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Apple Watch Ultra Dive Computer Review from a Dive Instructor

Apple Watch Ultra Review

An Apple Watch Ultra Dive Computer Review from someone who uses dive computers on a daily basis.

When Apple announced the Apple Watch Ultra was going to include a dive computer feature, my first thought as a tech geek was: I must have one. I purchased the initial Apple Watch and sold it very quickly, not needing, out of the features and preferring to wear a dive watch. But here finally was an Apple Watch that I could actually use. Very exciting. So I duly ordered one and with a total gamble sold my air-integrated Suunto D5 and tank pod, to be able to finance some of this. 

This brings me to my first point. The Apple Watch Ultra is not cheap. Starting at $799, this begins to compete on price with higher-end diving computers being more expensive than the Suunto D5 and D6, but still cheaper than the dive watches it directly competes with, the Garmin Descent MK2 and the Shearwater Teric. Both of these dive computers have a lot more dive computer features than the Apple Watch Ultra. But to be honest this is not being sold as a stand-alone dive computer. It is being sold as a smartwatch with dive computer capabilities so in reality, you are getting a lot more for your buck, despite having to pay a subscription.

Apple Watch Ultra Dive Computer Features 

The watch itself is a thing of beauty. It might take you a while to get used to the rectangular shape of the face but it really does allow for more to be fitted onto the screen. The titanium build and crystal face adds robustness to the watch that makes me fully confident it can stand up to the active lifestyle of the busiest diver. It is quite big but the titanium means that you hardly notice it on your wrist, weight-wise although on smaller wrists it will appear quite large.

I purchased the “ocean” strap for the watch and so far it stands up to its workload well, being a more traditional strap style in comparison to the others available for the dive computer. Being an “adaptive” diver I swim with my arms underwater and so far the strap stays in place remarkably well. It’s available in 3 colours midnight blue, white and yellow, depending on your preference, and for sure other straps will be released by third parties and possibly Apple in the future. It also can take any other Apple Watch band so it’s highly customisable.

The usability of the Apple Watch Ultra is excellent. With two side buttons and a track wheel, as well as the touch screen on dry land, it lives up to the Apple mantra. “It just works”. Underwater navigating the dive computer with the track wheel is very simple and compared to dive computers I have owned in the past this is in a league of its own for ease of use. I have yet to test the emergency siren on the side but that does sound like it could be very useful to a diver in peril for attracting attention. 

The one downside perceived is the battery life. When using the Apple Watch Ultra as a standard smartwatch I can get a couple of days to use out of it in between charges but when it is used as a dive computer then I have to charge it daily. But that being said it managed 4 dives in a day and still had 40% battery left, so if you get into the habit of charging it when you go to bed then what’s the problem?

Apple Watch Ultra Dive Computer Review

After a week or so of diving with the Oceanic+ App on my Apple Watch Ultra, I do have a few remarks. The first thing is that for a recreational diver who is not often pushing the limit of 40m or doing any technical stuff, then this computer is more than enough for you. I love it. 

Compared against a number of computers including a Suunto D5, Zoom, Aqualung i200 and a Shearwater Perdix, it maintained excellent accuracy for depth and time (although as an Apple product would we really doubt it?). So no problems with whether it can function as a depth gauge or timing device. A little annoying that you can’t operate a stopwatch underwater at the same time moment but the bottom timer show seconds too so not a problem for when dive students are doing timed tasks.

The readability of the Apple Watch dive computer screen. This is the easiest dive computer screen I have ever had to read, despite the small watch size. The brightness of the screen and the clear colours, writing and even the bright alarms make this a joy to read and view even in direct sunlight, on the standard brightness setting.

As mentioned earlier, even wearing gloves the trackwheel of the Apple Watch Ultra makes it easy to navigate the dive computer between features when you are on a dive. A lot of thought has clearly gone into this and it just works, including compass operation.

On the NDL side of things, the Oceanic+ App uses the Bühlmann ZHL-16C decompression model and it compares favourably to other dive computer limits. You can change the conservatism slightly but all in all, it’s not bad. Setting Nitrox also is a cinch with the easy operation and settings.

