Hey everyone!
I am just about to embark on a monster search to decide, finalise and book some diving for next year, and was wondering if anyone out there could give me some pointers, tips or advice.
First I’ll explain who I am and my personal situation. At the end of June 2007 I will have just finished my last year in college. Eventually I will be training to become a pilot in the RAF, but after discussions with them, numerous interviews and some tests, I have been told that I am able to take a year out between the end of college and the start of my training (providing that I do something constructive)! At the moment, my main hobby is spearfishing in the summer (and whenever the vis is any good rofl ), and hunting and shooting in the winter. After discussions with the RAF, I have found out that the opportunities within that particular force are outstanding for divers. I have always wanted to learn, but have never found enough time, to take it up.
I am very very keen to learn, and next year looks like an absolutely ideal time. I have it on good authority that a qualification of some sort in diving will do wonders for my application. This situation seems to suit me down to the ground as my future career has a direct link with a hobby that I would love to learn.
As I have previously said, I will have a full 12 months free, however I think realistically about 3-4 will have to be spent in the UK earning money to fund flights, courses, and the purchases of any equipment that I will need.
Now this is where you guys come in
!!
I would like to ask all of you out there to give me any advice possible on the following things (and anything else that you think may be relevant):
1). although I have dived a few times on holiday (who hasn't rofl) I would consider myself a definite beginner. SO which qualifications and courses do you think would be a good idea to take and which would be possible to do within 8-9 months?
2). Are there any schemes in the world which mean I can get a teaching qualification inside 6 months, and then teach at a relatively basic level (say reef tours etc)?
3).Would you advise that qualifications are done here in the UK and then used abroad?
4).I would definitely like to go abroad for the time off, and so which are the best/top countries that someone in my situation could visit? (by the way all countries that I visit MUST have good international relations with the UK because the RAF need to perform a background check on where I have been in my time away and so unfortunately countries like Thailand, Cambodia and many Middle Eastern countries are off the list).
I would like to thank everyone in advance for firstly taking the time to read this, and secondly for any input you can provide.
Cheers,
Huw.
I am just about to embark on a monster search to decide, finalise and book some diving for next year, and was wondering if anyone out there could give me some pointers, tips or advice.
First I’ll explain who I am and my personal situation. At the end of June 2007 I will have just finished my last year in college. Eventually I will be training to become a pilot in the RAF, but after discussions with them, numerous interviews and some tests, I have been told that I am able to take a year out between the end of college and the start of my training (providing that I do something constructive)! At the moment, my main hobby is spearfishing in the summer (and whenever the vis is any good rofl ), and hunting and shooting in the winter. After discussions with the RAF, I have found out that the opportunities within that particular force are outstanding for divers. I have always wanted to learn, but have never found enough time, to take it up.
I am very very keen to learn, and next year looks like an absolutely ideal time. I have it on good authority that a qualification of some sort in diving will do wonders for my application. This situation seems to suit me down to the ground as my future career has a direct link with a hobby that I would love to learn.
As I have previously said, I will have a full 12 months free, however I think realistically about 3-4 will have to be spent in the UK earning money to fund flights, courses, and the purchases of any equipment that I will need.
Now this is where you guys come in
!!I would like to ask all of you out there to give me any advice possible on the following things (and anything else that you think may be relevant):
1). although I have dived a few times on holiday (who hasn't rofl) I would consider myself a definite beginner. SO which qualifications and courses do you think would be a good idea to take and which would be possible to do within 8-9 months?
2). Are there any schemes in the world which mean I can get a teaching qualification inside 6 months, and then teach at a relatively basic level (say reef tours etc)?
3).Would you advise that qualifications are done here in the UK and then used abroad?
4).I would definitely like to go abroad for the time off, and so which are the best/top countries that someone in my situation could visit? (by the way all countries that I visit MUST have good international relations with the UK because the RAF need to perform a background check on where I have been in my time away and so unfortunately countries like Thailand, Cambodia and many Middle Eastern countries are off the list).
I would like to thank everyone in advance for firstly taking the time to read this, and secondly for any input you can provide.
Cheers,
Huw.
