You’ve probably seen photos and videos of diving, but

until you do it yourself, you can’t really understand what

it’s like. Nothing on earth matches the sensations you
experience – the thrill of breathing underwater, the
freedom of “weightlessness”, and all the unique sights
and sounds!

At Coral Divers, we offer those that join us a

unique experience. Based around diving,
our program offers the chance to discover
a new environment, meet people and
learn new skills. It’s perfect if you are
looking for a structured gap year with a
difference,
or to develop a career in the
diving industry.
Based in a marine protected area, there are a vast array of unspoilt coral reefs populated with a huge
diversity of marine life. Over a year you can also experience the Marine Big 5 that includes Humpback
Whales, Sea Turtles and Ragged-tooth Sharks that seasonally visit Sodwana Bay.

Those looking to travel the world and work as a Dive Professional can progress onto PADI Divemaster and
PADI Open Water Instructor.

We produce experienced dive professionals who have a complete understanding of the industry. Not only
do you get your PADI certifications, we’ll also guide you through areas including customer service, dive
center operations, and equipment maintenance and repair. There are many different aspects to explore but
as we are a PADI 5 Star Career Development Center, it all happens here.
The more you put into the program the more you will learn & benefit from your time here.

Based at South Africa’s premier dive resort, our program takes you to the epicenter of life as a diver.
We dive 364 days a year and train more students than anyone else in the country.

There is no better location to develop your Dive Career!

Career Paths and Opportunities
Scuba Diving opens up opportunities to work in different kinds of industries all over the world.
Past candidates have found work in the following fields and countries...
Scuba Instruction Marine Construction / Engineer
Marine Guide Marine Biologist
Live-Aboard Operator Underwater Videographer
Dive Centre Manager/Owner Eco-tourism
Yachtmaster/Captain Police Diver / Search & Rescue

Thailand Australia
Cambodia Malta
United Arab Emirates Tanzania
Iceland Egypt
Canada Madagascar
St Lucia Bahamas
Tortuga United States
Maldives & Seychelles

Optional Courses
You may also be interested in doing some of these optional courses. They will cost extra and are run based
on demand and availability. Let us know if you are interested.

Gear Servicing Technician Compressor Operator

Coastal Skippers DAN Instructor
IDC Staff Instructor Freediver Instructor
SSI Crossover
 Whether you seek adventure, or want a platform to launch your dive career, it all happens
at Coral Divers. The internship is a total of 7 and a half months of training, with the
opportunity to extend to a full year, for eligible candidates. Already a qualified diver?
Based on your experience, you may be able to start at another point of the program.
Our course is split up into phases as follows...

JOIN HERE IF YOU’RE

JOIN HERE IF YOU’RE

Program Options
Our internship has four intakes per year - 1st February, 1st May, 1st August, & 1st November when
starting with the Introductory Phase or Divemaster Course. The phase you join will depend on your
current dive experience. Feel free to contact us for more information and advice.

TOTAL IMMERSION • Go from Zero to Hero!

A full year and the best start to your Dive Career.

GO PRO Option #1 • I just want to become a Divemaster

A shortened internship to become a Divemaster. For those that have little or no diving experience.

GO PRO Option #2 • I already have my PADI Rescue with (approx.) 60 dives

Candidates must be trained to Rescue level, have at least 40 logged dives (60 is ideal) and a valid First
Aid qualification within 24 months of starting. To benefit from the non-guest rate, candidates must
commit to at least the Divemaster and DM Experience Phases. The DM Experience Phase is important
as preparation for the Instructor Course and Exam.

GO PRO Option #3 • I’m already a dive leader, & want the best experience
For those looking to take the second step as a dive professional and become a PADI Instructor...do
the 3 month DM Experience Phase and start preparing for Instructors with our prep lectures
(especially handy if you were previously qualified with another training organisation). To be eligible
for Instructor Experience Phase, you must have committed and proven yourself during the DM
Experience Phase.
INTRODUCTORY PHASE - 3 months
Immerse yourself in diving with an excellent foundation for a career in the dive industry. Your
active contribution to our dive operation subsidises your training. Enjoy a unique experience spending 3
months living and diving in a National Park located within a World Heritage Site.
Personal growth and team building skills are developed during this phase.

