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Career Programmes International Prospectus
Why we do what we do...
It’s all about Inspiration, Maths and Water
Inspiration We want to live inspired lives and we want to inspire others. We want to fill our memories and memory cards with interesting colours, textures and experiences. The underwater world is full of unusual, mesmerizing and unique creatures that capture our imagination on every dive. Teaching gives us the opportunity to share our knowledge and introduce others to a truly beautiful world below the surface.
Numbers We are a bunch of keen adventurers and explorers. Over 70% of the earth’s surface is water. Multiply that by the depth and that’s a whole lot of volume to be explored. It makes sense for us to dive, it means we can explore as much of this amazing planet as we can.
Water We love this planet and we understand that water is essential to its future health as well as our own. We heard Jacques Cousteau when he said “people protect what they love” So we decided to show people what we knew they would love.
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Contents About Our Courses
4-5
Diploma In Professional Scuba Instruction
6-7
About New Zealand Study in Dunedin
9 10-11
Student Visa’s
12
About PADI
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Careers in Diving
14 - 15
Graduate Map
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Post Programme Support
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Frequently asked Questions
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To apply Fill in an online application http://www.diveotago.co.nz/career-courses/what-next/apply-online-diploma
or Email:
careercourses@diveotago.co.nz Subject: International Application or Call
0064 3 466 4370 (New Zealand) Dive Otago is an approved sub-contractor of Academy of Diving Trust which is registered as a Private Training Establishment by the NZQA pursuant to the Education Amendment Act 2011.
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About Our Courses At Dive Otago we pride ourselves on delivering world class professional diver education. When you study with us you are setting yourself up for a career; we teach to the highest standards while ensuring you have the time of your life Expert Tuition
Students will receive comprehensive training from experienced instructors with proven results
APPROVED
Student VISA Approved Our Diploma programme is an approved course for student visas
On-site Pool
PADI Certifications
At Dive Otago we have our own 3.5m deep indoor heated pool, the perfect place to learn and perfect dive skills
These certifications are recognised world wide and as such give students access to the widest job network
Dive Sites
Boat Trips
Our local dive sites provide the perfect training ground for well rounded instructors who will get to experience differing terrain and conditions.
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VISA
During our training students get the chance to dive from our custom built dive boat “Seahorse�
who IS PADI?
The Professional Association of Dive Instructors. The largest provider of dive training in the world.
Training Materials Supplied
You will receive a full library of all the PADI training materials you will require to become certified at your chosen level
Equipment Options
Be ready to work as soon as you graduate with our interest free Lease to Own options
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Diploma Programme
Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction Designed by industry experts, The Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction will prepare you to enter the dive industry with the highest level of training and qualifications needed to be employed anywhere in the world.
cylinders as well as how to properly maintain equipment. Selling dive gear in a retail environment is another essential skill most employers are looking for and you will learn the latest techniques to maximise sales.
This programme will take you from a Beginner Diver through to a Specialty Scuba Diving Instructor in just one year. Skills are developed over the year and you will have plenty of time to master all the things you will need to know to be a great instructor.
You will learn how to plan, coordinate and lead dive trips and how to interpret weather information. The programme also includes a one week practicum to a South Island dive destination and it is here, in a controlled environment, that you will apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills by demonstrating your ability to successfully manage risk and lead tourist groups. You will also learn a range of other valuable skills such as Advanced First Aid and how to produce a CV to kick off your new career.
What sets our programme apart from the rest is that you will not only complete all of the PADI courses required to become an instructor, we will prepare you to work in the industry by providing you with the additional skills employers are looking for. You will learn every day dive center tasks such as how to fill dive
NZQA Approved Approved programme for Student Loans and Allowances Over 100 Dives Log a minimum of 100 scuba dives throughout your programme Worldwide Certification The world’s largest scuba diving training agency Dive Trip One week practicum to a South Island destination
After successfully completing this course, you will be qualified to instruct all recreational PADI courses up to and including Divemaster along with 5 specialty courses.
Exit Dive Qualification: PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor with 5 Specialty Ratings
Duration: 36 Weeks (1 year) Full-Time
FEES: NZD $24,164
Entry Requirements: No experience needed
18 Years of Age (before Term 2) RSTC Medical (Signed by a hyperbaric doctor)
Intakes Start in either August or Feburary
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If you love the outdoors, meeting new people and travelling to amazing places, then a career in the dive industry is just what you are looking for. Train from Beginner to PADI Specialty Instructor with our Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction.
Term 1 PADI Open Water Diver The skills you learn here set the foundation for the remainder of the programme and enable you to dive safely. On successful completion you will be certified to dive to a maximum depth of 18m anywhere in the world with a buddy, independent of an instructor.
