Charliemarie

Hey there! Firstly, background lol; I'm a 20 year old female currently doing my degree in Marine and Natural History photography in Cornwall, UK. Im going to be training for my PADI Divemaster back in my home town of Blackpool over the summer, and after university, I really want to move to the BVI as it has always been my dream to live in the Caribbean, the BVI in particular. I am pretty obsessed with it- even though I've never been

So! I was just wondering, if there's anyone here that could give me some information on working as a divemaster/instructor in the BVI as a British Citizen. Is it hard/practically impossible to get visa's/permits etc? (I am aware that I would only get a job if there was no BV islander who would fit it- is this a massive problem in that field?) Is there much of a social scene? Is it madly expensive? The scenery and beauty of the islands speak for themselves, and I take it wildlife will be plentiful? Photography (wildlife and travel) is another major passion, one which I hope will also lead into another career in the future.

Also, my boyfriend (who is studying film and media at a degree level) is also interested in moving over with me, but obviously concerned about the jobs he could get over there? Are we right in thinking that the BVI isn't a hot spot for people in the film industry on a long term basis? Or are we mistaken?

Sorry to bother you with so many questions, I just cant seem to get any answers!

Cheers guys!

P.S. I would also be very interested in the US Virgin islands, or any other part of the Caribbean that may be better off for us. I just don't know as much about moving there in regards to permits etc. So really, any help at all!!
x

Baz

There is always work in the Cayman Islands for instructor's (Grand Cayman,) but be prepared for low pay and long hours (having said that this is the case pretty much wherever in the world you work as an instructor.) Try to get more expereince under your belt before you become an instructor, avoid the PADI "landlubber to OWSI in 6 months route," you won't be sufficiently prepared or expereinced to do the job, and its peoples lives in your hands.

Charliemarie

Yeah i dont want to rush it either. Ive been qualified for 2 years now, and a rescue diver for nearly a year, and im also training to be a safety diver for a nautical college. So i dont want to rush it because i understand how important it is to feel experienced in that field. I jst think im ready for the next level now! But yeah, ill look into the cayman islands definatley, heard they were good for diving....

How hard is it to get in there? permits etc....

Baz

Its easy, the dive company will organize it all for you. search for Cayman dive companies on the internet, send them your resume, and then they may phone you for an interview or whatever, then they sort it all from there, you just have to provide some documentation.

Sally Simpson

Hi! Can onlt tell you my experience as a nurse who worked in the main health clinic on Tortola that dealt with the Immi meds.
Most yacht & dive staff are from overseas. I guess jobs are advertised in specialist magazines. there is also an obligation for any jobs to be advertisd within the BVI. Rarely are they taken up!
Any employer has to sponsor you & should guide you through the process. You will have to do a medical which includes HIV, syphilis & TB testing. You may or may not require a chest x-ray.
The BVI is a beautiful place to live and very safe comparitively. We had a lovely time there but you the expat comunity can be cliquey but as a diver, you will be in a clique! It is not cheap however, particularly food as nearly everyhting is imported.
If you have any further ? I will do my best to help especially tips on getting through he med at Road Town!