Frequently Asked Questions How to become a dive Professional

Why Rich Coast Diving ?

Rich Coast Diving will help you begin your Dream Career as a PADI Professional. Our PRO Courses have been the starting point for hundreds of professionals from around the world. Rich Coast Diving takes pride in the quality and the professionalism of our teaching methods. But also the fun during our courses. Read testimonials of those who have been here recently.
How do I get There ?

Rich Coast Diving is located in the small town of Playas del Coco. You can either fly to the capital of Costa Rica named San Jose (SJO Int'l Airport) and take a shuttle bus to Playas del Coco (5 hours). We can recommend the Interbus shuttle company. For bookings go to www.interbusonline.com Or you can fly to Liberia (Daniel Oduber Int'l Airport) which is less then 40 min from Playas del Coco and from this airport we can arrange your pickup ($50 USD one way).
Accomodation

For our PRO Candidates we have several accomodation options. Contact us for prices and availability.
What do I need to Bring ?

We highly recommend that you bring your own equipment. If you do not own your own set of equipment yet, you can buy your personal set at our dive shop at a discounted rate or rent it (for divemaster internship only). As a future PADI professional the following items are mandatory and you cannot start you course without them ! We do sell all items with a 20% discount for our PRO participants if you can not bring them from your home country. As per Instructor Manual you need a dive computer, DSMB, compass, knife / divers tool, sound device (wisle).
What is the best time of the Year ?

Our location offers excellent year-round diving opportunities. Visibility changes from day to day so there is no better or worse season for visibility. Water temperature ranges from 23 – 28 Celsius throughout the year so a 3 - 5mm wetsuit is sufficient to keep you comfortably warm under water. Most dive sites are only 10 minutes away and accessible all year. In Costa Rica the seasons are divided between the rainy season (which runs from May to October) and the dry season (which runs November to April). But these seasons do not affect our diving conditions. So any time of the year is great to do your PRO course.
What is your cancellation policy

You may cancel your reservation by written confirmation to info@richcoastdiving.com up to 14 days before the start of your PRO course and you will receive a full refund. But in case of cancellation with notification within 14 days prior to arrival, your deposit will not be fully refunded (50% of your activities and 100% of the accommodation). Ofcourse we do understand that unexpected circumstances may happen and we can reschedule your course for free up to 14 days before the starting date. However payments made for accommodation reservations will not be refunded.
Course Price & PADI / EFR Fees

Becoming a PADI Pro is not cheap but definitely worth it and we want to make sure that you can plan your budget accordingly by understanding all the costs and fees. You find an overview of the prices and fees on our price list. Do not hesitate to contact us for any questions or concerns you have regarding the costs of the PRO Courses and additional PADI and EFR fees. In short: First there is the cost of the course for the training we provide you to become a PADI Professional. The cost of the course will be paid directly to Rich Coast Diving. Besides the cost of the course there are additional "PADI fees" which will be paid by credit card at the end of the training directly to PADI. As a PADI professional you will have to pay PADI initially to apply to become a member, as well as pay annual membership fees to retain your teaching status with them. For the IDC candidates there are the EFR instructor fees and EFR annual fees. Since PADI and EFR fees change annually please contact us for the latest update on fees.
How do I pay ?

We are flexible and offer different payment options for you comfort. Please contact us for the details. Please note that bank and transfer fees are to be paid by the customer. On arrival you can settle your final payments by credit card or payment in cash (USD/EUR/CRC).

What our Divemaster Candidates say

How to become a Dive instructor in 5 steps

Your ultimate life journey towards becoming a PADI Dive Professional starts with Rich Coast Diving in Costa Rica. If you've ever dreamed of exploring the incredible underwater world and sharing your passion for diving with others, then this is the job for you ! Costa Rica, renowned for its biodiversity and stunning marine life, provides the perfect backdrop for your transformation from a recreational diver to a certified scuba diving instructor. Let's dive into the 5 steps involved in becoming a PADI Dive Professional with Rich Coast Diving.

1. Understanding the Role of a PADI Dive Professional

A PADI Dive Professional is a highly trained and certified individual who is equipped to teach and guide divers of all levels. There are a wide variety of certifications that fall under the PADI Dive Professional umbrella and the responsibilities that come with each. PADI offers all sorts of courses from skin diving, to recreational and techinical diving.

2. Rich Coast Diving: Your Ideal Training Partner

Rich Coast Diving is a reputable PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Dive Resort, nestled in the scenic Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Here from our Divemaster trainees about the advantages of choosing Rich Coast Diving for your dive education. Watch our video "A day in the life of a Divemaster".

3. Initiating Your Diving Education

Your journey begins with the PADI Open Water Diver course, where you'll acquire the fundamental skills and knowledge required to explore the underwater realm. Delve into the course curriculum and the breathtaking dive sites you'll experience during the training.

After becoming an Open Water Diver, the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course takes your skills to new heights. Uncover the benefits of advancing your training and the specialized dives you'll undertake. Read more about our advanced course here.

Safety is paramount in diving, and the PADI Rescue Diver course prepares you to handle emergencies and assist fellow divers effectively. Learn about the challenges and rewards of becoming a Rescue Diver.

4. The Path to Becoming a PADI Dive Professional

The PADI Divemaster course is the gateway to professional diving. Explore the extensive training involved, the mentorship you'll receive, and the opportunity to lead and inspire others. Rich Coast Diving offers an extensive Divemaster Program and you find all the information you need here. After the becoming a certified divemaster the PADI IDC (Instructor Development Course) prepares you for the role of PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. Discover the comprehensive training and evaluations you'll undergo during the IDC here.

The PADI Instructor Examination is the final test of your teaching abilities and diving knowledge. Gain insights into the format of the IE, tips for success, and the pride of achieving your dream of becoming a PADI Dive Professional.

Specializing as a PADI Dive Professional

PADI Specialty Instructor Courses

Diversify your skills and open up new opportunities by becoming a PADI Specialty Instructor. From underwater photography to wreck diving, there's a range of specialties to choose from. Becoming a Master Scuba Diver Trainer is a significant accomplishment in your diving career. Learn more about the requirements and advantages of this prestigious recognition here.

5. The Dive Professional's Career Path

From your first breath underwater to guiding others through awe-inspiring dive sites, the diving industry offers boundless opportunities for exploration, education, and conservation. With Rich Coast Diving as your starting point, you can turn your passion for diving into a fulfilling career. Let the magic of Costa Rica's underwater world and the guidance of our experienced team propel you toward a lifetime of adventure as a PADI Dive Professional. Our Career Development Program during the Divemaster Program prepares you to become a dive professional ready to be employed and start living the dream life. All divemasters and instructors that graduated from Rich Coast Diving have found employement in the Diving industry. And here at Rich Rich Coast diving we assist you exploring the diverse career opportunities available with finding your first dream job such as working at dive resorts, liveaboards, dive shops, and marine conservation organizations.