Charlie Pro 35-Day
Your first assignment as a PADI professional Divemaster
Charlie Pro 35-Day
Overview
In the PADI system of diver education, Divemaster is the first professional certification. Be prepared to work hard, be challenged and have fun all at the same time. After earning your Divemaster certification, you will be able to assist and guide certified divers. Once you’ve got your professional rating the pay off begins. These are certifications that open up a worldwide network of career opportunities with tons of travel possibilities to exotic locations.
While in training for your Divemaster certification, you will live aboard a catamaran yacht with the staff. You will be able to participate in some of the regular Charlie activities, but to a limited degree.
Adventure Focus
Advanced Scuba
Sailing
Internship
Ages
18+
Days
35
Boat
Catamaran
Charlie Pro 35-Day Description
Prerequisites:
- Certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and PADI Rescue Diver
- 18+ years old
- 40 logged dives
- Completed EFR Primary and Secondary Care training within 24 months
- Medically evaluated and cleared for diving by a physician within 12 months
Exit Requirements:
- Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care course completion (or qualifying training) within the last 24 months
- 60 logged dives; documented experience in underwater navigation, night diving and deep diving
Once certified as a PADI Divemaster you are qualified to:
- Assist PADI Instructors in conducting PADI programs
- Supervise participants in PADI experience programs. Generally supervise both training and non-training related diving activities
- Teach and certify Skin Divers
- Conduct PADI Scuba Review for certified divers
- Apply for PADI’s Divemaster Discover Scuba Diving instructor rating
- Enroll in PADI Assistant Instructor or the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). Contact Sail Caribbean Divers for course dates and enrollment information.
As a DM intern, you’ll join the staff of one of our 14-day teen scuba adventures. (Alpha, Charlie, Foxtrot or Sierra.)While living on the staff boat, you will be directly assisting Sail Caribbean Divers staff with Open Water certifications, Discover Scuba Diving sessions, and co-leading recreational dives. You’ll get the chance to shadow instructors and develop your skills and knowledge as a new dive professional while you gain experience working with dive students.
You’ll also work directly with our Sail Caribbean program staff in the day-to-day running of our teen adventure programs, working with and mentoring teens in an outdoor education setting. Learn about and help out with the logistics, soft skills, and instructing philosophies that we utilize to deliver high-quality educational and team-building adventure programs for teens. As an intern, you’ll accompany students and staff on a hike, teach some basic sailing lessons, and get a real sense of the responsibilities of a full-time staff member.
Charlie Pro 35-Day Activities
Kayaking
Ready for a little exploring with a friend? With all the beautiful anchorages and coves we visit there’s much to explore by paddle power.
Snorkeling
Meet the creatures below the waves. Swim alongside a friendly sea turtle, join a school of Blue Tang fish, and explore the reefs!
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Get your footing and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to maneuver with perfect balance. You’ll have terrific views above, as well as below the waves.
Tubing
Our Number 1 watersports toy is nicknamed “Papa”. You’ll be hanging on so tight you won't even be able to give a thumbs-up.
Wakeboarding
Once you’re up it’s a thrill every single second, especially if you get airborne. No wonder this is a Sail Caribbean one-handed favorite!
Waterskiing
Get up, get steady! Then you’ll be zipping back and forth across the wake for a ride you’ll remember.
Windsurfing
After you’ve learned to read the wind, you’re sure to take full advantage of it on your rig. Time to hook in and hold on!
Small Boat Sailing
You’ll learn so much on your big yacht. Try applying your seamanship skills to smaller boats and feel how swiftly they respond.
Social Events
Dance with Moko-Jumbie stilt walkers at our Fireball Party, win the famous Chili Cookoff, and compete for glory at the SC Olympics.
Beach Sports
Team up for a spirited game of volleyball or a fast-paced soccer tournament, then cool off rehearsing a synchronized swim.
Hiking
The islands we visit are mountainous. Reaching the best vantage points provides challenges, but the pay offs are breathtaking vistas!
Community Service
Whether your interest is in cultural heritage, marine biology, or environmental conservation, you’ll have opportunities to roll up your sleeves and pitch in!
Marine Biology Seminars
Topics include: respect and awareness of marine organisms, coral biology, geologic formation, sharks, invasive species, sea turtles, and the night ocean.
Island Exploration
Hike through a rainforest, travel mountainous hillside roads, learn about the art of glassblowing, visit an organic farm, and discover different cultures.
Yacht Racing
It’s the ultimate team sport! Whether you're on the helm, trimming the jib, or on the rail helping to balance the boat, everyone’s efforts count.
