Becoming a scuba diving instructor has been my dream ever since I got my Open Water certification in Xiaoliuqiu in 2021. Since then, I started asking around and paying close attention to the teaching attitudes of various dive centers. I'm truly grateful to have found CTDiver, a center known for its solid and professional training.

Carrie and Howard, our Course Directors, trained us with discipline and high standards. Although there were moments during the course when my confidence was shaken, it was precisely their rigorous approach that prepared us to successfully pass the Instructor Examination (IE).

The course content and level of thoroughness far exceeded my expectations. I not only gained professional skills but also underwent a valuable transformation in mindset. After completing the Instructor Development Course, I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in both my techniques and mental readiness — a result made possible by the constant support and encouragement from those around me.

Becoming an instructor is a significant milestone in my life.

Through the Divemaster course, I hoped to learn how diving professionals plan and execute dives, and to gain a solid understanding of dive safety. My goal was to confidently take on the role of a leader when diving with friends in the future.

One of the most memorable parts of the course was the Fun Dive guiding internship. Leading a group of unfamiliar divers required me to constantly monitor their condition and provide assistance when needed. This experience helped me realize that being a dive guide isn’t just about strong diving skills—it also demands excellent communication and quick problem-solving abilities.

Overall, the Divemaster course not only refreshed my previous diving knowledge but also taught me to approach situations from a professional’s perspective. I now feel much more confident handling the various challenges that can arise during a dive.

I wanted to become an instructor so I could inspire more people to fall in love with the ocean. That’s why I enrolled in the Instructor Development Course (IDC).

During the preparation for the knowledge development presentations and confined water teaching sessions, I realized that CTDiver’s training wasn’t just about passing the exams — it was about helping us truly understand how to clearly and effectively communicate the concepts we want to teach. This approach completely aligned with my expectations, and I found myself learning more with every single teaching practice.

I wanted to gain the ‘superpower’ of a diving instructor — to introduce people who have never dived before to the underwater world. It was also my goal to achieve the next milestone in life: becoming a diving instructor!

The most memorable part was the open water teaching practice sessions. At first, I struggled with managing the students, but I learned a lot from every mistake I made. The part about promoting diving trips during the sales course also left a strong impression on me. Overall, the course was quite challenging.

The IDC learning process is completely different from the traditional ‘rote memorization’ style of education I was used to; it requires more flexible thinking. My advice is to forget old ways of thinking and approach the course with a fresh perspective. The Instructor Development Course will definitely make you better. It transformed my diving hobby into a career.

I was invited by Instructor Carrie to join CTDiver’s ‘Divemaster Training Program.’ As the first student to participate in the program, I felt both excited and full of anticipation. I hoped to become more familiar with the diving industry environment and gain deeper insights into dive center operations during the training.

What impressed me the most was that right after joining the program, I immediately encountered the intensive Instructor Development Course (IDC). Under the guidance of the instructors, I practiced skills alongside other instructor candidates.

Within just two weeks, besides observing and learning from teaching demos, I felt that my demonstration skills had improved significantly. The accumulation of professional knowledge gave me more confidence and ability. I became more aware of potential issues at every stage and detail, enabling me to prevent problems and be much more cautious about dive safety—for both myself and my dive buddies.

I joined the Divemaster course because I hope to become a diving instructor in the future. The most memorable part for me was the Rescue and EFR practical sessions. Usually, textbooks break down rescue procedures into several separate steps for easier practice, but at CTdiver, the instructors incorporated mixed scenario exercises at the end. This approach not only better reflects real-life situations but also helps students understand the continuous flow of an actual rescue.

There was a lot of hands-on practice throughout the Divemaster course. I remember a few times when customers trying their first experience dive struggled with underwater breathing and equalizing. When they were about to give up, the instructors patiently encouraged and guided them. Eventually, the customers successfully descended, and I still remember how happy they were afterward, repeatedly thanking the instructors.

At that moment, I realized the fundamental mission of diving professionals: to build a bridge between people and the ocean, helping more people fall in love with the sea. I believe there will be many challenges ahead on my path to becoming an instructor, but I hope to always remember this original intention.

To future students, I want to say: one month is not enough. Divemaster skills require a lot of practice to master, so if possible, please stay longer and practice more.