We report for duty at 06:20 sharp. We discuss the day ahead and begin loading the van with gas cylinders. In goes all the SCUBA gear, fuel for the boat and a snack bag. We drive to the beach and haul gas and gear to the boat. It’s then back to base for a quick coffee and brekkie before greeting the guests. Some begin training in the pool while others are taken to the boat for an open water dive.
I have enjoyed four dives in just two days. The first involved mapping a small reef with a slate – marking points of interest and general direction. Next, I led my instructor through the same dive site to see how well I could remember it.
The dive instructors are such a lekker bunch with differing backgrounds. One used to work in IT, another in Human Administration and Resources, and the owner who is an ex-military helicopter pilot. They are all very professional and run a slick operation. Guests are equally varied, with Germans, French, American, Italian and Namibian groups that have come to dive.
It feels good to be in a routine with early starts and early to bed. We generally knock-off for the day at 3pm-ish after cleaning and packing away all the SCUBA gear. Apart from the owner’s son and his fiancée, who have their own little house around the corner, I’m the only one at the dive center afterhours. This affords time to relax, cook, and complete some online learning for my upcoming courses.
Apart from training to become a Dive Instructor myself, I will also complete Night Diver, Wreck Diver and Underwater Naturalist specialty courses. My first night dive is next week which I’m super excited about!
I used some free time to take a 2.5 hour walk around the island and got wonderfully lost. I came across a colourful graveyard, two Hindu temples, and Nana Mama where I enjoyed a roti and coconut cake ball. I’m definitely scouting around for some local street food.
I’m already feeling like a part of the crew and have been given a staff shirt to confirm it. I have also received my big pile of dive instructor slates. I’m taking every opportunity to observe the team as they teach and offering to help with whatever, from hauling gas to cleaning the pool.
It still feels a little unbelievable that I’m actually here.
Next: The Goby and the Shrimp
Previously: Mauritius Dive Instructor Training Day 1
Discover more from Roaming Unbound
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
