u/Moodijudi8059

Hey all,

I’m looking into transitioning to become a deckhand (26f). I’ve been sitting on this the past year and the career move is the direction I’m ready to take things.

I’m trying to get a picture of how attainable this goal might actually be. I’ve looked into the certs required and the ones that would give me a leg up and I plan to get them at Seascope in Antibes. Then look for a job there.

Some things about me:

• 3+ years of work in hospitality, administration, service industry

• I have a B2 fluency in French, basic Spanish skills and am a native English speaker (American)

• Rescue Diver Certified (around 40 logged dives)

• Yoga Instructor 200H Yoga Alliance certified

• strong swimmer, comfortable in and around the water

• Bachelors degree in Psychology

I’m familiar with Antibes and would plan to do about a week of certification work at the beginning of September then look for a job following that.

I’m here to ask for:

• advice
• if it’s a feasible idea to get a job in September in the Med OR if im better off going to Florida
• if these qualifications are the kind that might help my case as someone with no boat experience

I’ve done seasonal work in France already where I worked 60 hours weeks. I’ve worked overnight shifts, I’ve been away from family for extended periods so I have a decent idea of the level of commitment it takes but I’d love the opinion of someone who’s experienced in the work already.

Thanks in advance!

Hey all I’m seeking some advice,

I’m in Utila Honduras right now and just finished my OW. Having grown up in the water it all feels very natural to me and I’m no stranger to the ocean, getting to experience it through this medium is like a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to get certified and Id love to eventually work in a career that allows me to be in the water on a regular basis wether it’s in conservation work, research or in a dive shop.

I have a unique opportunity being here as it’s basically the cheapest place to get certified and I’m on a flexible timeline. I realize zero to hero programs are a bit controversial so I want some input from this community.

I wouldn’t be going directly into a job as a DM but since I’m here now and can afford it I want to do the certification now. I’m young, fit, I’ve done a lot of open water swimming in much harsher conditions than the Caribbean. I also have free diving and snorkel experience (I’m from San Diego) which has given me some advantage in taking to this skill.

So do you guys think it’s a good idea to seize the opportunity and just go directly to certification as a DM? to clarify, I would NOT be seeking a DM position immediately after, I would want acquire a lot more dives in different conditions before doing that but I am heavily considering getting the certification now rather than later.

(I know about the rescue courses between AOW and DM) and would be logging minimum 50 dives before the DM)