Justin Marier-Sobol - PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Since my PADI Divemaster Training at Sunshine Dive Resort and then my PADI Instructor Development Course at Ban's Diving Resort, I've worked as instructor in Saint Martin, Tobermory Ontario, and Calgary Alberta.
I wasn't sure I'd work in the industry when I decided to do Divemaster. The way I saw it was that it was a great way to get a lot of diving in during my stay on Koh Tao. At the time I didn't realized how much of a great social environment it would be and how living and diving with other dmt's would shape my love for the industry.
I quickly came to value all the workshops and skill practice, it's the best way to become a better and more confident diver. I'll never forget my first dive lead with paying customers. It was such a rewarding feeling to take divers out and show them a good (and safe) time. It was then that I really discovered my passion for teaching others, so i decided to do my IDC and MSDT.
IDC was a grind. It was riddled with long days and long skill circuits, but while others felt stressed and overwhelmed, I was confident in our training. Nat, G, and Mike were excellent teachers and they helped us become better divers and better teachers. They strive to pass knowledge onto new instructors in a comfortable and patient setting. When certain individuals struggled, the entire class would help one another, and it built a great sense of camaraderie.
MSDT was a good way to get experience teaching real people. I shadowed some senior instructors for a few weeks and gained a wealth of knowledge and experience. They helped shape the way I teach my students today. Without this program, it would have been difficult to jump right into teaching, and I'm glad I did it (Not to mention the free drinks and delicious meal at Fishbowl after completing a student cert!).
