Diploma FAQ's
Do I Need to Know How to Dive Before the Course?
No. No experience is required. We will take you through all the necessary certifications, starting with basic snorkelling lessons, skin diving, and scuba skills.
What Are the Hours?
Full-time courses run Monday to Thursday, 9 AM – 5 PM, or Tuesday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM. Some days will end earlier, and night diving is required.
Part-time courses run every other weekend, 9 AM – 5 PM, with occasional evening sessions for night diving.
How Strong of a Swimmer Do I Need to Be?
All students must be able to swim 200m or snorkel 300m and float/tread water for 10 minutes at the start of the course. Professional level divers (Divemaster) will need to be competent swimmers.
What Equipment Must I Have?
This depends on the course you are enrolling in. Diploma students must have a full snorkelling package, including an exposure suit, mask, snorkel, fins, weights, weight belt, gloves, boots, knife, and torches. We have packages available with supporting payment plans for students. Foundation/leadership students will only need basic gear. Please inquire in-store for more information.
What Are the Medical Criteria?
All divers in New Zealand must complete an RSTC Medical Questionnaire, signed off by a doctor. Professional divers must obtain an OSH medical (also known as a COC) if working in New Zealand.
How much is the NZQA Diploma and how do I pay for it?
Because the course is a NZQA Diploma, if you are a NZ Citizen or NZ Resident with a minimum of three years status, you can apply for a Student Loan. You may even be able to apply for the Government Fees Free Programme of $12,000 towards the costs of the course. The Course price changes form year to year. Please contact us to find out the latest price.
Can I get a Student Loan or fees free?
Please check your status here. https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/
Please check your status here. https://www.studylink.govt.nz/
If I Have Asthma Can I Dive?
This depends on each individual, and can only be answered by a qualified doctor.
Where Do You Dive?
Auckland is surrounded by marine reserves, making it an ideal location for training. We dive mostly around Leigh, with dive sites including Jones Bay, Goat Island, and Mathesons Bay. We also have excursion trips around the North Island, which include overnight stays.
Does Dive HQ Auckland Have Its own Boat?
We used to but we now think it benefits our students experience to work with NZ dive partners such as Dive Tutukaka, Dive Paihia, and other industry leaders around the North Island. This way, you get to experience different larger boats, varied dive sites and a chance to network with other New Zealand dive professionals. Many of our students who put in the hard work receive job offers before they finish.
What Field Trips Do Dive HQ Auckland Offer?
We do at least four or more dive trips each year, including destinations like Taupo Drift Dive, Rainbow Warrior, Cape Brett, the HMNZS Canterbury Wreck Dive, and the Poor Knights. Transport, accommodation, and boat dives are included.
Is it Easy to Get a Job as a Dive Instructor?
It depends on the individual, but PADI is an internationally recognized certification, which opens up job opportunities worldwide. On the PADI website alone, approximately 5-10 new jobs are advertised every day! Dive HQ Auckland also has global connections, with graduates working around the world. We provide placement assistance upon request, and we’ll support you every step of the way.
Do We Dive In Winter?
Yes, our Diploma programs run year-round, starting in February and August. You’ll have experienced, personalized equipment fit-outs to ensure you're diving in gear suitable for training conditions throughout the year.
How Old Must I Be?
Diploma/Leadership students must be 18 years old before Divemaster. So you could start the course at 17 and a few months.
How Do I Enrol?
Simply inquire online or in-store, and we’ll organize an interview/application process. Contact us at 09 213 1328 or fill out the contact form, and we’ll get back to you.
How Much Does the Equipment Cost?
You can apply for up to $1,000 as an interest-free loan for course-related costs. Equipment packages for the Diploma program start at $1,750. For Foundation/Leadership courses, base costs start at $699. During your first few weeks, your equipment fit-out will look at what you need specifically for your course.
Is My Qualification Valid Worldwide?
Yes, PADI is the world’s largest diving training organization, active in over 180 countries and territories. Divers who train with Dive HQ Auckland gain experience that prepares them to dive and teach in virtually any environment worldwide!
