Scuba Diving in the Gili Islands with Enriched Air Nitrox | Extend your limits with Trawangan Dive Center | Diving Indonesia

There are many dive centers in the Gili Islands most of which are based on Gili Trawangan. Trawangan Dive is one of few dive centers that offer Nitrox, or as many people prefer to call it “Enriched Air”.

The common term that is associated with Enriched Air is “Extend your Limits”. Many people will immediately assume this is related to diving deeper, but diving with enriched air is actually concerned with extending your given time at a certain depths and reducing your surface intervals. I does give you time duration benefits when diving deeper, but it needs to be planned effectively which is why it is important to get the best possible training

The PADI Enriched Air Diver is the most popular PADI Specialty Course offered and there are many reasons for that. Apart from the obvious reason of wishing to extend dive time and reduce surface interval time, customers here at Trawangan Dive often book an Enriched air course because they are planning a Livaboard trip with one of our affiliate Livaboard operations in Komodo or elsewhere and would rather take full advantage of the trip. Other reasons for using Enriched Air could be when diving on wrecks and in fact Trawangan Dive is one of only two dive centers here in the Gili Islands that are able to dive the Japanese Wreck in Lombok. Deep diving experiences may often be hampered by diving with a normal air mix due to the limited decompression time available and of course nitrox will allow a longer bottom time and therefore increase the experience for that particular dive. Enriched Air diving is also common amongst photographers who tend to make several long repetitive dives.

 

During the Enriched Air Diver Course you will learn

• Techniques for getting more dive time by using enriched air nitrox
• Enriched air scuba diving equipment considerations
• Enriched air considerations, including managing oxygen exposure, how to tell what’s in your scuba tank and how to set your dive computer.

There are a variety of Enriched Air Courses offered at Trawangan Dive. If you’re Interested in taking the PADI Enriched Air Specialty; check out our Gili Islands diving programs. If you are already an Enriched Air Diver and wish to take it further we offer the full range of TDI technical diving programs including the TDI Advanced Nitrox Diver. To find out more about our technical diving programs check out our Technical Diving Indonesia programs. Other programs include the PADI Nitrox Instructor Courses which is designed for PADI Instructors looking to increase the amount of courses they can offer. If you’re interested in becoming a PADI Nitrox Instructor check out our PADI IDC Indonesia website.

 

Go Pro in the Gili Islands with Trawangan Dive - Gili IDC - Instructor Development Course (IDC) Indonesia

 

If you’re looking to take a professional PADI dive program than Trawangan Dive is now the place to do it. Trawangan Dive has long been one of the few PADI 5 star dive centers in The Gili Islands, Indonesia. During 2013 we have set out improving all of our professional level courses and programs, so as to set ourselves above the rest; providing professional level training over and above that required within industry.

Our dive master program is run alongside our regular daily diving schedule allowing divemasters to get first-hand experience of the industry working alongside our seasoned PADI Instructors and dealing directly with our customers. Divemasters will establish their precise role within the provision of modern day recreational dive training and will learn how to play an integral role within a team of highly experienced instructors. We hold regular training workshops allowing divemasters to realize their true potential and unlock a range of newly learnt skills. Any diver wishing to take their divemaster program will be given every opportunity to progress within the dive industry.

Our Instructor Development Course has also been completely revamped over the course of 2013 and again our schedule has been modified in a way to provide some of the best PADI instructors in industry. Over the course of 2013 Trawangan Dive has been reclassified as a PADI Career Development Centre (CDC) meaning that we now provide the highest level of professional dive training available and are pleased to say the only PADI CDC Center in the Lombok region. We have also now employed a two new PADI Course Directors who are not only able to provide the best professional training available, but can also give some great industry advice having worked in a multitude of location around the world bringing prospective instructors the perfect mix of first class training combined with an in-depth knowledge of the recreational dive industry and its expectations. Our MSDT program now offers the full range of specialties and can be tailored to those which you will require for industry in the particular area you will be working.

Check out our PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) Video

 

Trawangan dive is very proud of all of its achievements over 2013 and would like to thank its entire staff for the continued success in becoming one of the best professional and no professional dive educators in Indonesia.

If you wish to become a fully qualified and highly trained PADI Scuba Diving instructor check out our website at www.idc-gili.com

Or if you wish to see what’s currently happening take a look at our Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/IDCGili

Of course we are happy to answer any questions you might have. We can be contacted directly through our website or on info@idc-gili.com

then don’t hesitate to contact us on idc@trawangandive.com or info@idc-gili.com.

