From Bus Ride to Divemaster: An Unexpected Scuba Love Story

This is a tale about how an unforeseen encounter and a mutual passion for diving can completely alter the course of your life.

It all began five years ago, on a normal bus ride. This is when my life took an unexpected twist. I sat down, and a super enthusiastic guy sat next to me. His grin was contagious, and he was buzzing with happiness. Little did I know that this encounter would propel me into the adventure of a lifetime and ignite my passion for scuba diving.

Our conversation started casually, but his excitement soon overflowed. He whipped out his phone and showed me a video that blew my mind: a color-changing octopus in the sea.

I had never given much thought to the underwater world before—how could such a vast blue expanse hold so many vibrant hues?

Image courtesy of Alana Alvarez Vernice & Manuel Bustelo

My new “buddy”, Manu Bustelo, turned out to be a PADI Instructor with thousands of dives under his belt. I, on the other hand, was still learning to swim with ease.

However, our shared love for the underwater universe brought us together. As we began dating, I quickly found myself taking the plunge into my very own underwater journey with a PADI Open Water Diver certification.

From the very moment I took my first breath underwater, I knew I had discovered my rightful place. I felt destined to return to that world time and time again.

Since then, we’ve explored oceans all over the world, discovering the breathtaking beauty of each underwater paradise. Scuba diving has strengthened our relationship in ways we never imagined. Exploring coral reefs, investigating shipwrecks, and swimming with marine life became our favourite shared experiences. What could be cooler than sharing your passions with the one you love?

As life grew busier, my diving aspirations temporarily took a backseat. Nevertheless, the call of the ocean never faded—once it captivates you, there’s no turning back.

I’ve come to understand the value of time, and I’m resolute not to fritter it away on pursuits that don’t genuinely resonate with me. With that in mind, I recently made the decision to resurface my aspirations and set forth on the journey toward becoming a PADI Professional. It felt like the right move, not just because it aligned with my passion, but also because it represented a versatile skill that could open doors to work anywhere in the world.

My initial goal was to attain the Divemaster certification, with the idea to becoming an instructor if it proved as rewarding as I had envisioned. Let me assure you, it exceeded my wildest expectations!

Image courtesy of Alana Alvarez Vernice & Manuel Bustelo

I instinctively knew there couldn’t be a better place for my Divemaster journey, than the very spot where Manu filmed that unforgettable octopus video that brought us together. It’s also where he earned his Divemaster certification in 2009: Roatan, Honduras.

To add an extra layer of excitement, I opted for the same dive center where Manu earned his certification more than a decade ago. This choice added a thrilling layer of curiosity to an already fantastic experience!

Roatan’s underwater realm is an absolute wonder, further accentuated by its location within the Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second-largest reef system. These pristine waters host an astounding array of marine life, from vibrant, tropical fish to majestic sea turtles and eagle rays.

Additionally, the dive center was conveniently located just a short walk from the beach, and the brief boat ride to dive sites ensures an exceptionally hassle-free diving experience.

Water temperatures are also pleasant for most of the time, which makes diving in Roatan extremely comfortable. During the summer season, the average water temperature is 29-30ºC (84-86ºF) — I was able to dive in just my bikini, no wetsuit needed!

Image courtesy of Alana Alvarez Vernice & Manuel Bustelo

My time studying for my Divemaster certification presented an invaluable opportunity for me, not only to enhance my skills and knowledge as a diver but also to immerse myself in the splendors of this paradise. It was wonderful to study Divemaster theory while watching Caribbean sunsets with my feet in the sand!

I was fortunate to have highly enthusiastic PADI Instructors who expertly guided me through the wonders of diving and the responsibilities that come with being a Divemaster. These include:

Assisting the Instructor during open and confined water training Accompanying diving students on Adventure Dives or Specialty Course dives under the indirect supervision of the Instructor Independently teaching and certifying PADI Skin Divers and leading the Discover Snorkeling programs Conducting subsequent dives under the indirect supervision of the instructor for Discover Scuba Diving participants at a 2:1 ratio (after these participants have successfully completed the first dive with an Instructor) Leading the Discover Local Diving experience and the ReActivate program for certified divers Accompanying certified divers on subsequent dives Advocating for marine conservation Promoting safety during dives and providing assistance in emergencies

Image courtesy of Alana Alvarez Vernice & Manuel Bustelo

Obtaining my Divemaster certification was a significant milestone in my journey, marking the culmination of months of learning, diving, and honing my skills. This achievement was both exhilarating and humbling, opening up the opportunity to share my passion for diving and contribute to marine ecosystem protection.

Manu’s own Divemaster journey took place in 2009, and comparing our experiences shed light on the changes in the diving world.

In 2009, Manu relied on printed manuals and in-person training. My Divemaster course leveraged eLearning platforms, videos, and interactive content, showcasing PADI’s adaptation to the digital age.

Manu cherished the camaraderie among divers, and today, that sense of community has extended into the digital realm. Social media and online forums have connected divers worldwide, facilitating the sharing of experiences and knowledge. The sense of a global diving community had grown even stronger.

We discussed how, over the past decade, there had been a significant shift towards marine conservation. More divers and dive organizations were actively involved in efforts to protect and restore coral reefs. The message of responsible diving practices and environmental stewardship has become integral to the dive community’s ethos.

Manu vividly remembered the vibrant coral reefs he had explored during his early dives. Today, the reefs, although still magnificent, bore the scars of climate change and human impact. We discussed the urgent need for responsible diving practices and the crucial role Divemasters play in educating divers and protecting these fragile underwater ecosystems.

Despite the differences, both Manu and I agreed that becoming a Divemaster was not just about acquiring skills and knowledge; it was about becoming stewards of the ocean, protectors of its fragile beauty, and advocates for its conservation.

Our Divemaster journeys, a decade apart, had one thing in common: they had deepened our connection to the ocean and solidified our commitment to preserving its magic.

Becoming a professional PADI diver, whether as a Divemaster or Instructor, isn’t just a passion—it’s a rewarding career. Here’s why it’s an adventure worth embarking on:

Limitless Exploration: Divemasters get to explore some of the world’s most incredible underwater spots. From Roatan’s vibrant coral reefs to the Red Sea’s shipwrecks, every dive is a new thrill. Work in Paradise: Job opportunities for PADI professionals are global. You could be working in paradise-like destinations, like the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, or Australia, while exploring exotic places and living a unique lifestyle. Share Your Passion: Sharing your love for diving with others is incredibly fulfilling. Inspiring new divers and helping them discover the underwater beauty is a blast. Protecting the Environment: PADI Professionals play a vital role in preserving oceans and marine life. By teaching responsible diving, you help protect fragile ecosystems. Lifelong Friendships: The diving community is like a close-knit family. You’ll meet fellow ocean enthusiasts and make lasting friendships worldwide.

Feeling inspired by our story? Eager to dive into your own adventure? Dive right in and start your journey to becoming a PADI Divemaster today!

LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A PADI PRO

This article was written by PADI Divemaster Alana Alvarez. Alana was born in Venezuela, and she is a Chemical Pharmacist with a Master’s degree in Corporate Sustainability. She has been diving since 2019 and is passionate about the ocean and its conservation.