Dive Centers Start Local Divemaster Trainee Program On Curaçao

WILLEMSTAD – Four dive centers on Curaçao put their forces together to find new local dive talent. During a selection day full of different tasks candidates were selected to become a PADI divemaster trainee.

This weekend Blue Bay Dive & Watersports co-hosted this selection day together with Coral Divers and Jan Thiel Diving. Divers and non-divers participated in this new initiative in the hope to become a dive professional one day. “It is a dream to work in nature and show guest the beauty of Curaçao’s exciting underwater life.”

Locals showed a lot of interest in the diving industry during the CHATA Job fair (Curaçao Hospitality & Tourism Associaton). Dive centers Blue Bay Dive (Blaauwbaai), Coral Divers (Coral Estate), Blue Bay retail shop (Mambo beach) en the brand new Jan Thiel diving decided to anticipate and start a local Divemaster Trainee program. The four dive centers will all select a Divemaster Trainee candidate. The goal is to let them become dive professionals within 6 months.

CHATA president and CEO Miles B. M. Mercera is delighted with this new initiative: “The Diving sector on Curaçao is a  $40+ Million industry providing around 350 jobs. This Divemaster Trainee Program is a solid example of the much-needed investment in Human Capital development and an opportunity for the local community to partake in this lucrative industry. The diving sector continues to grow and therefore, more local divers are constantly needed. We congratulate dive centers on this great initiative and wish them the best of luck with the program.”

Divemaster candidates encountered different tasks during the selection day. Besides making a beautiful dive in the Caribbean Sea, they also did team building activities, communication assignments, and a swimming test. For some candidates, it was their first diving experience. “In the beginning, I thought it was pretty scary, but they made me at comfort. I really loved it!” noting one of the candidates after her Discover Scuba Dive.

The selected candidates will start their journey to become a PADI dive professional next month.