Our former students: Cathy

Cathy was with us for over 2 months at the beginning of 2025, completing her Divemaster and Instructor courses.

⁠Where are you from and how did you start diving?

I’m from the UK and have always loved the ocean even though it is a bit chilly in the UK. I took a gap year before I went to university and volunteered for a marine conservation project in the Bahamas where I gained my open water and advanced certifications.

What made you decide to embark on the Divemaster course?

I've always wanted to keep diving, but after university I went straight into an office job. As a marine scientist, I spent my days identifying species and analysing data but always from behind a computer screen. Over time, I realized how much I missed being in the water, I wanted a more hands-on career and the ability to share my passion with other people. Every job that caught my interest required at least a Divemaster qualification, so it was clear that I needed this to move forward in my career. I was drawn to Purple Dive as it was a women run dive centre, something I had rarely come across in my search!

What was your favourite part/highlight of the training?

My highlight of the training was the opportunity we were given to work with all of the instructors at Purple Dive. Although we were given a mentor (Dan, who was a perfect mentor) we worked with everyone at the dive centre which allowed us to draw from everyone’s experiences and unique teaching style. I loved how as divemaster’s we weren’t treated as just tag alongs. We felt part of the team and were included in everything.

What was your biggest challenge and how did the team help you overcome this?

I was out of my comfort zone especially diving in strong currents and having to make decisions that would affect other people’s safety. The team noticed this and helped me realise that having confidence is one of the most important things as a dive professional. The whole team was really encouraging and made sure that I didn’t shy away from difficult decisions. The confidence they had in me showed me that there was nothing to be nervous about and if I did make a mistake, they would explain it clearly and help me learn from it. Now after the Divemaster course I’m a more assertive diver and have the team to thank for that!

Where are you working now and what is your current role?

I have since completed the Instructor Development Course with Purple Dive which was another amazing experience and after a little bit of relaxing I am currently looking for work as a dive instructor.

How did your training at Purple Dive prepare or facilitate you in finding/working as a dive professional?

Helene, Lisa and Yvonne were incredibly supportive giving me advice about the dive industry, suggestions about where to apply and giving me useful contacts. The training the whole team gave me has really set me up for being a dive professional with the wealth of knowledge and high quality training they provided.

⁠What is your best dive to this day?

The best dive for me was a dive we did during the divemaster course to a dive site called Malibu. We were doing our deep speciality and this was our first dive to 40m at a new site too. The topography of the site was beautiful with a shear wall, a plateau at 40m and stunning soft coral. After the dive we were all on such a high from how beautiful it was!