Travel Study/Training Program Brochure

Marine Conservation Expedition + PADI Divemaster Internship + Instructor Development Course in Mexico

GVI Code: MXPM0436C

Become a conservation-focused PADI Dive Instructor with our signature professional training program There are not many places in the world where you can get a conservation-focused “Zero to Hero” program for dive professionals—in fact, we couldn’t find any that met our standards, so we created one. We took our popular Marine Expo program + PADI Divemaster Internship (GVI code MXMP0134N) and added a PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) AND a Master Scuba Diver Trainer preparatory course (MSDT prep).

With this advanced certification, you can teach popular PADI courses including Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue and Divemaster, as well as a series of specialty classes—including two conservation-focused specialties that are exclusive to this program.

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Located in Mexico’s beautiful Yucatan Peninsula, this is the only program of its caliber run in remote, Natural Protected Areas, and the only one that involves volunteering on a research base, learning reef monitoring and marine biology. It also includes many more dives than the average Instructor Development Course.

• Train in remote, protected natural envir-onments where you can focus on learning.

• Contribute to critical conservation research and local community engagement programs.

• Work side-by-side with some of the best professionals in the business, learning how to run sustainable diving operations in sensitive marine environments.

• Earn two conservation-focused, distinctive specialty instructor ratings.

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• Go through your courses with ample time to learn and apply your new knowledge and skills in a real diving environment.

• Have access to top-notch, modern facilities for classroom work as well as top-of-the-line equipment, and learn to maintain and service it.

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Live, work and dive in two of Mexico’s most important Natural Protected Areas, away from the crowds “Choosing XTC Dive Center to do my IDC was the best decision I could have made. It was a privilege to learn from such professional, experienced and supportive staff. The instructors make everything look easy and ALL the classes fun. I truly learned from the course and I felt completely prepared for the exam—which we all passed with flying colors!

Plus, it is pretty impressive to find a beautifully built, fully equipped dive center in an untouched paradise, complete with a friendly bar, good food and happy dogs spreading love.”

Lucia Viturro, IDC graduate, March 2017

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Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, where the first part of this program takes place, is comprised of roughly half a million hectares of protected barrier reef, mangrove, wetland, coastal and tropical forest ecosystems. Located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, about 2.5 hours’ drive from Cancun, Sian Ka’an is home to a vast and diverse population of flora and fauna, many of which are threatened or endangered.

Our research teams and trainees are the only ones allowed to dive in the Reserve; recreational diving is prohibited. Its protected tropical waters and undisturbed reef provide habitat for a rich and varied coral population, along with a stunning diversity of other marine life— including manatees, American crocodiles, nesting sea turtles, and hundreds of species of fish.

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Xcalak Reef National Park, at the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula near the border with Belize, is the perfect location for our environmentally focused Divemaster Internship and Instructor Development Course.

Designated a National Marine Park and Natural Protected Area in 2000 at the behest of the local fishing village and accessible by permit only, the park includes many miles of pristine coral reef—part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) or Great Maya Reef. It also encompasses the wild manatee sanctuary of Chetumal Bay, Mexico’s largest wetlands, mangrove lagoons, rivers, coastline and sea.

One of the healthiest and bestprotected reefs in the Caribbean, Xcalak Reef is home to a wealth of sea life and a number of unique topographical features. Xcalak’s remote location and protected status have made it one of the best (and least-visited) dive locations in the Caribbean, and a focus of local and national conservation efforts.

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Program Overview:

Marine Instructor PADI Conservation + Divemaster + Development Course Expedition in Mexico Internship

Time to complete: 30 weeks

GVI Code: MXPM0436C

This intensive “Zero to Hero” dive professional training program includes: • Marine Science training on our research base in Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (12 weeks)

• PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) (2 weeks)

• PADI Divemaster internship in Xcalak Reef National Park (12 weeks)

• PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer Preparatory Course (MSDT Prep) (4 weeks)

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For the first 12 weeks, you’ll intern “on base” at Pez Maya in the stunning Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, studying conservation and dive theory and completing practical work. Highly experienced PADI Instructors will teach all of your PADI course work. During your time on base, you will: • Learn about the extensive marine and coastal environments of this region, and study specific underwater techniques to monitor coral reef health.

• Gain invaluable marine conservation experience in the field, and develop your diving skills by perfecting buoyancy and practicing navigation and multitasking underwater.

• Learn how to identify different coral and/or fish species through lectures, tests, study sessions and in-water training, and gain the necessary skills to collect real data for our local conservation partners.

• Attend staff presentations on relevant subjects such as turtle biology, the invasive lionfish, threats to the reef, bird identification, recycling, environmental awareness and more.

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After successfully completing your training in Sian Ka’an, you will transfer to Xcalak Reef National Park to intern at XTC Dive Center, a 5-Star PADI Instructor Development Center and Resort, for the next 18 weeks. There, you’ll complete your PADI professional training in a relaxed yet focused environment, mentored by some of the best professional divers in the business.

