Where are you from and how did you start diving?
I'm from Singapore. I first took my Open Water course with my Dad in 2018 at Tenggol Island, Malaysia, and we haven't looked back since. Diving had always been something he wanted to do since he was younger but didn't have the opportunity to, so when he turned 50 he decided it was time to finally to take the plunge! We've always loved going on beach holidays so it was the perfect activity to pick up. I'm so glad I started diving and can't imagine my life without it now - it really opened up my eyes to a whole new world under the sea, and I love meeting fellow divers and bonding over our shared love for the ocean and its inhabitants!
What made you decide to embark on the IDC or Divemaster course?
My dive trips would usually be about a week long, and I always felt like they passed by so quickly. Whenever I had the opportunity to dive, I liked to work on and improve my diving, whether it be working on my trim, buoyancy, finning, etc. Further, I had seen other Divemaster trainees doing their Divemaster training and knew it was something that I would want to do eventually. I thought that doing a Divemaster course would be the perfect opportunity to improve as a diver and to learn from the true professionals on the job!
Fortunately, I had a 2-month break before starting work and it was the perfect opportunity to do my Divemaster course. It was so much fun and I learned so much from the Purple Dive team!
What was your favourite part/highlight of the training?
My favourite part was honestly just getting to dive and learning the ropes from the Purple Dive team everyday. It was so interesting seeing how diving was like from the other side of the table as a dive guide, and having to look out for your divers. The unpredictable currents of Nusa Penida is a great challenging training ground as well! I learnt how to be more situationally aware underwater, and assist other fellow divers if they needed help.
I also loved learning how to deploy the SMB! It was always something that I wanted to learn, and is quite a useful safety skill to know as a diver. I still love deploying the SMB when I go diving now just so I don't get too rusty.
What was your biggest challenge and how did the team help you overcome this?
It was challenging learning how to demonstrate the Open Water skills in the pool. I also felt very shy having to demonstrate the skills slowly in front of the student divers. I'm so thankful to Yvonne for being such a patient mentor during my Divemaster training. She was very reassuring and constantly gave me feedback which helped to build my confidence. Even though I felt quite stressed when I had to assist with the Open Water courses, it felt very rewarding seeing the students improve and eventually completing their course.
Where are you working now and what is your current role?
I am currently working as a legal counsel at a semiconductor machine manufacturing MNC.
How did your training at Purple Dive prepare or facilitate you in finding/working as a dive professional?
I currently don't have plans to work as a dive professional, but doing my Divemaster course with Purple Dive has definitely increased my confidence as a diver, and taught me skills that would put me in good stead if I ever do intend to pursue diving as a career in the future.
What is your best dive to this day?
My sunrise dive with the Purple Dive team at Blue Corner is one that I reminisce about and share all the time! I'll never forget the anticipation and adrenaline rush from the strong currents and cold water. It was exhilarating feeling the rush of the cold currents as we hung on to look for the Mola Molas. We saw about 4-5 Molas Molas! An endearing memory from that dive was when Yvonne and I were looking out into the blue waiting for a Mola Mola to swim by, only to realise later on that there was one right above us all along! It was so funny, we couldn't help but laugh and squeal through our regulators.
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