FAQs

What is the PADI Divemaster certification?

The PADI Divemaster certification is the first level in the dive professional realm and is a prerequisite for enrolling in the instructor certification course. The Divemaster rating denotes an individual who has instructor-level knowledge of diving theory, as well as significant training in how to assist an instructor during training activities. Interns who successfully complete the Divemaster Intern Program (DIP) and the Divemaster Program (DM) receive their PADI Divemaster certification. This certification designates you as a PADI diving professional, opening up opportunities to work a diving professional in the scuba industry worldwide.

What are the goals of Broadreach’s Caribbean PADI Divemaster program (DM)?

The objectives of DM are as follows: earn your PADI Divemaster Certification, gain a comprehensive understanding of dive theory, fine tune your in-water dive skills to the instructor level, gain leadership training both in and out of the water and learn what it means to be a PADI diving professional.

How does the DM program differ from the DIP program?

The basic course content and requirements are the same for DIP and DM. The primary difference is that DIP has an intern component. The application process also differs greatly. With the DM program, candidates need only apply online with the Broadreach application and meet the requirements listed on the Overview tab under "Experience Required". Because of the internship component of DIP, there is a lengthier application process. In addition to filling out the online Broadreach application and fulfilling the above requirements, candidates must call in to request a DIP application.

Is the Caribbean PADI Divemaster difficult?

The program is very challenging with some days beginning as early as 6 a.m. and occasionally ending past midnight. Of course, some days are more demanding than others, yet the work is always exciting and rewarding. Divemaster candidates will prepare for and take written examinations on eight subjects ranging from diving physics and decompression theory to Divemaster conducted programs. Candidates are also expected to have Instructor demonstration quality scuba skills. Our Divemaster instructor will provide academic reviews and help fine tune your skills in the water and out.

What are the prerequisites for DM?

Divemaster candidates must send in proof of Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver certifications (from any dive certifying agency). They must have proof of 45+ logged dives to apply and by the completion of the course, Divemaster Candidates must have at least 60 logged dives with documented experience in night diving, deep diving and underwater navigation. Candidates must show proof of CPR and First Aid training within the past 12 months and cards must be current through September of year participating in program. Divemaster Candidates must be at least 18 years old at the start of the Divemaster training. They must also submit a Broadreach medical form signed by a physician within the last 12 months attesting to their dive-readiness fitness level.

How much diving will I do?

On average candidates will do between 15 to 20 dives during the course of their program. There is room for some variation depending on how many dives a candidate needs, so that they will have 60 logged dives by the end of the course.

Where will I stay?

For the duration of their program, candidates on DM will be living on a 40-50 foot sailing vessel with a group of their peers, a skipper and 1-2 dive instructors.

Why don't you sail with a big fleet of boats?

To accommodate a big fleet of boats, Broadreach would have to sacrifice the flexibility that allows us to do so much more diving, sailing and exploring than seemingly comparable programs or camps. Participants would have less of a say in how their trip would unfold and we would have a tougher time working with individuals' goals and needs. Furthermore, sailing in a fleet encourages cliques to form, making it more difficult to form the close bonds that naturally occur in a small group.

Is this a teen tour cruise through the Caribbean?

No way! This is an experiential adventure! Unlike teen tours with set schedules and activities, Broadreach programs are flexible and involve you in all aspects of the experience. You are asked to take responsibility and few things are done for you. We have specific goals, but how the adventure unfolds depends on you and your group. We need everyone's participation, cooperation and leadership to make it happen.

I am prone to seasickness. Is that a problem?

Even if you are prone to seasickness, you shouldn't have any problems. You'll get your "sea legs" within the first 24-48 hours and after that you'll feel fine. The trade winds are mild in the summer, giving us ideal sailing conditions for smooth sails. As we island hop around the Caribbean, our sails are usually short, typically no more than a couple of hours. When we arrive at a new island, we anchor in calm protected coves for our activities and the night. In the unlikely event that you do get seasick, our First Aid kit has appropriate medication.

