Question 1

Do I Need to Know How to Dive Before the Course?

Accepted Answer

No. No experience is required. We will take you through all the necessary certifications, starting with basic snorkeling lessons, skin diving, and scuba skills.

Question 2

What Are the Hours?

Accepted Answer

Full-time courses run Monday to Thursday, 9 AM – 5 PM, or Tuesday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM. Some days will end earlier, and night diving is required.

Question 3

How Strong of a Swimmer Do I Need to Be?

Accepted Answer

All students must be able to swim 200m or snorkel 300m and float/tread water for 10 minutes at the start of the course. Professional level divers (Divemaster) will need to be competent swimmers.

Question 4

What Equipment Must I Have?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the course you are enrolling in. Diploma students must have a full snorkeling package, including a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, weights, weight belt, gloves, boots, knife, and torches. At the start of the course, all gear hire is free, then you an start to put your own gear together. You will be able to apply for a $1000 interest-free loan for course-related costs. We have packages available with supporting payment plans for students.  When you work in the Dive Industry you are expected to have your own gear so this is a great way to collect the perfect package for your diving style.

Question 5

What Are the Medical Criteria?

Accepted Answer

All divers in New Zealand must complete an RSTC Medical Questionnaire, signed off by a doctor. Professional divers must obtain an OSH medical (also known as a COC) if working in New Zealand.

Question 6

Where Do You Dive?

Accepted Answer

Auckland is surrounded by marine reserves, making it an ideal location for training. We dive mostly around Leigh, with dive sites including Jones Bay, Goat Island, and Mathesons Bay. We also have excursion trips around the North Island, which include overnight stays, and all boat fees are included on a wide variety of dive boats with Industry partners dive boats such as Dive Tutakaka, Dive Pahia, Northland Dive.

Question 7

Does Dive HQ Auckland Have Its Own Boat?

Accepted Answer

We used to but we now think it benefits our students experience to work with NZ dive partners such as Dive Tutukaka, Dive Paihia, and other industry leaders around the North Island. This way, you get to experience different larger boats, varied dive sites and a chance to network with other New Zealand dive professionals. Many of our students who put in the hard work receive job offers before they finish.

Question 8

What Field Trips Do Dive HQ Auckland Offer?

Accepted Answer

We do at least four or more dive trips each year, including destinations like Taupo Drift Dive, Rainbow Warrior, Cape Brett, the HMNZS Canterbury Wreck Dive, and the Poor Knights. Transport, accommodation, and boat dives are included.

Question 9

Is it Easy to Get a Job as a Dive Instructor?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the individual, but PADI is an internationally recognized certification, which opens up job opportunities worldwide. On the PADI website alone, approximately 5-10 new jobs are advertised every day! Dive HQ Auckland also has global connections, with graduates working around the world. We provide placement assistance upon request, and we’ll support you every step of the way. With Dive HQ Auckland we introduce you to INdustry partners around the north island so you have usually had a chance to meet prospective employers around the North Island. Networking is key. This is a people business so the more professionals you network with the better your job prospects.

Question 10

How Do I Enrol?

Accepted Answer

Simply inquire online or in-store, and we’ll organize an interview/application process. Contact us at 09 213 1328 or fill out the contact form, and we’ll get back to you.

Question 11

What if I start and I decide its not for me?

Accepted Answer

Dive HQ Auckland offer a 2-week cooling-off period. Even though you are enrolled on course if within the two week cut off you decide its not for you then the enrolment is cancelled. We haven't had this ever happen 😉 Most people are hooked once they start.

Question 12

What transferable skills do I gain on course?

Accepted Answer

Aswell as being a PADI Scuba Instructor with 5 Specialties. You will also be first aid trained and able to teach first aid. Most people finish the course a better version of themselves. You will be a confident communicator, a leader and have had lots of supportive opportunities to learn excellent presentation skills. You will be risk-aware and a welcome addition to any dive centre around the globe. You will also be taught about retail management, sales, marketing, gear servicing weather patterns and dive planning.

Question 13

How many dives will I have done at the end of the course?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the Diploma you will have logged at least 100 dives. Not only are you able to dive on course but we offer our students free air tanks and gear hire at the weekends.

Question 14

How do I find out about my eligibility  for Fees Free and Student Loans.

Accepted Answer

To be eligible for a student loan you need to have been a NZ resident for a minimum of 3 years. Or a NZ Citizen.  For Fees Free you need to have not completed and further study after school. You can check on their websites:  https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/
Also Student Loans: https://www.studylink.govt.nz/

Question 15

Are there any other scholarships or funding options available?

Accepted Answer

We can't advise on what scholarships are available but we suggest you liaise with WINS and also your community to find out if there are scholarships available for you. It is also work searching on https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/pasifika/information-for-students/scholarships-for-pacific-learners/

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