Diving in The Gili Islands, Indonesia : Looking to the future

 

 

Over the course of 2013 Trawangan Dive as achieved many of its long term goals and has been subsequently rewarded for the efforts. However this opens up a whole new area of potential development for the future.

Although we have already increased the amount of accommodation options available to our guests we have also seen a huge increase in the number guests taking diving programs and therefore our accommodation facilities have followed suite and there is now a need for further expansion. Trawangan Dive will be increasing the amount of onsite luxury bungalows to accommodate our continued popularity.

Although Trawangan Dive provide the full range of recreational dive courses, we have seen an increase in customers asking about technical dive programs and therefore have identified this as an area of potential expansion. Over 2013 we have seen record numbers of recreational divers taking PADI programs and therefore have had seen a slight negative affect on the technical division of the dive center. In the future Trawangan Dive wishes to expand it technical dive division to accommodate those divers wishing to take their training to a new level.

As with the professional level courses we have seen record numbers of divers choosing to take our PADI Divemaster Program here at Trawangan Dive. Throughout 2013 the PADI Divemaster Program has been continuously monitored and we will continue to do so in the future, allowing divemasters in training to receive the latest and most up to date training needs whilst also getting a real life taste of working within one of the busiest and best dive centers in Indonesia.

Our Instructor training facility has gone through a number of changes during 2013; all our training facilities and course content has been overhauled and we have developed a close working relationship with PADI allowing us to make sure instructor candidates are not only kept fully up to date with training updates but also kept fully up to date with the ever changing nature of the industry. We intend to carry on providing the best professional and non-professional training possible making Trawangan Dive the only real choice when it comes to serious scuba diving training.

If you wish to be part of the future of diving with Trawangan Dive contact us on info@trawangandive.com

Diving in The Gili Islands, Indonesia : Trawangan Dive 2013 Achievements

Trawangan Dive is extremely proud of its achievements during 2013. We hosted the Gili Trawangan Finathon Event earlier in the year and managed to raise well over $7500 which we decided to split between the Gili Eco Trust and Project AWARE. The Gili Eco Trust represents the island and runs regular environmental programs. Project AWARE is more concerned with the protection of marine species such as endangered shark species. Due to this and our many other environmental awareness programs we were awarded the classification of 100% AWARE dive center. As a 100% AWARE partner we support a clean, healthy ocean by making a donation on behalf of each student to Project AWARE. All students will receive the Project AWARE version of your PADI certification card and be part of a movement of divers protecting our ocean planet.

One of the founders of Trawangan Dive, Simon Liddiard received an award for his 20 years of commitment and support to the PADI system and its philosophy. Hans Ulrich from PADI Asia Pacific visited Trawangan Dive to present the award and to personally thank Simon, Trawangan Dive and all the staff for their assistance and contribution to PADI and for helping to shape the future of PADI recreational dive training and therefore shaping the quality of training for future divers.

All of our Instructors here at Trawangan Dive have also received awards for excellence in the field of recreational dive training. All were presented with a quartz crystal plaque to represent not only teaching 100 new divers this year but to signify the high level of professionalism which is demonstrated by each and every dive instructor at Trawangan Dive. The Awards were presented by Tony Andrews of PADI Asia Pacific who came to Trawangan Dive to individually present the awards and to congratulate each instructor thanking them for their high level of commitment to the PADI Educational System.

Again this year we received our Trip Advisor “Certificate of excellence”. The Certificate of Excellence award is given to outstanding hospitality businesses that have received praise and recognition in reviews by Trip Advisor travelers. To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on Trip Advisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

Trawangan Dive is a 5 Star IDC Resort, and has now been awarded the Classification of “Career Development Centre”. There are only 4 CDC Centers in Indonesia and we are the first in the Lombok region. As well as conducting 11 PADI Instructor Development Courses (IDC) per year we have 2 PADI Course Directors and a brand new purpose built IDC classroom facility. The PADI Career Development Center (CDC) classification is awarded annually to PADI Five Star Instructor Development Centers and Five Star Instructor Development Dive Resorts that dedicate their businesses to professional development beyond regular scuba instructor training and meet the highest requirements for training PADI scuba diving leaders. PADI CDCs offer career-oriented training to prepare scuba diving professionals for employment in the dive industry, as well as offering job placement assistance for program graduates.

So 2013 has been a very eventful year for Trawangan Dive and although we are at the height of professionalism in the industry and there are not many awards of recognition left to obtain we still strive to continue to improve and hope that our future customers continue to have a highly rewarding experience at Trawangan Dive.

