Andrew working with the next DIPSI group on Marine Identification.

I started the Diploma in SCUBA Instruction at Dive HQ Westhaven in March 2017, about three weeks after the course had started. I’d just spent 3 months traveling Europe and wasn’t interested in heading back to my desk job, so I decided to pursue a change of career that would help quench my thirst for adventure. Remembering how amazing my diving experiences were in New Caledonia when I was first certified, I inquired with Dive HQ Westhaven after seeing an ad on Facebook. A week later I started my Diploma!

Even though I enrolled in the course late and hadn’t dived in many years, Mike and Hannah made it super easy to get started and get back in the water. I was a little nervous in the beginning but it didn’t take long for things to come flooding back, and now I can’t believe I waited so long!

For me the course has the perfect mix of theory and practical exercises – learning all about dive theory, different diving skills and techniques in class and then getting out and reinforcing them is a great way to learn, and every dive is a unique experience.  Marine Identification Photos

Andrew at Auckland Careers Expo

And there’s no shortage of unique experiences! Our field trip to the HMNZS Canterbury was incredible; exploring a sunken ship 30m deep, schooling fish swirling all around me, coming face to face with the ‘Captain’ snapper in the cockpit is something I’ll never forget. Then there was the dive at Leigh where a pod of dolphins swam rings around us. All this in just a few months!

Now I’m at at level and I’ve got so much confidence in and around the water. I really enjoy the opportunities to assist on PADI Openwater courses in the weekends to practice my teaching skills. It’s a great way to meet new people and find more potential dive buddies!

I’m looking forward to becoming qualified as a PADI Specialist Instructor in December and landing an amazing job in the dive industry – there are so many great opportunities, all over the world! If you’ve always wanted to give diving a go or want to get back into it, I can’t recommend it enough.

Thank’s to Andrew Sawtell for his blog. Andrew and his fellow student Dan were lucky enough to be diving the Rainbow Warrior last week and filmed this footage of a rarely seen NZ Thresher shark. If you think you or someone you know might be looking for an exciting Diploma to complete text us on 021 0250 8990 “careers” and we’ll call you or click through and contact us on the website. To keep updated about what’s going on at Dive HQ Westhaven and on the Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Thanks to Chanelle Drummond for her blog post about what it’s like to be a Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction student at the Academy of Diving, Dive HQ Westhaven.

Before starting my course as a dive instructor, funny enough I was afraid of swimming in the ocean. I hated the feeling of not knowing what was below or around me, yet I took a general interest in the marine environment and the ocean itself (without having to be in it). At the start of this year I chose to pursue a career in scuba diving with Dive HQ Westhaven, knowing that I had never dived prior to this course. I decided I to erase my fear and turn it into passion, awareness and knowledge for what the ocean holds beneath the surface. Of course, being able land a dream job working in the ocean everyday and getting to travel the world with it was also a bonus.

Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction – 2016

I am now at the PADI Divemaster stage of the course and I can say that everything I thought I knew about the ocean has changed. From my first dive in the ocean till now, it has got to be one of the most life changing experiences! The underwater world has so much to offer; seeing marine life in their natural habitat and exploring their world without any disturbance is such an unreal rush of thrills, excitement and enjoyment. The best part is seeing your own growth as you go from someone who is nervous and anxious with zero experience, into an independent confident diver.

HMNZS Canterbury Wreck – June 2016

You build so many skills that can be used both in and out of the water, friendships that you consider your second family and memories to last a lifetime as you dive some of the best spots the North Island has to offer. The staff at Dive HQ have been such a massive impact for me throughout this course. They are passionate about what they do, understanding, knowledgeable, patient and always there to help you push your limits as an instructor and get the most out of your time here.

Goat Island with my dive buddies

Diving during the winter will take you out of you comfort zone, build your dive experience and confidence a lot faster. Although it may seem cold, winter time gives you some of the best visibility for diving, and there’s always thermals and dry suits to give you extra protection. The best part – you’ll get the entire summer to look forward to while you complete your instructors.

Sneaky Moray Eel – Whitianga Trip

I think that anyone who is considering taking up a career in scuba diving should at least give it a shot! Dive HQ gives out a free ‘try-dive’ to see how you like the feeling (I did it and it’s what helped me make my mind up faster) before committing to anything. The best advice I can give is to not hold back from doing something you feel strongly about – the outcome will without a doubt be that satisfying you’ll wish you had done it sooner!

Loving the boat life! My ‘divemates’ Dan & Siva

Thanks Chanelle for your blog. It’s great for those interested in becoming a dive instructor to get a first hand account of what it’s like to study Scuba Diving with Dive HQ Westhaven, here in Auckland. Thanks for all your hard work on Dive HQ Westhaven’s social media accounts. Not only have you been a great asset to our organisation while you are studying with us. You will also be a great addition to any dive centre here in New Zealand or Overseas. Enjoy the rest of your Course with us!

This is winter! Never a dull moment in the deep blue

Chanelle graduates with The Academy of Diving at Dive HQ Westhaven this year, before the NZ Summer season starts.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Scuba Diver training options at Dive HQ Westhaven for both Recreational and Professional Courses. CLick on the link below.

Dive HQ Westhaven