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver You will complete at least 5 adventure dives and gain experience in many different types of diving like deep, boat, night, search and recovery, underwater naturalist and wreck. Once completed you will be certified to dive to a maximum depth of 40m.
Basic First Aid and PADI Rescue Diver You will learn to deal with everything from a minor cramp in your leg to responding to an unconscious, non-breathing diver underwater.
Term 2 Divemaster You will fine tune your diving skills while learning more about the theory behind diving. Learn about dive physics, physiology and equipment. Gain experience supervising students under the guidance of a PADI Instructor.
Term 3 Dive Practicum and Instruct Unit Standards A one week practicum to a South Island dive destination. It is here, in a controlled environment, that you will apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills by demonstrating your ability to successfully manage risk and lead tourist groups. You will also learn how to Instruct specialist dive activities such as deep, night, search and recovery, underwater navigation, altitude diving and more.
Term 4 Open Water Scuba Instructor After becoming an Open Water Scuba Instructor you will be able to teach the entire range of PADI programmes from Discover Scuba Diving up to Divemaster. You can obtain work in more than 180 countries and territories worldwide. 5 Specialty Instructor Ratings Completing a PADI Specialty Instructor Course with a PADI Course Director will give you additional qualifications and employment opportunities. Select specialty areas that interest you to keep your teaching interesting and fun.
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Why study in New Zealand? Study in beautiful New Zealand. You will be located in the South Island, right on the doorstep of some of the most spectacular scenery the country has to offer New Zealand is reknowned for its adventurous lifestyle so what better place to start your new career
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Things to do
Reputation
Cost of living
Accomodation Options
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About Dunedin Dunedin city is the student Capital of New Zealand! Perfectly positioned to offer the best adventure sport activities. Scuba Diving, Surfing and Mountain Biking are particularly suited to the coastal city’s environment. We are only 3 hours away from some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country - There is no better place to learn. Dunedin’s peninsula extends into the Pacific Ocean and is peppered with respected surf beaches whose names are rugged like the shoreline - Blackhead, Aramoana and Tomahawk. Allan’s beach is thick with white sand and one long tussock-filled dune. It’s not unusual to come across sun-bathing sea lions and fur seals, their long bodies lolling side to side and their sleepy eyes half-closed. On exposed beaches the sea wind has stripped trees of their bark making their flesh gleam silver and white, like skeletons amongst the dunes. Walking along the sand, your skin feels stretched from the salt and your hair tangles in a birds nest.
From Swampy Summit and Bethunes Gully, to the Redwoods and Snakes and Ladders, Dunedin has a well established mountain biking scene. Cyclists gather in the Octagon after work to make the most of the trails in summer, many of them sporting head lights on their helmets so they can continue to ride once the sun has set.
Surfers are slick in their black full-length wetsuits. They’re in groups of two or more, yet they’re dwarfed by the immensity of the sea. They rise out of the top of waves and slide along the water, legs bent and body twisting.
Trails are well suited to most abilities and while there are lots of hills to climb, the rider is rewarded with some fantastic downhill. Numerous bike shops offer bike hire and bike touring packages.
Vans with surfboard racks and board shorts drying on the windscreen decorate the Esplanade at St Clair Beach. The surf school runs group and private lessons through the summer months and pupils’ laughter travels over the water. When it comes, the sun is thick with heat. Red and yellow flags mark the safe swimming area at St Kilda beach as children and adults ride boogie boards and body surf. Exposed bellies and shoulders turn red and the beach is enlivened with games of touch rugby and frisbee.
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Dunedin is a mountain biker’s playground and single track trails can be found in every direction. The summer climate is perfect for mountain biking and surfing expeditions, with mild temperatures and a late setting sun.
New Zealand has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world and Lonely Planet declares Otago’s Dunedin Peninsula to be the world’s Number 1 cycling destination. Cycling allows you to experience a close proximity to New Zealand’s wildlife and Lonely Planet applauds the peninsula for its mix of “scenery and sweat.” On a two to three hour ride, a cyclist on a round trip from the city has the opportunity to encounter albatross, penguins and fur seals in their natural environments.
