Dreaming of working as a Snorkeling Guide in a tropical paradise, where palm trees sway on the beach and the sun shines daily? While this may seem like a stress-induced fantasy, in the diving world, it can be a reality. However, it’s essential to stay grounded and realistic to avoid disappointment. If you view being a Snorkeling Guide at a diving center as an extended vacation – unfortunately, a common misconception – it’s time to adjust your perspective. Despite common beliefs, a Snorkeling Guide’s job is demanding. Typically, you’ll work six days a week, and during peak season, this could extend to seven.
If the allure of an exotic locale is your primary motivation, your enthusiasm for the profession may quickly wane. Professionalism is key; without it, your career in diving could be short-lived. On the other hand, if your passion for diving is driven by a deep desire to share this experience with others, and you aspire to be a Snorkeling Guide above all else (regardless of location), then you’re on the right path. Approaching this career with the right mindset can lead to immense satisfaction and opportunities for success.
Looking for a job
Diving centers are continuously in search of individuals who can perform the Snorkeling Guide role with seriousness and professionalism. As an SNSI Member, you can utilize resources provided by your SNSI Office. Diving centers often notify the Agency about their staffing needs, offering you significant help and support in your job search. When seeking employment as a Snorkeling Guide, your first step should be to prepare a detailed resume where all information is absolutely accurate. Honesty is highly valued in this field. Exaggerating skills and knowledge can quickly backfire, as any fabrication will likely be uncovered by the dive center operator, potentially leading to termination due to unmet claimed qualifications.
Key elements to include in your resume are your availability (how long you plan to stay at the dive center), your proficiency in foreign languages, any boating licenses you possess, and technical skills related to equipment maintenance and tank compressor operation.
THE DUTIES OF A SNORKELING GUIDE IN A DIVING CENTER
As discussed in previous chapters, the role of a Snorkeling Guide extends far beyond just leading snorkeling activities. To excel as a Snorkeling Guide, you need to cultivate additional skills. These include the ability to effectively present and sell the activities offered by your diving center, the capacity to form a cohesive team with your colleagues, and the adaptability to integrate into a new environment with people who may have different habits and ways of thinking.
Beyond guiding snorkelersrs, your main responsibilities at a diving center may include:
Presenting the Activities of the Diving Center to Tourists: A key skill you need to develop is the ‘art of engaging’ potential clients. In tourist areas, Snorkeling Guides and Instructors often attend welcome meetings for newcomers, where they present the various activities offered by the diving center. Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but thorough preparation turns that tension into a positive force, energizing your delivery. It’s crucial to have an in-depth understanding of the center’s offerings and how they are organized. Ensure that your presentations are clear, precise, and realistic – make only those promises that the diving center can fulfill.
Assisting the Instructor During Pool Trials: A compelling way to promote the Dive Center activities is by offering free trials in a pool. While this is primarily the Instructor’s responsibility (as a Snorkeling Guide, you cannot lead scuba activity), the diving center may assign you to help an Instructor. Your role involves helping with actively promoting course sales. Engage with every participant after their pool experience. Encourage them to share their experiences, which allows you to highlight and amplify those feelings, thereby kindling their desire, or rather, their need to become divers. The key in promoting beginner courses is to convey the incredible sensations that recreational diving offers.
Managing Guest Transportation: In tourist hotspots, a diving center might be situated within a hotel, along the shoreline, or in a specialized zone, while those enrolled in the center’s programs could be lodging elsewhere, sometimes at a considerable distance. Consequently, the diving center’s manager is tasked with organizing guest transportation, providing them with a schedule for their appointments and coordinating transport availability. Depending on the operational setup of the diving center, you might be responsible for collecting guests from various hotels and escorting them to the boat or diving center. This responsibility is particularly sensitive because overlooking a guest can lead to severe complaints, as can delays caused by waiting for guests who aren’t ready on time. Therefore, it’s crucial to communicate clear instructions to participants, politely and respectfully informing them of the necessity to be punctual for their appointments. To honor the time of those who arrive on schedule, it’s policy not to wait longer than 5 minutes for latecomers. After boarding guests onto the vehicle, performing a headcount is advisable.
Accompanying Snorkelers on Outings: In recent years, particularly in tropical regions, snorkeling has seen significant growth. Snorkeling involves observing the underwater world from the water’s surface with minimal equipment: fins, a mask, and a snorkel. In some areas, snorkeling has become even more popular than scuba diving. It’s important to note that while diving requires formal training, snorkeling only requires comfort in the water and basic swimming skills. Thus, the potential number of participants in snorkeling outings far exceeds those interested in diving courses.
While some Dive Guides may view leading snorkeling outings as beneath their skill level, approaching this task with the right attitude reveals its satisfying aspects. Many snorkelers are experiencing the wonders beneath the water’s surface for the first time. By tapping into their enthusiasm, you can promote further activities, such as different excursions or Experience Diver or entry level courses, adding considerable value to the dive center and showcasing your professionalism.
When accompanying snorkelers, vigilant attention is required, as many diving accidents occur at the surface. Well-organized dive centers often mandate the use of snorkeling vests for added flotation. As a Snorkeling Guide, you should also wear equipment that aids in flotation, like a suit, and carry a surface float. Carrying a snorkeling vest is advisable too, in case a participant requires additional support and assistance.
Working at the Counter: Another important role for a Snorkeling Guide, outside of aquatic activities, is working at the diving center’s counter. This area serves as the welcoming point for customers, where they register for various activities or seek information about what the diving center offers. This role emphasizes the Snorkeling Guide’s skills as a ‘sales person.’ When fulfilling these duties, you’ll quickly realize the significance of being able to effectively sell and establish rapport with the public.
Maintaining the Equipment: This aspect is crucial for diving centers. Diving relies heavily on equipment, which must always be in good working order and well-maintained. Equipment at diving centers undergoes significant stress and wear, necessitating more frequent maintenance than personal diving gear. Developing your skills in equipment maintenance adds significant value to your profile as a Snorkeling Guide. Manufacturers often offer courses on maintaining their products. Consider asking your dealer to recommend or facilitate your participation in one of these courses. Such training broadens your skill set and enhances your employability at diving centers.
Being a Snorkeling Guide entails responsibilities that extend well beyond merely accompanying snorkelers during excursions.