volunteering in dive shop in exchange for dives etc?

[nialld]

Im not an instructor - in fact ive only done open water so far so I realise that I am new to this. However, I was wondering if it is doable to volunteer on reception / filling tanks / marketing / cleaning at dive shops in exchange for dives and/or food and/or accomodation?

Anyone ever done this before? Any advice or possible contacts?

My first post on here - be gentle! I have already had a good search on the internet but nothing much has come up, hence this post.

Any advice much appreciated!

Niall

[Rod Bateman]

It all depends where you are in the world:-
In the UK most people who work in dive shops are Divemaster or above.
Working abroad they normally want you to multi-task so again are looking for DM or above. There are some places where you can fill cylinders, clean, make coffee etc. but the rewards are very small and are normally taken by local workers. In Egypt for example the cylinder boys work for one day off a month and it is very hard work, and no time for diving.
Maybe you could be the first to do it and make money, let us know!

[Chris Cherrington]

I have done something like this in return for additional training many years back. Nowadays you would need a gas blender's qualification to do what I did. As Rod says you really need to be at DM level. On top of this a lot of shops have figured out that very keen new divers can be exploited to do all manner of things for nothing and in the last five years there seems to be an explosion of these kinds of deals, often in Thailand. Most do not seem to get a very good report.

Its a good way to learn the ropes to buy your own shop, or like me realise why a dive shop is a daft idea and go do something else :D

Chris

[Mike Halligan]

Im not an instructor - in fact ive only done open water so far so I realise that I am new to this. However, I was wondering if it is doable to volunteer on reception / filling tanks / marketing / cleaning at dive shops in exchange for dives and/or food and/or accomodation?

Anyone ever done this before? Any advice or possible contacts?

My first post on here - be gentle! I have already had a good search on the internet but nothing much has come up, hence this post.

Any advice much appreciated!



Niall,

I've seen this done, elsewhere. If you're on really good terms with the operator of the shop/school, over 18 and keen to learn then I'd guess (NB: guess!) there's little to stop that operator agreeing.

Employment, even for favours under a barter system, is a nightmare in the UK, so don't be surprised if even the friendliest operator is reluctant.

HTH

[John Bantin]

I have often seen this done at Mediterranean dive centres where, bound by EU employment laws, they are inevitably short-staffed during the diving season (May to October). You need however to be on the spot (with your accommodation sorted) in order for them to get to know you first.

[JamesW]

Hi I think the min you would need to be is a Rescue/Sports Diver and you would need the HSE medical + Gas Blenders ticket.

[Sandman]

My LDS asked me to do a few odd jobs around the place when i used to go in. I'm now qualified by them to service regulators & work Saturdays. (its more fun than the real job, just doesn't pay as good). This also means i now get a very good discount on gear.
They do training as well & have always offered me any support i want with this. Slightly different from your self, but shows its do-able.

[Fingers]

Its been a while since the last post on here, why dont you let us know how you got on Naill?

If you cant get one for training (due to UK legislation etc), why not just get a saturday job as Sandman did. Surely if they are a good store they would offer discounts and the extra cash you get could pay for the extra dives you require.