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At the end of this 8-month “Zero to Hero” program, you will be: a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor and PADI Specialty Instructor in five specialties, with Distinctive Specialty ratings and valuable, hands-on experience that can open up a variety of new career opportunities.

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Part 1: Marine Conservation Expedition* in Sian Ka’an *Please see Program Details for full course descriptions, prerequisites and more information.

• PADI Advanced Open Water Course (AOW) • Emergency First Responder (EFR) certification • PADI Rescue Diver course • PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive Specialty • Coral Watch and Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) Synoptic Monitoring Program (SMP) survey techniques training • Leadership Internship • Biological Survey Techniques (BIOST) • Volunteer accommodations and meals at Pez Maya, located within the Reserve

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Diving in the Biosphere Reserve Our research teams are the only people permitted to scuba dive in the protected Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, where the fringing reef offers some great spur and groove formations. Our sites range from 10 to 30 meters, although most of your training dives will be conducted at 18 meters or less. Along with myriad coral and fish species, we often see turtles in the summer and the occasional bull shark in winter. Year-round, we spot nurse sharks and Caribbean and Southern stingrays.

We may also be joined on our dives by the local pod of bottlenose and spotted Atlantic dolphins—and sometimes manatees, too!

Living Arrangements in Sian Ka’an Pez Maya, our marine conservation base in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, is on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, south of Playa del Carmen. Due to our remote, environmentally sensitive location, we are a low-impact facility that uses primarily solar power. Charging facilities are extremely limited, and there is no internet access on base. We have a well, but no running water, so showers consist of filling a bucket and showering in either the indoor or outdoor shower rooms.

Toilets are bucket-flushed, too.

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Our interns sleep in basic huts with bunk beds (maximum of six people to a hut).

The huts are a short walk from the beach, where you can watch the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea. We have a communal area with volleyball nets, hammocks, outdoor seating and dive kit space. The nearby kitchen has basic cooking facilities. Fresh produce is delivered two or three times a week, and we keep a store of pasta, rice, chickpeas, lentils and soy, along with a variety of sauces and spices. As there is no refrigeration, our diet here is primarily vegetarian, but at the end of every week, the staff cooks a meat-and-cheese meal for everyone as a treat.

Climate & Conditions The weather in this region varies by season, but in general, expect it to be hot! In winter, cooler mornings and evenings may require a jacket. Water temperatures range from 24 - 30 degrees Celsius. You will likely want a full-length wetsuit in winter (3 to 5 mm, depending on how sensitive you are to the cold). In the warmer months, you may not need a wetsuit at all. On occasion, the winds pick up and prevent us from going diving. If that happens, alternate activities will be planned.

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Safety Pez Maya is a very safe and secure location within a protected national park. We are surrounded by nature, yet still have access to tourist hubs should the need for medical care arise. A highly trained and knowledgeable staff oversees our program at all levels, and our volunteers have access to 24/7, in-country support. It is important to note that we live in the jungle—we strongly recommend sleeping under a mosquito net.

A Typical Day on Base in Sian Ka’an A typical day begins between 6 and 7 a.m., depending on the time of year. We rotate daily communal duties among the four volunteer huts by category: Kitchen, Grounds, Communal Areas and Boat. You will be responsible for one duty each day. After breakfast, everyone works as a team to push the boats from the land into the ocean. Twice a week, we work together to refill the water tank on the roof that provides water to our kitchen.

We organize four dives each day, going out from 8:30 a.m. to about 3:30 p.m., with a break for lunch (served by the kitchen duty group).

You will be assigned to one or two dives each day. You will also have time to study your fish and coral identification, and complete theory work for your PADI courses. Additional duties, for which training will be provided, include operating the radio to keep in contact with the boats and operating the compressor to fill any empty tanks.

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At the end of the day’s diving, everyone helps push the boats back onto shore for the night. The kitchen duty group serves dinner at 6:30, followed by a nightly briefing on the plan for the following day. Everyone is invited to contribute to this open meeting and discussion.

Our usual workweek is Monday to Friday. It’s a full schedule, but there is also time for swimming, volleyball and relaxing in the hammocks. On weekends, volunteers often visit Tulum or Playa del Carmen, explore local Maya ruins and other cultural sites, or go to the cenotes (natural sinkholes). Our staff can help organize weekend transport, but any costs, including transport to and from the base, are the volunteers’ responsibility. Volunteers are welcome to stay on base for the weekend and enjoy the beach, but will be expected to cook for themselves.

Extracurricular Activities It’s not all diving on base! We participate in weekly beach cleanups and visits to the local fishing village of Punta Allen, where you will have the opportunity to join our Community Liaison Officer in teaching environmental awareness and English to local children and adults. You may also get the chance to take part in one of our quarterly “challenges”—activities that raise money through the GVI Charitable Trust to support local community projects. Past challenges have included a “Tour de Tulum” bike ride/scavenger hunt, halfmarathons, “tough mudder” races and Lionfish Derbies/ hunts. In addition to being a lot of fun, the challenges build team spirit and are a great way to contribute directly to good causes.