What you do
Candidates are split into 2 teams that alternate weeks between dive courses & beach operations.
Dive training includes the following courses and workshops:

PADI Open Water Diver Emergency First Response (first aid)

PADI Advanced Open Water PADI Rescue Diver
PADI Deep Diver Sodwana Bay Marine Ecology Course
PADI Enriched Air Diver Routes & Reef Life dives

You will help run the beach operation and beach duties include: Set up the beach.
Loading boats. Transferring equipment. Maintenance. Fuelling boats and tractors
for the next days diving activities. Washing and greasing tractors. Assisting in the
gear room.

Why should you do it?

Particpants will be off to a great start in their DM course because diving in
Sodwana & mapping projects ensure you already have an orientation of the reefs.
Fish presentations provide you with an understanding of the local ecology and
enhance your public speaking skills in preparation for dive briefing.
Beach work gives you a thorough understanding of the beach operations.
DIVEMASTER COURSE - 1 month
Become a leader and take the first step to becoming a PADI professional. This challenging and
rewarding course will give you an internationally recognized certification that can lead to
employment worldwide as a Divemaster. Be a role model who follows responsible dive practices and
shows care for the underwater realm.
Conducted over 1 month, you will work on problem solving skills, incident management & learn
to supervise students & certified divers. At this time you may also complete the Deep and Nitrox
specialties if needed

What you do
Study: The Knowledge Development section comprises of 9 Knowledge Reviews, the formulation of an Emergency
Action Plan and a 2-part final exam.
Pool Training: The water skills and stamina section includes swim tests (400m swim, 15min tread, 800m
snorkel swim, and 100m diver tow), equipment exchange, an in water rescue assessment, and demonstration
of the 24 basic Scuba Skills.
Dive: Practical Application section includes a mapping project, Divemaster conducted program, assisting
on an entire Open water Course, assisting on continued education and leading
certified divers in Open Water. Organise your independent study time effectively
and spend more time diving.

Why should you do it?

Become a Dive Professional and open up a new career path
and travel opportunities. Grow your personal, leadership & team
work skills.

JOIN HERE IF YOU’RE

JOIN HERE IF YOU’RE

DIVEMASTER EXPERIENCE PHASE - 3 months

What you do
Lead dives, conduct Scuba refresher courses for out of practice divers and assist instructors with
student divers. Assist with beach operations or maintenance where required. Pick up another 80-100+
dives.
You will also have classes and workshops to develop your dive knowledge and understanding of PADI
standards and procedures. Not only will they make you a more knowledgeable Divemaster, but
these are vital for those going on to do the Instructor Development Course. Our preparation course
aims to assist and focus your revision of key topics that you must learn through independent study.

Why should you do it?

Not only is this phase a great experience it’s also an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge,
& provides the best possible preparation for becoming an Instructor. Ask any Course Director (Instructor
Trainer) and they’ll confirm that the calibre of Instructor candidates who have real Divemaster experience
is far above those who have just done the required training alone.

Attain real leadership skills and confidence of knowing you can

handle real responsibility.

Take the extra time to continue your education by completing other courses
including skippers, gear servicing, etc...
INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT COURSE - 16 days
The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is the heart of the instructor training process. Candidates
build on their instructor-level dive theory knowledge, role-model watermanship and rescue skills, and
leadership abilities by learning how to teach in confined water, in the classroom and in open water.
During the IDC, instructor candidates gain a complete understanding of PADI’s educational goals and
philosophies.

What you do
You will sit an intensive 14-day course, run by our in-house PADI Course Director. Build on your
instructor-level dive knowledge, watermanship & rescue skills and leadership abilities by learning how
to teach in confined water, classroom and open water. Instructor candidates gain a complete
understanding of PADI’s educational standards and philosophies, including the following subjects:

Knowledge Development Presentations Teaching in Confined Water

Conducting Open Water Dives General Standards and Procedures
Risk Management PADI core courses
Everything so far has led to this point. Upon completion of the IDC, you will have the choice to do the
2-day Instructor Exam, conducted by an independent PADI examiner. This is your opportunity to
demonstrate what you have learnt and become a qualified diving Instructor!

Why should you do it?

