enjoy it. Everyone who has ever got acquainted with mysterious and silent depths was always grateful to the instructor. So there is a chance of making a lot of people happy by becoming the PADI professional. I am fully ready to take responsibility and enjoy it at the same time, being the very reason why I may well deserve this job.

Just a few words about myself: I am fond of people as much as they are fond of me. J I just love diving as a lifestyle.

Russian and Ukrainian are my native languages; I speak fluent English and a little Spanish.

Over 100 logged dives, PADI AOWD certificate plus experiences of the Black Sea, Red Sea and the Mediterranean. So, there are just a few oceans still left to discover for the peace of mind.

Please do not hesitate to add me up to your Facebook friends.

It will make it easier for you to read my notes about Bali J

Thanks for your time,

Stepan.

Lily Wolfe

By on January 27, 2011 in Lily Wolfe

Why I want to be a diving instructor

by Elizabeth Wolfe

My first diving experience in 2006 was thanks to my Grandparents who surprised me and my brothers with an OWD course in Spain, where I lived with my family at the time. After I had completed the course, my Divemaster asked why I didn’t look for a career in diving. He seemed impressed with my quick learning and thought that I could become a brilliant instructor some day. This was something that I had never thought about, yet since he said that I just couldn’t keep the thought out of my head.

When I was 18 in 2009 I moved to Germany on a gap year to work as a nanny. I found a dive shop in Hamburg, walked in and my first words were “I want to be a diving instructor”. Since then I have stayed in Germany to work and fund my dream. Everything I have done since then has been to do with making my dive instructor dream come true. The costs of such a dream make it very hard work to fund, but it would never hold me back. To win this opportunity would just complete my life and help me to fast track my inevitable destiny.

I want to become a diving instructor because I want to show other people the wonder of scuba diving… I want to be the reason why other people decide to continue a life of diving.

This is me: – Some people live off the air, I live off water..

Lily Wolfe Best Dive Job in the World

Lily Wolfe Best Dive Job in the World

Joseph Nowak

By on January 24, 2011 in Joseph Nowak
Joseph Nowak Best Dive Job in the World

Joseph Nowak Best Dive Job in the World

Life happens, but then at some point, you can re-create yourself. When I was 50, I decided that life was not yet done. So rather than being 50 years old, I decided that I was merely celebrating 25, again. I learned to dance, to swim a mile, and to bench-press my own weight. I learned to surf. I learned to scuba dive. Now that I am 30 for the second time, I considered going back to school. But, I decided that yet another Master’s would not be self re-invention, merely a repeat. So, when my local dive shop offered a PADI Dive Master Course, I took the giant stride entry. I don’t have to do this. I am happily married, live in Philadelphia. I have a respectable and responsible career as an Investment Manager. I speak a number of languages and travel extensively. Life is fine, if I am 60.

But if I am 30 for the second time, then re-invention is possible.

I remember my first dive, in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua where I learned to dive. As I sat on the side of the bobbing boat, wearing 40lbs of gear, on a beautiful day, looking at the distant coastline, and breaking waves, feeling very queasy, I thought, “what the hell am I doing here?” Then though my mind came the lines, “if you tumble through the raging waters of the sea, you will not drown. Be not afraid. I am with you always.” Yes, it is part of a church hymn. My scuba instructor, Mark McKaye was next to me. Reassured, hand on mask and reg, other hand on weight belt, I back rolled into the Pacific. WOW.

Now 3 years later, I am a PADI Master Scuba Diver. Thank you Mark, who taught me to dive, Georgia King, Quepos CR, who taught me Rescue Diver and how to help people, Dick Walker in Utila, HN who taught me Wreck Diving and prefect buoyancy, Niels Jorisson, Curacao, who taught me how to breath to extend my dive times and all of the other divers and surfers in Central America who taught me so much more about life, while having fun.

And a special thanks to Derek Freres, in Philadelphia, my IDC Instructor, who is making me a much better diver and a dive master, and who taught me to laugh under water. All people with passion for diving and for life, who give such great joy to the people they train. The sheer joy of the first dive and the hundredth dive, the elation of each new skill learned and improved, the beauty and adventure of each dive site. “Do unto others”. Clearly, Investment Managers earn way more money than Scuba Instructors. But Scuba Instructors both in what they give as well as receive, generate far greater value. Bali would be a complete metamorphosis to offer the skills, grace and beauty of diving to so many fellow travelers.

Stephanie

By on January 24, 2011 in Stephanie

It’s been 10 days since my video was posted online…
Now it’s maybe time to say a few words about me!

