Divemaster Intern - David
My PADI Divemaster Internship in Tenerife
How I Got Here
The journey to my PADI Divemaster Internship in Tenerife started three years ago. Like many other people, I got addicted to this awesome sensation of being underwater. In December 2020 before the 2nd COVID-19 lockdown, I was lucky to be able to come to Tenerife. As I could work remotely I was able to enjoy the island highlights and started to dive with Paradise Divers.
Fast forward to October 2021. I quit my 9:5 job in London, placed all my belongings in storage and I’m now doing my Divemaster Internship.
Through the Training
Having dived with Paradise Divers for a few months I knew they were the right center for my PADI Divemaster. Not only because they have very high standards, but also because the atmosphere is amazing! Supportive, fun & safe – that’s what diving is all about.
It was very challenging at the beginning. The shift from being on a senior leadership role, to now being the rookie in the team was quite interesting. But it is exactly what I needed at the time. From sitting behind a keyboard most of the day, to now being very active is something I had been craving. Plus it no doubt beats going to the gym!
The PADI Divemaster course is very well structured. You learn a lot about all the different aspects of the diving industry. Dan and Sho make it extra special as it’s not about “ticking all the boxes.” They personalise it and mentor you throughout the whole experience. You feel part of the team and learn what it takes to run a successful dive center but most importantly, how to offer divers the best experience possible.
Learning Everyday
I’ve learned so much throughout my internship. From preparing equipment, dive briefings, boat procedures, equipment servicing, filling cylinders, assisting with courses, diving skills, rescue scenarios, guiding dives, ID’ing sea life (I recommend the PADI AWARE Fish ID Specialty to help with this!)… the list goes on and no doubt you’re always learning until your very last day.
One of my personal favourites was mapping a new dive site. You do 4 dives in the same location and map things such as type of site, contour lines, depth, points of reference. It’s quite an awesome feeling to be exploring “uncharted territory”, not knowing what’s around the corner. In the end you create a map of the site with all the relevant information and produce your own dive site briefing. It turned out the site has a lot of different sea life and is becoming a popular one, which makes it even extra special.
Wrapping Up
It has been an amazing and very rewarding journey, starting as a recreational diver and now a PADI professional. As a Divemaster it’s not about you. It’s about the experience you offer to others, such as taking divers on guided dives and helping them create memories they will keep for life.
The sea life in Tenerife is so varied. Throughout my internship I’ve come across dozens of different species such as Angel Shark, Turtles, Nudibranchs, Seahorses, Morays, Rays, Barracudas, Octopus, but much more!
Yes some days can be challenging and tiring. But, as you approach the dive centre in the morning and the sun hits your face along with the gorgeous views of the sea and La Gomera island, all you think of is getting in the water as well as the fun and great people you’ll meet that day. It’s great to receive people’s big happy smiles and thank you’s for the experience you have provided them.
It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had in life. I couldn’t recommend it more. I’m very glad I chose Paradise Divers as Dan has very high teaching standards. He is also a PADI Course Director so you can continue your training and become a PADI Instructor with him too!
David Silva
