FAQs

What is the PADI Divemaster and Open Water Scuba Instructor certifications?

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 PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) is the next step in the professional dive world. This certification teaches you how to teach PADI courses from Bubble Maker through Divemaster. To earn this ranking you participate in the Instructor Development Course which prepares you for the two day Instructor Examination that certifies you as a PADI OWSI.

What are the goals of Broadreach's Caribbean Divemaster to Instructor Program (DMI)?

The objectives of DMI are as follows: gain a comprehensive understanding of dive theory, hone your in-water skills to instructor level demonstration quality, gain leadership both in and out of the water, earn your PADI Divemaster certification to begin your instructor training, learn the PADI learning and teaching philosophy, prepare for your Instructor Examination through practice scenarios and presentations to successfully complete your IE and become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.

Is the Broadrach Caribbean DMI program difficult?

The program is designed to be challenging and rewarding. This is not like the rest of our Broadreach or Broadreach College programs as it is a certified professional training course with the end goal of certifying you as a PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor. There will be homework, multiple examinations and on-going evaluations on dive theory knowledge, hard skills above and below the surface, teaching skills as well as role modelling and professionalism. Our hope and goal at Broadreach is to train the next generation of PADI OWSI with a greater level confidence in teaching and leading new divers.

What are the prerequisites for DMI?

Applying DMI candidates: ~ Must be at least 18years of age and a high school graduate ~ Be able to send in proof of Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water and Rescue certifications ~ Be current with CPR and 1st Aid certifications within the past year ~ Have 80 logged dives at the start of the Divemaster course

How much diving will I do?

That is a little bit up to you as there is flexibility on the Divemaster course to get extra dives if needed. You MUST have 100 logged dives or more before your instructor course in order to be eligible to participate in the Instructor Development Course and Instructor Examination.

Where will I be staying?

During the Divemaster course you will be living on a catamaran with a group of your peers, 1-2 PADI OWSI's and a sailing captain. Usually it is 2-4 students to a cabin, but most students choose to sleep up on deck. During the Instructor course you will living at the Broadreach St. Martin base, either in tents or in lofts on cots.

Will my yacht see other Broadreach boats?

The yachts leave port on different days so that each group can be on its own flexible schedule. This allows us to do so much more exploring, sailing and diving than other Caribbean programs that sail in a large fleet of boats (flotilla). This also allows you and your small group of crew mates to form closer, more meaningful bonds and avoid cliques. You will, however, meet up with other boats throughout the program for beach bonfires and evening gatherings.

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.

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.

What is the weather like?

The Caribbean weather in the summer is usually beautiful. Daytime highs are usually in the upper 80s and nighttime lows are in the 70s. A cool breeze keeps us very comfortable onboard the boats.

What equipment is on the yachts?

Each yacht is independent and totally outfitted for adventure with high-quality equipment. You'll find a complete set of scuba gear for each participant, tanks, dive lights, scuba and sailing reference libraries, an air compressor, a 14-foot dive and ski boat, a VHF radio, cellular communications, GPS, a wake board, and water skis. There's no sharing of dive gear on Broadreach programs and each yacht is entirely self-sufficient, so you'll never find yourself waiting for your turn to have fun or try something new.

Do I get to sail the yacht?

You bet! We'll teach you how. You'll steer the yacht, learn to navigate, trim the sails, drop the hook and more.

How do your programs compare with other teen educational travel programs?

Put simply, no other program can boast the same combination of small groups, diverse cultural experiences, life-long skill building, hands-on education and outdoor 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.

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.

Can I call home while I am on a Broadreach program?

Of course! Depending on the itinerary of the program, most participants have the opportunity to call home about once a week. Most families also follow our online trip updates which are short blog entries written by program participants or staff during the trip.

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. The 5% discount will be applied to the program of lesser cost, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

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.

Do most participants come alone or with friends?

Most participants come alone, so there is no need to be concerned if you don't know anyone else on your program. It's normal to be apprehensive about not knowing anyone, but within a day of starting your program you'll be laughing and sharing exciting adventures with new friends.

I've never done this type of trip before. Is any experience required?

Don't worry! Many of our participants are 'first-timers' who have never been scuba diving or slept in the wilderness for more than a weekend. All we ask is that you come with an open mind, a desire to try new things and be ready to have lots of fun.

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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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• Raleigh, NC 27603
• USA

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