Sailing
If you've never set foot aboard a 50' sloop, it's OK with us – No Experience Necessary! You’ll learn by doing and we’ll be by your side all the way. If you’re already a sailor, build on your knowledge!
Advanced Scuba
Work your way up from Advanced Open Water to Rescue Diver with Specialty certifications along the way. If you're 18, you can even 'Go Pro' and become a PADI Divemaster.
Kayaking
Ready for a little exploring with a friend? With all the beautiful anchorages and coves we visit there’s much to explore by paddle power.
Snorkeling
Meet the creatures below the waves. Swim alongside a friendly sea turtle, join a school of Blue Tang fish, and explore the reefs!
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Get your footing and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to maneuver with perfect balance. You’ll have terrific views above, as well as below the waves.
Tubing
Our Number 1 watersports toy is nicknamed “Papa”. You’ll be hanging on so tight you won't even be able to give a thumbs-up.
Wakeboarding
Once you’re up it’s a thrill every single second, especially if you get airborne. No wonder this is a Sail Caribbean one-handed favorite!
Waterskiing
Get up, get steady! Then you’ll be zipping back and forth across the wake for a ride you’ll remember.
Windsurfing
After you’ve learned to read the wind, you’re sure to take full advantage of it on your rig. Time to hook in and hold on!
Small Boat Sailing
You’ll learn so much on your big yacht. Try applying your seamanship skills to smaller boats and feel how swiftly they respond.
Social Events
Dance with Moko-Jumbie stilt walkers at our Fireball Party, win the famous Chili Cookoff, and compete for glory at the SC Olympics.
Beach Sports
Team up for a spirited game of volleyball or a fast-paced soccer tournament, then cool off rehearsing a synchronized swim.
Hiking
The islands we visit are mountainous. Reaching the best vantage points provides challenges, but the pay offs are breathtaking vistas!
Community Service
Whether your interest is in cultural heritage, marine biology, or environmental conservation, you’ll have opportunities to roll up your sleeves and pitch in!
Marine Biology Seminars
Topics include: respect and awareness of marine organisms, coral biology, geologic formation, sharks, invasive species, sea turtles, and the night ocean.
Island Exploration
Hike through a rainforest, travel mountainous hillside roads, learn about the art of glassblowing, visit an organic farm, and discover different cultures.
Yacht Racing
It’s the ultimate team sport! Whether you're on the helm, trimming the jib, or on the rail helping to balance the boat, everyone’s efforts count.
Sailing
If you've never set foot aboard a 50' sloop, it's OK with us – No Experience Necessary! You’ll learn by doing and we’ll be by your side all the way. If you’re already a sailor, build on your knowledge!
Advanced Scuba
Work your way up from Advanced Open Water to Rescue Diver with Specialty certifications along the way. If you're 18, you can even 'Go Pro' and become a PADI Divemaster.
ON EVERY SAIL CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE
Sail Caribbean offers ten different adventure groups with 30 different sessions in the British Virgin and Leeward Islands of the Caribbean. You live aboard a modern 50′ monohull yacht or 45′ catamaran with other teens in your age group and learn to sail. No experience is necessary. Every adventure focuses on an activity, but each offers scuba, marine biology, community service, cultural exchange, watersports, friendships, personal growth and lifelong memories.
Want to compare adventures? Download our 2024 Schedule (PDF)!
Charlie Pro 35-Day
Itinerary
Day 1
Get acquainted with our beautiful home base; meet your Captain and everyone on your program. You’ll have your first boat meeting over a delicious dinner, and set the course for the rest of your adventures to come.
Days 2-5
Your captain leads you through some preparations and basic sailing lessons before you de-dock for a first sail across the Sir Francis Drake Channel. You become familiar with the boat, go over basic navigation, practice using the winches, and take a turn behind the helm as you head toward Cooper Island. Manchioneel provides a mix of stunning coral as well as flat sandy patches to begin practicing advanced scuba skills.
Days 6-9
You and your dive group are in for an exciting trip as you complete your first dive on the Wreck of the Rhone. Dive on it again at night and see what a different world it is! Head to Nanny Cay for your first docking and celebrate with some shopping, beach volleyball, pool time and a nap on the beach.
Days 10-13
You and your crew will have to step up on Challenge Day! Your captain and mate are just along for the ride so you’ll look to each other for leadership and support. Enjoying all that The Bitter End has to offer: hiking, watersports, restaurants, and small boat sailing. Work towards specialties or Rescue Diver certifications.