The real downer on the Oceanic+ app on the Apple Watch Ultra is the depth limit of 40m. The Apple Watch Ultra is rated to 100m but if you go past 40m on the Oceanic+ app then it shuts you down basically allowing you to make a safe ascent to the surface but not continue the dive. While I understand that 40m is the limit of recreational diving, the device allows for deeper so the app should be able to allow for a few metres of error or just to work with any depth. Very annoying and the potential to put off a lot of divers. That being said for diving well within the limits, this won’t affect you too much.

The alarms on the device are fully customisable with audio and haptic ones a possibility. I love that as haptic alarms on my wrist keep it more subtle than loud annoying beeps that have every diver in the vicinity looking around. You can set alarms for dive time, depth and even temperature (although my body tends to tell me if I’m too cold so this might be overkill). One thing about alarms, alerts and advice is that they are very easy to see and pronounced. Go up too fast and the screen flashes up a red tab. Need to do a safety stop and a bright yellow tab appears. Extra customisation options like safety stops at deeper depths would be cool, but again for most divers, options are covered.

The dive planner app and on-watch logbook are easy to access and use with the Oceanic+ App. It is not a matter of navigating tediously with three or four buttons, trying desperately to locate the dive planner app or logbook to share with other divers. A couple of taps and using the wheel and you are there. Very easy or even easier, to use the Oceanic+ app on the iPhone to access these features.

When it comes to the Oceanic+ iPhone app, it is quite good but there is potential for so much more. The logbook automatically syncs the dives from your Apple Watch Ultra Oceanic+ app so you don’t have to think. You just need to fill in the dive site information and other dive data such as sightings, notes and buddies. 

But the GPS feature which captures the dive site location at the beginning of your descent only is activated if you have cellular capability enabled on the Watch or are close enough to your iPhone. Sadly if like me you live and dive in a country where this is not a possibility then often your dive coordinates are not captured. You can’t save your different dive sites either in the same manner you can on other dive logbook apps like Mac Dive. The fact that you can only use the Oceanic+ logbook which is also tied to a subscription might also be a put-off for some divers.

Other downers are that for logging the equipment used, it only allows you to enter equipment from the Oceanic or Oceanic-affiliated brands. If like me your equipment is largely from other brands, this won’t work well. 

The subscription model is going to be a big divider amongst divers. Problem is that Oceanic (or any company who develops a dive computer app) will need to make money to replace the sales of the dive computers the app will displace. So while the Apple Watch Ultra is expensive, it is simply the hardware that the dive computer app is installed on. I would prefer a paid app over something that is freeware as in a lot of cases I am afraid you do get what you pay for. Oceanic has made the subscription tally to the amount of diving that you do. But I know there are going to be a lot of people who scream and shout that they have already paid enough. Well in that case they would certainly be happier with a pay once dive computer with fewer features.

Is a Smartwatch Useful for Divers?

Now here is where having an Apple Watch Ultra as a dive computer can be really useful. There are so many apps available in the Apple ecosystem which can be incorporated into your complications on your Apple Watch Ultra for quick access. I use Windy for the wind and water conditions, Tides, for a quick tide gauge and dive planning, the compass and even the UV index so I know how harsh the sun will be. There really are apps and complications for all types of divers and water sports enthusiasts. This after all is a smartwatch which can be used as a dive computer so there is so much more to it. 

Other great features include the dive data being integrated with the health app (although this could be further developed and I am sure it will be). This can allow your dive data to be used for both monitoring your own health and for sure dive research in the future. The activity tracker actually pushes me to work harder and exercise more which can only be a good thing. Yes, I do get the notifications to my wrist from my phone which can be annoying even if useful. But they don’t work underwater, which is a relief. The phone feature from the watch would be a super useful feature in an emergency but then again relies on cellular connectivity, so usefulness varies by country.

Conclusion- Should Divers Buy an Apple Watch Ultra for a Dive Computer?

So is the Apple Watch Ultra a reasonable dive computer. Absolutely. Should all divers buy one. No. It is a wonderful alternative for those who want a smartwatch and dive computer combined and don’t regularly push the recreational limits. For those who want tech diving capabilities it is an absolute no no. But for me who teaches recreationally and dives most days, it is a worthy dive computer and the other features offered by the watch make it absolutely brilliant for me. Sure it was pricey but you are paying for the other features of Apple’s top smart watch not the dive computer. 

