Frequently Asked Questions How to become a dive Professional

Why Rich Coast Diving ?

Rich Coast Diving will help you begin your Dream Career as a Dive Professional. Our PRO Courses have been the starting point for hundreds of professionals from around the world. Rich Coast Diving takes pride in the quality and the professionalism of our teaching methods. But also the fun during our courses. Read testimonials of those who have been here recently.
How do I get There ?

Rich Coast Diving is located in the small town of Playas del Coco. You can either fly to the capital of Costa Rica named San Jose (SJO Int'l Airport) and take a shuttle bus to Playas del Coco (5 hours). We can recommend the Interbus shuttle company. For bookings go to www.interbusonline.com Or you can fly to Liberia (Daniel Oduber Int'l Airport) which is less then 40 min from Playas del Coco and from this airport we can arrange your pickup ($50 USD one way).
Accommodation

For our Professional Candidates we have several accommodation options. Contact us for prices and availability.
What do I need to Bring ?

As a (future) dive professional we highly recommend that you bring your own dive equipment. If you do not own your own set of equipment yet, you can buy your personal set at our dive shop at a discounted rate or rent it (for divemaster internship only). As a dive professional the following items are mandatory and you cannot start you course without them ! We do sell all items with a 20% discount for our PRO participants if you can not bring them from your home country. As per Instructor Manual you need a dive computer, DSMB, compass, knife / divers tool, sound device (wisle).
What is the best time of the Year for the Instructor Training Course in Costa Rica ?

During the ITC you will spend most of your time in the classroom attending seminars, workshops and presentations. Then there are several pool sessions and a few training dives in the ocean. All of our training dive sites are conveniently located within 15 minutes away. We have access to great training dive sites with shallow and deep water. Conditions underwater can change from day to day but generally the water temperature ranges from 26 - 28 Celcius. So a 3 mm shorty wetsuit will be sufficient to keep you warm. Costa Rica offers year round diving and therefor you can join our Professional courses any time of the year !
What is your cancellation policy ?

Divemaster Training For divemaster training you may cancel your reservation by written confirmation to info@richcoastdiving.com up to 14 days before the start of your PRO course. We can not refund digital course materials that have been send to the candidate. In case of cancellation with notification within 14 days prior to arrival, your deposit will not be fully refunded. We charge: - 50% of your course fee - 100% of the accommodation price - 100% of the course material price Instructor Training We do not refund payments made towards the Instructor Training Course however if possible we will reschedule to the next available date.
Course Price & Fees

Becoming a Dive Professional is an investment in an amazing future career and totally worth it. We want to make sure that you can plan your budget accordingly by understanding all the costs and fees. You find an overview of the prices and fees on our price list. Do not hesitate to contact us for any questions or concerns you have regarding the costs of the PRO Courses. If you are interested to know more about becoming and SSI or PADI dive professional. Read our blog SSI vs PADI - The best choice for dive instructors.
How do I pay ?

We are flexible and offer different payment options for you comfort. Please contact us for the details. Please note that bank and transfer fees are to be paid by the customer. On arrival you can settle your final payments by credit card or payment in cash (USD/EUR/CRC).

What our Divemaster Candidates say

How to become a Dive instructor in 5 steps

Your ultimate life journey towards becoming a Dive Professional starts with Rich Coast Diving in Costa Rica. If you've ever dreamed of exploring the incredible underwater world and sharing your passion for diving with others, then this is the job for you ! Costa Rica, renowned for its biodiversity and stunning marine life, provides the perfect backdrop for your transformation from a recreational diver to a certified scuba diving instructor. Let's dive into the 5 steps involved in becoming a Dive Professional with Rich Coast Diving.

1. Understanding the Role of a Dive Professional

A Dive Professional is a highly trained and certified individual who is equipped to teach and guide divers of all levels. There are a wide variety of certifications that fall under the Dive Professional umbrella and the responsibilities that come with each.

2. Rich Coast Diving: Your Ideal Training Partner

Rich Coast Diving is a reputable Career Center, located in the scenic Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Hear from our Divemaster trainees about the advantages of choosing Rich Coast Diving for your dive education. Watch our video "A day in the life of a Divemaster".

3. Initiating Your Diving Education

Your journey begins with the Open Water Diver course, where you'll acquire the fundamental skills and knowledge required to explore the underwater realm. Delve into the course curriculum and the breathtaking dive sites you'll experience during the training.

After becoming an Open Water Diver, the Advanced Diver course takes your skills to new heights. Read more about our advanced course here. Safety is paramount in diving, and the Rescue Diver course in combination with First Aid training prepares you to handle emergencies and assist fellow divers effectively. Learn about the challenges and rewards of becoming a Rescue Diver.

4. The Path to Becoming a Dive Professional

The Divemaster course is the gateway to professional diving. Explore the extensive training involved, the mentorship you'll receive, and the opportunity to lead and inspire others. Rich Coast Diving offers an extensive Divemaster Program and you find all the information you need here. After becoming a certified divemaster the Instructor Training Course (ITC) prepares you for the role of Open Water Instructor. Learn more about the ITC here.

Specializing as a Dive Professional

Specialty Instructor Seminars

Diversify your skills and open up new opportunities by becoming a Specialty Instructor. From underwater photography to wreck diving, there's a range of specialties to choose from. Becoming a Divemaster Instructor is a significant accomplishment in your diving career. Learn more about the requirements and advantages of this prestigious recognition here.

5. The Dive Professional's Career Path

Our Career Development Program during the Divemaster Program prepares you to become a dive professional ready to be employed and start living the dream life. All divemasters and instructors that graduated from Rich Coast Diving have found employment in the Diving industry. And here at Rich Rich Coast diving we assist you exploring the diverse career opportunities available with finding your first dream job such as working at dive resorts, liveaboards, dive shops, and marine conservation organizations.