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CAREER PROGRAMMES

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We are a bunch of keen adventurers and explorers. Over 70% of the earth’s surface is water. Multiply that by the depth and that’s a whole lot of volume to be explored. It

makes sense for us to dive, it means we can explore as much of this amazing planet as we can.

We want to live inspired lives and we want to inspire others. We want to fill our memories and memory cards with interesting colours, textures and experiences. The underwater world is full of unusual, mesmerizing and unique creatures that capture our imagination on every dive. Teaching gives us the opportunity to share our knowledge and introduce others to a truly beautiful world below the surface.

Water

Numbers

We love this planet and we understand that water is essential to its future health as well as our own. We heard Jacques Cousteau when he said “people protect what they love” So we decided to show people what we knew they would love.

Inspiration

Why we do what we do... It’s all about Inspiration, Maths and Water

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Diploma In Professional Scuba Instruction 6 - 7

National Certificate in Diving - Foundation 9

Career Courses

About Our Courses 4 - 5

Contents

Compare Courses 10 - 11

Study in Dunedin 12 - 13

Careers in Diving 14 - 15

National Certificate in Diving - Leadership 9

National Certificate in Diving - Instruction 9

Post Programme Support 18

Frequently asked Questions 19

Dive Otago is an approved sub-contractor of Academy of Diving Trust which is registered as a Private Training Establishment by the NZQA pursuant to the Education Amendment Act 2011.

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About Our Courses

Expert TuitionStudents will receive comprehensive training from experienced instructors with proven results

On-site PoolAt Dive Otago we have our own 3.5m deep indoor heated pool, the perfect place to learn and perfect dive skills

Dive SitesOur local dive sites provide the perfect training ground for well rounded instructors who will get to experience differing terrain and conditions.

NZQA ApprovedAs an approved delivery site our career courses are approved for student loans and allowances

PADI CertificationsThese certifications are recognised world wide and as such give students access to the widest job network

Boat TripsDuring our training students get the chance to dive from our custom built dive boat “Seahorse”

At Dive Otago we pride ourselves on delivering world class professional diver education. When you study with us you are setting yourself up for a career; we teach to the highest standards while ensuring you have the time of your life

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Equipment OptionsBe ready to work as soon as you graduate with our interest free Lease to Own options

Training Materials SuppliedYou will receive a full library of all the PADI training materials you will require to become certified at your chosen level

WHO IS PADI? The Professional

Association of Dive Instructors.

The largest provider of dive training in the world.

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Designed by industry experts, The Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction will prepare you to enter the dive industry with the highest level of training and qualifications needed to be employed anywhere in the world.

This programme will take you from a Beginner Diver through to a Specialty Scuba Diving Instructor in just one year. Skills are developed over the year and you will have plenty of time to master all the things you will need to know to be a great instructor.

What sets our programme apart from the rest is that you will not only complete all of the PADI courses required to become an instructor, we will prepare you to work in the industry by providing you with the additional skills employers are looking for.

You will learn every day dive center tasks such as how to fill dive

cylinders as well as how to properly maintain equipment. Selling dive gear in a retail environment is another essential skill most employers are looking for and you will learn the latest techniques to maximise sales.

You will learn how to plan, coordinate and lead dive trips and how to interpret weather information. The programme also includes a one week practicum to a South Island dive destination and it is here, in a controlled environment, that you will apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills by demonstrating your ability to successfully manage risk and lead tourist groups. You will also learn a range of other valuable skills such as Advanced First Aid and how to produce a CV to kick off your new career.

After successfully completing this course, you will be qualified to instruct all recreational PADI courses up to and including Divemaster along with 5 specialty courses.

Exit Dive Qualification: PADI OPEN WATER SCUBA INSTRUCTOR WITH 5 SPECIALTY

RATINGS

Duration:

36 WEEKS (1 YEAR) FULL-TIME

Entry Requirements:NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED

18 YEARS OF AGE (BEFORE TERM 2)

RSTC MEDICAL (SIGNED BY A HYPERBARIC DOCTOR)

International Students:THIS COURSE IS APPROVED FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction

NZQA Approved Approved programme for Student Loans and Allowances

Over 100 Dives Log a minimum of 100 scuba dives throughout your programme

Worldwide CertificationThe world’s largest scuba diving training agency

Dive TripOne week practicum to a South Island destination

Diploma Programme

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Term 1PADI Open Water DiverThe skills you learn here set the foundation for the remainder of the programme and enable you to dive safely. On successful completion you will be certified to dive to a maximum depth of 18m anywhere in the world with a buddy, independent of an instructor.