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Part 2: PADI Divemaster Internship* in Xcalak Reef National Park Become a well-rounded, environmentally focused dive professional who is ready to work in the industry!

• PADI Divemaster Course taught by highly experienced PADI Instructors • Extra workshops not usually included in standard Divemaster programs • Environmental conservation training • Hands-on equipment workshops • Customer service workshops • Practical applications training • Intern accommodations in the fishing village of Xcalak *Please see Program Details for full course descriptions, prerequisites and more information.

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About XTC Dive Center XTC Dive Center is a top-rated, PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center located in the small fishing village of Xcalak, Mexico, and within the Xcalak Reef National Park.

XTC offers a rare combination of first-class facilities and services in a remote, unspoiled setting—all with relatively easy access from Europe, Canada and the U.S.A. XTC has been in business for more than 20 years, earning a stellar reputation for professional training.

Our training program is renowned for its well-rounded curriculum, expert mentoring and focused approach. We have three onsite PADI Course Directors and our tenured, experienced staff knows their craft well.

Environmental awareness is a way of life at XTC. Our location within a sensitive Natural Protected Area means we work closely with national and local conservation partners, contributing to a variety of research projects as well as following strict conservation protocols, both underwater and on land. Our dive center is 100-percent self-contained, with elaborate systems for conserving fresh water and reducing waste, including a biodigestive septic system. XTC does not purchase single-serve plastics, nor does our restaurant serve any seafood (other than the invasive lionfish).

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We are also committed to sustainable communities on dry land: By paying fair wages and employing our staff year-round, we provide stable jobs and help to keep money circulating in the local economy.

During your Divemaster internship, you will become a critical part of our team, working alongside seasoned professionals who exemplify the highest standards in the business.

You will be fully immersed in all aspects of the dive center, from greeting customers, repairing equipment and filling tanks, to assisting with courses and leading dive groups.

Our teaching philosophies and state-of-theart facilities mean that we can personalize your program and enable you to focus on your passions. You will also participate in extra workshops not offered by the average dive training program, and emerge with much more hands-on experience than you would get in a standard program.

Living Arrangements in Xcalak We maintain two intern houses in Xcalak village, only a 5-minute walk from the dive center. These are basic but pleasant accommodations with shared bathrooms, running water and cooking facilities. Some of the rooms are more private, while others CONTACT global vision international gvi

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are equipped with bunk beds (maximum 4 people to a room). This accommodation is included in your internship. Your room placement will depend on the number of interns enrolled at the same time. If you prefer a little more privacy, we can assist you in locating an inexpensive studio apartment in town. These each have a double bed, bathroom with hot water, wifi, fan and kitchenette. The rent is not included in your GVI program fees.

Daily Life in Xcalak Although we at XTC work hard, we are fortunate to do so in an idyllic, peaceful location where we are close to nature and doing what we love. Daily life in Xcalak is slow-paced and—both by choice and by necessity—ecologically conscious. Over the past decade in particular, the little fishing village of Xcalak (population ~ 400) has become a model for sustainable eco-tourism in our region. Despite its remote location, or perhaps because of it, this area is home to some of the most spectacular, untouched dive sites on the Yucatan Peninsula, far away from the tourist crowds.

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Food & Available Services Meals are not included in this part of the program; however, interns get staff discounts at XTC’s excellent onsite restaurant, The Coral Bar & Grill. There are additional eating choices in Xcalak town, from taco huts to fine dining options, depending on the season.

Fresh produce is delivered by truck several times a week, and a few small shops sell basic necessities. There are no ATMs, banks or public telephone services in Xcalak. XTC does have wi-fi so we can get work done during shop hours, and for socializing (Skype, Facebook, etc.) after hours.

An Intern’s Typical Day in Xcalak Most days start at 7:30 a.m. and finish at 6:00 p.m. This schedule is flexible due to dive reservations (e.g., trips to Banco Chinchorro or night dives). On diving days, we begin by preparing tanks and safety equipment, loading boats, helping customers with equipment sizing and paperwork, etc. We usually do two dives a day and on average, our interns dive every other day, depending on the season. We start a little later on nondiving days, when we complete workshops, theory classes, pool sessions, equipment servicing, etc.

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At XTC, we generally work 6 days a week.

However, working in the tourism industry often requires a little flexibility. During your 3-month internship, you will have a total of 12 days off. During very busy periods, we may ask you to postpone a day off. Some team members choose to save up their days off and then take a 3- or 4-day break to go to Playa Del Carmen, Belize, or to visit the Maya ruins or other sights around the region.

After Hours Xcalak is a quiet place without a lot of evening activity, other than the occasional village festival. After hours, we tend to create our own entertainment at the dive center: gathering in the restaurant at the end of the day, attending yoga, going out stand-up paddle boarding, organizing BBQs or hosting a movie night on our big screen.