Lonely Planet also placed Dunedin in the Top Ten places in the world for bird watching and dog walking (this just means we have amazing places to explore with lots to see.) Populated for most of the year by students and University staff, Dunedin offers a large mix of after-dark entertainment. From Carousel, a sophisticated lounge bar, to the eclectic Irish Al bar (with live Irish music every Tuesday night), Dunedin’s nightlife is culturally rich and vibrant. Alibi Bar and Restaurant regularly hosts Salsa dancing and Wine and Food Tasting evenings and The Terrace Sports bar, in the Octagon, screens all major sporting events on the largest big screen television in the city. One of Dunedin’s main weekend attractions is the Otago Farmer’s Market held every Saturday at the Railway Station. The Railway Station itself is an architectural icon and heritage site. The market sells fresh garden produce along with plants, artisan breads, organic meat and coffee. Musicians entertain the crowd as they eat hot bacon butties and butterscotch crepes. Dunedin has the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and cultural attractions.
Sea Lions and seals Penguins Kelp forests
1. Everyone else is! it’s the study capital of New Zealand 2. Night-life 3. Wildlife - We dive with the world’s rarest sealion.
Underwater Attractions • • •
10 Reasons to Study in Dunedin:
• • •
Shipwrecks Nudibranchs Seahorses
4. Cheap rental accommodation 5. Easy to get around. Traffic Jam free zone! 6. Close to Queenstown and Wanaka Ski fields 7. Arguably the most consistent surf beaches in the country 8. Close to some of the best tourist attractions in New Zealand including Milford Sound 9. Extensive mountain bike trails 10. The southern hemisphere’s first gigatown (thats super duper fast broadband at regular rates!)
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Visa and Accreditation Student Visa’s
To study in New Zealand on a Student Visa your programme of study must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and be offered by an education provider that has been approved by NZQA or the Ministry of Education.
Dive Otago is approved by the government to look after you Academy of Diving Trust is registered as a Private Training Establishment by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and has approval to sub-contract to Dive Otago Limited. Academy of Diving Trust is a signatory to the New Zealand Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. The New Zealand Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students sets standards for education providers to ensure that: • • • • • • • •
high professional standards are maintained the recruitment of international students is undertaken in an ethical and responsible manner information supplied to international students is comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date students are provided with information prior to entering into any commitments contractual dealings with international students are conducted in an ethical and responsible manner the particular needs of international students are recognised international students are in safe accommodation all providers have fair and equitable internal procedures for the resolution of international student grievances.
You can download a copy of the Code here: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/assets/Providers-and-partners/Code-of-Practice-NZQA.pdf http://www.studyinnewzealand.com/live/checklist
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Who is PADI? PADI stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors. It is the world’s largest and most respected scuba diving training organisation. No matter where you choose to dive, your PADI scuba certification card will be recognised and accepted. With more than 6,000 PADI dive shops and resorts operating in more than 180 countries and territories, you will have access to more job opportunities as a PADI professional. Once you are a certified as a Divemaster you will have access to the PADI Professionals Website a unique hub of infomarion for PADI Members only including: • • • •
Job Boards Legal Forms Digital Instructor Manual Training Bulietens
•
Ciriculam Information
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Careers in Scuba Diving The dive industry is growing all over the world. Since 1996 PADI has seen a big increase in diver certifications and around 100 new dive stores open every year. What this means is the industry is constantly trying to keep up with demand for well trained, qualified instructors. Dive Otago graduates are highly sought after both here in New Zealand and overseas. Because of the quality and level of our training, companies often approach us specifically seeking to employ recent Dive Otago graduates. Past graduates have gained employment in New Zealand as well as in Australia, the Pacific Islands, Dubai, Mexico and many other countries. If you are motivated and want to work, this qualification allows you to enter the industry with a higher level of qualification than most. You will be able deliver PADI dive training including specialty courses in over 180 countries and territories worldwide.
Dive Instructor
Divemaster
Dive instructors need to be technically skilled divers and creative communicators. They need to instil confidence in their students and at the same time inspire a love of the sea. This job is all about passing on knowledge and enthusiasm to ensure student satisfaction and enjoyment. Dive guiding is a job that a dive instructor will typically also fulfill in a dive center along with sales, tank filling and equipment maintenance. With scuba training, tourism and the super yacht industries steadily growing, the demand for instructors will only increase.
A Divemaster’s primary function in a dive centre is to assist an instructor in dive training, guide certified divers and assist with general dive centre logistics. Divemasters need to be upbeat, positive, approachable and most of all ensure everyone is safe and having fun. At a glance, compare what you can teach when you continue your professional diver education.
