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PADI Divemaster Professional Apprenticeship

location
24 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Earn your PADI Divemaster, opening up a career of travel and diving.
  • Experience the warm waters and vibrant cultures of two of the world’s most beautiful countries – Fiji and Thailand.
  • Assist with benthic (coral) or fish target species surveys. You will also assist with our long-term monitoring coral bleaching surveys.
  • Complete a work placement in Thailand, where you will work directly with customers, gain practical experience with equipment, and lead and guide dives.
  • Earn your unique PADI Marine Megafauna (MMF) Distinctive Specialty with GVI, advancing your diving skills for marine megafauna conservation projects.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Earn your PADI Divemaster certification while exploring the waters surrounding the islands of Fiji and Thailand.

On this exciting six-month adventure you’ll obtain your PADI Divemaster certification while exploring the stunning waters surrounding Fiji and Thailand. Your journey begins with three months in Fiji, where you'll receive comprehensive theoretical and practical training. This includes hands-on ...

About the program

On this exciting six-month adventure you’ll obtain your PADI Divemaster certification while exploring the stunning waters surrounding Fiji and Thailand. Your journey begins with three months in Fiji, where you'll receive comprehensive theoretical and practical training. This includes hands-on experience in conducting underwater coral reef surveys as part of the Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive Specialty segment of the PADI Divemaster course, offered by GVI & PADI.

After Fiji, you'll spend another three months in Southern Thailand, perfecting your skills and earning your Divemaster qualification at a dive centre. Throughout the program, you'll also get the chance to lead recreational dives, gaining valuable industry experience. It's an adventure-packed opportunity to dive deep into the world of professional diving while exploring two of the best diving spots on the planet.

Typical day

Get set for an exciting day of action and impact. Get involved in conservation projects, enjoy delicious meals, and reflect on making a real difference with your crew.

Example of a typical day:
07:00 - Gather for breakfast and get briefed on the day's adventures!
08:00 - Work on conservation projects ...

Typical day

Get set for an exciting day of action and impact. Get involved in conservation projects, enjoy delicious meals, and reflect on making a real difference with your crew.

Example of a typical day:
07:00 - Gather for breakfast and get briefed on the day's adventures!
08:00 - Work on conservation projects with local partners, from sea turtles to beach cleans.
12:00 - Grab lunch at a local spot or back at base, depending on the schedule.
13:00 - Dive back into project work, continuing the morning's tasks or starting something new.
17:00 - Return to base for downtime or pitch in with base duties.
18:00 - Wind down with a delicious Thai or Burmese dinner prepared by a local chef.
19:00 - Reflect on the day's impact on the environment and community.
20:00 - Fun time! Socialise, play games, or chill with your group.

Free-time activities

Explore the local scene during your downtime:
  • Takamaka rum distillery: Check out the rum distillery at Pointe Au Sel for a taste of local flavours. Nearby, you can also visit a tea plantation and a village showcasing local crafts.
  • Victoria City: Dive into the diverse culture of Seychelles in Victoria, ...

Free-time activities

Explore the local scene during your downtime:
  • Takamaka rum distillery: Check out the rum distillery at Pointe Au Sel for a taste of local flavours. Nearby, you can also visit a tea plantation and a village showcasing local crafts.
  • Victoria City: Dive into the diverse culture of Seychelles in Victoria, the capital city. Experience the mix of cultures through visits to temples, cathedrals, and trying out dishes with unique influences. Don't miss the lively vibes at Eden Island, offering a range of dining, shopping and nightlife options. Take a boat tour to discover coral reefs and island history.
  • Beau Vallon Bay: Chill out and enjoy the beach life at Beau Vallon, the hotspot on the main island. With its long stretch of sand and bustling atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for relaxation.
  • Water sports: Get adventurous with water sports like surfing, kayaking, sailing and snorkelling. Or simply take a dip in the ocean and lounge on the beach.
  • Cap Matoopa hike: Take a scenic hike to Cap Matoopa for stunning views of Cap Ternay Bay. Climb through the jungle to catch breathtaking sunrises or sunsets.
  • Recreational diving: Beyond project dives, there's plenty of time for casual dives, exploring the mesmerising underwater world at your own pace.
  • Hiking and climbing: Explore the unique landscapes of the inner islands through hikes and climbs. Venture to Morne Seychellois National Park for challenging trails and unique rock formations.
  • Inner island hopping: Hop on a ferry from Victoria to explore other inner islands like Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette. Discover natural wonders, beautiful beaches and unique wildlife habitats.
Every four weeks, you can enjoy cultural immersion through GVI Experiences. These are included in your program at no extra cost.

