The Goat Island Dive NZQA Dive Course introduces High School students to the underwater realm and opens the door to career paths in diving that until recently weren't available through the schooling system.
The PADI Training System
Students are taught to dive under the authority of the PADI training system (Professional Association of Dive Instructors). PADI is the most highly recognised scuba training organisation in the world. PADI was introduced to ensure high standards of Recreational Diving are met, equipping the diver with the skills and knowledge to dive independently with a buddy anywhere in the world. For divers and instructors this means a high level of quality and safety are guaranteed. It also provides the opportunity to have their qualifications recognised internationally.
For Goat Island Dive this means we follow safety-related guidelines, describing how the typical activities of a service provider should be carried out. These guidelines include high standards for training and equipment hire.
Goat Island Dive
We are a family owned and operated PADI 5 Star Gold Palm Resort. Over the last 10 years we have successfully taught over 1200 people how to dive safely and confidently. Diving is our personal passion.
Career paths in scuba diving
Scuba Instructor/Tutor - The recreational dive industry is now at an incredible size. The growth of the sport has been at a consistent rate for more than 20 years in whatever global economic climate. Thousands of dive centres and resorts are spread throughout pristine diving locations all over the world. These dive centres and resorts need qualified Divemasters and Instructors to service the growing demand. New Zealand trained scuba professionals are re-known and are sort after internationally for their teaching skills and strong work ethic.
Marine Biologist - As consumption of our fish resources increases with time with an expanding world population we are being forced to study and understand the marine environment and our oceans sustainability more and more. The call for marine scientists is increasing globally, successful marine scientists are all trained to at least Rescue Diver level in recreational scuba diving (PADI).
Commercial Diving - A career in commercial diving offers many possibilities with opportunities in numerous industries ie. Oil, Underwater construction, Navy and Police force. Again, divers must first reach the Rescue level in recreational diving (PADI) before they progress to commercial training.
Course structure
The NZQA courses are run over a 5 day school week, Monday to Friday at our dive centre in Leigh. Scheduled courses are available through the warmer months of Term 1 and Term 4. See 'Scheduled Courses' below
The PADI Open Water course is comprised of 3 sections. These sections include classroom theory and knowledge development, pool/confined water training and lastly 4 ocean dives. The students are required to complete study materials before the course start date.
The first two days of the 5 day course are spent reviewing the basics in the classroom and pool. The classroom sessions lay the theoretical foundations for scuba diving. From the classroom we venture to the pool where the student will learn the fundamental skills of scuba diving, these skills are practiced in the shallows first and the diver becomes confident will progress to the deeper water. Day 3 and 4 are spent completing 4 ocean dives. The first dive is in shallow water, easing the diver into the different conditions of the ocean, refining the skills they've learnt in the pool. Day 5 is scheduled for any catching up needed from adverse weather cancellations or non-completion of skills.
NZQA credits
Successful completion of this course will credit the student 7 credits at level 3.
What's included in the course
All PADI Crew Pack materials. Including Manual, Recreation Dive Tables & Log Book, your certification card and wall certificate. Quality instruction, all boat charter costs and equipment hire for the duration of the course.
Prerequisites
A minimum age of 15 A medical check up with a doctor, medical form download available at www.goatislanddive.co.nz Student must be able to swim 200 metres
Cost
Student Special - $550, all inclusive
Scheduled courses
Please contact us to arrange a course date.
To organise a course for your school please contact us on 0800 DIVE NZ (0800 348 369) or email dive@goatislanddive.co.nz