Become a PADI Open Water Instructor (OWSI) who can teach PADI core courses from Open Water up to
Divemaster. You will also be able to teach Emergency First Response (EFRI), and five specialties of your
choice.
INSTRUCTOR EXPERIENCE PHASE - up to 4 months
This phase is available to those that have come through the full program and have shown
commitment to service excellence, professionalism and adhered to both the Coral Divers and PADI
Code of Conduct. Selection is at the discretion of our Course Director and managing staff.

What you do
You are now an Instructor, with the responsibility of teaching others according to PADI standards
and their philosophy of teaching.
You will have the opportunity to stay on with us for several months gaining valuable experience
teaching various PADI courses. The duration will depend on suitability of the candidate and demand.
During busy periods, you may still be needed to assist on the beach or lead dives. You will log plenty
more dives besides gaining teaching certifications.

Why should you do it?

You get practical, hands on experience as an instructor at South
Africa’s biggest Dive Resort. We may start you off team teaching with a more
experienced Instructor until we feel you are ready to go solo.
The aim of this phase is to obtain 25 teaching certifications, allowing you to apply for
PADI’s sought after Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) rating.
This rating is beneficial when applying for jobs, as it proves your experience.
You will then also be eligible to do your Staff Instructor course during another IDC.
We can offer advice on job opportunities in other parts of the world, and help you to market yourself
with a well written CV.
Important Information
The program is split up into phases and starts with developing a good foundation in diving skills,
knowledge and gaining experience, before moving onto Pro diver phases. Besides being a good dive role
model, we focus on other skills important for any line of work such as professionalism, guest relations,
customer service, time-keeping, team work and self-organization. This is continuous throughout the
program and we constantly monitor progress and provide feedback to our interns.

Accommodation and Facilities

Our interns stay on the property, inside the Sodwana National Park. Each intern will have their own room
with a single bed, desk, chair, bedside table & cupboard. 3 basic meals per day are provided at allocated
times. Vegetarians are catered for by arrangement.
On site laundry facilities are available. You will need to bring your own laundry detergent.
Tokens need to be purchased to operate the machines.
We are located in a remote area and there is no free Wi-Fi. Modems or cellular data plans work well on 4G
and we have found that Vodacom works best.

Materials & Learning

PADI courses and our program require successful completion. Participants must commit to independant
course study and the scheduled classroom lessons. PADI learning & revision materials for the Instructors
course are now published online, therefore, having your own laptop or tablet is essential to complete the
required work.

Course Schedule & Hours

The diving industry is similar to other areas of tourism and service - our busiest times are often when other
people have their holidays and relax. Participants can expect to work long hours requiring a lot of effort
and team work in the holiday season, which is typical of the diving industry.

Course Prerequisites

• Participants must be at least 18 years old by the

start of the phase.
• Be in possession of a learners license. A full drivers
license is essential to be allowed to drive our jeeps
& tractors.
• Must be fit for beach work & swimming.
• Must be medically fit for diving without
restrictions.(a link to forms will be sent once your
place is confirmed)
• DAN Insurance is available at www.dansa.org for SA citizens. It must include personal medical cover
for diving incidents, and you may wish to consider third party liability coverage which is included on
higher tier packages.
• Proof of any previous dive certifications/experience will need to be supplied to confirm it meets with
any dive course prerequisites.

Code of Conduct
We want our interns to be as professional as possible. Dress code, appearance and manners must always
be at of a high standard. English is the main spoken language.
When on course or on duty, interns are required to wear the provided uniform. Gentlemen must be clean
shaven with short hair cuts. Trousers, shorts, and shoes must be sensible and plain-coloured.
Smoking and vaping is not allowed in any rooms, around the resort buildings or in front of guests at any
times.
All participants (and their parents/sponsors, if participant is not paying for the course) will receive our code
of conduct agreement via email. This must be signed and sent back prior to arrival.

Knowledge reviews and assignments must be completed in a timely manner and interns must attend all
classes for courses to run smoothly.

Evaluation & Dismissal Policy

Interns are continuously evaluated in terms of performance and course assessments. If something is not up
to standard, we will sit them down for a counseling session, to see how any issues may be addressed.
If at any time, a student is struggling with some aspect of the program, they may seek the assistance of
the management team.