What you need to know is quite simple : I love life!!! And I do everything I can to LIVE. Live in its deepest sense.
My secret is simple : being able to listen to myself and follow my heart…
It might be scary sometimes, because it might lead out of the “normal” life one should have… but my priority is to make choices that are always consistent with my values.

This is what I did when I decided to cross West Africa by land, when I crossed China and Russia by train, or travelled for another year in Asia.
This is what I did when I decided to fight against child sexual abuse in Cambodia, work with refugees, or visit prisonners of war in areas of conflict.
This is also what I recently did when I decided to turn towards a new career after I discovered scuba diving.

I just came home from my last mission and am leaving to Belize in a few days for a volunteering project in marine conservation.

I studied management and speak five languages (French, English, German, Spanish and Dutch).
I’m sensitive to people’s mood and needs.
I’m spontanous and honest but diplomatic.
I love challenges. I love having to adapt to sudden changes, and I’m good at it.
People say I’m fun and funny.
I’m curious and love to discover new things, new cultures, new environments.

And last but not least, I’m a mermaid, I need to go home!!!!
You can even sing the following song to support me (sing to the tune of Hit the road Jack): “I’m a mermaid, I need to go home, pick me pick me pick me pick me!”
:-)

See you soon maybe!
If not, may you all be happy and able to pursue your dreams!

Steph

David Bizant

By on January 22, 2011 in David Bizant

Dave Bizant - Best Dive Job Application

Dave Bizant – Best Dive Job Application

“Why I want to change my life and become a PADI scuba Instructor”

Hi! I’m Dave Bizant, I live and breathe scuba diving! Diving has challenged and rewarded me from my Open Water Course in 2006 through to my current Divemaster program in 2011. My dream is to live and work diving so I can open the door for others to see the amazing creatures and diversity of life living under the waves.

Home: Canberra, Australia. University: James Cook University, Townsville Australia. Money: Horse Racing! I work in a betting agency! What I do: Dive for work or work to Dive, It’s one or the other. What I enjoy: Watching a stressed or anxious diver become settled enough to start pointing at fish in amazement.

Looking at the competition it seems unlikely that a soon to finish Uni student who seems to go diving quite regularly would be a good choice for such an awesome opportunity. I guess the reasons I should win would be my commitment to the students I would eventually be teaching. As a PADI instructor I would strive to be the best, safest and most fun instructor out there! Diving is meant to be fun so an instructor with a positive attitude and commitment to the PADI ideals and standards provides a great intro into the

sport and culture of diving. My Blog skills and photography skills are the other bonus, I think I can tell a half decent yarn and I know I can take some all right photos (as you can see hopefully). So they are my winning features hopefully they can get me over the line, if not will see you in the water some time!

Dave Bizant - Best Dive Job Application

Dave Bizant – Best Dive Job Application

Attempting to enter the correct mindset of a PADI professional is my most recent challenge, It is not only dive skills, ability and physical fitness that make a great Dive Instructor, It’s the interpersonal skills, role modeling and ability to inspire the students to want to learn new skills whilst reassuring them and making them feel safe and ultimately competent underwater.

How much of this comes from natural talent or can be learned I’m unsure. I desperately strive and hope I can achieve this.

A Rescue diver gets the itch to teach: Buddied with a novice diver, an older lady who does not seem confident, The skipper prepares her as I enter the water. I yell from the water “Check her BCD has air in it”, no response, is he testing me? Is he testing her? She hits the cold water, instantly her hand goes up waving side to side, something’s not right. I grab her tank valve, inflate her BCD fully and reassure her. Her breathing slows as I tow her to the anchor chain and we easily descend down the line into the big blue for two fantastic clear dives. A great sense of achievement fills me.

Sincerely

Dave Bizant

Jeremia

By on January 21, 2011 in Jeremia
Jeremia Best Dive Job Application

Jeremia Best Dive Job Application

Yuhuu! I’m Jeremia Sir Nindyo Mamola Sembiring Brahmana, but you can call me Jeremia, a passionate 23 years old junior architect and technical secretary at my university. Next month I would graduate as a bachelor in architecture!

I love nature, be it sea, mountain, or jungle, etc. I like hiking, mountaineering, camping, climbing, biking, swimming, photography and many others (i always wear short pants in these occasions, rain or shine). I’m an open minded and easy going person. I’m used to working under pressure and tension. I fancy challenges, especially in outdoor activities. I like to learn about something new, included surfing and cultures (from what i saw and learn, Balinese culture are really unique)!