We are making every effort to continuously improve upon our already excellent reputation and if your looking to dive or stay with us we are also making every effort to keep our guests fully upto date through our scocial media including our website and the Trawangan Dive Facebook page.

 

Scuba Diving in The Gili Islands : It’s a family affair at Trawangan Dive

During 2013 Indonesia as a whole has seen more family holiday makers visiting the country and therefore the Gili Islands have become the perfect island getaway. Trawangan Dive has noticed this trend and has therefore upped its game in terms of accommodation needs and scuba diving programs aimed at families with young children.

In terms of accommodation we have always offered the backpacker rooms as well as our luxury chalet style bungalows which are situated on site surrounded by our lush tropical gardens. Over the course of 2013 we have experienced more families with young children and have noticed more families seeking a more tailor made villa style holiday experience, so therefore we have expanded our range of choices in terms of family orientated accommodation rentals. It’s never been easier to book your villa on Gili Trawangan, simply email your details the Trawangan Dive “Exclusive Villas” department (www.trawangandive.com) and give them your details and requirements. The Trawangan Dive accommodation team will do the rest and find you the perfect place to enjoy you vacation with the family.

We have also noticed a huge increase in the numbers of families wishing to take part in diving programs and therefore have taken the necessary steps to ensure families receive the best possible experience and have also built a brand new luxury family villa in the resort directly next to our dive shop allowing families to fully immerse themselves in the dive schedule whilst at the same time to be able to make full use of their beachside villa.

The rise in families taking dive programs and activities has also prompted us to review the facilities available to young divers, and over the course of 2013 we have taken every step to ensure the safety, satisfaction and overall enjoyment of our programs. Our staff have been fully trained in and briefed in the education and care of PADI junior divers. Our facilities have also endured a complete makeover; having retiled our entire onsite training pool and upgraded our range of equipment for children. Trawangan Dive has received multiple trip advisor reviews from families all over the globe and is looking forward to welcoming more families in the coming years. So if you’re looking to take a family vacation and experience the true wonders of our tropical island and our magnificent ocean, the journey starts here.

Check out The Trawangan Dive Web Page of visit The Trawangan Dive Facebook Page!

To book your perfect diving vacation with the family contact info@trawangandive.com
 

It's a messy job..

Meet Sian Williams, Trawangan Dive’s very own Éco Warrior’.  Sian came to Trawangan Dive in March 2012 to take part in a 2 week Biorock programme.  Naturally, she fell in love with the Island, the Dive Centre (and the staff).  She also saw Delphine Robbe , (Gili Trawangan’s original Éco Warrior’), struggling to single-handedly maintain the island’s growing Biorock, population, control the marine debris, while keeping the island clean of rubbish, and more recently, being a mum.

Sian made the decision to dedicate her life, (or the next few years of it anyway), to helping with the marine conservation of our tiny island. 

Sian is based out of Trawangan Dive.  She is a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, and can also teach the PADI ‘Introduction to Biorock process'speciality.  She dedicates her time to maintaining the Biorocks, running regular beach clean ups, dives against debris, reef check, reef gardening, island clean ups, and generally cleaning up after the thousands of people that pollute Gili Trawangan and the surrounding reefs with non-biodegradable plastic, cigarette butts, glass, flip flops, lighters, light bulbs, fishing line, and fish hooks.

 

This kind of work usually receives little recognition or thanks, but carries with it a huge amount of frustration and stress.  No sooner have you finished maintaining one Biorock, then another one breaks, or gets unplugged, or is destroyed by a storm.  Moments after one beach clean up has finished, another boat load of people wielding a fresh delivery of cigarettes and plastic bags arrives. While most of us go about our normal day not giving a second though about who will pick up that discarded nappy, or who will spend hours unravelling the kilometres of embedded fishing line from the reefs, it’s people like Sian who dedicate their time to tasks like this.

Sian has developed some eco alternatives for divers interested in conservation, marine ecology or just wanting to give something back to the ocean.  

Introduction to reef gardening – Single dive 470,000rp

• Learn how to identify broken, overturned live corals that with our help, have a second chance of survival. 
• Learn how to safely pick up heavy corals and to find suitable substrate to transplant onto for the coral to attach to once overturned and secured.
• Gain reef conservation skills you can take with you travelling and diving around the world
• Dive includes all equipment including protective gloves and briefing on identification of corals to focus on and present reef state around the Gilis.

Dive Against Debris - Single dive 400,000rp

•  Equipped with protective gloves and a mesh debris bag divers will go out in buddy teams to different reefs collecting as much non organic waste as possible.
• Debris is separated, weighed and recorded onto a Project AWARE debris data sheet to submit to Project AWARE
• Dive includes protective gloves and mesh bag, briefing and Dive Against Debris ID guide to know what to look for and collect, data sheets to analyse debris data.