Immediate removal from the program will result, if:

• By your actions, you put yourself, others or our guests at risk.
• You are under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty.
• You are found to be in the possession of illegal substances.
• You initiate violent behaviour towards any colleague or guest.
• You are found guilty of theft or vandalism of any company or colleagues property/belongings, or public
property/belongings.
 2024

Pay for the full program in advance and get R6500 cash back towards dive gear @ our beach shop

R157 600.00
R157 600.00 or R167 100.00
or R167 100.00 £ 1530.00
£ 1530.00

Or, you can break it down and pay per phase:

R49 200.00 R49 200.00

or R58 700.00 or R58 700.00
(February Intake) (February Intake)

R24 500.00
R24 500.00 £130.00 £130.00

3 MONTHS
Includes food, accommodation, Coral
uniform and lots of diving. R22 600.00

R45 300.00
R45 300.00 £ 1400.00 £1400.00

3-4 MONTHS
Available to selected candidates who have
progressed through our internship.

Finance option & payment schedule may be available to approved candidates. Ask for more info.
Follow your passions, while expanding your skills. The following courses
may be available at extra cost, based on demand & availability.
IDC Staff Instructor Commercial Skipper Licence
Gear Technician Course Compressor Operator Course

Purchase SCUBA gear at our

Beach Shop or online at coraldiveshop.co.za
Set Specials Available
BCD, Regulator & Computer
Mask, Snorkel, Fins, & Wetsuit
Additional Expenses
DAN Dive Insurance
The Divers Alert Network (www.dansa.org) offers coverage for the cost of hospitalisation, medical and
hyperbaric treatment, and certain other costs associated with diving-related accidents. Treatment for
a diving accident can be specialised and therefore expensive. We require all candidates to purchase
their own cover for peace of mind. Various covergae levels are available, and can be paid for annually
or monthly. Some levels also offer third party liability cover.

Dive Equipment
In the Introductory Phase, candidates need to invest in their own
soft gear - wetsuit, mask & snorkel, fins, weight system & kit bag.
Our Beach Shop offers great discounts. The best way to buy gear is
to try it on for yourself, comparing different brands. Average price for
a set would be around R10000.

Moving onto Divemaster & Instructor phases, you are required to have
your own tools of your trade. Candidates will need to purchase their own BCD
and Regulator, as well as a Dive Computer by the start of their Divemaster course. Styles and prices
vary greatly, so it's best to ask others what they use, looking at the pros & cons. Average price for a
BCD & Reg set is between R18 000 & R25000. Dive Computers vary between R6-10,000 or more.

Interns who pay for the whole program up front will receive a R6500 credit to use at our Beach Shop
or online Dive Gear Shop.

PADI Professional Application Fees

Upon completing our Divemaster and Instructor courses, candidates will need to pay PADI application
fees. These are usually paid by credit card and details are written on the course application forms.
These are once-off payments processed by PADI EMEA, based in the UK.
The approximate fees for 2024 can be broken down as follows & are subject to change.

PADI Divemaster Application GBP 130.00

PADI Instructor Exam GBP 680.00 - payable before candidate can sit the exam

PADI Instructor Applications GBP 540.00 - payable after candidate completes exam
Payments are processed seperately as the following:
Instructor Application GBP 176.00
Emergency First Response Application GBP 110.00
Five Specialty Instructor Ratings GBP 205.00 (or 5 x GBP 41.00)

Candidates may choose to register for more specialty ratings, and therefore will pay extra to the
Course Director and to PADI.

PADI Membership Renewal

To be eligible to offer and teach PADI courses, and continue to recieve support from PADI,
Divemasters or Instructors must renew their membership each year. Renewal is always due by
1st January each year. Payments can be done online, & early automatic renewal earns a
discount.
Deposits & Payments
Payment can be done prior to the start of each phase as per below, or payable for the full course up
front. If you are looking at other payment options please speak to us when enquiring:

Paying by phase

Introductory Phase starts 1st Feb 1st May 1st August 1st Nov
Course paid in full by 26th Jan 26th April 26th July 26th October

Divemaster Course starts 1st May 1st August 1st Nov 1st Feb
Course paid in full by 26th April 26th July 26th Oct 26th Jan

DM Experience starts 1st June 1st Sept 1st Dec 1st March
Course paid in full by 26th May 26th August 26th Nov 26th Feb

IDC starts
Course paid in full by

Paying for Zero to Hero (Full Course) upfront

Intake starts 1st Feb 1st May 1st August 1st Nov
Pay in full by 26th Jan 26th April 26th July 26th October

Bank Details
Account Name: Maputaland Magic T/A Coral Divers
Bank: First National Bank
Branch: Boom Street Pietermaritzburg
Branch Code: 22 13 25
Account Number: 5674000 8309
Reference: Candidates name and student no.

