[3 min read]
My divemaster commute was a fun tuk-tuk ride where we’d weave past baboons. Or, if the tides were right, a walk along the white sandy beach where this time I would dodge camels. On one stroll home, I unexpectedly found myself part of an acrobat performance, adding to the unpredictability and excitement of divemaster life in Kenya.
My PADI Divemaster qualification allows me to work worldwide as a dive guide, assist with scuba classes, and deepen my dive theory knowledge.
I owe a tremendous thank you to Ocean Tribe, a renowned diving centre on the Kenyan coast that welcomed me for my divemaster training. Their guidance and training enhanced my diving skills. And let’s not forget the crucial members of the Ocean Tribe welcoming committee – the dogs!
While my recent nursing placement in Kenya introduced me to the country’s celebrated savannas and remarkable wildlife, I soon discovered its wonders don’t stop at the shore. Beneath the waves, life thrives. During my divemaster training, I had the privilege of guiding divers through coral gardens, where turtles feasted and playful clownfish darted amongst the anemones. My first dive briefing was unforgettable, with an audience of humpback whales spotted from the boat.
The mysterious depths of the ocean intrigue me, yet they necessitate additional training to explore them. Mark kindly instructed my PADI Deep Diver course. I can now dive to 40m, so watch out creatures of the deep… I enjoyed the opportunity of trying something new, gaining insight into more technical skills and how diving at depth impacts the body.
When working as a student nurse I would take children from the hospital ward to surgery. I used a trail of marine animal stickers to make this journey less daunting. Now as a certificated divemaster, I can guide them underwater to witness these marine creatures up close! Thanks to Ocean Tribe’s person-centered approach I’ve learnt how to utilise my divemaster skills to share my passion for the ocean and provide a safe and enjoyable introduction to our amazing underwater world.
My nursing placement in Kenya introduced me to many wonderful people, some of whom managed to join me for part of my divemaster training in Diani. Among them was Siwan. He grew up in the remote village of Leparua, which is where I did my nursing placement. Leparua is hard to access, currently recovering from the worst drought in 40 years and has limited resources. This means nearly all of the Leparua community will never experience the joy of the ocean. Until this trip to Diani, Siwan had never seen the sea. He spent 2 days travelling from Leparua to the ocean. He had his first EVER sea dip, where he exclaimed “It’s so salty!”. Together, we all taught Siwan to swim, a skill he is keen to take back home.
From drought to sea dips!
Extending the warm and nurturing nature of the Kenyan culture, my housemate and dive buddy Steph made my time in Diani incredibly enjoyable and was a massive help with my divemaster. We spent evenings together revising dive theory, sharing dinners, playing beach volleyball and had many a laughing fit. Since I left Kenya, Steph has now become a dive instructor – whooo!! Her future students are lucky to have such a nurturing teacher.
Leaving Diani, I carry with me memories and a valuable professional diving qualification. Thank you to Mark and the Ocean Tribe team for having me and sharing your dive knowledge. Thank you to Richard Somerset and PADI Europe, Middle East and Africa for your support and sponsoring my course material. As I continue on my scholarship year I look forward to embarking on more adventures as a qualified divemaster!
A huge thank you to Rolex, the Our World Underwater Scholarship Society, Divers Alert Network and my equipment sponsors Fourth Element, Suunto, Halcyon Dive Systems, Reef Photo and Video and Nauticam. Their continued support, along with the dedication of countless volunteers and hosts, has transformed this incredible opportunity into a reality. I’m excited about the adventures that await in the coming year.