Biorock Fundive –Single dive 400,000

• Learn what a Biorock is whilst diving around the world’s largest concentration of Biorock reef structures.
• Briefing includes why the Gili islands reefs depend on artificial reef restoration. The basics of what a Biorock is and how it is advantageous to Gili islands tourism, fish populations and reefs. 
•  Help our volunteers’ check the structures are on, working properly and harbouring the correct corals. 
•  Bring along your underwater camera and get a picture on our very own Deus motorbike Biorock.
• Dive includes short briefing on the Biorock technology, how long our Biorocks have been established, the age and condition of each Biorock you will see.

Introduction to the Biorock Process, 1 or 2 day PADI speciality 2,000,000rp

•  Learn about coral ecology and the importance of coral reefs in the marine environment. The course raises awareness to the state of coral reefs global and the need for awareness and responsible behaviour to protect remaining healthy reefs. 
•  Divers will also be introduced to the Biorock process and technology and why it is so successful.
• Take part in training to identify damaged coral reefs, the causes of destruction and the use of Biorock technology for restoration and erosion prevention.
•  Learn how a Biorock works and why they are more successful than other reef restoration techniques. Will also gain an insight into how they are advantageous in preventing coastal erosion and eco tourism.
• Gain a PADI Distinctive Speciality certification
• Course includes 2 dives, at least one around the Biorock structures. The divers will learn to identify species of coral and the status of the corals on reefs and also on Biorock structures to compare. You will also learn how to recognize coral bleaching, disease and predation with underwater identification slates, whilst gaining a PADI speciality certification.

Email info@trawangandive.com for more information.

Screw university, diving is way better

Corina joined the team at Trawangan Dive a few months ago, after doing her PADI Divemaster and PADI Instructor Development Course with us. As well as being a semi-permanent fixture at any party at the Irish bar, she’s also keeps guests entertained with her quick humour and funny stories. We love her to bits and hope she never leaves!
 
Tell us about yourself Corina..

Young, sexy, big boobs, nice bum. That kind of sums it up!

Quite! Ermm.. anything else?

I’m from Switzerland, I’m 21 years old and I speak English, German, Italian and a weird local dialect called Romanch. There are only 15,000 people that speak it. So super useful.

How did you end up on the island?

I was on a bus in Bali at 6am and I met Sarah one of the dive instructors at Trawangan Dive. She seemed really friendly and she knew I was on my way to Gili Trawangan. She basically dragged me to the dive shop.

Had you been here before?

No. But I heard about it from a best friend who visited it two years ago. It sounded like a lot of fun.

How long have you now been here for?

Since May last year .. almost one and half years.

What made you decide to stay?


I originally came to do some fun dives. But Sarah, with her great sales technique, sold me the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course. After one week and lots of diving, I tried to leave. My boat and flight to Singapore were booked. After a big night out at a snorkel test, and a little encounter with one of the Divemaster trainees, I was ready to leave, bags packed and everything. I paid my bill. But Adam, Sarah’s boyfriend and also a great salesman, told me to stay and to do my PADI Divemaster.

A group of friends at the dive centre then created a pros and cons list on the whiteboard. The pros list for staying was much longer (of course) and so I decided to stay. The boat, by that point, had left anyway. I crawled back into my room and started my PADI Rescue Diver course the following day. The course lasted ten days because I was in no rush and it was so much fun.

Do you remember your PADI Divemaster course or is it all a blur?!

At that point, my English wasn’t so great and it took me a long time to read the books and study for my exams. My mentor helped me though. Otherwise, it was great fun. I learnt so much and did almost a hundred dives during the course. This was invaluable for when I became an instructor.

Did this mess up plans you might have had at home?

Totally. I was meant to study Geography. I went home after my Divemaster course. I was depressed and cried a lot and I didn’t want to see my friends. I started university but quit two weeks later because I couldn’t be bothered. My heart wasn’t in it. I booked a one way ticket back to Indonesia with the intention of staying for a few months.

And then you did your PADI Instructor Development Course!

Admittedly, I was a bit of a star student because I had done my PADI Divemaster training at Trawangan Dive and all the others had done theirs at different dive centres. It made me realize what a high standard we have here.

What was your diving experience before coming to the island?

I did my PADI Open Water Diver course when 14 in Egypt. When I arrived on Gili Trawangan, I had about 20 dives. As well as Egypt, I’d also dived in Australia and Turkey.