PADI Advanced Open Water DiverYou will complete at least 5 adventure dives and gain experience in many different types of diving like deep, boat, night, search and recovery, underwater naturalist and wreck. Once completed you will be certified to dive to a maximum depth of 40m.

Basic First Aid and PADI Rescue DiverYou will learn to deal with everything from a minor cramp in your leg to responding to an unconscious, non-breathing diver underwater.

Term 2DivemasterYou will fine tune your diving skills while learning more about the theory behind diving. Learn about dive physics, physiology and equipment. Gain experience supervising students under the guidance of a PADI Instructor.

Term 3Dive Practicum and Instruct Unit StandardsA one week practicum to a South Island dive destination. It is here, in a controlled environment, that you will apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills by demonstrating your ability to successfully manage risk and lead tourist groups. You will also learn how to Instruct specialist dive activities such as deep, night, search and recovery, underwater navigation, altitude diving and more.

Term 4Open Water Scuba InstructorAfter becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor you will be able to teach the entire range of PADI programmes from Discover Scuba Diving up to Divemaster. You can obtain work in more than 180 countries and territories worldwide.

5 Specialty Instructor RatingsCompleting a PADI Specialty Instructor Course with a PADI Course Director will give you additional qualifications and employment opportunities. Select specialty areas that interest you to keep your teaching interesting and fun.

If you love the outdoors, meeting new people and travelling to amazing places, then a career in the dive industry is just what you are looking for. Train from Beginner to PADI Specialty Instructor with our Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction.

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National Certificate

Our national certificate programmes are perfect for people wanting to gain dive certifications in a limited time frame. You can study Part-Time if you are already working or studying or join one of our Full-Time Programmes.

Programmes

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National Certificate in Diving

Foundation ProgrammeThis course will take you from Open Water Diver to Rescue Diver and can be completed on a part time or full time basis. We can design a programme around your work, study or other commitments. Intakes are year round with the largest Part -Time group starting in March.

You learn core diving principals as well as gaining experience in a wide range of diving activities including; Wreck Diving, Underwater Navigation, Night Diving, Deep Diving, Search and Recovery, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Naturalist, Boat Diving. You will learn Basic First Aid as well as diver rescue techniques that will give them a great foundation for a career in the dive industry.

Exit Dive Qualification: PADI RESCUE DIVER

Minimum Age16

Duration

12 WEEKS FULL-TIME

16 - 36 WEEKS PART-TIME

Entry RequirementsRSTC MEDICAL (FROM A DIVING DOCTOR)

If you are already certified as a rescue diver this course will take you to the first professional certification in the PADI System of diver education, Divemaster. This programmes can be completed on a Part-Time or Full-Time basis and we have intakes throughout the year.

You will begin with a more in depth look at dive theory as well as your role as a divemaster in both diver training and dive guiding. In this course you learn about managing risk, supervision techniques and how to ensure your customers and students have a great time. Dive skills are developed to professional demonstration quality, and you will learn how to brief skills and conduct programmes that you are able to deliver as a Divemaster.

Exit Dive Qualification: PADI DIVEMASTER

Minimum Age18

Duration12 WEEKS FULL-TIME OR

16 - 36 WEEKS PART-TIME

Entry RequirementsRSTC MEDICAL (FROM A DIVING DOCTOR)

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN DIVING (FOUNDATION)

OR EQUIVALENT EXPERIENCE

PADI RESCUE DIVER CERTIFICATION

National Certificate in Diving

Leadership Programme

This course will take you from Divemaster to a highly skilled Open Water Scuba Instructor with 5 Specialty Ratings,the highest qualification you can obtain without actually working in the industry. This course is run Full-Time twice a year and Part-Time as required.

After becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor you will be able to teach the entire range of PADI programmes from Discover Scuba Diving up to Divemaster. You can obtain work in more than 180 countries and territories worldwide. Completing a PADI Specialty Instructor Course with a PADI Course Director will give you additional qualifications and employment opportunities. Select specialty areas that interest you to keep your teaching interesting and fun.

Exit Dive Qualification: PADI OPEN WATER SCUBA INSTRUCTOR WITH 5 SPECIALTY RATINGS

Minimum Age18

Duration

16 WEEKS FULL-TIME

16 - 36 WEEKS PART-TIME

Entry RequirementsRSTC MEDICAL (FROM A DIVING DOCTOR)

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN DIVING (LEADERSHIP)

OR EQUIVALENT EXPERIENCE

PADI DIVEMASTER

National Certificate in Diving

Instruction Programme

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75% employment rate. Recognised by the industry as producing

great Instructors.