Just like i love nature, i love to nurture. Long ago, i had a dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher. Hard to believe eh? I find it interesting just imagining the process of passing my knowledge to others and watch their progress like a child grow. THAT would be fun!

Jeremia Best Dive Job Application

Jeremia Best Dive Job Application

Now, i’m an open water scuba diver. I took the course last year on Pramuka Island and it was amazing. After coming back from the trip, i started planning a lot of dive trips (well, most of which aren’t entirely feasible), watching dive videos (especially the one where a diver swam through his own bubble ring, i’d like to try that too!). Lately, i’ve been spending a lot of time reading books related to marine life especially “Ocean” (foreword by Fabien Cousteau himself). All these videos and books give me the urge to go dive and dive! Lack of moisture and salt on my body is giving an itch in my skin because of its dryness and blandness!

As an Indonesian, I feel sad at the fact that there are so many people (including Indonesian themselves) who aren’t aware of the beauty of Indonesia’s seas (including Bali of course). If I become a PADI instructor, I can introduce the seas and it’s marine life to people, so they could understand, aware, and in turn care about them (most of all, enjoys being part of it!).

If i should win this, the first persons to be trained by me would be my parents. From my first dive I’ve promised myself that I wouldn’t let them be without ever knowing the wonder of underwater life.

If you ask me, why should I win? The answer is clear. This is my calling, vocation, to enjoy the underwater world, teaching others about marine life and encourage them to care about the sea. For I am the person that really (-really) loves the sea.

What i love is:

her breeze, that brings up her soft sweet scent;

her horizon, where true love meets forever;

her wave, that forms her beautiful surface and  the grand orchestra of rippling sound;

her brine, that warms my blood at day and sends chill down my spine at night;

her underwater life, that reminds me of my passion and my long lost fantasy.

Ocean…

Nicole Bradon

By on January 19, 2011 in Nicole Bradon

Nicole Bradon Best Dive Job Application

Nicole Bradon Best Dive Job Application

My name is Nicole Louise Bradon, I’m twenty one years old and I feel like every moment I spend in my home town is spent existing, rather than living. In the summer of 2010, I spent one month in Guidel, France where I fell in love once again with the beach there, watching the surfers and hoping to have a beach life as my “everyday life” eventually. After coming home for a month, I booked an interrail ticket, took off and backpacked around Europe for another month, travelling parts of Croatia, Italy, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, France and The Netherlands.

I love beautiful places that inspire me, challenge me and satisfy me. There is so much I want to see, Bali is top of my list and this opportunity would blow my mind. I’ve always wanted to learn to scuba dive and thought I would probably learn when I finally get to travel Australia. To learn and become an instructor in Bali is on another level! l’d love to learn to surf too!

I want to change my life because I am a waitress in Grays, Essex and it doesn’t inspire, challenge or satisfy me. Grays is exactly how it sounds, grey. Every day is mundane. As much as it will always be “home”, I don’t want to flitter my life away, wake up in years to come and feel like I didn’t atleast try out for every opportunity possible. I remember an assembly I once had in secondary school, it sounds a bit corny but I think I will remember what this teacher said for the rest of my life, he had a world map and told us “there is a huge world out there and don’t waste your life in just one corner of it”, I see people that are content to live their life in this one corner of it and that’s fine for them but it isn’t enough for me. Since finishing college three years ago, I haven’t been sure at any point of what career I want, or particularly need, all I have

Nicole Bradon Best Dive Job Application

Nicole Bradon Best Dive Job Application

known is that I want to travel, and settle somewhere beautiful and find the right job along the way. The chance to be a PADI Instructor in Bali is the ultimate for me, an amazing job in an amazing place.

About me? I’m a friendly person, a go-with-the-flow type, I laugh all the time, I’m quietly ambitious, I’m passionate and sometimes fiery, I love music and people, I love new experiences, new food, new cultures. Eggs make me sneeze. I love summer and the sun, the way it makes every one seem friendlier and the way every one looks better with a tan! I have a gap in my front teeth, which is supposed to be lucky… I’m still waiting to find out if that’s true. I don’t know if I am the most deserving person in the world for this opportunity, but I know every part of me wants this.

Steve Fitzpatrick

By on January 15, 2011 in Steve Fitzpatrick

Hello, my name is Steve Fitzpatrick and my one true passion in life has always been the ocean. I’m 20 years old and currently a student of State University at Oneonta in New York. I’m majoring in mass communications because I want to work on and eventually produce nature documentaries. My strong points include being hard-working, friendly, and the ability to grow a gnarly beard at will.