What are you doing now?

Sitting in the office all day and drinking coffee!

I occasionally teach but my main job is now Marketing Manager. I’m responsible for administration of the accommodation at Trawangan Dive. I organize bookings, and travel arrangements for people and make sure all of the rooms are looking lovely.

What are your plans for the future?

Taking over the world. Why not! I’m staying for a while. It’s very difficult to leave. I hope to teach some more. Party some more. Find a rich husband. You know, what every girl dreams of…

If you'd like more information on how to follow in Corina's footsteps, please contact us!

This article originally appeared on www.idc-gili.com.

 

Protecting our reefs for generations to come

 
Trawangan Dive is proud to be hosting part of the 2012 Biorock training workshop. It will bring professional coral restoration experts and lecturers into the classroom to engage participants in all aspects of coral reef restoration using the definitive Biorock method.
 
Coral reefs are the rainforests of the world’s oceans. Just like their earthly counterparts, they occur in tropical and sub tropical environments and support a huge variety of species. They are also diminishing at an alarming rate.

Decline of the Great Barrier Reef

A study published just a few weeks ago revealed that Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has lost more than half its coral cover in the past 27 years. Researchers analysed data on the condition of 217 individual reefs that make up the World Heritage Site. The results show that coral cover declined from 28.0% to 13.8% between 1985 and 2012. They attribute the decline to storms, a coral-feeding starfish and bleaching linked to climate change.

Asia’s Coral Triangle is also under threat 

Another report has warned that more than 85 percent of reefs in Asia’s Coral Triangle are directly threatened by human activities such as coastal development, pollution and overfishing. Launched at the International Coral Reef Symposium in Cairns, it said the threat was substantially more than the global average of 60 percent and urged greater efforts to reduce destructive fishing and run-off from land.

“When these threats are combined with recent coral bleaching, prompted by rising ocean temperatures, the percent of reefs rated as threatened increases to more than 90 percent,” the report said.

The Coral Triangle covers Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, The Solomon Islands, and East Timor and contains nearly 30 percent of the world’s reefs and more than 3,000 species of fish.

Marine biologists are trying reverse the trend

Marine biologists across the world are desperately trying to protect our remaining reefs. Some are building repositories of the known coral species so that future generations can at least get to see them in aquariums. Others are constructing artificial reefs in areas of significant damage.

Biorock method yields quick results

The biorock method was developed by architect and marine scientist Wolf Hilbertz and marine biologist Tom Goreau. They found that by running a small electrical current through a structure in seawater, a hard shell of calcium carbonate would form on the cathode. You could then attach small pieces of natural coral to the structure. The corals seemed to love these substrates, achieving growth rates often five times faster than normal.

Gili Trawangan – a paradise under threat

Gili Trawangan is one of three tiny coral atolls off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia. It is increasingly a compulsory side trip to any Bali holiday, thanks to its white beaches, diving and snorkelling sites and absence of motor vehicles.

The Gili Islands are dependent on a healthy marine habitat for their fisheries, tourism, shore protection and marine biodiversity. This habitat has been largely damaged by combinations of coral heatstroke, disease, storms, global sea level rise, over-fishing and direct physical damage from destructive fishing practices, boats, anchors and tourists.

Without large-scale restoration of degraded habitats to make them capable of supporting larger fish and shellfish populations, there will be fewer fish in the future.

And without healthy growing corals, there will be fewer beaches or tourism income, affecting all business owners on the island.

Tourist attraction

“Right now we around 60 biorock structures around this island,” says Delphine Robbe. “By the end of this year, we should have one hundred.” Since coming to Gili Trawangan in 2005 with a plan to get her PADI Divemaster certification, this Frenchwoman has become the driving force behind the island’s many eco programmes.

Besides stimulating biodiversity, the Biorock structures also combat beach erosion, which became a serious problem with the destruction of the natural reefs. Increasingly, they are an attraction for tourists too. Divers and snorkelers can now see underwater sculptures of a manta ray, trident, dolphin, turtle, octopus, snake, moon and even a komodo dragon.

2012 Biorock training workshop

Gili Trawangan is proud to be hosting the 2012 Biorock training workshop. It will bring professional coral restoration experts and lecturers into the classroom to engage participants in all aspects of coral reef restoration using the definitive Biorock method.

Workshop sessions will cover all aspects of theory and practice including design, construction, installation, monitoring, maintenance and repair of Biorock sites. Additional lectures will cover the basic principles of coral reef ecology, threats to coral reefs, and environmental restoration.

