Our former students: Charlie

⁠What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Charlie and i’m from the UK

What made you decide to embark on the IDC or Divemaster course?

I decided to do my PADI instructor course having worked as a sailing instructor for the previous few years, I knew and loved teaching and having completed my Divemaster with Purple Dive it seemed like the next logical step!

What was your favourite part/highlight of the training?

My favourite part of the training was how Helene encouraged the candidates to work together and utilise each others strengths in order to help each other overcome our weaknesses. I was fortunate enough to be on an IDC with three awesome other candidates, so when we had a few spare hours on the IDC would would all jump in the pool or the classroom and help each other out with whatever difficulties or challenges we faced. This meant I was not only learning a huge amount from Helene and the team but also from the vast and broad experience of my fellow candidates.

What was your biggest challenge and how did the team help you overcome this?

My biggest challenge was definitely my very poor decision to crash my bike the night before the IE… I was gutted to miss doing the exam with the three I had done my IDC with, however Helene and the team were hugely supportive in helping me make a speedy recovery so I could get back in the water ASAP and in preparing me for an IE on Nusa Lembongan 2 weeks later!

Where are you working now and what is your current role?

I am currently working on Koh Tao in Thailand as an MSDT, teaching Discover Scuba diving through to speciality courses and Divemaster training.

⁠What is your favourite part about your job?

I love the variety of teaching diving, one day you might be helping a DSD who can’t wrap their head around how to clear a mask and the next you may be teaching someone their Wreck speciality. No matter if your doing advanced, beginner or professional training the joy and satisfaction of teaching people something you are passionate about never gets old!

How did your training at Purple Dive prepare or facilitate you in finding/working as a dive professional?

I’ve met many instructors who felt the IDC taught them how to pass the IE but didn’t focus enough attention on how to structure courses and actually work in the industry. The standout point for me with Purple Dive and the IDC course they run is that their primary focus is not only to get you to a level in which you can pass the IE but they also focus on training you to a level beyond that required for the IE which is invaluable for when you start working in the industry. Furthermore since leaving Purple Dive, Helene and the team have always been happy to help with any questions and offer advice with regards to finding work.

What is your best dive to this day?

My best dive to this day is still a dive I did at Purple Dive during my Divemaster course at the site Blue Corner on Nusa Lembongan. With only the instructors and divemasters onboard we took the boat out early in the morning just before sunrise and did a deep dive as the sun was coming up, accompanied by two Mola Mola!