Steve Fitzpatrick Best Dive Job Application

Steve Fitzpatrick Best Dive Job Application

I’ve been captivated by the ocean since I was 3 years old when my father first took me out fishing on his boat in the Long Island Sound. Since then we have managed to make it far offshore to the continental shelf and have encountered populations of large pelagic marine life. Unfortunately New York is too cold to be out on the water for a huge portion of the year, so I’m forced to sit back and endure a cold winter with no ocean to quench my thirst.

Ever since I started diving just a few years ago I’ve had some of the most amazing experiences of my life. My most intense diving moment would have to be a shark dive I did in the Bahamas where Caribbean reef sharks surrounded my dive group to feed and even occasionally bumped into me. No matter how intense, every dive I’ve been on has ended with an indescribable feeling of peace, and as a PADI Instructor I would be able to share this feeling with the world.

I began filming my experiences on the water in hopes of creating videos that will show the beauty of the marine world to people who otherwise never would have been able to see it for themselves. As a PADI dive instructor I would be able to go one step further and be responsible for showing my students the ocean’s allure first hand. I believe if we can show as many people as possible what this world has to offer, we can gain support towards protecting it for future generations to enjoy, just as we do today.

Everyone wants a career that they love going to everyday and I’m no different, but regardless of this contest’s outcome I will keep pushing towards my goal of living my life on the ocean. I plan on continuing my diving as soon as possible and even starting a video blog about my aquatic adventures. What better place to start then Bali? So choose me to win the best dive job in the world and give me the chance to change my life and show people the best way to experience the world that I love. You won’t be disappointed!

Liz

By on January 14, 2011 in Liz

Liz from Medan, Best Dive Job in the World ApplicationFrom the moment I received the email about the best dive job in the world, I knew this is it, the job that can change my life, for whole my life I just lived ordinary life, so hey I need something new, something that I don’t need to sit behind desk for 8 hours, I need some challenging, some adventure if I may say, because stay in bali for 7months is a challenge I would love to!

So Let me introduce myself, I’m Lilis, everybody call me LIZ, I’m from Medan, Indonesia, I’ve been working since I’m graduate from University, nothing “wow” if I may say in my job. now I’m 27 years old, my friends always said I’m an active girl, they said I need a job where I could express myself, something fill with adventure plus a challenge, something that make me didn’t feel any bored!

and now Let me tell you why I deserve this best job ever, because I love travelling (who doesn’t eh?) especially to exotic places like Bali, beside that I love water, not just water that we used to drink, I mean about ocean and the stuff. I just wish I could live and work near beaches and dive all the time!!

Maybe you and the team going to hear this a lot in another entry and lack of Diving skill but HEY!! I want to say it out LOUD! I’m keen to learn, full of fun, and off course full of Passion!! And I really want to get this job, coz I really need some changes in my life and I already know what I want do with my hobbies and I want my hobbies be part of my job such as DIVING!

Juan Manuel Lopez

By on January 14, 2011 in Juan Manuel Lopez

Hi!

Juan Manual Lopex Best Dive Job in the World Application

Juan Manual Lopex Best Dive Job in the World Application

My name is Juan Manuel Lopez (Juanma).

I’m Spanish and live in Canary Islands, Spain,

I’m 41 years old and I have 2 children, Javi, 6, and Eva, 2.

My job: Air Traffic Controller. My passion: Scubadiving. My paradise: Bali.

… and I really want to change my life!

After travelling to Bali seven times, the idea of calling Bali home just keeps buzzing in my head. For a while now, I just can’t stop picturing me and my family living there.

I love everything about Bali and I consider it the perfect place for me to work and enjoy life and for my children to grow up in. I’m even learning Bahasa Indonesia!

I love scuba diving, it has become my passion. I just can’t get enough of it. I’m a PADI Divemaster and I have logged around 500 dives in many places throughout the world. I like underwater photography too.

These pictures are just a sample of what you can find in my website: www.scubaplanet.es

Honestly, a scubadiving job in Bali would be my dream come true!

Actually, I had already started seriously to look into finding ‘that’ job and moving to Bali…and then I found you!, I thought: ‘I can’t believe it, just what I’m looking for!’

I consider myself a very energetic person, not afraid of challenges, enthusiastic and friendly. I’m always ready to enjoy the good and simple things in life, playing with my children, a beer with a friend, a nice sunset, a good dive, or an afternoon at the beach, for instance, surfing in Kuta Beach (surfing is my other passion).