Over the course of the seven day workshop, participants will have the opportunity to use their knowledge as they plan and invoke all the steps involved in constructing, deploying and populating Biorock structures with coral fragments.

After accomplishing the Biorock workshop, certified PADI instructors can apply to PADI to be able to teach the PADI Distinctive Specialty: Introduction to Biorock process.

If you’d like more information about the Biorock workshop and ways in which you can combine the course with PADI professional courses, please contact us at Trawangan Dive.

This article originally appeared on www.idc-gili.com.

Thinking about becoming a PADI professional?

Pick up any diving magazine or surf the web for dive related websites, and you’ll find lots of images taken in exotic destinations combined with interactions with aquatic life. In certain people, this often stimulates the dream of working full time as a dive professional.

There are few professions in the world where you can spend a Monday morning commuting to your work place on a boat, enjoying beautiful weather with customers who admire you for the job you do.

You’ll never forget your first breath

Most divers never forget their first breath underwater during their initial confined water training. For the majority of scuba participants, the entry level certification opens a whole new world. For some, it creates the dream and goal of becoming a scuba diving professional.

Build your self esteem

Scuba diving is a sport that builds self esteem and improves physical fitness. It also creates an environmental awareness and shows individuals how to make a positive contribution to the aquatic world.

Unlike many other sports, scuba diving is non-contact, three-dimensional and multi sensory. The competition is with each individual to better themselves as a diver, not over others. Whilst many divers enjoy the silence and serenity of the underwater world, scuba diving is also a very social activity and fosters camaraderie amongst participants and leads to lifelong friendships.

You’ll make a positive difference 

As a scuba diving professional, you get to make a positive difference to other people’s lives and to the environment. Whether an individual seeks scuba instruction to learn about the environment, as a self fulfilment goal or to challenge themselves, you become a facilitator and help them dive safely and have enjoyable experiences.

The PADI system of education

The PADI system of diver education has some of the most comprehensive educational products. It’s a system that enables the instructor to work more on individualized instruction as most students are free to learn at their own pace.

This allows for you as the instructor to focus on individual needs, remediation and delivering the course in a fun and effective manner.

These materials can be used anywhere in the world to teach a standardized course. However, the instructor will need to adapt each course to the local environment and culture, which is something you will be taught to do.

Work wherever you choose

PADI instructors can choose to work part or full time in tropical resorts or local dive centres. Many instructors also have their own full time jobs and work in their spare time or weekends as either freelance instructors or through a local PADI dive centre.

In the resort environment many instructors enjoy teaching on tropical islands in warm waters on beautiful coral reefs with an abundance of fish and other aquatic life. It’s obviously this dream lifestyle that motivates many individuals to switch careers.

Join the tribe – become a PADI Divemaster

There are different methods of completing the Divemaster course; it can be done through a local dive centre, on a part time basis, either interning on classes or via practical simulated training components. Many candidates choose to take time out and intern on a program over several weeks in the tropics, and get real world hands on exposure whilst training.

Take the plunge – become a PADI Instructor

The next step after the PADI Divemaster course is to enrol in either the PADI Assistant Instructor course, or the complete PADI Instructor Development Course.

To have the best chances of employment within the dive industry, and to make a reasonable pay, then the instructor rating is a logical progression after the Divemaster course.

What you can teach

As a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, you can conduct introductory programs such as Discover Snorkelling and Discover Scuba Diving, and certification courses from the PADI Open Water Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, PADI Rescue Diver and the PADI Divemaster course.

It is also possible to teach specialty classes such as Enriched Air/Nitrox, Digital Photography, Deep, Wreck or Fish Identification upon taking a specialty instructor class or with sufficient experience.

Sounds amazing! What’s the catch?

PADI instructors seem to have the dream job. They get to work in exotic locations, they dive for a living, they interact with nature, and their students look up to them like heroes. In addition, they get paid for all this.

But teaching requires a special set of skills including patience, adaptability, open mindedness and basic business principles in customer service and marketing.

Often, the job of a PADI Divemaster or instructor has long hours. It can require the person to truly multitask and there may be significant periods without days off.

However if you talk to an instructor at the end of a bad days work, the majority would not swap it for anything else in the world.

It’s not all about the money, money, money

Whilst the job may not have the highest pay scales and most instructors do not work solely for money, the pay can be enough to allow good savings after a season. This could be used to finance a flight to the next destination, purchase new equipment and reinvest in additional training, or simply to bank.

If wealth could be measured in job satisfaction, then PADI instructors would probably be the wealthiest professionals on the planet, and with a life they could look back on with the biggest of smiles.

