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Can I go on this course if I’m not a complete beginner?
Yes you can. If you have an Open Water qualification then you will still need to take the full 10 week course as you will need to be ‘refreshed’ on the theory and will need to take 6 refresher dives – the same applies for those with an Advanced Open Water qualification. If you do not wish to become qualified all the way up to Divemaster or just want to take the Divemaster qualification then you will be able to join the course after/ for a certain amount of weeks to complete it.
Will I be able to get in touch with people at home for the ten weeks I’m on the project?
Yes you will. Byron Bay is a tourist/backpacker area and has plenty of options in terms of Internet cafes plus there is also broadband Internet at the dive centre that you will be able to use. If you have a mobile phone that you are going to bring with you, check with your provider about international roaming, as it is possible that you will be able to use your mobile to contact home whilst you are in Oz. Alternatively, you can purchase an international phone card so you can use payphones to phone home more cheaply.
Does being a Divemaster mean that I can teach scuba diving?
Having the Divemaster qualification does not mean that you are able to instruct unqualified divers, to do that you will need to take an instructor course. A Divemaster is the first level of professional diver and involves responsibility, planning and orientating and controlling all the aspects of a safe dive. You will be able to assist in dive training and work as a dive guide, but you will not be able to actually instruct other divers.
What will the accommodation be like?
All the accommodation on this project is at the dive centre itself, so you will be able to spend your leisure time with the other people who are on the course with you. All rooms are shared dorm rooms; you start off in an eight person dorm and move into a four person dorm – all the dorm rooms have personal space for you to keep your possessions. There are also shared bathroom facilities and a TV room for you to relax in. The accommodation gives you a lot of freedom to come and go as you please. Meals are not included so you can go out and explore the restaurant options of Byron Bay or go to a supermarket, do your own shopping and use the kitchen to cook up a feast!
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