97%Pass rate. We work hard so our students succeed

With Over

1000Instructor level certifications since 1996, you can be assured we

have the skills to make your dreams a reality.

Diploma National Certificate Programme

Foundation Leadership Instruction

Duration: Full-time 36 Weeks 12 Weeks 12 Weeks 16 Weeks

Duration: Part-time n/a Min 16 Weeks Min 16 Weeks Please Enquire

Prerequisite Diving  Qualification

None None Foundation or Equivalent

Leadership or Equivalent

 Minimum Age 18 16 18 18

 Logged dives during course 100+ 40 20 40+

Student Loans and Allowances

PADI Open Water Diver

PADI Advanced Diver

Basic First Aid

PADI Rescue Diver

PADI Divemaster

PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor with 5 Specialty Ratings

Compare Courses

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Diploma National Certificate Programme

Foundation Leadership Instruction

Duration: Full-time 36 Weeks 12 Weeks 12 Weeks 16 Weeks

Duration: Part-time n/a Min 16 Weeks Min 16 Weeks Please Enquire

Prerequisite Diving  Qualification

None None Foundation or Equivalent

Leadership or Equivalent

 Minimum Age 18 16 18 18

 Logged dives during course 100+ 40 20 40+

Student Loans and Allowances

PADI Open Water Diver

PADI Advanced Diver

Basic First Aid

PADI Rescue Diver

PADI Divemaster

PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor with 5 Specialty Ratings

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Study in Dunedin

Dunedin city is the student Capital of New Zealand! Perfectly positioned to offer the best adventure sport activities. Scuba Diving, Surfing and Mountain Biking are particularly suited to the coastal city’s environment. We are only 3 hours away from some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country - There is no better place to learn.Dunedin’s peninsula extends into the Pacific Ocean and is peppered with respected surf beaches whose names are rugged like the shoreline - Blackhead, Aramoana and Tomahawk. Allan’s beach is thick with white sand and one long tussock-filled dune. It’s not unusual to come across sun-bathing sea lions and fur seals, their long bodies lolling side to side and their sleepy eyes half-closed.

On exposed beaches the sea wind has stripped trees of their bark making their flesh gleam silver and white, like skeletons amongst the dunes. Walking along the sand, your skin feels stretched from the salt and your hair tangles in a birds nest.

Surfers are slick in their black full-length wetsuits. They’re in groups of two or more, yet they’re dwarfed by the immensity of the sea. They rise out of the top of waves and slide along the water, legs bent and body twisting.

Vans with surfboard racks and board shorts drying on the windscreen decorate the Esplanade at St Clair Beach. The surf school runs group and private lessons through the summer months and pupils’ laughter travels over the water.

When it comes, the sun is thick with heat. Red and yellow flags mark the safe swimming area at St Kilda beach as children and adults ride boogie boards and body surf. Exposed bellies and shoulders turn red and the beach is enlivened with games of touch rugby and frisbee.

Dunedin is a mountain biker’s playground and single track trails can be found in every direction. The summer climate is perfect for mountain biking and surfing expeditions, with mild temperatures and a late setting sun.

From Swampy Summit and Bethunes Gully, to the Redwoods and Snakes and Ladders, Dunedin has a well established mountain biking scene. Cyclists gather in the Octagon after work to make the most of the trails in summer, many of them sporting head lights on their helmets so they can continue to ride once the sun has set.

Trails are well suited to most abilities and while there are lots of hills to climb, the rider is rewarded with some fantastic downhill. Numerous bike shops offer bike hire and bike touring packages.

New Zealand has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world and Lonely Planet

declares Otago’s Dunedin Peninsula to be the world’s Number 1 cycling destination. Cycling allows you to experience a close proximity to New Zealand’s wildlife and Lonely Planet applauds the peninsula for its mix of “scenery and sweat.” On a two to three hour ride, a cyclist on a round trip from the city has the opportunity to encounter albatross, penguins and fur seals in their natural environments.