Branch out and discover new avenues

Many instructors work for a period of a few years teaching recreational classes then advance into more senior positions.

Friends who I have worked with now hold prominent positions in the scuba diving industry – from working as PADI Regional Managers, to owners of live boards, to PADI Course Directors. Others own or manage dive centres and resorts, and some specialize in technical diving and exploration.
When I think back to the career path I had originally chosen, in international financial institutions, I never for one day regret my choice – where it has taken me, the people I have met, and the memories I have.

If you'd like more information about the courses we offer at Trawangan Dive, please contact us.

This article originally appeared on www.idc-gili.com.

Gap year diver rocks the world

Trawangan Dive’s BioRock Distinctive Specialty Course attracts divers from around the world who want to work on a long-term project with a beneficial environmental impact. It is also a very popular choice for many gap year students. One of our latest arrivals is Pippa, from the UK. She joined us a few weeks ago and has captivated us all with her stories, her diving skills and her professional attitude.
 
Tell us about yourself Pippa…

I’m an 18 year old originally from Hampshire, United Kingdom but I now live in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. Yes, where the cheese comes from! I’m currently on my gap year before starting a BSc in Marine Biology with Oceanography at Newcastle University next year.

What made you come to the Gili islands?

I wanted to do something conservation and science-oriented in preparation for my studies next year. At a gap year event at my school, I met Ben from Gap Year Divers and he gave me some information about the Gili islands, Trawangan Dive and the BioRock specialty course. It all sounded so perfect.

I’ve been a diver since completing my PADI Junior Open Water Diver at the age of 10. Since then, diving has been a big part of my life and I’ve had my sights set on becoming a PADI Divemaster for a long time.

In addition, some friends had been to the islands before and had amazed me with stories about the culture, the diving and the parties!

What are your first impressions of the Gili islands?

I’d never been to this part of the world before – this is by far the furthest east I’ve been. Everything is so different – the culture, language and cuisine – but you get used to it very quickly.

The Gili islands themselves are beautiful. In one word – paradise! They really are paradise islands, with white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and crystal clear seas. It’s great that there is no form of motorized transport allowed – it’s makes for a very peaceful environment.

Everyone is so friendly and I’ve felt very welcomed since day one. The locals are always smiling and greet you whenever you meet them, even if you’re just walking down the road. It feels a very safe place.

How are you finding it at Trawangan Dive?

It’s very much a home from home and I felt part of the team straight away. When we arrived, we were met by Adam, one of the managers, down at the harbour. He greeted us with a smile and a hug and then bundled us into a horse cart.

It only took a few minutes to arrive at Trawangan Dive and I have to admit I was impressed. It sits right on the beach, overlooking the crystal waters with Gili Meno on the other side of the channel. It looks professional, clean and welcoming. Which was a relief because you can never really tell from looking at pictures on the internet!

I’ve got everything I need here. The food at the restaurant is delicious and there’s lots of variety, from English breakfasts to Mexican fajitas and Indonesia rice dishes. The backpacker rooms are simple but clean. I’ve got a bunk bed room to myself so I have some privacy.

The diving side of things is very well organized and everyone works together as a team. There are so many nationalities working here – English, Scottish, Kiwi, Australian, Swiss, German, French, etc.

Tell us about your previous diving experience

My father is a scuba diver and as a family we go to Mauritius every year for our family holiday. I always really enjoyed snorkelling on the reefs and when I was 10 years old my father enrolled me in the PADI Junior Open Water Diver course. I thoroughly enjoyed it and even got to dive with a pod of wild dolphins on my last dive!

I also completed my PADI Junior Advanced Open Water Diver in Mauritius when I was 15 and then my PADI Rescue Diver course back in the United Kingdom. It was certainly a different experience! I did it at Vobster Quay, a quarry in the south of England. The water was cold and murky and there wasn’t an awful lot to see. I had to wear an 11m wetsuit which is neither comfortable nor flattering!

In addition to those places, I’ve also dived in the Red Sea and the British Virgin Islands.

You’re also a PADI Master Scuba Diver! Congratulations!

I’m pretty proud of myself because I worked quite hard for it. I did most of my PADI specialties including Night Diver, Digital Underwater Photography, Research Diver and Underwater Naturalist, at a company called Action Quest in the British Virgin Islands. In addition, I became an Enriched Air Diver.

How is the PADI Divemaster course going?

I love it! It’s really broadening my knowledge and giving me a whole new take on diving. I’m learning to look at dives and divers from a different perspective.