… I’m absolutely ready for a change… the change!

Thanks for your time and YES!… I want the ‘Best Dive Job in The World’!

Hope you to see you soon :-)

Best regards and Terima Kasih

Juanma

Kathi Gleim

By on January 13, 2011 in Kathi Gleim

Kathi Gleim Best Dive Job in the World Application

Kathi Gleim Best Dive Job in the World Application

The alarm clock is set for 4:30 a.m. so I can arrive at the hospital for my scheduled 12‐hour shift. The shift always becomes 16 or 20‐hours because of severe staffing shortages. I leave for work before it is light outside and arrive home well after dark. Weekend and Holiday are foreign words. Every day I care for babies of all ages. I take care of others’ loved ones while my own are at home without me.

All day I clean up poop, urine, vomit, sputum, blood—any bodily fluid imaginable—and am exposed to all of the latest diseases. I take health histories from people who know more about what Lindsay Lohan is wearing than they do about their own medication and health condition. Many of the people I care for are killing themselves with food, drink, and drugs.

I’m sure the patients I care for are delightful people, but sick and injured folks, who have waited 4+ hours in the waiting room, have little tolerance for humor and joviality. I can’t blame them, but I wish I could remember the last time I worked a shift without being yelled at by someone.

Kathi Gleim Best Dive Job in the World Application

Kathi Gleim Best Dive Job in the World ApplicationMy nickname at work is TAZ (as in Tasmanian Devil), because of my efficiency. (Well, partly because of my humorous pranks, but mostly because of my efficiency.) I can enter a room, complete ten tasks (and set up one prank) before anyone realizes I was in the room. Frequently, I get assigned the most critical patients. I know this is a compliment to my skill level, but it also means I deal with more trauma, more infant deaths, and more complicated social issues than most. It’s also the reason I HAVE TO maintain my sense of humor.

Kathi Gleim Best Dive Job in the World Application

Kathi Gleim Best Dive Job in the World Application

When my head hits the pillow, I should be so exhausted that sleep comes easily, but the replay button goes off, and I think about the CODE we had and how it could have gone better. Did Mrs. Smith make it? Did Mr. Jones get his sandwich?

Why do I do this? Because when the team wins, and that one patient, patient’s family or co‐worker comes up to me and says, “You made a difference,” I feel good. AND, I do it to support my love of diving and adventure. I can only dream of a job where I see sunlight and all the participants want to be there, willingly engaging in healthy activity.

Where the sirens in my head turn off and are replaced by slow breathing and blue bubbles. Where the only bodily fluids I will be exposed to is the dried spit on a shared regulator.

Why do I want to change my life and become a PADI Instructor?

Because I have seen:

Broken bones, broken teeth, goo in fat folds, objects in orifices, stabbings and shootings, heroin addicts and heart attacks. But I have never seen Bali. My name is Kathi, and BOY do I want a change.

Antoine Poircuitte

By on January 11, 2011 in Antoine Poircuitte
Antoine Best Dive Job in the World Application

Antoine Best Dive Job in the World Application

My name is Antoine I am 28 years old French. I live in Vietnam since November 2008. I decided to leave France to get more freedom in my life. I had been in the wine business for a wine distributor in Vietnam, Lao and Cambodia (wine is a great passion). Currently I am restaurant manager for a French restaurant.

Ireally enjoyed those last two years that allowed to me to meet many different people from worldwide, discovered a new culture, new way of life.  Today I want to move forward and enjoy a new life turn.

I don’t want “change” my life because I don’t want change who I am nor erase the past. Through what I already got I really want evaluate and continue the adventure.

Become PADI instructor would be an amazing springboard for a new start. I am ready to be educated and pass on this passion to other. I always looking for a life’ project and this one match one hundred percent to my wish and my will.

That is true that without this opportunity I wouldn’t have thought of becoming PADI instructor and that s because I will be able to use all the energy, all the excitation, all the positive motivation of a radical turn.

What is more exciting than a radical life turn?? Luck doesn’t smile to those who sulk…I am like a sponge waiting in the deep blue water of Bali ready to absorb the chance you will offer.

Become diving instructor sounds very nice and arouse to me a great interest. Since always I feel in peace when I am in water. I am lifeguard since I am 18 and continue to swim as much as I can. I am really attracted to live close to the sea and be in relation with nature especially with the sea. I come from a farmer family (mother side and father side) and was educated through a nature respect way. My first wish was to be winemaker, and I got a master in wine business and regulation. I keep a passion for the wine.