Examples of activities may include: 
  • Learn to cook iTaukei food.
  • Make a traditional drink from kava root.
  • Learn indigenous plant medicine.
  • Hike to the top of Tova Peak.
  • Fish with iTaukei women.
  • Weave a traditional mat.
  • Visit Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park.
  • Boat to Leleuvia Island.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (fluently)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

PADI Medical form and Medical Form

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Competent swimmer (200m). Volunteers will normally be diving or snorkelling twice daily. Must be PADI Open Water Certified.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

  • 24-hour emergency phone
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Access to alumni services and discounts
  • Airport pickup (unless otherwise stated)
  • All necessary project equipment and materials
  • All necessary project training by experienced staff provided online 8 weeks prior to arrival
    • PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (1 hour)
    • PROGRAM SPECIFIC TRAINING (1–5 hours)
    • MARINE CONSERVATION COURSE (10–15 hours)
    • LEADERSHIP COURSE (10–15 hours)
    • CAREERS COURSE (10–15 hours)
  • Certification and summary of training and experience received
  • Community work workshop
  • Confidential professional reference
  • Coral reef ecology
  • Diving compressor training workshop
  • Final evaluation
  • First aid and CPR training and certification
  • Leading biological surveys course
  • Location orientation
  • Long term experienced staff
  • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
  • PADI Advanced Open Water
  • PADI Marine Megafauna (MMF) Distinctive Specialty
  • PADI Rescue Diver and PADI Dive Master certifications (not including PADI professional fees)
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • Teamwork and leadership experience
  • Use of O2 equipment workshop
  • Weekly evaluation with your mentor
  • Welcome meeting
  • Work placement – if successful during the first 12 weeks of the internship
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
  • Additional drinks and gratuities
  • Extra local excursions
  • Flights
  • Food during the placement portion of your internship
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Personal dive kit, e.g. mask, fins, wetsuit, timer etc.
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Police or background check
  • Visa costs (where necessary)

Airport Pickup at Nausori Airport

Airport pickup is included and we will ensure, whenever possible, that one of our dedicated staff will be available to meet you at the airport. We will arrange with you prior to your departure that, should you arrive in the agreed upon pick up window, a member of our staff will be there to welcome you.

Accommodation

During your stay, you'll have basic mixed-gender dormitory-style rooms in a traditional Fijian bure with wooden walls and a tin roof. There's a communal kitchen, work area and living space where you can prepare for project work and socialise with fellow participants. Our accommodation is provided through a partnership with the Silana Youth Project, which not only offers you a comfortable place to stay but also supports the local community by providing sustainable income opportunities. 

During the second part of the program (approx. weeks 12-24) you will be based at your dive centre placement in shared accommodation. The exact location will be discussed with you during your program. Accommodation will vary depending on your placement location.

Food & Beverages

On base, meals are primarily vegetarian and made with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. Participants take turns preparing food for the group. Breakfast options range from porridge, eggs and beans to fruit or pancakes. For lunch and dinner, expect sandwiches, rice, beans, vegetables, pasta with sauce, noodles, roti, cassava or dalo (also known as taro), with occasional meat options. When dining out, you'll discover a diverse cuisine with a focus on seafood and Asian flavours.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Nausori Airport (SUV) in Suva. We assist you to find cheap flights to Fiji. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Fiji provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Fiji you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Fiji. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

2024
  • 22 June 2024
2025
  • 04 Jan 2025
  • 29 Mar 2025
  • 21 Jun 2025
  • 13 Sep 2025
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

24 weeks 18,245€
Average fees 760€/week

Program fees

760€ per week 24 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

24 - 24 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

GVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (221 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

Meet your organization

Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

221 reviews · rating4.8

I had an incredible time at GVI Dawasamu! The Fijian staff were always so friendly and welcoming, making me feel at home from day one. I was lucky to meet amazing friends from all over the world, and together, we explored untouched reefs filled with stunning marine life. Living in the village gave ...
Ombeline Charlot rating5

2021 at PADI Divemaster Professional Apprenticeship

Hello! My name is Ombeline, I’m a 23 y.o French girl living in Switzerland. I’ve volunteered for 8 weeks in the Marine conservation program - Mexico, Puerto Morelos. I love travelling and exploring the world, so after I finished my Bachelor and worked in the hotel industry for a year, I wanted ...
I came with no dive experience and am now on my way to becoming a divemaster. It was an amazing experience and I highly recommend it to anybody interested. The staff are great people and very passionate about protecting nature. On one of my last dives we swam with a pod of dolphins, I have swam with ...
Michael Zimprich rating4.8

2020 at PADI Divemaster Professional Apprenticeship

Staff members were super cool but still professional when it comes to diving. The community was so awesome. I met so many new people there and immediatley became friens with them. Accomodation is good and clean. There are no hot showers, but who needs them when it has 30°? ;) (the water in the ...
I had only done 5 dives before heading out for a 6 month marine conservation and Divemaster internship however the GVI family made me feel at home very quickly and I soon found my feet in the project. We were working on a fish refuge site monitoring coral health and coverage alongside ...
I had the opportunity to volunteer in Fiji for 3 month regarding marine conservation research. As an aspiring marine biologist, I had the most wonderful experience working alongside the many passionate and hardworking volunteers and staff. We were able to conduct surveys and collect data first hand, ...

Location

Oceania > Melanesia > Fiji > Suva

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Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Marine Conservation in Fiji
Contact Bianca
  Very high response rate
English

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