I’ve already been assisting on a variety of courses, from Discover Scuba Diving to Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses. Over the last few days I’ve also been given the opportunity to play the victim on a Rescue course. I’ve been getting a lot of the theory done and have already completed my first theory exam.

I really appreciate the mentor relationship and am learning a lot from Instructor Jo, but I also like that I get to work with all of the instructors. It’s interesting seeing how each instructor has a different style.

What about some of the cool things you’ve seen underwater here?

I saw my first ever shark at Shark Point the other day! We saw a total of three white tip reef sharks swimming in hundreds of circling jack fish and it was so cool.

There are loads of turtles on the dive sites which is brilliant because they are my favourite marine animal. You can’t go on a dive without seeing at least a couple of them.

I’ve also got to see lots of nudibranch that I’ve never seen before and I spent a good 10 minutes watching a cuttlefish lay some eggs the other day. Amazing!

Your BioRock specialty course is starting soon! Are you looking forward to it?

Absolutely. It’s a new concept that I’d never heard of before. Like most people, I’d heard about the decline of coral reefs around the world, and about coral bleaching and the warming of the ocean. I’d even witnessed this decline first hand having dived in Mauritius for so many years. So I became quite excited when I realized I could work on a project that is designed to combat these problems and help the reefs regrow. I can’t wait until we start building our own structure and then get to sink it and attach the coral. So exciting!

It goes without saying that the course will also massively benefit my university course and give me a lot of material and experience to share with others.

Where else are you going on your gap year?

I’m planning on heading back to Mauritius and I’m going to do my PADI Instructor Development Course with the dive centre where I learnt to dive. It’s like going full circle!

Once that’s completed and I’ve got some teaching experience, I’m going to go back to the British Virgin Islands as I’ve been offered a position as part of the dive staff at Action Quest.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

My dream has always been to work with the BBC on a series similar to the Blue Planet. I would love to be a research assistant on a program like that, making brilliant television while getting the chance to see nature’s wonders up close and for real. It would also be quite cool to make David Attenborough a cup of tea…

Best of luck with realizing your dream Pippa! 

If you’re interested in improving your diving skills and learning to become a PADI Divemaster or Instructor on a beautiful tropical island, get in touch with us at Trawangan Dive.

This article originally appeared on the Trawangan Dive website for PADI professional courses: www.idc-gili.com

Save the sharks - AWARE Shark Conservation Distinctive Speciality Course

Sharks are crucial to marine ecosystems. They maintain a balance in populations of prey species and keep the ocean healthy by removing ill or diseased animals. They are an important resource supporting local economies through fishing and as an attraction to dive tourists.

Speciality Instructor Sarah Best (Right) with Roxy, Jill, Sian and Tom

But sharks are in global decline. Overfishing has reduced many shark populations around the world to levels that threaten their continued existence. Shark numbers have fallen by more than 80% in many cases and the continued existence of some species is at immediate risk in some regions.

The Gili islands are no different. Numbers of black and white tip reef sharks have dwindled over recent years due to destructive fishing practices including cyanide and dynamite fishing. In an attempt to reverse this trend, recent changes in legislation have created a marine protected area around the three Gili islands. In addition, the Gili Eco Trust has reached an agreement with local fishermen to designate legal fishing areas and appropriate methods.

Sian supporting Project AWARE

Last month, a group of shark advocates came together to study the AWARE Shark Conservation Dive Distinctive Specialty. Tom, Sian, Jill and Roxy, (who won the course at the AWARE quiz night in April).

The slides were accompanied by some clips from the movie Sharkwater which together produced some horrifying facts and figures, enough to reduce some of the group to tears.  It wasn’t all harsh information though; the slides included some tips on how to identify sharks, the evolution of sharks and pictures of many different species of our aquatic friends.

The first dive of the course was to Deep Turbo.  A dive site known for its amazing formations, healthy coral and changeable currents.  It used to be famous for regular sitings of white tip reef sharks and leopard sharks.  However the group was not lucky enough to see them that day.  We used it as an excuse to clear up some debris and take photos of fishing boats spotted in the marine protected area, which were photographed and reported to the government.

The second dive of the day was to Shark Point.  Donning the shark hats, we embarked on our mission, but again, no sharks were spotted.  A sad realization where two dive sites previously notorious for being home to many sharks are now home to far less, and encounters are becoming a rare treat.

In good news though, all of the shark hats survived the current and are ready for the next course!

Sian & Jill Diving at Shark Point 

The AWARE Shark Conservation Dive Distinctive Specialty is available at Trawangan Dive on request. It’s perfectly suited to those who are passionate about the aquatic realm and who want to learn more about the threats faced by our shark friends.