The sounds of clanking tanks and boat engines firing up to take us to the next dive site; the hiss of compressed air filling hoses and pushing the pressure gauge needle from 0 to 200 bar in under 6 seconds; the boasts of experiences and encounters from surrounding excited divers’ previous drops underneath the dive site we’re about to explore; And the sense of uncertainty as to what lies beneath the waves we’re about to descend into; This is what inspired me and many others to pursue diving as either a specialized hobby or, like in my case, to pursue a career around.
As a recreational diver, I’ve experienced hundreds of dives and not one the same. As a professional instructor I am privileged to pass on the learnings and experiences to a new generation that will possibly return to discuss all their discoveries over pints, laughs and a confidence one can only achieve from experience. It is a community that is based around a sport. Unlike any other sport, I have participated in this is one that brings people together from every walk of the earth and connects them with experiences very few have witnessed. The physics is the same. The animals similar and many identifiable in fish guide books. However, some are yet to be discovered and the way each was witnessed are completely unique to the individual. I am proud to be one of them.
Deciding to pursue the opportunities in diving and gaining the education that began with Dive Careers to continue exploring this world of diversity and pass on that knowledge to others was probably the best decision I’ve ever made. Involving myself into conservation efforts adds yet another element of education and exploration that can only be achieved with dedication, patience and a passion for our underwater environment. No matter where this profession takes me I will always be excited when I hear that sound of clanking tanks as I turn the corner and see the waters which are calling for me to explore.
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To browse through all IDCs of 2020, click here - https://www.dive-careers.com/idc-dates-2020
Our contact details - https://www.dive-careers.com/contact-us
It’s been a busy year so far at Dive-Careers, IDC’s all over the globe and new places still keep on coming!!!
But for me (Bas) it was time to take a bit of a break from the Philippines and hop over to…..
After an intense 6/7 months training, for some all the way from Open Water to Dive Master, skipper, equipment specialists, gas blenders etc. its time for me to take them for the last step of the program!!!!
After those two weeks the guys after all hard work in the pool
Open water and of course classroom they are ready and having a well deserved lunch and a glass of South African Water
Now it’s not only that they have been trained as divers but also as skippers… Let’ have a look???
Louis van Aardt is the owner of Pro Dive and he is by far the most experienced skipper in SA, and yes his braai (BBQ) is good as well haha.
He has trained many, many skippers but not all of them are ready for the coolest part of being a skipper in SA…..
And I think it’s really cool that these 21 year old guys are getting ready for the next Sardine Run…And why not going out when there is a bit of wind and a bit of waves???? Lol
After a great program it’s time to go back home and meet my own Mentor Mark S.. After three years we finally had time to meet and so we did
During the IDC Mark is even teaching loose cylinder band to the people in the bar!!! Amazing and for sure safety first
Great programs and many, many more to come in the future I am getting ready for the September IDC in Bohol in the brand new setting of Blue Revival and it looks amazing
Then I will be off for some wreck action in Coron with Reggae Divers and the best wrecks in the Philippines!!!!!
And there is still time to join on the programs for any information and questions please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
And in the end we will be all ending like this!!!!!!
So come and join us!!!
So…… What happened in the Philippines so far this year???
To start with there is SO MUCH is going on in DIVE CAREERS…WHOOP!!
First I would like to congratulate Marie and Arnaud with an upcoming event hahaha. Marie is going to have a little break because she is about to run her private MCDTC that is new but means Mini Course Director Development Training Course back in Canada but she will be missed.
South Africa has some stunning and exhilarating destinations both above and below water. South Africa gives your the opportunity to dive with sharks, explore untouched wrecks, plus some of the most exciting game park safari destinations in the world.
IDC South Africa getting into the aquarium
Dive-Careers.com have been conducting IDCs in conjunction with Calypso Diving in uShaka MarineWorld, Durban. It is great facilites with some of our shallow water sessions actually taking place in the aquarium with rays and groupers cruising past. Excellent diving off the coast of Kwazu Natal, with some of the most world famous shark dives off nearby Aliwoal Shoal. They programs have been really successful as you can see by the below Scuba Tribe reviews. Our candidates have doen really well on the instructor exam, but, more importantly, we have helped launch them on great careers in the dive industry.
"I did my IDC through Dive Careers in South Africa this past month and I was blown away by the amount of knowledge and guidance I was given! Having come from Mozambique and diving all day everyday to sitting in a classroom was not a pleasant thought, however thanks to Bas who was an incredible Course Director I could not wait to get in there and learn! I left with more confidence and a renewed passion to go out and teach diving to the rest of the world! I would definitely recommend this team if you want to get out and join the PadiPro world ! Big thanks to the team for all they did for us and for going the extra mile to get us ready for the world of teaching! Dive Careers gives you that step ahead and and constantly inspires you to achieve success! Top marks or in exam terms ...5/5 !!!" Matt
IDC South Africa Open water
"very good preperation, more social and conversation than lecture based which made it very easy and pleasurable to participate. very happy with the outcome and would definitely recommend dive careers" Ivan
"Thanks to our course director, Bas Van Riemsdijk, as well as the people on course with me, each and every moment was exceptionally AMAZING and definitely memorable! Bas has been a pure inspiration and role model for us involved in the diving industry and strive to share the same passion as he does!" Ruark
IDC South Africa briefings
"Bas was absolutely incredible! Not only is he a great CD, but a great person too. We got along very well and I enjoyed every minute of the IDC. It was an incredible experience and I recommend dive careers to everybody. Thank you Bas and dive careers!" Brendon
IDC south Africa in the aquarium
Our programs in Durban continue to grow and offer new opportunities. Arne, the owner of Calypso, is now also offering Technical diver training with fully closed rebreather training. This is a very exciting new opportunity for our instructor candidates in Durban. It iwll open up so many dive sites around Durban that are little explored plus opens up opportunities in the dive industry globally.
Mark Soworka Platinum Course Director on IDC in South Africa
Briefings on South Africa IDC
IDCs are scheduled for Durban pretty much every 3rd month. Take the adventure and join us in South Africa for your PADI Dive instructor trianing. Any questions contact me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