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10 Reasons to Study in Dunedin:1. Everyone else is! it’s the study capital

of New Zealand

2. Night-life

3. Wildlife - We dive with the world’s rarest sealion.

4. Cheap rental accommodation

5. Easy to get around. Traffic Jam free zone!

6. Close to Queenstown and Wanaka Ski fields

7. Arguably the most consistent surf beaches in the country

8. Close to some of the best tourist attractions in New Zealand including Milford Sound

9. Extensive mountain bike trails

10. The southern hemisphere’s first gigatown (thats super duper fast broadband at regular rates!)

Lonely Planet also placed Dunedin in the Top Ten places in the world for bird watching and dog walking (this just means we have amazing places to explore with lots to see.)

Populated for most of the year by students and University staff, Dunedin offers a large mix of after-dark entertainment. From Carousel, a sophisticated lounge bar, to the eclectic Irish Al bar (with live Irish music every Tuesday night), Dunedin’s nightlife is culturally rich and vibrant. Alibi Bar and Restaurant regularly hosts Salsa dancing and Wine and Food Tasting evenings and The Terrace Sports bar, in the Octagon, screens all major sporting events on the largest big screen television in the city.

One of Dunedin’s main weekend attractions is the Otago Farmer’s Market held every Saturday at the Railway Station. The Railway Station itself is an architectural icon and heritage site. The market sells fresh garden produce along with plants, artisan breads, organic meat and coffee. Musicians entertain the crowd as they eat hot bacon butties and butterscotch crepes.

Dunedin has the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and cultural attractions.

Underwater Attractions• Sea Lions and seals• Penguins• Kelp forests

• Shipwrecks• Nudibranchs•

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Careers in SCUBA DivingThe dive industry is growing all over the world. Since 1996 PADI has seen a big increase in diver certifications and around 100 new dive stores open every year. What this means is the industry is constantly trying to keep up with demand for well trained, qualified instructors.Dive Otago graduates are highly sought after both here in New Zealand and overseas. Because of the quality and level of our training, companies often approach us specifically seeking to employ recent Dive Otago graduates. Past gradu-ates have gained employment in New Zealand as well as in Australia, the Pacific Islands, Dubai, Mexico and many other countries. If you are motivated and want to work, this qualification allows you to enter the industry with a higher level of qualification than most. You will be able deliver PADI dive training including specialty courses in over 180 countries and territories worldwide.

Dive InstructorDive instructors need to be technically skilled divers and cre-ative communicators. They need to instil confidence in their stu-dents and at the same time inspire a love of the sea. This job is all about passing on knowledge and enthusiasm to ensure student satisfaction and enjoyment. Dive guiding is a job that a dive instructor will typically also fulfill in a dive center along with sales, tank filling and equipment maintenance. With scuba training, tourism and the super yacht industries steadily grow-ing, the demand for instructors will only increase.

Recommended Courses:Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction - will teach you expert diving skills, including risk management, cylinder filling and weather interpretation. Graduate as a Scuba Instructor with a minimum of 5 Specialty Instructor Ratings. Certificate in Medic First Aid Career Instruction - learn advanced first aid including administering emergency oxygen and first aid in the outdoors.Industry Opportunities: Recreational dive indusrtry, super yachts, resorts, summer camps.

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Underwater Photographer/VideographerUnderwater photographers and videographers need a keen eye, technical aptitude and a high level of diving skill and knowledge. They need to research and have a comprehensive understanding of emerging digital technologies as they come on stream and be meticulous with equipment maintenance and servicing. They capture stories, people, shipwrecks, plants and all types of marine life, from macro organisms to massive whales. They need to read forecasts and complex weather patterns to effectively plan for every condition. While not essential in every industry, underwater photographers and videographers are more employable if they are also qualified as Divemasters or Dive Instructors.Recommended Courses:

Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction - will teach you expert diving skills and train you as a Scuba Instructor with a Digital Photography Specialty Rating. National Certificate in Diving Foundation and Leadership - will get you to PADI Divemaster level. You will log a minimum of 60 dives giving you the dive skills and buoyancy control necessary to capture that perfect picture. PADI Digital Underwater Photography Specialty - learn tips and techniques to capture those amazing underwater moments and intriguing marine life.

