Life as a Divemaster in Training (DMT) @XTC Dive Centre

My name is Ethan and I’m from Northern Ireland. I’ve always been into watersports since I was a kid and took up recreational diving when I was about 13.

I decided to progress with my professional qualifications last year and came to XTC Dive Centre just before Covid broke out. I wasn’t able to complete my qualification then but as soon as I could travel I made sure to come back.

Travelling with everything that was going on was a bit scary at first but I knew that the location and the facilities at XTC were second to none for safety and so I was excited to get back!

The local community here are so welcoming and treat us as their own that feels like a home away from home. This is why it’s important as part of our role that we get involved in the conservation side of diving and the team at Centre are regularly involved in beach cleaning.

A typical day as a DMT means I get up about 7 to head to Dive Centre to have breakfast and get ready for the morning briefing. It’s our job to fill the tanks and make sure that diving kit is ready for the day ahead. We also make sure that the kit is all loaded onto the boat for the first trip of the day. I also have been able to use my skills in engineering to assist with some of the maintenance tasks around the Centre and I have enjoyed those tasks.

The daily dive schedule can start at 9am depending on how busy the place is – I enjoy getting as many dives in as I can and love it if we get out early morning and after lunch! The diving is amazing and I have saw manatees ; sharks and lots of different fish! Even though they are the nuisance of the sea my favourite is the lion fish because they are so colourful and interesting to look at! I also enjoy when we are able to take night dives!! Diving at night is a completely different experience!

As part of our training we also get an insight in to the operations of dive shop. This is definitely useful if you want a future career in the industry.

The instructors are always really helpful with the theory side of the course and they make sure to take the time to explain & ensure that you understand.

XTC has everything you need for the time you are here in training – the food is great and is always something I look forward to after a dive! I also love the fact that people come here from all over the world and the friends & connections you make can last a lifetime! After diving my favourite part of the day is when  we all get to sit down together at the Dive Centre with a few beers and take in the amazing views of the sunset – you will never get tired of that!