International Transactions:
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Sort Code: 25 06 55
The person making payment will be responsible for all fees, & needs to ensure they accept all bank
charges when making the payment. The final amount received must reflect the course amount.
What to bring checklist
Apart from the dive gear previously mentioned, the following is a list of items you will need to bring
with you:

• Shorts to work on the beach in - they will get dirty and wet!
Winter can be cold & windy, especially early mornings, so bring suitable clothing to stay warm.
• Slops, walking/running takkies & a comfy pair of shoes for around camp.
• Set of cutlery, plate, bowl & glass/mug in a bag to keep it all together.
Sponge & drying cloth for washing your dishes. Washing up liquid is provided.
• Bedding for a single bed - fitted sheet, pillows, duvet and extra blanket for winter.
• Laundry detergent & basket or bag. Cash (R20 & R10 notes) or bank card to purchase laundry
tokens for the top loader washing machine & tumble drier.
• Basic medication is good to have. (Multi vitamin, sinus, nausea, diarrhea, flu, antihistamine)
• A fan is essential in summer months but will probably be used through the duration of your stay.
• A few hangers, a key-padlock, small bin, broom & dustpan and door mat for your room.
• Basic stationery (Pens, pencil, exam pad, highlighters, sticky notes etc)
• Casual clothes for when you are not on course or working on the beach.
• Swimsuit - at least 2 pairs (You’re at the beach!)
• Sunglasses & suntan lotion are a must, especially in Summer.
• Towels for the beach and shower.
• Toiletries – bring a good supply, there is a small shop to buy the basics but it can be pricey.
• Mosquito/Insect repellent, not essential in the winter.
• Rooms have one plug point in them, bring an adapter and extension for any extra plugs.
• A desk lamp is useful when studying in the evenings. All rooms have a desk and chair in them.
• Laptops or tablets are important for completing the digital learning materials. It’s also great for
downtime - catching up on a movie or editing a video of your latest dive!
• Our staff & interns often purchase items on www.takealot.com, which get delivered to the resort.
This is easiest if you have limited space in your vehicle.

The following is not essential but can be useful to have:

• During winter months a chicken vest & hoodie with 5mm wetsuit should provide enough warmth.
• Pocket money/allowance is only needed for washing tokens or any extra bits you may want to buy.
• Cars - students are not required to bring cars, however we do have safe staff parking area but it's
not covered.
• Camera with underwater housing or Go pro to capture all your awesome memories.
• Beach bag/backpack to carry any personal belongings.
• A water bottle for the beach - keeping hydrated on beach crew duty or diving is very important.
• Activities like running, surfing, sand boarding, kite boarding and fishing can all be enjoyed in
Sodwana Bay - bring boards, bicycles, fishing equipment etc.
• You are welcome to rent board games from the bar & sit in the restaurant area to enjoy with
friends. Or bring your own if you prefer to sit in the staff dingroom.