Industry Opportunities: Underwater photographic and nature film studios, adventure sport companies, tourism and advertising industry, dive centers and resorts, expedition operators, cruise ships and super yachts

Commercial Diving Commercially trained divers require training beyond recreational certifications. However, completing recreational certifications prior to commercial training will provide you with a distinct advantage, valuable skills and most importantly, excellent diving experience. The basic requirements for a commercial diver include the ability to work under stressful conditions, be physically fit and be a strong swimmer. Commercial divers also need to work well with others as most of the work will be part of a team effort and understand things such as surface supplied diving, physics, decompression, underwater tools, anatomy, and dive medicine.Recommended Courses:

National Certificate in Diving (Foundation) - Learn to dive and start participating in the adventure based diving activities such as deep, boat, night, underwater navigation, search & recovery, wreck and then progress through to Rescue Diver. With 40 logged scuba dives under your belt you will have the confidence and skills to progress to a commercial course environment.National Certificate in Diving (Leadership) - Fine tune your diving skills and the theory behind diving. Learn about dive physics, physiology, decompression theory and equipment. Having a good understanding of dive theory will allow you to fully concentrate on the new skills required for commercial training.Industry Opportunities:

Salmon and other fish farming businesses, oil rig operators, aquariums and marine science research institutes, commercial diving contractors, underwater photographic and nature film studios, ship-building, repair and salvage firms.

Career Pathways fDive Instructor fUnderwater Photographer/Videographer fDive Shop Owner fBoat/Live-aboard Operator fDive Shop Retail Manager fCommercial Diving

Further Training

Opportunities f Skippers f Scientific Diving f Underwater Archaeology f Commercial Diver Training

Industry Pathways fRecreational Scuba Industry fTertiary Education Sector fPrivate Super Yacht Industry fCruise Ship Industry fDive Resort and Travel Industry

f The Film and Television Industry f Oil and Gas Industry

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Dubai

Croatia

Our GraduatesDoing what they love all over the world!

Dimitry SharomovUnderwater PhotographerPangaea Project with Mike HornGraduated 2009

“ Every year we make amazing expeditions to the different corners of our planet, Many thanks to all your team for teaching me how to dive! ”

Chris GarrawayScuba Diving Instructor Lady Elliot Island, Australia

Graduated 2009

“ All of this was made possible by the dedicated

crew at Dive Otago who opened the door to our

underwater world, and a life less ordinary”

“ This is beyond a dream experience. After

finishing study I received a scholarship

for one year of dive travel and research all over the globe!”

Anthea Ibell 2011/12 Australasian Rolex ScholarGraduated 2009

Mexico

Egypt

Greece

Spain

United States

Cayman Islands

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Shannon JopsonScuba Diving InstructorPort Vila, Vanuatu.

Graduated 2011

“ I am having a blast teaching people to dive, enjoying putting the skills I learnt at Dive Otago to use. I would

recommend this to anyone!”

Lauren Bowden Scuba Diving InstructorPro Dive Cairns, Australia

Graduated 2011

“ I am the envy of lots of people, I have worked and travelled all over the world and now I have a real career doing something that I love”

Jen ClentPADI REGIONAL

MANAGER Graduated 2003Thailand

Australia

Bali

Papua New Guinea

Samoa

New Zealand

Vanuatu

Dubai

Croatia

Our GraduatesDoing what they love all over the world!

“ I am running am courses and taking Discover Scuba Diving sessions. I’ve been diving with lion

fish, sea snakes, cuttlefish and my personal favourite the dugong. I would recommend this to anyone!”

Egypt

Greece

Spain

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Post Course SupportOur goals are the same as yours - for you to get qualified and gain employment doing what you love somewhere cool. That could be here in beautiful New Zealand or overseas.

PADI Pro Website and SupportThe PADI Pro’s Site is a site that all PADI Professionals have access to. You can find resources and information to help you conduct courses but also the job board on the pro’s site contains posts from dive centers all over the world looking for staff.

Career AdviceOnce you have graduated (or just before you do) our dedicated team can give you advice on your career options in the dive industry. Whether you want to know about how to approach dive centers for work, how to obtain further qualifications or just where to start we will make time to sit down with you and make a plan.

Resume Feedback and Interview Tips

First impressions are everything and professional resumes can make all the difference when applying for your dream job. After completing one of our career courses you will have a complete list of skills that employers are looking for but if they don’t see these specific skills you could miss out on the crucial interview. When you get to the interview stage there are some key things you should always have prepared. We will give you a checklist to help you get not just the job, but the career you are after.

Graduate NetworkOur graduates have made it to all corners of the globe so if you need advice on good places to work or visit we can contact them on your behalf for advice.

Work ExperienceOnce you have reached Divemaster level you can sign up to gain work experience. Our recreational courses will give you the chance to put your new skills into practice with real life student and add experience to your resume.

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Frequently asked questionsQ. Can I try diving before I apply?A. You sure can! If you are seriously considering doing a course call us to arrange a time to have a dive with one of our instructors in our heated dive pool.

