PADI Divemasters/Scuba Instructors in the BVI?

1POSTS

18 years ago

Hey there! Firstly, background lol; I'm a 20 year old female currently doing my degree in Marine and Natural History photography in Cornwall, UK. Im going to be training for my PADI Divemaster back in my home town of Blackpool over the summer, and after university, I really want to move to the BVI as it has always been my dream to live in the Caribbean, the BVI in particular. I am pretty obsessed with it- even though I've never been

So! I was just wondering, if there's anyone here that could give me some information on working as a divemaster/instructor in the BVI as a British Citizen. Is it hard/practically impossible to get visa's/permits etc? (I am aware that I would only get a job if there was no BV islander who would fit it- is this a massive problem in that field?) Is there much of a social scene? Is it madly expensive? The scenery and beauty of the islands speak for themselves, and I take it wildlife will be plentiful? Photography (wildlife and travel) is another major passion, one which I hope will also lead into another career in the future.

Also, my boyfriend (who is studying film and media at a degree level) is also interested in moving over with me, but obviously concerned about the jobs he could get over there? Are we right in thinking that the BVI isn't a hot spot for people in the film industry on a long term basis? Or are we mistaken?

Sorry to bother you with so many questions, I just cant seem to get any answers!

Cheers guys!

P.S. I would also be very interested in the US Virgin islands, or any other part of the Caribbean that may be better off for us. I just don't know as much about moving there in regards to permits etc. So really, any help at all!!
x

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onelove1 New member

8POSTS

18 years ago

Hi there,聽 I know nothing about being a dive master. However, I had once applied for a job with a diving company to be "selling" the dives, persay.聽 One of the only reasons I did not get the job (and this was in Jamaica) was because I could not speak spanish!

If you know spanish then you are set.聽 Im in the process of figuring out what company this is. I will get back to you on that!聽 I think due to your experience and eeducation you probably won't have too much of a problem. They would rather give the job to a skilled, educated foreigner.

As for your boyfriend, I am in the same boat. I live in Canada and my boyfriend lives in Jamaica.聽 Ok, well, maybe not the SAME boat. But we are trying to find somewhere that we can both live and work together. It is REALLY tough! his best bet might be going there on a vacation and walking the resort beaches to see if he can meet people in the film industry and get a job that way!! Probably under the table.

You also need a lot of money I think to live there. I mean you have to prove that you can support yourself financially. If you and your boyfriend are common law then MAYBE you can prove that you can support him and he can live there with you. i am not too sure on that.

Good luck,

Justine