Working on a liveaboard, traveling to the most remote dive sites, sounds like a dream. But what is the reality?
- The Pros (The Dream Life):
- Dive the Best Sites: You get to dive pristine reefs that day-trip boats can never reach.
- Dive, Eat, Sleep, Repeat: Your life revolves around your passion. You can do 3-4 dives a day.
- Save Money: Most of your living expenses (food, accommodation) are covered.
- Build Experience Fast: You will rack up dive numbers and experience very quickly.
- The Cons (The Harsh Reality):
- Long Hours: A workday can start at 6 AM and end at 10 PM. The job is not just guiding; it’s customer service, filling tanks, and boat maintenance.
- No Personal Space: You will live and work in a confined space with the same small group of people for weeks on end.
- Social Isolation: You are away from family, friends, and life on land for extended periods.
- Physically Demanding.
- How to Get a Job?
- Build a Strong CV: Don’t just list certifications. Emphasize customer service experience, language skills, and any other skills useful on a boat (engine mechanics, cooking, etc.).
- Become a Specialty Instructor: Ratings like Nitrox, Deep, and Wreck are highly valued by liveaboard operators.
- Network: Join professional diver groups on social media. Contact fleets directly in the region you want to work.
- Start with a Land-Based Operation: Many people start working for a company that has both land-based and liveaboard operations, then transition to the boat once they’ve proven themselves.
Conclusion: Liveaboard life can be the best job in the world for the right person. Honestly assess your personality and work ethic to see if it’s the right fit for you.