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Part 3: PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and Master Scuba Diver Trainer Preparatory Course (MSDT Prep) (6 weeks) • Environmentally focused, PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) taught by resident PADI Course Directors • PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer Prep Course (MSDT Prep) • Two Distinctive PADI Specialties offered exclusively in this program AND three Specialties of your choice • Many extras to help you jumpstart your professional diving career, such as a CV workshop, PADI pro website orientation, and teaching tools

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PADI Course Chart PADI SEAL TEAM BUBBLEMAKER DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING SKIN DIVER

Specialties AWARE CORAL REEF CONSERVATION EMERGENCY OXYGEN PROVIDER PROJECT AWARE SPECIALIST DIGITAL UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER (FOR SNORKELERS)

DISCOVER SNORKELING

OP PEN WATER DIVE ER PADI SCUBA DIVER R

ADVENTURE DIVE ER

Specialties AWARE DIVERS AGAINST DEBRIS AWARE SHARK CONSERVATION ALTITUDE DIVER BOAT DIVER DELAYED SURFACE MARKER BUOY DIGITAL UNDERWATER IMAGING DIVER PROPULSION VEHICLE DRIVER DRIFT DIVER DRY SUIT DIVER ENRICHED AIR DIVER EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST FISH IDENTIFICATION FULL FACE MASK DIVER MULTILEVEL DIVER NIGHT DIVER PEAK PERFORMANCE BUOYANCY REBREATHER DIVER SELF RELIANT DIVER SIDEMOUNT UNDERWATER NATURALIST UNDERWATER NAVIGATOR

Specialties DEEP DIVER WRECK DIVER

ELIGIBLE SPECIALTY Y

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ADVANCED OPEN N WATER DIVER

Specialties CAVERN DIVER ICE DIVER SEARCH AND RECOVERY DIVER

RESCUE DIVER

MASTER SCUBA DIVE ER

DIVEMASTER

OPEN WATER SCUBA INSTRUCTO OR ASSISTANT INSTRUCTO OR

PADI REACTIVATE

SPECIALTY INSTRUCTOR

EMERGENCY FIR RST T RE ESPONSE PR ROVID DER

MASTER SCUBA DIV VER TRAINER (MSDT))

EMERGENCY FIR RST T RESSPONSE INST TRUCTOR

ID DC STAFF INSTRUC CTOR

EMERGENCY FIR RST T RESSPONSE INST TRUCT TOR TRAINER R

MASTER INSTRUCT TOR

COURSE DIRECTO OR

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Part 3: PADI Professional Training – IDC and MSDT Prep Courses PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) After completing your 12-week Divemaster Internship* at XTC Dive Center, you will be enrolled in our PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). Taught by our resident PADI Course Directors, the IDC is a combination of lectures and practical sessions that focus on developing effective teaching skills. Our IDC takes you above and beyond PADI’s performance requirements so that you stand apart from the crowd. We train you to be the best instructor you can be, with the skills and attitude to comfortably and competently teach high-quality PADI programs, and build a successful career doing what you love.

The IDC starts with a prep program to refresh your skills and theory knowledge. The rest of the IDC is a very structured program containing all PADI requirements; however, we break it up with a two-day Emergency First Response Instructor (EFRI) course, which is an additional requirement for becoming a scuba instructor.

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Immediately following the IDC, an Instructor Examination (IE) will be held either in Xcalak or Playa del Carmen. The exam consists of two written tests (theory and standards), classroom prescriptive presentations, and confined water and open water presentations.

A PADI Examiner conducts the full exam over 2 or 3 days. If the IE is held in Playa Del Carmen, GVI will help cover the costs of transport, accommodation and entrance fees to the cenote (a freshwater sinkhole where open water presentations take place).

Due to the intensive schedule of the IDC, there aren’t many opportunities for additional workshops or classroom sessions, but after the exam is over, we offer several additional workshop topics, including: how to develop a strong CV, how to navigate the PADI online processing system, and how to plan effective course logistics and incorporate Project AWARE into your courses.

* NOTE: If you are already a certified Divemaster, you have the option to begin the IDC right after your Marine Expo training at Pez Maya. Please contact us for more information.

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Compare Professional Dive Training Programs PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer Preparatory Course (MSDT Prep) The MSDT Prep Course begins immediately following the IDC and lasts 3 to 4 weeks.

Building on the skills developed during the IDC, this course focuses on the skills needed to teach five (5) PADI Specialties to your future students, two of which we offer exclusively through the GVI program.

Need more information?

GVI has local Country Experts available to help with any questions you may have.