Q. Do I need to know how to dive before I start?A. Not for the Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction or the National Certificate in Diving Foundation courses . We will teach you right from the beginning, starting with basic snorkeling, skin diving and scuba skills.

Q. What are the hours?A. Full-time courses are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday with some days finishing earlier and some evening sessions to complete night dive training. Part-time courses are usually held over several weekday evenings (6pm to 9pm) and a couple of weekends (8:30am - 5pm) per month and the occasional evening session to complete night dive training.

Q. Do I need to be a strong swimmer?A. Every student must be able to swim 200m or snorkel 300m and float/tread water for 10 minutes. Professional level divers (Divemasters) and above will need to be relatively strong swimmers.

Q. What equipment will I need?A. This depends on the course you are enrolling in.

Diploma in Professional Scuba instructionA suit (semi-dry, wetsuit or drysuit), mask, snorkel, fins, gloves, boots, weight belt, weights, dive knife, torch x 2, pocket mask, slate and pencil, safety sausage, whistle, a gear bag and a dive watch. Although it is not compulsory, it is recommended that you have your own BCD, regulator, dive computer and camera.When you buy hardware, lease-to-own is a popular way for students to complete the Diploma in their own equipment, paying it off on a weekly basis. This is done with a no interest agreement with Dive Otago and gives you the opportunity to be ready to work as soon as you graduate.

National Certificate in Diving Foundation: Gloves, boots, dive knife, primary torch, backup torch, pocket mask, slate and pencil, safety sausage and a whistle. Although it is not compulsory, it is recommended that you also have BCD, regulators, dive computer, a suit (semi-dry, wetsuit or dry suit), mask, snorkel and fins.

National Certificate in Diving Leadership: Weight belt, weights, boots, gloves, primary torch, backup torch, dive knife, safety sausage, slate and pencil and a pocket mask.

National Certificate in Diving Instruction: A suit (semi-dry, wetsuit or drysuit), mask, snorkel, fins, gloves, boots, weight belt, weights, dive knife, primary torch, backup torch, pocket mask, slate and pencil, safety sausage, whistle, a gear bag and a dive watch.

Although it is not always compulsory, it is recommended that you have your own BCD, regulator, dive computer and camera. We have a number of options for students (These details are correct at time of print but will be confirmed at the time of your enrolment)

Q. What are the medical criteria?A. All Dive Otago Career Course students are required to have an RSTC Medical questionnaire completed and signed off by a Doctor trained in Diving Medicine (Broadway Medical Centre - Dunedin). Professional divers must obtain an OSH medical if working in New Zealand.

Q. How much theory and class work is involved?A.This depends which course you complete. It is very important to have a good understanding of the theory behind diving to keep yourself safe. Most courses have a manual to read and you will be required to complete some knowledge reviews. Once you reach the professional levels (Divemaster and above) there is a fair bit of theory - you learn about dive physics, physiology, decompression theory and a few other subjects. You will be given plenty of time to read your materials and complete assignments. Don’t worry - most people do well and find it achievable!

Q. What is the advantage of completing the National

Qualifications instead of just the PADI Certifications?A. Along with obtaining the PADI certifications you gain other industry required skills along the way that are not necessarily covered by PADI. These include unit standards assessing com-pressor use and tank filling, weather interpretation, developing a current dive focused CV, risk management and much more. You not only complete the minimum dives for each PADI certification but often several more dives and class sessions based around the unit assessments for particular dive areas. An example of this is the PADI Advanced certification in which you are required to complete 5 adventure dives. During the Diploma you will complete a minimum of 8 adventure dives. At the completion of our Diploma, graduates are ready to hit the ground running in any dive center around the world. Feedback from employees overseas has been nothing but positive and several compa-nies both in New Zealand and overseas now actively seek our Diploma graduates as they are so impressed with the quality of training they have received.

Q. Do you have accommodation options?a. We don’t have a specific affiliation with an accommodation provider but you do have heaps of options in Dunedin! Dunedin is regarded as the student capital of New Zealand. The popula-tion is younger than most other cities due to the large tertiary education sector and people aged between 15 and 24 make up approximately 22% of the city’s residential population. This means the rental market is geared towards students, rent is relatively cheap and easy to find.

Options are:

• Flatting (Renting a room with other students in a house)• Private Board • Apartment

for more informationGet in touch, contact us for more information on 03 466 4370 or visit us online at www.diveotago.co.nz

For more information call 0800 DIVE OTAGO or email info@diveotago.co.nz

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