That is excited myself in this challenge, is to have an amazing long-term project through a great job. I dive sometime when I am in holidays and really took great time. I am confident to use this great opportunity in the right way and develop the chance you will give me. I don’t see this opportunity as “nice holidays” or just good time in Bali. The fact to learn a great job and to develop it is a great chance that I would like to take.

Choose me and you will hire a positive, energic, life lover person who enjoy the surprises of an adventure life.

I am ready to give everything in this project and enjoy the new amazing way you are offering. Hope diving soon with you and discover great new universes under warter as on earth.

Wish you the best for this New Year.

Antoine

Pat Brennan

By on January 11, 2011 in Pat Brennan
Pat Brennan Best Dive Job Application

Pat Brennan Best Dive Job Application

While reading the Cyber Dive Network News your article about the “The Best Dive Job in the World” jumped out at me. Here I am looking for an Internship to finish my Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Management degree and these guys are offering a free one in Bali, yeah whatever…But I guess ill check it out. Here is a little bit about myself.

I am a 22 year old male who is motivated to succeed but I want to have fun while doing it. Like most people I want a fast car, a nice house, money to be able to travel and enjoy my recreation and leisure’s, and a super hot trophy wife.  I am a “go getter”, an entrepreneur, a frat boy, and an opportunist. In college I partnered up with a Fraternity brother to start a sunglasses business. Out of the 10,000 students at Radford University 1200 of them are rocking them on campus. In my management class we had to write a business plan. My creativeness and unique style of marketing helped me to start my SCUBA website Underwater Pleasure LLC. (underwaterpleasure.com). While my conservative teacher bashed me for my slogan “Come GET WET With Us” I proved her wrong  by coming up with some pretty creative marketing and advertising that could capture the demographics and market share I was leaning toward. Sex sells right… I recently just started a Real Estate business where I pulled in an investor and just finished flipping my first foreclosed house. I have also submitted two ideas into online invention firms (which I think are a scam anyways) and tried to create my own charity Ipod application called Carespender. But let’s get on to the important $h*t…

Pat Brennan Best Dive Job Application

Pat Brennan Best Dive Job Application

The “Best Dive Job in the World” is simply another opportunity that I cannot surpass. I am a PADI OW diver and an outdoor enthusiast. Traveling and the thought of doing business in an emerging market has been a life long dream of mine and this is one way you can make my dream come true. Successful companies often start as small “stories” but later evolve to something bigger by the customers evangelizing and storytelling about it. With social media turning the internet into a “social environment” (facebook, twitter, youtube, ect), words and stories are spreading like cancer. I love diving but I also want to raise awareness through sharing our stories, ideas, and traveling the world to see the beauty and the destruction of our world and oceans first hand. I think it is important for every business to be technically competent and to be knowledgeable about upcoming business ideas and trends.  Lucky for us the SCUBA diving trend is just beginning. Green this, green that, “The Ultimate Diver Challenge” T.V. series blah de de blah blah blah.  It’s happening now and I want in right at the beginning.  Let me come to Bali and “Get Wet”…

Silo Young

By on January 10, 2011 in Silo Young
Silo Young Best Dive Job Application

Silo Young Best Dive Job Application

To be honest, in my early twenties, I have had everything a modern girl is supposed to want – rich boyfriend, lovely family members, and good-salary job – but instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, I often feel consumed by panic and confusion. Instead of keeping busy like before, I made a quick decision in last Oct and took my parents to Bali for a short holiday.

Unexpectedly, I found out a different lifestyle in Bali, the way I never imaged before, falling in love with Bali naturally.
Luckily, I had the first diving experience there. From my childhood, I’ve been a good swimmer, but never have any information or contact about diving.

During my stay in Bali, I experienced a fun dive in Nusa Dua and found out everything I have seen under the sea was so amazing and the feeling of diving shocked me and surprised me a lot. I think falling in love with diving is also easy and natural.

Silo Young Best Dive Job Application

Silo Young Best Dive Job Application

I’m from Beijing, China, being an office lady now who is always sitting in the chair and the thing I contact most is my computer every day. Is it a boring life huh? Yep, I know it’s time for me to make a change and I am ready for it.

Ok, I really want to go back to Bali and stay for longer period, not for holiday, but for experience, to experience all kinds of Bali. Please forgive me my poor expression here, but I do want all of you to consider about me. An enthusiast, kind Chinese girl, with the passion of diving, hopes to help people and seize this great opportunity to change my life. Thanks.

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