Gina Lusardi Photography
DAY 6: Thankfully we were out on open water again today. I was starting to get withdrawal symptoms… only 2 days in Open water since the course began makes this mermaid feel funny!
With 4 more scenarios to run through today I knew it would be challenging but I was ready for it. Everything I picked up in the last week was firmly locked in my brain and I was adamant I would be prepare for anything these students would throw at me! Today my OW scenarios were knot tying and preparing a lift bag from the rescue course and 5 point descent and hover from the open water course. As an instructor I will be able to teach a Discover Scuba Dive course right the way through to Divemaster… pretty scary stuff, but also meaning as an instructor it will be hard to get bored. Again my students were set problems to throw at me, and today I managed all with ease.
We ended the dive with a rescue, using the pocket mask… even this was getting better, I was definitely learning and progressing. Hats off to my instructor Georgia.
DAY 7: Today we had a break and switched to the EFR instructors course. I never realised before starting my IDC that you also get trained as an emergency first response instructor… I could go out and teach this and not only to divers. The opportunities became endless and it was another qualification I could take forward. Having completed my EFR training in the last 6 months meant it was clear in my head, however again teaching is very different for merely doing. And once again I discovered something new… there is no age limit on who I can teach. Living in Cornwall I thought this was great. I could approach children’s water sports clubs/societies and take them through the ERF training programmes. Brilliant!
It was a nice break from the usual work and Georgia, Pat and I had great fun going through the scenarios. Georgia scheduled this passing week excellently. Making sure i got the best out of everything I was learning, and tomorrow I would be finishing up my IDC with a brief pool session, a standards test and a run through of anything I wasn’t sure of ready for the IE.
DAY 8: I had my final Knowledge Review presentation to give before jumping in the pool for the last time to practise a few last skills and then on to marketing. My nerves getting the best of me we decided we’d head out of the office and have our last lecture at Cafe Milagro. This was a great idea. Georgia prepping me fully for my IE and checking that I was happy with everything.
I’d had such an intense week but thoroughly enjoyed the process. I had developed my theory and even in this short time perfected my diving abilities. I can’t recommend doing your IDC enough… even if you are happier guiding and taking more of a divemaster role, what you’ll learn in the IDC is untold. And PADI certainly arm you with everything you need to continue your development.
The marketing lecture was extremely useful in setting a focus for what I wanted to achieve with my instructor qualification, ensuring I am armed with all I need to start up as an instructor wherever that may be.
I was told to go have a beer and relax this evening, ready for the IE to begin tomorrow.
Wish me luck!