Dive Briefing

Retail Skills

A1 Skippers Course

Compressor Operation

Assist Confined Water Training

Equipment Service Technician

Product Knowledge & Selling Skills

Mastering Skills in Confined Water

Skippering

Servicing Workshops

Launching Boats

Preparing Dive Boats for Charters

Career Development Programme

Would you like to live at the coast and obtain the world's most respected diving qualification, guaranteing endless international and local job opportunities.

Pro Dive

Pro Dive – Port Elizabeth is a 5 Star Dive Centre and is one of the largest dive training centres in South Africa.  We offer a Career Development Programme specialising in Resort Instructor Training.  Not only do we provide you with the essential courses to become a PADI Instructor, but we also provide you with additional practical experience, skills and knowledge required in the daily operation of a dive centre.

Scuba Diving is a multi-faceted industry with opportunities in instruction, retail, maintenance, skippering, business management etc.  The fact that PADI training is the most highly recognised certification worldwide opens up some of the most exotic locations in the world.  To date we have assisted in placing numerous instructors in the Cayman, Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Mediterranean Islands

For those candidates attending from outside of Port Elizabeth we have accommodation available for the duration of the programme.
View  Accommodation

Don’t miss the opportunity to train with us.

• Specialised Training
• Charter Operation, Beach Control & Management
• Skippering & Boat Maintenance
• Equipment Service Technician
• Retail Skills & Dive Store Management
• Course Pre-requisites
• Course Duration
• Equipment Requirements

Course Contents

1.1  Scuba Diving Training

The candidate will progress through the various scuba diving courses to finally qualify as a PADI Diving Instructor.  The training is divided into three sections:

1.1.1    Academics

• Diving Physics
• Diving Equipment
• Diving Physiology
• Decompression Theory
• Skills & the Environment

1.1.2    Confined Water

Time will be spent with the candidate developing their skills to demonstration level, so that they are able to meet the requirements of the instructor’s course.  They will spend a lot of time assisting with confined water training becoming familiar with teaching and the common problems dealt with in training.

1.1.3    Open Water

A minimum of one hundred dives will be completed during the training period.   The candidate will assist in open water training dives, leading organised dives, pleasure dives and various other training dives.  Your diving skills and water comfort will be perfected so as to meet the requirements to teach scuba diving in the open water.

2.2 Specialised Scuba Diving Training

Further courses are optional to obtain specialised knowledge and skills that will assist the candidate in the scuba diving industry.

2.2.1        Nitrox Training

• Decompression Theory
• Equipment Considerations
• Nitrox Dives
• Nitrox Blending
• Analysing Air Mixtures

2.2.2    Peak Performance Buoyancy

• Perfection of Buoyancy Skills
• Descents & Ascents
• Diving Technique
• Teaching & Planning of this Course

2.3  Charter Operation, Beach Control & Management

2.3.1     Charter Operation

• Booking and scheduling of dive charters
• Preparation of boats for dives
• Safety considerations
• Co-ordination of charter activities
• Transportation and Logistical considerations
• Beach Control
• Equipment Planning
• Management of various diving activities (staff, students etc.)

2.3.2         Compressor Operating

• Mechanics of Bauer Compressors used to fill diving cylinders
• Filling of Cylinders and Nitrox Blending
• Visual Inspections on Cylinders
• Hydro Inspections on Cylinders
• Safety regarding Compressor Operating

2.4      Skippering & Boat Maintenance

2.4.1        A1 (1) Skippers Course (Recognised Skippers Certification) - Optional

• Boat Handling
• Rule of the Road
• Lights & Flags
• Safety Equipment
• Radio Procedures
• Practical Training:  50 Logged Hours & Surf Launches

2.4.2     Boat Maintenance & Care

• Basic Maintenance and Cleaning
• Engine Considerations
• Identification of Wear & Tear
• Storing and Parking of Boats

2.5          Equipment Service Technician

• Maintenance Courses
• Regulator Theory
• Practical Experience & Workshops repairing equipment
• Servicing of equipment under direct supervision to gain experience.

2.6          Retail Skills & Dive Store Management

2.6.1    Retail Store Management

• Stock Control & Stock Takes
• Ordering
• Monthly Course Schedules
• Pricing
• Staff Rosters
• Window Displays
• Presentation and Layout of Stock
• Staff Meetings & Problem Solving

2.6.2        Product Knowledge

• Equipment Purpose & Feature Identification
• Equipment Criteria & Selection
• Compatibility and Interchangeable Considerations
• Recognised Brands of Equipment
• Care of Diving Equipment
• Fitting of Equipment 

2.6.3        Selling Techniques

• Staff Uniform and Presentation
• Display of Equipment
• Identifying Customer’s Needs
• Selling Techniques
• After Sale Service and Customer Care
• Telephonic Sales & Conduct
• Follow Up Sales

2.6.4        Marketing & Promotions

• Organising Displays & Promotions
• Experience Programmes e.g. Introductions to Scuba in the Pool
• Posters and Brochure Design
• Distribution of Brochures & Other Advertising Material

3.  Course Pre-Requisites

To enroll in the programme, an individual must:

• Be at least 17 years of age at the start of the programme and 18 years before the Divemaster and Instructor’s courses can be conducted.
•  Submit medical clearance for diving signed by a physician, attesting to fitness to dive.  The medical clearance must be current within the previous 12 months. 

4. Course Duration

Option 1:  PADI Instructor Certification

The full career development programme is completed. .

Duration:  Minimum of 6 months
Number of Dives: One has to have been a diver for a minimum of 6 months and completed at least 100 dives to attend an Instructor Exam.

Option 2:  PADI Divemaster Certification

The programme is completed up until PADI Divemaster Level only.

Duration:  Minimum of 3 months
Number of Dives: 60 dives have to be completed and logged to qualify as a PADI Divemaster.

Please note:

Although the programme is scheduled and structured to be completed as detailed above, it is important to note that the course is based on the concept of performance based learning.  This means that the students are allowed to progress at a pace until the required skills are demonstrated with comfort and confidence.

5. Equipment Requirements

We have discounted equipment packages available for candidates enrolling in this programme.  There are also various options available regarding the rental of equipment during the programme.

It is required that candidates equip themselves with the following:

• Mask & Snorkel
• Open Heel Fins
• Booties
• Wetsuit (5mm, 7mm or dry suit)
• Regulator with Alternate Air Source, pressure gauge and depth gauge
• Scuba Tank
• Weightbelt
• BCD with low pressure inflator
• Timing Device / Computer
• Compass
• Divers Knife
• Slate
• Emergency Signalling Device (e.g. whistle)

7.  Costing Programme

The cost of the programme has to be tailored to each candidates needs. 
Please contact us for a quotation|
Click here to view accommodation - Diver's House