PLEASE NOTE
Being in a remote area, we are prone to power surges and outages as well as load shedding.
Appliances such as fridges, heaters and portable aircons are not allowed. Devices such as computers
should have a surge protector plug or a UPS is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is expected of me?
From the very beginning of the CDC program you will need to develop a professional attitude and work
ethic. This means being prompt and on time, polite to guests and work colleagues, have
a willingness to participate in all course related activities, and help guests and Coral staff when necessary.
We expect our staff to look professional while on duty. Guys must be clean shaven with short, neat hair.
You may sit with guests in the resort area but need to remember that you represent Coral Divers.
Any disruptive, drunken or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.
Where is Coral Divers?
Coral Divers is situated within the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park in northern KwaZulu Natal. We are located
approximately a 4hr drive north of Durban and a 9hr drive from Johannesburg.
Maps and directions are on our website at www.coraldivers.co.za.
Do we get time off?
Yes. During the Intro phase, interns get 1 week off about half way through the 3-month phase. No leave
can be given during the 1-month DM phase. During the Divemaster experience phase, interns need to
request leave days from our Course director well in advance. In busy seasons we need all hands on deck so
leave is only granted depending on dates.
Do I need bedding?
You will need to bring your own bedding - sheets, pillows, duvet & extra blanket suitable for a single bed.
What is the food menu like?
Breakfast consists of cereal, porridge or eggs if eating at camp. Beach breakfasts for interns that are on the
beach for beach duty or early dives are toasted sandwiches with various fillings.
Lunches consist of chicken burgers, subs, vetkoek & monce, pies & pasta dishes. Dinners are varied - stews,
veg, rice, potato and various meats that include mince, chicken, gammon and beef.
What is the accommodation like?
Interns get a private room with a single wooden bed, mattress, desk, chair, bedside table and cupboard.
There are communal toilet & shower facilities. Accommodation changes as you move through the phases.
What Shops are in the area?
There is a small spar shop within the park (1km from Coral) where you can buy groceries, snacks, and most
amenities. There is an ATM to draw money. Alternatively, Mbazwana (15km from Coral) has a large Spar,
PEP, and chinese stores. There are also a couple of doctor’s rooms, small pharmacy, and post office.
Courier companies deliver items almost every day to Coral, which is most residents preference.
Can I bring my car?
Most cars can make it to Sodwana (from a 4x4 to an Uno). However, please note that you are in a marine
reserve with sandy roads. Cars with low suspension or hard tires are not ideal.
Motorbikes and beach buggies are not allowed in the park.
How old must I be to join?
Participants must be at least 18 years old by the start of the course.
When can I arrive?
You can arrive one day before the start of the Intro Phase to settle in. You need to arrive no later than
2pm on the day before the start of the course, for orientation.
What qualifications do I need?
A medical certificate stating that you are fit to dive is mandatory.
You need to have a learner’s driving license but a full license is essential to be allowed to drive our jeeps &
tractors while on beach duty.
Is there malaria in the area?
There is very little risk of malaria in Sodwana, however do bring mosquito repellent to avoid bites!
So how do I apply to join the next intake?
Email us on cdc@coraldivers.co.za. Simply state which intake you would like
to join and our helpful team will take it from there .
I’m already a qualified diver. Do I pay less?
Yes. There is a deduction of R600 per certification already held, although you must have proof of this. You
may be required to join the others on course - think of it as a refresher and team building opportunity.
How can I order SCUBA gear from Coral Divers?
If you cannot buy soft SCUBA gear before you arrive or if you also want to purchase everything else,
then please email beachshop@coraldivers.co.za. We can give you prices and information on what can
be ordered, and we do our best to price-match should you find it cheaper elsewhere.
Interns also get a discount on non-diving items bought in our Beach Shop!
Why are PADI fees not included in the price of the course, and how do I pay them?
You only pay PADI fees upon successful completion of the various courses and so don’t need to be paid in
advance with the course fees. PADI fees change yearly and fluctuate with the exchange rate.The easiest
payment method is to provide card details on the application for. International fund transfers are possible,
but are more complicated and costly, and so can delay the application process.
What is there to do in Sodwana?
Apart from diving & snorkeling, you can go surfing, body boarding, walking, running, cycling and fishing.
Bring what you need to enjoy these activities.
There is an outdoor callanetics gym in the resort area that you are welcome to use.
You may also rent a board game from the resort bar and sit in the restaurant area to enjoy playing with
friends.
How to join our internship program
1. Email us and let us know which intake you would like to join. If you are previously certified and
meet the prerequisites to join at Divemaster or beyond phases,include proof of those certifications
in your email.
2. We will send you a quotation.
3. Your deposit payment will secure your spot & we will send you a confirmation email.
4. Complete our online registration form. Email us copies of your documents - ID/Passport, Medical,
DAN Insurance.
5. Start packing for your move to Sodwana Bay!

Visit the links below to email, visit our site, & check our socials