SSI Professionals wanted for remote island dive jobs.
One of the issues that we repeatedly run into is the lack of SSI Professionals available and willing to work in remote but idyllic resort environments. From the SSI side, we are doing what we can to increase the number of
dive professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills, but the shortage remains.
Would you like to work at the world’s top island dive destinations? Here are our top tips to help you make your future dive jobs a success.
Tips to make your dive job a success.
If you would like to work at a
dive training center on one of the distant islands in the Caribbean, the Pacific and other resort destinations, there are extra considerations to take into account beyond your training level.
Here are four that could save you a lot of problems:
1. What country are you looking to travel to and work in?
If you are not a citizen, you will likely need a work visa. Keep in mind that shops are small and owners/employers may not have the time to help you get all of the legal details ironed out.
It is best to find out what you will need to do before you commit to your new dive job.
You will also need to speak the language that most of the guests and the shop owner speak. Make sure you are experienced enough to do so.
2. Where will you live?
Make sure that this is sorted out to some degree before you arrive. The shop where you are going to work will usually provide some degree of support in this respect but it is best to be prepared.
You will also need to bring or have access to money, since income from dive jobs typically takes a few weeks to start. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least a couple of weeks.
3. How will you get around?
Find out beforehand what your travel needs will be while on the island. If you live 10 kilometers from the Training Cente, will you need a vehicle or is there local public transport?
In some cases, you may live within walking distance of the Training Center and not really need a vehicle at all.
4. What will you be doing?
Dive jobs typically involve a variety of activities. Most dive shops handle diving excursions and training, and have a retail and sales aspect.
You will likely need some retail knowledge or ideally experience. This depends on the job you are being hired for.
Make sure that you understand exactly what your tasks will be. Will you be going out on a boat on a regular basis or expected to sell gear or maintain equipment?
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SSI Training Centers – How to attract and support your dive staff.
In addition to helping your potential new staff with the above, make sure you follow these top tips to attract SSI Professionals to your dive shop.
The fewer surprises there are for the Professionals and Training Centers, the higher are your chances that the new relationship will be a success.
1. Clearly identify your shop as an SSI Training Center.
Make sure you show that you are an SSI Training Center everywhere that it might show up, be that Facebook, Instagram, or just your own website.
It is one of the most important steps for attracting SSI Professionals to your dive job.
2. Let potential employees know what they are likely to earn.
As far as is possible, let potential employees know what they are likely to earn, and do so as early in the recruitment process as possible. If seasonal employment is intended, make that clear as well.
3. Share what makes your location unique.
What other benefits might the individual have if they come to work for you? Let them know and help them discover the benefits unique to your location that might not be available elsewhere.
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4. Explain what staff, facilities, and equipment you have.
By explaining what you already have and what you need, you help applicants for your dive jobs know what to expect. It also gives them a chance to think about how they will fit into your center activities and add value to your team.
5. Be clear about what you hope to gain with an additional employee or two.
Think about how the new team member will fit into the current situation/team and what you are looking for. What cost of living difference might the new arrival expect? Make sure you let them know.
A list with the cost for local food items in local currency could be useful.
5. What other expectations do you have?
Take time to write down what you expect from your new staff and what you are ideally looking for.
The clearer you are from the start on what is negotiable and what is not, the easier it will be to find the ideal candidates for your dive jobs.
READ MORE: CALLING ALL DIVE PROFESSIONALS - WHY CHOOSE SSI?