IDC AFRICA

ABOUT ME 

I started spearfishing while still at school – and only got into scuba diving in the early 90’s – when only real men dived and Toyota was the only 4x4 in South Africa…

My job back then was as a Contracts manager in the Construction Industry, a management skill which stood me in good stead when I started with my own dive center.

I became a PADI Instructor exactly a year and 172 dives after my Open Water course, the hook was firmly set.

I became a technical diver a year later and Technical Instructor 8 months after that.

It also helped considerably towards paying for my passion (and 4x4...)

Cave diving and Rebreathers followed almost immediately as a matter of fact and today I teach my passion.

I own and run a 5 star CDC center and actively help Dive centers and Instructors on a daily basis with diving related issues.  

Having paid my dues in the South African Dive industry puts me in a unique position where I do not just train new Instructors to meet Industry demands, but can also assist them with business ideas, marketing and problems that may arise from time to time… long after their IDC is completed. 

Building a network takes a long time – by joining forces with me you get not only the best quality training but also a short (but steep) introduction into the Industry… and support system long afterwards.

I am currently qualified to Teach ALL levels of PADI courses to Instructor level – including the PADI DSAT Courses all the way to Tec Trimix Instructor.

Peter Herbst on his Explorer Rebreather

Instructor Development

Thank you for expressing an interest in becoming a PADI Instructor and thinking about a career in diving. It is both a privilege and a pleasure to be the one to introduce you to this fantastic industry! The most critical aspect of developing and maintaining a successful career in diving is to remember that the dive industry is a business. You can enjoy a rewarding career in the diving industry and together with the right exposure your opportunities are limitless.

The KEY TO SUCCESS is to obtain as much practical and educational experience as possible from the right people. Being a successful Instructor is more than just teaching scuba. In today's market this is simply not enough. You need to understand the international diving industry, know and acknowledge the philosophy of the diving business and appreciate the ethical considerations.

I have been involved with Reef Divers since 1994. During this time, Reef Divers has trained the most divers in South Africa and has obtained the rating of a Career Development Centre, the oldest CDC in Southern Africa. I am the only Course Director in Southern Africa who owns and actively manages a PADI five star CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE, and have been doing so since 1998.

Other than being a PADI Course Director, I am also an IANTD Instructor trainer, RAID Instructor trainer, ERF Instructor Trainer, Cave diver, Close Circuit Rebreather Instructor and DSAT TecRec Trimix Instructor trainer. As I am also an Instructor Trainer in most PADI specialties (except Ice... since we don’t have much in Africa…) - including Rebreathers- your training will certainly go beyond merely the recreational diving experience!

I still actively teach and have recently received 100 certifications in one year award from PADI - again! This means I know the industry, live and work in it, not just train Instructors. I have done in excess of 4000 dives and have personally certified over 1000 divers. Since 1998 my company has certified in excess of 7500 divers…this is experience not many Course Directors’ world wide has – and I want to share this experience with you.

Since I employ Instructors as well as place Instructors in the industry, I know exactly what values, qualities, attributes, skills and knowledge are required by prospective employers. I have introduced many Instructors to their current employers and have assisted Instructors in setting up and successfully running their own businesses. These are still my best friends and customers!

Let me share my knowledge and experience with you. Let me put YOU in the spotlight of this industry; let me help you begin your career with maximum impact - not as just another Instructor!

BigB