A subscription for Oceanic+ is annoying but if you want to be getting the constantly updated app with new features as they emerge this will need to be paid for as Oceanic need to recuperate on their app (as theoretically they won’t be selling as many computers). 

From a dive professional point of view this will expose so many new people to the possibility of diving it is unthinkable not to like it. Millions buy Apple Watches so there is serious sales potential in in. It might become more of a replacement for the entry level computers for rental or use once a year on holiday.

Fact is I trust the Apple Watch Ultra as a dive computer despite a few flaws which can be improved upon. If they open it up to other developers from Shearwater, Suunto and other dive computer manufacturers to apply their own apps and algorithms then it gets even more exciting. Like everything Apple it is probably going to be a game changer so it will be exciting to go along with it. It is expensive and is not going to replace the dedicated high end devices. If you can afford it then well worth it. It doesn’t have things like air integration and gas switching, but I am still loving how useful it is over all activities not just diving. This is here to stay and I’m excited to see how apps for it develop!

Like

  • Great Screen to Read and decent dive profiles
  • Looks great
  • Extra smartwatch apps really useful for divers
  • Integrate with health app could be great for diver data

Don’t Like

  • Go past 40m and it shuts down the app. This is useless
  • GPS Doesn’t Work without Cellular Integration (Not provided in many countries) or Being Really Close to Your Phone
  • Oceanic+ App Needs More Work
  • Battery life could be better
  • Flying after diving limit is 24 hours.

How to Access Your SSI Digital Learning on a Kindle Fire

Dive SSI app

How do you access your SSI Digital Learning on a Kindle Fire? PADI eLearning is the most current way for divers to participate in the knowledge development sections of PADI dive courses. While you can take part in the elearning through your PADI profile in a browser on your PC, many people like doing their elearning on a mobile device. A mobile phone whilst sufficient is not always the easiest device to read off and see the videos/diagrams to their optimal viewing. A tablet is the best mobile device for viewing PADI eLearning. 

But again tablets like Apple iPads can get on the expensive side. The Amazon Kindle Fire is a decent tablet that you can run your PADI eLearning on and the rest of the time use to watch movies, as an eReader, and even take your messaging apps there.

But Amazon Kindle Fires come locked into the Amazon App Store even though they run on Fire OS, a version of Android. There though is a way you can install the Play Store and gain access to millions of Android apps and games, including Google apps like Gmail, Chrome, Google Maps, and more. These apps include the Dive SSI app.

Installing the Play Store onto your Kindle Fire Tablet doesn’t require high-geekery “hacking” with running scripts and jailbreaking. You just need to download and install a few APK files on the tablet itself. You will then be up and running with your play store and can download millions of Android apps and get started on your SSI Digital Learning. Let’s get started.

At the start, you will need to make sure your Fire Tablet is from 2014 or later. This process may not work with older Kindle Fire tablets as part of the process you need to enable “Apps From Unknown Sources.”

  1. Open the “Settings” app option on your Fire Home Screen.
  2. Tap on “Security & Privacy”.
  3. Tap on “Apps from Unknown Sources”.
  4. Locate “Silk Browser” and toggle the “Allow from this source” switch.
  5. Start downloading the Play Store files. To find out what version of the Fire tablet you have go to Settings > Device Options > About Fire Tablet. You’ll see your “Device Model” name here. To see your Fire OS version, go to Settings > Device Options > System Updates.
  6. Download the files from the Links below depending on which Fire tablet you have.

Google Account Manager

  • Fire HD 10 (9th Gen, 11th Gen)
  • Fire 7 (9th Gen)
  • Fire HD 8 (8th, 10th Gen)

Download this version

  • Fire HD 10 (7th Gen and older)
  • Fire HD 8 (7th Gen and older)
  • Fire 7 (7th Gen and older)
  • Fire HD 6
  • Fire HDX 8.9 

Download this Version

Google Services Framework

  • Fire HD 10 (9th Gen, 11th Gen)
  • Fire HD 8 (10th Gen)
  • Fire 7 (9th Gen) on Fire OS 7
  • Fire HD 8 (8th Gen) on Fire OS 7

Download this Version

  • Fire 7 (9th Gen) on Fire OS 6 
  • Fire HD 8 (8th Gen) on Fire OS 6

Download this Version

  • Fire HD 10 (7th Gen and older) 
  • Fire HD 8 (7th Gen and older) 
  • Fire 7 (7th Gen and older) 
  • Fire HD 6 
  • Fire HDX 8.9