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Average Program in Playa del Carmen

GVI / XTC Program

PADI Divemaster Internship Flexible schedule Live and work in a Natural Protected Area Extended program (3 Months) Environmentally focused Unlimited dives* (ask us for details) PADI Standard Divemaster Course Equipment included Free accommodation Staff discount at onsite restaurant Equipment Repair Workshop & practice Extra guiding practice Sidemount Try-out Nitrox Intro Real customer interaction & guiding Instructor-level theory PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) 2-week program Environmentally focused O2 Provider Instructor Free accommodation Discount at onsite restaurant Fun dives on local reef Intro to Gas Blending PADI Exam (IE) held onsite when possible Sidemount Try-out PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer Prep (MSDT Prep) 5 Specialties total Post-Prep Internship 2 GVI Distinctive Specialties (Coral Reef Research Diver & Marine Conservation Specialist) 3 Specialties chosen by the candidate Only MSDT program

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Program Details

Marine Conservation Expedition + PADI Divemaster Internship + Instructor Development Course in Mexico GVI Code: MXPM0436C

Time to Complete: 30 Weeks

What’s Included: • 24-hour emergency phone • 24-hour in-country support • Access to Alumni Services and Discounts • Airport pickup (unless otherwise stated) and transfer to Pez Maya • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared) within two National Protected Areas • Meals on base at Pez Maya (not included in work placement/professional training at XTC Dive Center) • All necessary project equipment and materials except personal dive kit (see Required Equipment for details) • All necessary project training by experienced staff • Community work workshop Not included: • Flights • International and domestic airport taxes • Medical and travel insurance

• Coral reef ecology • Diving compressor workshop • First Aid & CPR training and certification • Introduction to teaching techniques • Leading biological surveys course • Weekly evaluation with your mentor • PADI Advanced Open Water Course • PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive Specialty • PADI Divemaster Application fees • PADI Rescue Diver and PADI Divemaster certifications • Teamwork and leadership experience • Internship placement (after successful completion of first 12 weeks)

• Visa costs, if any • PADI Open Water certification or equivalent (required for enrollment; available onsite for additional fee) CONTACT global vision international gvi

• Transfer to Xcalak Reef National Park/XTC Dive Center • Use of 02 equipment workshop • Internship final evaluation • PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Instructor (Distinctive Specialty; program exclusive) • PADI Marine Conservation Specialist Instructor (Distinctive Specialty; program exclusive) • Peak Performance Buoyancy Workshop • Project Aware Presentation and Workshop • Emergency First Response Instructor Application fee • Emergency First Response Instructor Course • Emergency First Response Instructor Manual • Five PADI Specialty manuals

• Personal dive equipment: mask, fins, wetsuit, timing device or dive computer, compass, surface marker buoy (SMB) and reel or spool, cutting device (see Required Equipment for details) www.gvi.co.uk 01727 250 250

• CONANP presentation and workshop • Confidential professional reference • PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) • PADI IDC Crew Pack • PADI IDC preparatory training • PADI Instructor Application fee • PADI Instructor Examination fee • Travel, accommodation and entrance fees to dive sites for Instructor Exams, IF exams are held offsite • MSDT Preparatory Program: five specialty instructor ratings, two of which are exclusive to our program • Specialty Instructor application fees for five specialty instructor ratings • Police or background check (where necessary) • Additional drinks and gratuities • Extra local excursions

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• Use of rental dive equipment (except personal items listed under “not included”) • Emergency O2 Orientation and training in use of Emergency O2 equipment • Boat Handling orientation • Training Pool Maintenance Workshop • Equipment servicing workshop: maintenance, basic repairs and cleaning of regulators, BCDs, cylinders and valves • Workshop on how to prepare and maintain first aid kits • Dive shop administration training • Intro to Sidemount • Technical Diving orientation • Introduction to Nitrox and gas-blending facilities • In-water lionfish eradication training • Meals during work placement/professional training at XTC Dive Center • Personal expenses

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Part 1: Marine Conservation Expedition in Sian Ka’an (12 weeks) Prerequisites • Be at least 18 years old • Certified PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent. PADI has authorized facilities around the world where you can complete this training if needed.

Included Course Descriptions

completion of this course, you will be external defibrillator) sections. This certified to dive to 30 meters anywhere in certification fulfills the medical training PADI Advanced Open Water Course: the world. requirement to enroll in the Rescue Building on the skills learned in the Open Diver course.

Water course, this in-water, performance- Emergency First Responder (EFR) based course includes five specialty dives: Certification: This course provides PADI Rescue Diver Course: Arguably peak performance buoyancy, navigation, extensive instruction in CPR and First one of the most challenging and deep diving, search and recovery and Aid, as well as optional Secondary Care, rewarding PADI courses, this training underwater naturalist. Upon successful Emergency Oxygen and AED (automated teaches you how to assist other CONTACT global vision international gvi

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divers, how to handle problems and emergencies, and how to prevent problems from arising in the first place. Rescue Diver certification is a prerequisite for all professional-level dive training.

PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Specialty: An introduction to coral reef research diving, this course will give you the skills and knowledge to perform effective underwater surveys of flora and fauna. You will further increase

your buoyancy skills and data collection techniques through knowledge development and open water skills practice.

