I, Cam, completed my Diploma in Scuba Instruction at Dive Otago to become a Specialty Instructor. I was eager to head overseas and find warmer waters, but the opportunity came up to work with the team at Dive HQ Wellington. While this was not my original plan, it has been well worth spending 18 months here learning from two extremely experienced instructors before heading overseas.
I gained valuable experience teaching a huge range of courses, meaning I am able to head overseas with my Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) rating, making me much more employable. Many of the courses I have run have been in challenging conditions such as extremely low visibility at times and strong winds making surface skills difficult.
The challenging weather we experience forces you to make strong informed decisions about the sites we choose to dive. This is to reduce risks while we are in the water but also to allow the best experience for our divers when in the water.
Our ratios are reduced due to the conditions we experience. This has meant learning to teach courses effectively and efficiently has been made easier. As a result I am much more efficient at running and operating a course
Helping to run the dive club has exposed me to many extremely proficient divers with huge amounts of experience. This has been a valuable way to learn about recreational diving from the perspective of non-professionals.
I have been able to build a better picture of how the industry as a whole works in New Zealand. Interactivity with a variety of brands through the shop has been an exciting part of the learning process. Through this I have been able to pick up certifications as a service technician under Mares and have a strong understanding of the mechanisms within a regulator, meaning I can diagnose and potentially fix issues in the field. I have also gained experience operating and filling tanks, as well as some experience with the maintenance of a compressor including filter changes.
I have been fully empowered to follow my passion of spearfishing through HQ which has been a privilege. I have been able to take apart and fix many different models of guns. This has personally been great fun and very fulfilling.
The experience of teaching in New Zealand has been a great way to develop my skills, gain experience and follow my passions in a professional setting. This leaves me in good stead for joining the dive community overseas and is an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Cam Preston
PADI MSDT
NB: Cam has already left on his BIG OE and we love hearing about his travel adventures. Once he settles down for some diving we will let you all know.
