Cracking Career!
So, Angela, is it hard to become an instructor? What qualifications do you need?
If you are determined and you really want to succeed, anything's possible! But, yes, it takes a lot of time to gain the relevant experience and qualifications. Through the BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club), i first trained as a Sports Diver and then went on to do my Instructor qualification. If you are really ambitious, you can even progress to Advanced Instructor.
What kind of personality do you need to have to do this line of work? What qualities?
I would say sense of leadership is important. Also, determination and an adventurous spirit helps! but, obviously, you have to be good at working with people in a team, and fairly organised. But then there are also skills you need to acquire, like knowing how to use computers or how to speak other languages.
what facts can you tell us about coral reefs?
As much as a quarter of all marine life lives there - did you know thai? So, it's imperative that we look after them. Unfortunately,as you probably know, they are in jeopardy due to man's activity. They're being destroyed a lot faster than the time it took for them to be formed. did you know that coral reefs take thousands of years to grow about two centimetres a year.
That is amazing. Really makes you respect them. so what can we do to ensure the survival of coral reefs?
When diving, be careful not to touch the coral, either with your body or you equipment. Also, we have to be extremely careful in the boat, so we don't drop anchor on a reef. certainly, no rubbish should ever be dumped there. for obvious reasons. And, naturally,you shouldn't even think about taking some coral home as a souvenir!
Is there anything you don't like about the job you do?
Of course it's difficult being away form your family and friends for long periods, and it takes time to adapt to the new culture you are living in. But after a while you find that you have a new home and a new set of friends,and there is no time to get homesick as there are so many new things to discover. the other main concern is the safety aspect - it can be Daunting to think that you are responsible for the safety of all the people you instruct. Luckily, everyone under my instruction has escaped unharmed - touch wood!