Leadership Internship: A series of presentations, group discussions and weekly assignments designed to improve your leadership abilities throughout this 4-week course. You will learn what it takes to be a good leader, how to be an effective role model, how to deal with confrontation, how to give constructive

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criticism and much more. You will then lead a team through an afternoon of leadership games and challenges.

Biological Survey Techniques (BIOST)*: This 4-week course focuses more on the scientific aspects of our program. You will learn more about the interconnectivity of the marine ecosystems and different monitoring techniques that can be used to assess the health of coral reefs.

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Part 2: PADI Divemaster Internship in Xcalak Reef National Park (12 weeks) Prerequisites • Be at least 18 years old • Advanced Open Water-certified from any organization • Rescue Diver-certified from any organization • EFR Primary and Secondary Care training current within the last 24 months • 40 logged dives • Cleared for diving by a physician within the previous 12 months • Successful completion of the 12-week “Marine Expo” portion of the program at Pez Maya/Sian Ka’an.

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Required Equipment As a professional diver, you will find it beneficial to have your own equipment, but rental of full, standard scuba equipment is included in your internship if you need it. However, there are a few individual items that we do not include and you will be expected to bring. These items are also available for purchase in XTC’s retail shop: • SMB and reel: These are required for diving within the marine reserve.

• Compass: Standard equipment required of PADI professionals.

• Cutting tool: This is a PADI professional requirement. If you have a knife, note that the marine reserve limits it to a maximum of 6 inches, including blade and hilt.

• Either a dive computer or a timing device and RDP for planning all of your dives. www.gvi.co.uk 01727 250 250

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Included Course and Workshop Descriptions: PADI Divemaster Course The Divemaster (DM) certification is the first professional step in the PADI system. It lays the foundation for becoming an Instructor.

During this program, you will progress to a professional level in your knowledge, diving and leadership skills through a mixture of independent study and instructor-led lectures and water sessions.

You will assist in training student divers, learn how to guide certified divers and, through both role-playing and real student interactions, develop the confidence and skills to conduct a variety of Divemaster-led programs independently.

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During your internship, you will not only fulfill PADI’s certification requirements, you will take part in valuable additional workshops and conservation training.

NOTE: Interns completing ONLY the Divemaster Course option (not upgrading to IDC/MSDT) must pay Divemaster Application PADI fees separately in order to become certified. Current rates can be found on the PADI website.

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A. Extra Training Workshops 1. Boat Handling & Maintenance: XTC operates six boats of four different types, so interns have the opportunity to get hands-on boat experience, working with our captains and Maintenance Manager to keep our fleet running smoothly and safely. Interns have the option of joining our captains at the end of the day when they run their checks, clean the engines and refuel the boats, and/or helping out with regular boat maintenance.

2. Emergency Oxygen Kit Maintenance: Each dive boat leaving our dock must include a DAN Emergency Oxygen Unit.

Dive staff takes care of cleaning, testing and refilling these CONTACT global vision international gvi

units. We will also show you how the cylinders are refilled in our very own custom blending station..

3. First Aid Kit Maintenance: In addition to emergency oxygen units, all boats carry a First Aid kit. We will go over the logistics and challenges of being in a remote location like Xcalak when the need for medical care arises.

4. Training Pool Maintenance: XTC Dive Center is fortunate to have an onsite training pool. You will learn about the pump and filter system, when/how to test the water and how to add chemicals when necessary.

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B. Environmental Conservation Training 1. Lionfish Hunting: Although interns hunt for lionfish at Pez Maya, this activity is a big part of our conservation program at XTC. We will conduct a dry session where you will practice spearing a lionfish safely (and with minimal impact on the surrounding environment, working on buoyancy and finning techniques), and putting them into our containment units.

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2. CONANP Orientation: XTC/Xcalak is located inside a National Park. The regulatory body for the park is called CONANP (Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas/National Commission of Natural Protected Areas). There is a ranger station in town with a few permanent CONANP staff members. You will participate in a presentation at the ranger station to learn more about the National Park’s history and its rules and regulations.

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C. Hands-on Equipment Workshops 1. Regulator, First and Second Stages: In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to disassemble, clean, service, replace needed parts, reassemble and test the first and second stages of various rental regulators.

2. Tank Valve/Cylinder Inspection and Cleaning: You will learn how to conduct visual cylinder inspections, both inside CONTACT global vision international gvi

and outside, and how to clean tanks and reassemble them.

You will also learn how to disassemble, clean and service tank valves, replace needed parts and reassemble.

3. BCDs: Learn basic BCD servicing and how to execute common repairs, such as broken dump valves and inflators.

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D. Practical Applications 1. Lift Bag Use and Knots: This workshop is conducted in the training pool, refreshing knowledge on the use of lift bags and different popular knots.

