Home News 2021 August Caymanians Become Dive Masters Through Ministry and Department of Tourism Training Opportunity

Caymanians Become Dive Masters Through Ministry and Department of Tourism Training Opportunity

Cayman Islands 6 August 2021

The Hon. Minster Kenneth Bryan and Parliamentary Secretary (PS) Heather Bodden with some of the PADI Certification Course participants and a trainer. In the top row, from left to right: Kaylone Warren, participant who trained with Go Pro Diving; PS Heather Bodden; Hon. Minister Kenneth Bryan; and Steve Broadbelt, owner of Ocean Frontiers. In the bottom row, from left to right: Stella Whorms; Mario Whorms; Jessica Leggatt; and Alex Richardson, participants who trained with Ocean Frontiers.

The Ministry and Department of Tourism provided the opportunity for interested Caymanians to train to the Dive Master level through an 8-week programme as part of the National Tourism Training Programme (NTTP). The Ministry partnered with local dive operators, Ocean Frontiers and Go Pro Diving, to take 11 Caymanians through the PADI Certification Course. The goal of the programme is to increase the number of Caymanians in the dive industry.

“The Ministry of Tourism is committed to training displaced Caymanian workers for opportunities in the industry and to advance their skills. We need to ensure that anyone interested in a tourism career is able to access the resources required to pursue one, especially young Caymanians,” said Minister of Tourism and Transport, Hon. Kenneth Bryan. “Diving is one of the key activities that we are known for here in Cayman and it is encouraging to see that Caymanians are receiving these qualifications.”
The areas covered in the programme were:

PADI Open Water Diver Certification
PADI Advanced Open Water Certification
PADI Rescue Diver Certification
PADI Nitrox Enriched Air Certification
PADI Fish ID Specialty Certification
PADI Lionfish Culling Certification
PADI Coral Conservation Certification
CPR & First Aid Certification with AED and Oxygen Provider training -PADI Divemaster Certification

Since becoming certified, several participants have been assisting with the coral restoration projects of Cayman’s reefs.

Persons who are interested in learning more about the PADI Certification Course and future opportunities can email hcd@caymanislands.ky to receive more information.

The Ministry and Department of Tourism continue to offer training opportunities for persons in or who are interested in the industry. For more information, visit https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en-us/ourcayman/education-training.

Steve Broadbelt, owner of Ocean Frontiers (top row), poses with his trainees and their PADI Dive Master certifications and cards. Bottom row, from left to right: Stella Whorms; Mario Whorms; Jessica Leggatt; and Alex Richardson.

The trainers from Go Pro Diving and their group of trainees pose at Whitehall Bay. From left to right: Kameron D’Hue, Assistant Dive Instructor at Go Pro Diving; Kaylone Warren, trainee; Derron Kelly, trainee; Megan Nelson, trainee; Ash McNight, Dive Master at Go Pro Diving; and Jessica Moore, trainee.

Caymanians Become Dive Masters Through Ministry and Department of Tourism Training Opportunity

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