Download this Version

Google Play Services(Do not Select the BETA versions)

Fire HD 10 (9th Gen, 11th Gen) 

Fire HD 8 (10th Gen)

Download this Version

Fire 7 (9th Gen)

Download this Version

  • Fire HD 10 (7th Gen and older)
  • Fire HD 8 (7th Gen and older) 
  • Fire 7 (7th Gen and older) 
  • Fire HD 6 
  • Fire HDX 8.9

Download this Version

Install Google Play Store

  1. Open the “Files” app option on the Kindle Home Screen.
  2. Tap on “Downloads” in the sidebar. You will see the files you just downloaded.
  3. Install the files in the following order (very important). Do not open the Play Store. Tap the file > select “Continue” > tap the “Install” button. After it installs, tap “Done.”
    1. com.google.android.gsf.login
    2. com.google.android.gsf
    3. com.google.android.gms
    4. com.android.vending
  4. Restart the Kindle Fire Tablet by holding down the power button, then tapping “Restart”.

Open the Play Store and Install the SSI App

  1. Open the Play Store by tapping the “Play Store” icon that has appeared on your home screen.
  2. Sign into your Google account.
  3. Tap on the “Search” icon. Type in “Dive SSI”.
  4. Install the SSI
  5. Go back to the Home Screen.
  6. Open the SSI app and sign into your SSI profile. You will now be able to access all of the services on the PADI apps.

NOTE: For those of you going down the PADI Instructor Development path, it is also a good idea to put all of your SSI Instructor Manuals and guides onto your Kindle to be able to read them more easily.

New Masks, Snorkels and More Available at Ocean Tribe and our Online Store

Ocean Tribe Mask Strap

As divers, we understand that owning your own equipment is very important and the first investment is normally in a good quality mask and snorkel. As such we have tried to up the range of masks, snorkels, and other dive equipment available in Kenya on our new online store.

Divers can now get their own top-quality masks from brands such as Scubapro, Fourth Element, Beaver, Aqualung, and even our own Ocean Tribe range of masks and snorkels.

The importance of having your own scuba mask cannot be overstated. After all the main reason we go underwater is to look at things. So therefore a mask that is comfortable to wear, and gives you a decent field of vision as well as looking good of course, is the first item of equipment a diver should be looking to purchase.

[vc_message]OCEAN TRIBE GEAR TIP

When you find a mask that fits you, and you like it. Buy two in case of loss or breakage. You don’t want to have to cancel dives or not enjoy it due to wearing an inferior mask.[/vc_message]

While we understand that sometimes you might not want a snorkel on, snorkels are required on all PADI diver training courses and as a prepared diver, you should always carry one. We have a selection of snorkels available to accompany a new mask purchase these range from snorkels with purge valves on them for easy clearing, to bendable light snorkels for freediving, and even foldable snorkels that can be stored away for later use attached to your BCD or in the pocket.

For comfort, we also now stock very eye-catching mask strap covers. Showing silhouettes of marine life you are likely to encounter during your scuba diving in Diani, these strap covers are made from neoprene and fit almost any mask strap. A decent mask strap cover ensures your hair doesn’t get caught by the silicone mask straps and eases mask removal and replacing. It also makes your mask look even cooler. Check them out now!

Other items available in our online store and of course our physical dive shops include more dive equipment, t-shirts, water bottles, rash guards, swimwear and even dive log books. Contact us today to find out more about dive gear in Kenya.

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Ocean Tribe now offering Dolphin-Watching Safaris in Diani

dolphin watching

Ocean Tribe is delighted to announce that we are partnering up with Aqua Blue Adventure boats to offer dolphin-watching safaris in Diani.

There are three different species of dolphin resident off the white sands of Diani including Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, Humpback Dolphins, and Spinner Dolphins. The chance to see dolphins in the wild is not one to be missed.

The dolphin-watching safaris in Diani are available to everyone, not just divers. It is an ideal family trip to add to your stay in Kenya as you witness another of Kenya’s amazing wildlife species.

For most people, the closest they will ever get to experiencing dolphin mannerisms or characteristics is on the TV watching National Geographic or in a zoo/theme park dolphinarium where they watch dolphins trained in captivity to perform circus tricks. So basically even if they have seen dolphins for real they have no idea of the real characteristics or live appliance of a dolphin.

