The PADI Divemaster course is a globally recognized certification that can open the door to a variety of different careers if you want to work in the ocean. This certification is your passport to travel the globe, sharing your passion for diving and marine life with others.
There are many ways to become a PADI Divemaster, but one popular route is through a Divemaster internship. In this blog, we will explore what a Divemaster internship is and how to showcase your skills when applying for the internship of your dreams.
What Is a Divemaster Internship?
During a Divemaster internship, the Divemaster candidate usually trades work in a dive shop for a discount on the PADI Divemaster course or to cover the entire cost of the course. Divemaster interns get to work with students and certified divers right in the heart of a PADI Dive Center. Unlike the traditional route of becoming a Divemaster, interns work with real situations rather than simulations.
During a Divemaster internship, you’ll become an integral part of the dive center’s team, helping with equipment maintenance, shadowing instructors and providing excellent customer service. Divemaster internships give you the space to grow your passion for diving.
It’s important to mention a Divemaster internship is a dedication of your time and isn’t necessarily the perfect fit for everyone. Therefore, it’s vital that you understand why you are applying for an internship and consider all the different routes to becoming a PADI Pro. You can learn more via PADI.com.
Applying for a Divemaster Internship
Just like any job, you will need to apply for a Divemaster internship. When applying, it is important to read the description of the internship to make sure it is the right fit for you. Divemaster Internships come in all different shapes and sizes, with some offering to train candidates from non-divers to professional divers. Others may only be available to those already certified as Advanced Open Water Divers or Rescue Divers.
The best place to find a Divemaster internship is on the PADI Jobs Board.
Once you have found the Divemaster internship that is the perfect fit for you, it’s time to apply. To apply for an internship, you will need to have a PADI account. They are super easy to set up if you do not have one. Learn more about creating a PADI account.
Once you are logged into your PADI account, it’s time to put together your application. Read the internship description thoroughly to determine exactly what you need to submit. For most Divemaster internships, you will need two things: a CV (or resume) and a cover letter.
Writing a Diving CV or Resume
Your CV, also called a resume in some parts of the world, is your chance to showcase your passion for the underwater world and convince dive shops you’re the perfect candidate. Writing a CV for a Divemaster internship is a little different to a normal CV. The focus here is on your passion and love for diving. Showcasing what you have done and why you have chosen to do it.
Highlight Your Dive Experience:
- List your certifications prominently, including Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver and any specialities, like Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver or Deep Diver
- Mention the number of dives you’ve logged and the types of environments you’ve explored (reefs, wrecks, etc.)
- Include any diving-related volunteer work or relevant past jobs (assisting instructors, boat handling, etc.)
Focus on Relevant Skills:
- Emphasize your Emergency First Aid certification (if you have one)
- Mention experience leading groups (sports teams, clubs, etc.)
- Highlight past roles where you provided excellent customer service
- Concise and clear communication is crucial underwater, so point out strong written and verbal communication abilities
Tailor Your Introduction:
Craft a captivating introduction that expresses your enthusiasm for diving and your desire to gain practical experience as a Divemaster. Briefly mention your qualifications and how they align with the internship’s goals.
Keep It Short and Sweet:
Dive shops receive many applications. Aim for a concise and well-organized CV, ideally one page long. Use bullet points and clear headings to make it easy for recruiters to scan.
Writing a Cover Letter for a Diving Internship
Cover letters can be a difficult to write for everyone, so don’t feel intimidated. In your cover letter, you want to connect with the person reading it while also showcasing your skills and passion.
Start by mentioning the specific internship you are applying for and how you found the role. Briefly mention your excitement about the role and your passion for diving.
Talk about your diving journey and highlight all the relevant certifications you have, including your speciality certifications. Take the reader on a short journey, walking them through why you decided to do each certification and the skills you learned along the way.
You also want to show you understand the dive center. A good way to do this is to write about why you have chosen to apply for their Divemaster internship and highlight your drive to learn from their instructors and be part of the team.
Lastly, make sure you thank the reader for their time and consideration and let them know you are eager to hear from them.
Equipped with this information, you are ready to apply for the Divemaster internship of your dreams. We at PADI wish you the best of luck!
