‘My PADI,’ can open up a world of opportunities – if you need proof, just ask Eko, a PADI Instructor, from Blue Marlin Komodo in Bali.
Eko has been diving since 2010 and his diving journey has changed his life. The past year in particular has been packed full of milestones for Eko, including becoming a father and becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
Growing up near Labuan Bajo, Eko moved to Bali to improve his English and upon returning home, was introduced to diving by his uncle.
“I started diving in 2010. My uncle is a divemaster, so I was inspired to be like him.”
Eko soon noticed that there were very few local divemasters, despite it being a good job, and he became determined to make the most of his new found skills to not only benefit himself, but his family, his community and the marine environment.
“Once given the opportunity to start diving, my eyes opened up to a whole new world, both under and over the water.”
For Eko, becoming a PADI Divemaster was an investment, but one he knew would be worth it.
“Diving became the tool for me to find a job that gave me both a better income than the average worker in Labuan Bajo and a higher connection and appreciation for the environment.”
Whilst leading Discover Scuba Diving experiences, Eko found that he was passionate about teaching and decided to take the Instructor Development Course, no matter what difficulties stood in his way.
Unfortunately, PADI materials for Instructor level training are not yet available in Indonesian and the Instructor Development Course is conducted entirely in English – but Eko was determined. He used leading Discover Scuba Diving experiences as an opportunity to practice his English skills and build his scuba diving vocabulary.
With support from Blue Martin and PADI, Eko earned his PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor certification earlier this year – a huge achievement for anyone completing it in their own language, and even more so in a second language.
“Becoming one of the very few local divemasters in Labuan Bajo, I managed to financially support my marriage, the birth of my son, my younger sister’s professional education and my younger brother’s primary education. I am very proud that I can help my family be prepared for the world we live in. Through this new found platform I was able to build my own house and support the people I love”
If you want to change your life and become a PADI Professional, visit our website today.