How are your Caribbean trips for younger and older teens different from each other?

Clearly, 13-year-olds and 18-year-olds have different needs, wants, concerns and ways of doing things. Because we don't sail as a flotilla, rather as independent trips of just 10-12 participants, we can group teens by age and make our trips more age-appropriate. Each boat has their own schedule, group dynamic and abilities, and our staff can cater the trips to their group. 13-14 year olds may need a little extra help with cooking, scuba and sail training, so we may have extra staff on board and can set the pace accordingly. 17-18 year olds typically want to fit in as much activity as possible (as well as listen to louder music) and we can do that too.

Are there bathrooms and showers on the yachts?

Of course! Each yacht has either four or five "heads", as bathrooms are called on boats. You are in the ocean all the time, so most of your showers will be quick "boat showers" off the back of the yacht to conserve our limited supply of fresh water.

What will I eat?

You and your mates share the cooking duties. A general menu is set before the trip, but each cooking crew adds their flair to the meals. Breakfast and lunch are usually simple with cereal and sandwiches and an occasional hot meal. Dinner is bigger and always hot with menus ranging from veggie stir-fry to pasta to Mexican night. The boat is loaded with dried goods before the trip and you'll stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables and breads along the voyage.

Where will I sleep?

Under the stars! There are four to six cabins on the yacht, but everyone prefers to sleep out on deck each night to enjoy the cool tradewinds under brilliant Caribbean skies. There's lots of deck space and plenty of room up top for everyone.

Do I have to wear a life jacket?

Broadreach requires participants to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) while on any vessel in motion, whether it’s a sailing vessel, motorized dinghy or ski boat. Doing so could save a life in the unlikely event of an accident or emergency. These extra precautions are just part of our comprehensive approach to safety and risk management.

How deep will I dive?

Most of our dives will be shallow, between 35 and 55 feet, because that's where we'll find the right combination of best dive sites, plentiful marine life and brightest light. You will do a few supervised deeper dives to around 85 to 100 feet when you are ready for students 15 and older. For students under 15, your maximum depth will be 70ft.

Do I need trip, travel or medical insurance ?

All participants on Broadreach programs are required medical insurance including coverage for international medical care. Since many personal medical policies do not cover international medical care and evacuations or have exclusions for certain sports, we have partnered with Trip Mate to offer a choice of travel insurance plans for our participants.
The minimum required policy includes coverage for medical care, emergency evacuation, lost or damaged luggage, travel delay, etc.
Most families also take advantage of our recommended tuition protection coverage , which offers 75% tuition refund FOR ANY REASON up to 72 hours before your trip departure and 100% tuition refund if you cancel for a covered reason.

Do you have any family discounts?

We do. We will give a 5% discount on the second (and any subsequent) enrollment in one summer. This offer is available to an individual student, or siblings. This 5% discount will be applied to the program of lesser cost, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Does your staff have emergency medical training?

At least one of the two lead instructors on each trip has completed training in either Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses. They are trained in managing emergency situations and field care and can handle most minor medical problems. In the unlikely event that your instructors can't handle your problem with their First Aid kit, they will take you to a local doctor for medical attention. We do our best to work with local medical personnel that we know and trust. However, it's important to understand that medical care can sometimes be delayed or inaccessible from our program locations. Note that the modernity of medical facilities and the number of medical services they provide will vary by country and location.

Can you give me the names of other families in my area that have done Broadreach?

Absolutely. Just call the office and we can put you in touch with past participants who have done the trips that interest you. Broadreachers past and present are part of a strong community that’s always there for one another. No need to be shy either, people will be glad to hear from you.

Where does everyone come from?

Broadreachers are a diverse group comprised of teenagers from across the country and all over the world. Very few participants know each other before the program begins, but everyone walks away with life-long friends at the end of the trip.

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Please feel free to call the Broadreach office if you have any questions or would like to discuss our adventures. We’d love to talk to you! You can also email us at questions@gobroadreach.com

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• 806 McCulloch Street, Suite 102
• Raleigh, NC 27603
• USA

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