2. Search Patterns: We will do a dry beach practice as well as some underwater sessions to teach you how to apply various search patterns and how to lay search grids. This will be a time to refresh your use of compasses and reels, as well as other tools, and learn more advanced search patterns.

3. Rescue Workshops: In addition to the Divemaster Rescue Assessment, we will conduct practice sessions to fine-tune your rescue techniques and scenarios. This includes dealing with divers in a variety of equipment configurations, or with different physical challenges.

4. Sidemount Tryout: Sidemount is an optional equipment configuration for both recreational and technical diving.

Benefits include increased redundancy (safety) and better CONTACT global vision international gvi

streamlining, and the tryout session is one of our interns’ favorite workshops. You will learn how to set up and use the equipment, including a mini-dive from our dock under the supervision of a Sidemount Instructor. GVI interns get a discount on the full Sidemount training course—please contact XTC for current rates.

5. Tech Diving Intro: This introduction to technical diving equipment includes different aspects of technical diving, such as the use of different gases in stage cylinders, how a Rebreather works, and how to set up, handle and use a twin set.

6. Enriched Air/Gas-Blending Orientation: This practical workshop covers our Nitrox diving procedures, including obtaining, logging and analyzing Nitrox cylinders. Interns will also get an introduction to our state-of-the-art custom blending system. If you would like to learn more about the specifics of Nitrox diving or blending, Nitrox and Gas Blender Specialties are available at a discounted rate for GVI interns.

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E. Customer Service Workshops 1. Other Watersports Trips: Interns participate in at least one snorkel or paddleboard tour (these vary from 2 – 5 hrs.), and, when possible, multiple tours so that they can explore the mangroves, see the manatee reserve and gain experience in running non-diving trips.

2. Guiding Practice: One of a Divemaster’s main responsibilities is to guide certified divers on underwater tours. While this is part of the standard curriculum, we put an emphasis on extra practice. This includes a classroom session where we discuss and practice a thorough dive site and safety briefing, practical sessions regarding environmental CONTACT global vision international gvi

assessments and dive site choices, and tips and tricks on how to supervise divers underwater.

3. Administration and Office Experience: A dive shop is a machine that can only function with a well-oiled administrative department. Customer correspondence, sales, invoicing, paperwork and a lot of other work happen in the background every day to keeps things running smoothly. We have developed GVI-specific manuals for our office protocols, which, combined with a thorough orientation from our Office Manager, will give you the tools needed to assist with these tasks as you gain valuable, hands-on experience in running a dive shop.

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Part 3: PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and Master Scuba Diver Trainer Preparatory Course (MSDT Prep) at XTC Dive Center (6 weeks) Prerequisites • Be at least 18 years old • Divemaster certification (from any organization; please contact us if you hold a non-PADI Divemaster rating) CONTACT global vision international gvi

• Be a certified diver for 6 months • Medical clearance, diving specific within 12 months • 100 logged dives

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PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) (2 weeks) This course provides certified PADI Divemasters with the necessary training to become a Scuba Diving Instructor—a lifestyle dream for many divers. With three highly experienced resident Course Directors, a state-of-the-art facility and an instructional team from around the world, XTC provides the most up-to-date training available.

You will not only refine the theory, leadership and diving skills that you acquired during Divemaster training, you will also develop your teaching abilities and deeper knowledge of PADI philosophies and programs. Our IDC encompasses: CONTACT global vision international gvi

• Teaching PADI’s educational methodology • Developing teaching abilities in the classroom, pool and open water, including multiple practice sessions for each environment • Elaborating on business principles within the dive industry • Enhancing awareness of risk factors and in-water safety • Additional classroom and water-based evaluation practice • A simulated Instructor Examination (IE) to prepare you for the real-world PADI IE • Emergency First Response Instructor (EFRI) course as an integrated part of the curriculum

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PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer Prep Course (MSDT Prep) (4 weeks) This course teaches certified Dive Instructors how to organize, market and conduct five PADI Specialty Diver Courses. Once you have completed the course AND successfully certified 25 student divers, you can apply to PADI for your PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer rating. Thanks to our experienced and knowledgeable staff, we teach a wide range of PADI specialty courses, so you can select areas of diving that suit your interests and career path.

The MSDT Prep course includes: classroom sessions that cover content and teaching standards, practical applications CONTACT global vision international gvi

such as land drills and confined water sessions, and training in open water. We will also teach you how to make a course fun and interesting for your own future students.

NOTE: The MSDT Preparatory Course will certify you as a PADI Specialty Instructor in five specialty areas of your choice. It does not provide the teaching experience required for an MSDT application with PADI. By completing the MSDT Prep Course, you will have a wider range of programs to teach, which will in turn help you gain the necessary teaching experience (25 certifications) more efficiently.

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The two GVI-specific, Distinctive Specialty Instructor ratings are: 1) Coral Reef Research Diver Instructor Expand on the theory you learned during your time at Pez Maya, and learn how to teach this specialty to your future students—whether they are marine scientists or not.

