As the ski season was coming to a close, I decided that I wanted to keep pushing my dive skills. I called Luciana at Ocean Explorers to see about getting my dive master certification and she suggested an internship.
In exchange for my PADI certification, I would work at the shop.
I stayed in a studio efficiency within walking distance of the dive shop. I picked up some decorating tips during my stay.
Because I wanted to save time and money (and eat healthy), I would cook enough food on my day off to last the whole week.
As the week progressed, the combinations would become more interesting; i.e. combine whatever’s left in the fridge and put a fried egg on it.
I am not a morning person, but for my time in St. Maarten, I pretended to be one. Six days a week I was at the shop by 6:45 am. It was busy season for them and most days we had multiple boats going out twice a day. Similar to running a restaurant, more often than not, the work in a dive shop is not glamorous. Sure, I was in the water most days, but I was also cleaning the toilet and lugging tanks around. For my certification, I had to assist with various PADI classes, such as Discover Scuba Diving, map a dive site, compose an Emergency Action Plan, complete several swimming exercises, demonstrate multiple surface and underwater diving skills, and pass a written exam.
When I wasn’t at the shop, I would be brushing up on my fish id skills or preparing for my PADI exam.
One Saturday night, we had a party. A shot of most of the crew. Brazil, Portugal, Ireland, Canada, England and the US are represented.
The last week I was there, I was joined by Noah and my folks. Here we are on a sunset sail.
A big thank you to Lu and Jef and the OEX crew. See you soon!
A Thirsty Spirit 