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Career Pathways
fDive f Instructor fUnderwater f Photographer/ Videographer fDive f Shop Owner fBoat/Live-aboard f Operator fDive f Shop Retail Manager fCommercial f Diving
Further Training Opportunities
ffSkippers ffScientific Diving ffUnderwater Archaeology ffCommercial Diver Training
Industry Pathways
fRecreational f Scuba Industry fTertiary f Education Sector fPrivate f Super Yacht Industry fCruise f Ship Industry fDive f Resort and Travel Industry ff The Film and Television Industry ffOil and Gas Industry
Underwater Photographer/Videographer
Boat/Liveaboard Operator
Underwater photographers and videographers need a keen eye, technical aptitude and a high level of diving skill and knowledge. They need to research and have a comprehensive understanding of emerging digital technologies as they come on stream and be meticulous with equipment maintenance and servicing. They capture stories, people, shipwrecks, plants and all types of marine life, from macro organisms to massive whales. They need to read forecasts and complex weather patterns to effectively plan for every condition. While not essential in every industry, underwater photographers and videographers are more employable if they are also qualified as Divemasters or Dive Instructors.
Boat and live-aboard operators manage the day-to-day business operations and staff of a specialty dive boat or live-aboard. They need to be qualified passionate divers with a high level of skill. This position allows you to control your own destiny and is a great way to earn a good living doing what you love.
PADI Digital Underwater Photography Specialty - learn tips and techniques to capture those amazing underwater moments and intriguing marine life.
Dive Shop Retail Manager Selling is a skill and a good retail manager must understand customer needs and keeps up to date with new and evolving product technologies. Good organisational skills and marketing techniques are just some of the skills required of a retail manager. As the majority of customers are also divers or potential divers, having an in-depth knowledge of diving and courses allows you to professionally assist them in selecting their equipment.
Dive Shop Owner Dive shop owners manage the day-to-day business operations, courses and retail sales within the store. They are responsible for implementing strategies to increase sales and market awareness; facilitate the development of staff and guide members of the team in all areas of store operations. They have the ability to connect with the community and shape the industry in their region.
Commercial Diving Commercially trained divers require training beyond recreational certifications. However, completing recreational certifications prior to commecial training will provide you with a distinct advantage, valuable skills and most importantly, excellent diving experience. The basic requirements for a commercial diver include the ability to work under stressful conditions, be physically fit and be a strong swimmer. Commecial divers also need to work well with others as most of the work will be part of a team effort and understand things such surface supplied diving, physics, decompression, underwater tools, anatomy, and dive medicine.
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“ This is beyond a dream experience. After finishing study I received a scholarship for one year of dive travel and research all over the globe!”
Anthea Ibell
2011/12 Australasian Rolex Scholar Graduated 2009
Our
Doing wha United States
Chris Garraway
Greec
Scuba Diving Instructor
Lady Elliot Island, Australia
Mexico
Graduated 2009
Cayman Islands
“ All of this was made possible by the dedicated crew at Dive Otago who opened the door to our underwater world, and a life less ordinary”
Dimitry Sharomov Underwater Photographer
Pangaea Project with Mike Horn Graduated 2009
“ Every year we make amazing expeditions to the different corners of our planet, Many thanks to all your team for teaching me how to dive! ”
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Egypt
“ I am running am courses and taking Discover Scuba Diving sessions. I’ve been diving with lion fish, sea snakes, cuttlefish and my personal favourite the dugong. I would recommend this to anyone!”
Shannon Jopson Scuba Diving Instructor Port Vila, Vanuatu. Graduated 2011
Graduates
at they love all over the world!
ce
t
Jen Clent
Spain Croatia
PADI REGIONAL MANAGER
Thailand
Graduated 2003
“ I am the envy of lots of people, I have worked and travelled all over the world and now I have a real career doing something that I love”
Vanuatu
Papua New Guinea Dubai
Samoa
Bali Australia
New Zealand
Lauren Bowden “ I am having a blast teaching people to dive, enjoying putting the skills I learnt at Dive Otago to use. I would recommend this to anyone!”
Scuba Diving Instructor Pro Dive Cairns, Australia Graduated 2011
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Post Course Support Our goals are the same as yours - for you to get qualified and gain employment doing what you love somewhere cool. That could be here in beautiful New Zealand or overseas. PADI Pro Website and Support
The PADI Pro’s Site is a site that all PADI Professionals have access to. You can find resources and information to help you conduct courses but also the job board on the pro’s site contains posts from dive centers all over the world looking for staff. Career Advice
Once you have graduated (or just before you do) our dedicated team can give you advice on your career options in the dive industry. Whether you want to know about how to approach dive centers for work, how to obtain further qualifications or just where to start we will make time to sit down with you and make a plan. Resume Feedback and Interview Tips
First impressions are everything and professional resumes can make all the difference when applying for your dream job. After completing one of our career courses you will have a complete list of skills that employers are looking for but if they don’t see these specific skills you could miss out on the crucial interview. When you get to the interview stage there are some key things you should always have prepared. We will give you a checklist to help you get not just the job, but the career you are after. Graduate Network
Our graduates have made it to all corners of the globe so if you need advice on good places to work or visit we can contact them on your behalf for advice. Work Experience
Once you have reached Divemaster level you can sign up to gain work experience. Our recreational courses will give you the chance to put your new skills into practice with real life student and add experience to your resume.
