Divemaster! It may not be the exotic dream job you’ve read about. Then again it may be much more. But can you take it?

1. Are you in peak physical condition? I won’t lie. Tanks are heavy. As is a bag full of gear. And if you expect to be waited on by other divers just ‘coz you are a girl? Reality check. As a divemaster, a lot of the time is taken up by loading and unloading tanks, and you need to be physically strong. As well as this, what is your diving limit? If you are unfit, by the third dive you will be about ready for a good sleep. Keeping in shape will be a massive benefit. Customers will appreciate a female divemaster who is still on the go after diving all day!
2. Are you prepared for people to not take a female divemaster seriously? Especially some guys? Although ladies getting qualified as divemasters are on the increase, the previously considered ‘guys sport’ will bring forth a few skeptics, who won’t want to hear a dive site briefing from a chick divemaster. Don’t take this personally though. You scubagirls know what you are doing.
3. Are you girls ready to get messed up? Your hair! Your makeup! It all goes to hell. I have nothing more to say about it.
4. Are you brave? Just as physical strength is important as a female divemaster, mental strength must be in top notch too. You must have a mental capacity enough to handle anything and everything that may or may not happen as a divemaster. Good or bad. Bravery is perhaps not the right word choice. Because I don’t consider myself to be a very brave woman. But ‘in control’, that’s more accurate. The knowledge and ability to get in control of an out of control situation. Feeling brave at the time is not a necessity. To show bravery is the challenge.
5. Do you love the ocean? Ladies, I know that sounds corny. But if you can’t be encouraging about the element that is your job, customers won’t come back. You need to make people feel like ‘that was the best dive of my life!’ Every time. And also that ‘this female divemaster knows her stuff.’ You must be passionate about the ocean and everything in it.

          Now go. Get qualified.