Days 14-17
Let the festivities begin! An endless stretch of beach is the sight of our Sail Caribbean Olympics. Events such as tug-o-war and dizzy-fender set the stage for a little friendly competition between boats. This day always proves to be full of laughter and memories. You’ll then head out to help out on a Dive Against Debris.
Days 18-20
Learn about the life cycle of a sea turtle at Diamond Cay and check out one of their favorite hangouts. Join some other Sail Caribbean students at Trellis for a Fireball Full Moon Party. Before you head back to base, stop off at The Baths for a spectacular hike and snorkel.
Day 21
Fond farewells to your Charlie 2 crew before you enjoy a well-deserved day off!
Days 22-37
While living on our staff boat, you will begin your first assignment as a professional Dive Master Intern on the 14-day Charlie 3 program.
Day 38
Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed your Dive Master experience – the first of many more to come!
Charlie Pro 35-Day
Sessions
Charlie Pro Divemaster & Internship
Begin Date
06/23/2024
End Date
07/27/2024
2024 Tuition
$9495
Service Hours
8-10
# of Dives
35+
Charlie Pro Divemaster & Internship
Begin Date
07/15/2024
End Date
08/18/2024
2024 Tuition
$9495
Service Hours
8-10
# of Dives
35+
Optional
Courses
Scuba
PADI Divemaster
While in training for your Divemaster certification, you will live aboard a monohull yacht with the staff of the concurrently running Charlie Advanced Scuba adventure. You will be able to participate in some of the regular Charlie activities, but to a limited degree.
Prerequisites:
- Certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and PADI Rescue Diver
- 18 years old
- Logged 40 logged dives
- Completed EFR Primary and Secondary Care training within 24 months
- Medically evaluated and cleared for diving by a physician within 12 months
Exit Requirements:
- Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care course completion (or qualifying training) within the last 24 months
- 60 logged dives; documented experience in underwater navigation, night diving and deep diving
Once certified as a PADI Divemaster you are qualified to:
- Assist PADI Instructors in conducting PADI programs
- Supervise participants in PADI experience programs
- Generally supervise both training and non-training related diving activities
- Teach and certify Skin Divers
- Conduct PADI Scuba Review for certified divers
- Apply for PADI’s Divemaster Discover Scuba Diving instructor rating
- Enroll in PADI Assistant Instructor or the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
Newly certified Divemasters have the opportunity to join the Sail Caribbean Divers team in an internship position and build on their development as a dive professional. While living on the Charlie program’s staff boat, you will be directly assisting Sail Caribbean Divers staff with Open Water certifications, Discover Scuba sessions, and co-leading recreational dives.
After the last Charlie program ends in August, Divemasters can join the Open Water Scuba Instructor certification course given at the Hodges Creek facility of Sail Caribbean Divers. Housing will be land-based. See sailcaribbeandivers.com or contact info@sailcaribbeandivers.com for OWSI course dates.
PADI Recreational Diving
Prerequisite: Must be Open Water certified or equivalent
Non-certification recreational diving is available as an option on all of our adventures. Ever imagine diving on a coral garden, drifting through a rainbow canyon, or exploring a sunken wreck? You will enjoy recreational diving in the BVI with our own Sail Caribbean Divers Instructors and Divemasters. On Delta in the Leeward Islands, professional dive instructors from each island along with our dive staff take you to gorgeous dive sites. You’ll gain expert knowledge from each local instructor and get the most out of every dive site you visit. You must provide proof of certification from a recognized agency like PADI, NAUI, YMCA, or NASDS.
PADI Dive Specialties
You may be able to earn multiple dive specialty certifications. The particular specialties offered will depend on the adventure chosen and our diving schedule. You will decide which specialties you’d like to do when you are in the Caribbean.
All below are available on Charlie Advanced Scuba adventures. Availability on other adventures is shown.