2) Marine Conservation Specialist Instructor This specialty introduces environmental best practices for marine-based businesses, particularly those in environmentally sensitive areas. It familiarizes people with recommended best practices in all areas of the dive business, from guiding diving and snorkeling trips to raising awareness and educating customers on environmental issues, to working with Marine CONTACT global vision international gvi

Protected areas (MPAs) and assessing the impact of a dive business on the environment. Putting together all of this information, you will be able to create an action plan for a marine-based business to minimize their environmental impact, including fishing practices, water usage and public education.

Candidates can then choose their three remaining Specialties from a recommended list, including: Nitrox Learn how to dive with Nitrox (a gas blend with 21 – 40 percent O2). Includes dive planning, analyzing tanks, and calculating maximum depths and O2 exposure. This is the most popular specialty in the dive industry.

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Gas Blender This course teaches you how to blend Nitrox blends accurately and safely, how to use different calculation methods and analyze mixes, and gas-handling techniques as well as different gas blending methods. Provides hands-on, practical experience in maintaining and cleaning diving and gas-blending equipment.

Deep Diving This is another very popular specialty to teach. Upon completion of this certification, you will be able to take students to a maximum depth of 40 meters and teach them the safety procedures of deep diving.

Successful completion of the Gas Blender course qualifies you to handle pure oxygen and use several gas blending techniques to create custom Enriched Air, and to oxygenclean the associated equipment – a very useful skill to put on your resume.

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PADI Scuba Diving Terms The Professional Association of Diving Instructors, or PADI, is the largest and most recognizable dive certification agency in the world. You can find official course descriptions and a helpful flow chart online in the PADI Course Catalog.

Open Water Diver (OWD): The first certification level in diving. An OWD is certified to dive with a buddy to maximum depth of 18 meters/60 feet, in conditions similar to those trained in.

Advanced Open Water Diver (AOW): Diver completes five Adventure Dives with an instructor. This includes Deep and Navigation experience and allows the diver to go to a maximum depth of 30 meters/100 feet.

ReActivate: A short course available to all certified divers to refresh skills learned in previous training.

Rescue Diver: Teaches the skills to selfrescue and help other divers who are panicking. This course helps divers gain confidence and develop problem-solving skills for a demanding environment.

Emergency First Responder (EFR): May be paired with the Rescue Diver course unless student already has a primary and secondary care training, including CPR (valid within 24 months). Teaches on-land skills like CPR and wound care for emergencies.

Master Scuba Diver: The top level for RECREATIONAL diving; a Master Scuba Diver is not a dive professional.

The diver is a Rescue Diver that has completed five or more PADI specialties and logged 50 or more dives.

Divemaster (DM): The first level of professional diving. A DM is certified to supervise other certified divers in and out of the water, assist on PADI courses and teach some courses independently.

Assistant Instructor (AI): Course must be completed with an IDC Staff Instructor or a Course Director. An AI is certified to teach theory and conduct certain pool sessions and programs under supervision of an Instructor.

Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) Course: This is the upgrade from AI to Open Water Scuba Instructor. Must attend OWSI program, usually this is the second half of the IDC (see below).

Instructor Development Course (IDC): Course created to give certified Divemasters the knowledge and skills to become Instructors. Divers practice theory knowledge, presentations and skills in the water so they can pass the Instructor Examination (IE), which is usually held immediately following the IDC. The IE is conducted by an independent PADI Examiner over 2 to 3 days.

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PADI Scuba Diving Terms, Continued

Emergency First Responder Instructor (EFRI): Any Divemaster qualifies for this rating; however, it is a requirement to becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.

Learn how to conduct Primary and Secondary Care courses and teach Automated External Defibrillator use for divers and non-divers alike.

Master Scuba Diver Trainer Preparation (MSDT Prep): Includes five PADI Specialty Instructor courses with a Course Director to gain skills needed to teach five PADI specialties. Two of these are GVI-distinctive specialties, and each student can choose their remaining three courses from the classes available. NOTE: Completing this course does not automatically make you a Master Scuba Diver Trainer! (See MSDT).

Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT): After receiving Instructor-level certifications for five PADI Specialties during the MSDT prep, Instructors must certify at least 25 students (at any level) to apply for MSDT certification directly through PADI.

IDC Staff Instructor (IDCS): The next step up from MSDT, this level gives divers the training to be able to assist on Instructor Development Courses and, with some experience, teach certain sections of the IDC under the direction of a PADI Course Director.

IDC Staff Instructors are certified to independently teach the Assistant Instructor Course.

Course Director: This is PADI’s highest professional rating.

A Course Director is a highly experienced instructor that has attended a CDTC (Course Director Training Course), which finetunes IDC capabilities and the understanding of the PADI system at all levels. This rating means the instructor can teach AND CERTIFY new instructors.

“Zero to Hero”: A common term for beginner scuba divers or non-divers who are going all the way through recreational and professional certifications in one short, intensive period.

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