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Frequently asked questions Q. Can I try diving before I apply?
Entry level equipment is not recommended for this course as you will be doing a lot more diving than most people do. This combined with our rocky entries and water temperature means we strongly recommend more durable gear that will also last for you when you enter the work force.
Q. Do I need to know how to dive before I start?
Although it is not compulsory, it is recommended that you have your own BCD, regulator, alternate air source and a dive computer (Hardware). When you buy hardware, lease-to-own is a popular way for students to complete the Diploma in their own equipment, paying it off on a weekly basis. This is done with a no interest agreement with Dive Otago and gives you the opportunity to be ready to work as soon as you graduate.
A. You sure can! If you are seriously considering doing a course call us to arrange a time to have a dive with one of our instructors in our heated dive pool. (Assuming you are already in the country of course!) A. No, we will teach you right from the beginning, starting with basic snorkeling, skin diving and scuba skills. You will develop more advanced skills over the duration of the course.
Q. I am already Open Water or Advanced Certified, what does that mean? A. Many students start the diploma having already discovered their passion for diving in their Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver Courses. You will still participate in the Open Water Diver and Advanced part of the Diploma to refresh you skills and make sure you are up to date with the latest teachings. Being certified will mean you can work a bit harder on really perfecting your diving skills and also see how we teach the course, knowing that you yourself will be teaching these courses one day soon, will make you look at the course completely differently.
Q. What are the hours?
A. Full-time courses are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday with some days finishing earlier and some evening sessions to complete night dive training. Part-time courses are usually held over several weekday evenings (6pm to 9pm) and a couple of weekends (8:30am - 5pm) per month and the occasional evening session to complete night dive training.
Q. Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
A. Every student must be able to swim 200m or snorkel 300m and float/tread water for 10 minutes. Professional level divers (Divemasters) and above will need to be relatively strong swimmers.
Q. What equipment will I need? A.
Required Equipment • A suit (semi-dry, wetsuit or drysuit) • Mask, snorkel, fins, • Gloves • Boots • Weight belt and weights • Dive knife • Primary Night Diving Torch • Backup torch • Pocket emergency/mask • Slate and pencil • Safety sausage • Whistle • Gear bag • Dive watch
Underwater cameras are a great way to capture your year below water and many students choose to own these also.
Q. What are the medical criteria?
A. All Dive Otago Career Course students are required to have an RSTC Medical questionnaire completed and signed off a Doctor. In many places around the world, dive instructors are required to have a medical signed by a doctor specifically trained in diving medicine (Hyperbaric Doctor). We highly recommend that you get your recreational RSTC Medical Signed by a Hyperbaric Doctor also, as they are more likely to identify risk factors that could stop you getting a commercial medical in the future. You will need to see a diving doctor which you can see in Invercargill or Dunedin.
Q. How much theory and class work is involved?
A.This depends which course you complete. It is very important to have a good understanding of the theory behind diving to keep yourself safe. Most courses have a manual to read and you will be required to complete some knowledge reviews. Once you reach the professional levels (Divemaster and above) there is a fair bit of theory - you learn about dive physics, physiology, decompression theory and a few other subjects. You will be given plenty of time to read your materials and complete assignments. Don’t worry most people do well and find it achievable!
Q. Do you have accommodation options?
A. We don’t have a specific affiliation with an accommodation provider but you do have many options in Dunedin! Dunedin is regarded as the student capital of New Zealand. The population is younger than most other cities due to the large tertiary education sector and people aged between 15 and 24 make up approximately 22% of the city’s residential population. This means the rental market is geared towards students, rent is relatively cheap and easy to find. Options are: • • •
Flatting (Renting a room with other students in a house) Private Board Apartment
We put together complete diploma gear packages for all budgets. We only include gear that we know will last in our conditions. Packages start from around $1800 NZD.
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O TA G O
For more information call for more information 0800 DIVE OTAGO
or email info@diveotago.co.nz
Get in touch, contact us for more information on 03 466 4370 or visit us online at www.diveotago.co.nz
To apply
Fill in an online application http://www.diveotago.co.nz/career-courses/what-next/apply-online-diploma
or Email:
careercourses@diveotago.co.nz Subject: International Application or Call
0064 3 466 4370 (New Zealand)