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Also available on Sierra
Practice techniques for improving buoyancy and decreasing air consumption resulting in better under water control and more enjoyment/preservation of the diving environment. (2 dives)
Project AWARE Dive Against Debris
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Also available on Foxtrot and Sierra
The impact on marine life of garbage dumped in our oceans is one of the biggest issues of our time. You can help by going on a dive with mash bags to collect the debris that
Project AWARE Reef Fish Identification
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Also available on Sierra
Study a variety of fish while observing and identifying markings, shapes, and behavior. (2 dives)
Underwater Naturalist
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Also available on Sierra and Ocean
Explore and identify marine life including vertebrates, invertebrates, and plant life. (2 dives)
Project AWARE Specialist
Prerequisite: None
Familiarize yourself with the plight of worldwide aquatic ecosystems and learn how to protect aquatic resources. (Non-diving specialty)
Project AWARE Coral Reef Conservation
Prerequisite: None
Also available on Foxtrot
Study the fragile Coral Reef system, and how to preserve it, while observing and identifying markings, shapes, and growth. (Non-diving specialty)
Digital Underwater Photographer
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Learn the PADI SEA (shoot, examine, adjust) method, principals for getting good photos underwater, plus how to edit and share your shots. (2 dives)
Boat Diver
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Develop skills needed to dive safely from a power or sailboat as well as special procedures for diving in areas with boat traffic. (2 dives)
Underwater Navigator
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Hone your underwater navigation skills using a compass, natural navigation techniques, and other navigational tools. (3 dives)
Night Diver
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Explore the intrigue of diving at night while focusing on equipment handling, navigation, nocturnal marine creatures, and day to night contrast. (3 dives)
Search and Recovery Diver
Prerequisite: PADI Advanced or equivalent
Practice search patterns, effective search techniques in various conditions, and raising heavy objects using lifting devices. (4 dives)
Multi-level Diver
Prerequisite: PADI Advanced or equivalent
Apply valuable techniques for extending bottom times using the recreational dive planner (wheel format) and diving computers. (2 dives)
Drift Diver
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent
Learn pertinent safety techniques, how to fine tune your buoyancy and use specialized equipment, as you use the ocean currents and tides as your propulsion. (2 dives)
RMS Rhone Diver
Prerequisite: PADI Advanced or equivalent; 15+ yrs old
The RMS Rhone Diver Specialty, a PADI Distinctive Specialty, is exclusively available at Sail Caribbean. Made famous in the movie, The Deep, this 310-ft cargo ship sank in 1867. She is our most requested dive site and is regularly voted the top wreck dive in the Caribbean.
Enriched Air Diver- Nitrox
Prerequisite: PADI Open Water or equivalent; 15+ yrs old
Learn recreational skills and techniques for diving with different mixes of Oxygen and Nitrogen, for increased bottom time. (2 dives)
Wreck Diver
Prerequisite: PADI Adventure or equivalent; 15+ yrs old
Learn recreational skills and techniques for diving in man-made environments and practice using specialized wreck equipment. (4 dives)
Deep Diver
Prerequisite: PADI Adventure or equivalent; 15+ yrs old
Discover deep dive planning, hazards, special equipment, and extra safety precautions. (4 dives)
Charlie Pro 35-Day
FAQs
Where will I live during Divemaster training?
You will live aboard the staff boat, a monohull yacht, and sail with the fleet of the concurrently running Charlie Advanced Scuba adventure.
When not in training, what will I be doing?
You will be living and traveling with the teen program and will be able to participate in some of the Charlie activities like watersports and island exploration, but to a limited degree.
Who are the Sail Caribbean Dive Instructors?
Our BVI Dive Instructors are full-time, dive professionals, working year-round for our dive center in the BVI, Sail Caribbean Divers. In addition to their teaching certifications from PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors), our dive instructors are thoroughly trained and experienced with our BVI diving operations, procedures, protocols, safety policies and dive boats. They are intimately familiar with the many dive sites in the BVI.
Our dive instructors are solely focused on educating and supervising divers at an exceptional level of safety. They do not have responsibility for the sailing or living experience of the students onboard the sailboats.
Charlie Pro 35-Day
Reviews
“This was my 3rd year at SC and it was the best so far. As a Divemaster intern a lot of work was included but it was totally worth it. I love the experience that I was given with helping the Discover Scuba divers and Open Water students.”
Timmy C., age 18, Bronxville, NY
“The internship component of the program was a great experience be used it allowed me to use the skills I had just learned in real situations. It allowed me to get comfortable with leading dives and the other responsibilities of a divemaster. The great instruction that I received was really that of a mentor. Throughout the whole internship everyone at Sail Carribean Divers was extremely welcoming and alway willing to take timeout to help and give advice and tips.”
Eliot F., age 20, Bethesda, MD
“I participated in the Divemaster Internship for two weeks and gained valuable lessons in responsibility and independence while improving my diving skills. I truly felt welcomed by the other staff members and appreciated by the students. Though I specialized in instructing diving, I had the opportunity to teach the students in every aspect of the program. This internship also provides great insight into the many responsibilities held by Sail Caribbean staff and can become an avenue into returning as a full staff member. And best of all, I was still able to take in the beautiful islands while relaxing and having an awesome time with the students and staff. I recommend this program for anyone looking to develop their professional diving skills in an exceptional location and strive to take on more responsibility alongside a tight-knit staff family.”
Curtis C., age 20, Washington, DC