By going on a dolphin-watching safari in Diani, you will get to experience the magnificent creatures in the wild ocean. This is their natural habitat. While you won’t be seeing the dolphins jumping through hoops of fire to earn a piece of fish, you will see a lot.

You will witness dolphins travelling in massive pods of often hundreds. See dolphins being playful hopefully. You will also have the chance to witness other marine life that resides in the area which can include but is not limited to turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, and other coral reef life, and big game fish.

All of the boats have comfortable padded seats and expert dolphin-watching safari guides to locate for you and give you information about the dolphins. Fruit and snacks are provided on board and the dolphin trips tend to take 2-3 hours.

If you are an accomplished swimmer and the dolphins are comfortable enough, then you might even get the chance to swim and snorkel with them. This call is made on judgments from the crew so not always guaranteed.

Dolphin-watching safaris in Diani run daily, weather-permitting from our bases in Alliance Safari Beach hotel and Baobab Beach Resort & Spa.

Interested? Contact us using the WhatsApp button below. Find out more and book online here. Or use the contact form to contact us via email. We are looking forward to hearing from you and taking you out to see these magnificent animals.

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Cool Facts about Scuba Diving in James Bond Movies

scuba diving in James Bond Movies

As the quintessential super-spy, of course, there is scuba diving in James Bond movies. Whether it is Bond using scuba to save the day, the bad guys setting up a dastardly underwater plot, or simply a romantic scene with a stunning Bond girl, there have been loads of Bond movies with scuba moments in them. We all had a reason to take up scuba diving and I am betting I am not the only one who saw Bond underwater and thought; “I’d like to be like that.”

It is interesting when you rewatch the Bond movies to see the evolution of scuba diving equipment over the years from the Sean Connery flicks of the 1960s to the present day. It is also interesting when we can see that while some elements have been added to equipment over the years, the basic functionality has remained the same.

So let’s take a look at the scuba diving in James Bond movies that got us to want to scuba dive.

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Thunderball (1965)

Thunderball is the classic James Bond diving movie. Much of the movie is set in the stunning waters of the Bahamas, where Bond is searching for a missing Vulcan bomber and nuclear bombs hidden. There are underwater fight scenes, night dives, diver propulsion vehicles, and gadgets galore. And of course, the highly improbable pocket-sized scuba tank and regulator (oh well we can always dream). The bad guys and the good guys even try to make it easier for us to differentiate between them by wearing team wetsuits. Black for the baddies and orange for the good guys. How thoughtful! Oh and Sean Connery almost got bitten by a shark when filming the shark pool scene. But from the moment I watched it, this was the movie that made me want to become a scuba diver.

[vc_message]Interesting fact: For the underwater scenes in Thunderball the producers sped up the frame rate to make diving seem more urgent and fast-paced. Standard underwater swimming just looked too relaxed.

Another interesting fact: The British military thought that James Bond’s mini breathing device was real and made inquiries.[/vc_message]

You Only Live Twice (1967)

Although it’s only a short scuba diving scene in the Japan volcano-based You Only Live Twice, can there be anything more Bond, than faking your own death, being buried at sea, and having your body recovered by divers to take you to a hiding submarine to move off. Absolutely not! And as a final touch Bond dons a wetsuit to get fired out of a submarine torpedo tube to enter Japan incognito. Legendary!

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

More underwater battles followed as the mantra of the diving James Bond passed to Roger Moore from Sean Connery. This time in The Spy Who Loved Me it’s the baddies in scuba who are attacking Bond and Triple X as they investigate Atlantis in their outrageously cool amphibious Lotus Esprit. Unfortunately for the bad guys, their spear guns and DPVs are in no way a match for Q’s gadgets and Bond easily triumphs to calmly drive out of the sea and up a beach.

For Your Eyes Only (1981)

After the exploits in space in Moonraker, James Bond is back underwater in For Your Eyes Only. This plot centres around finding a decoding machine which has gone down in a shipwreck. So lots of underwater exploration, underwater Greek temple restoration, deep saturation wreck dives and of course an underwater battle. There is even a twist when Bond and Melina survive a keel-hauling scene by relying on a craftily placed scuba unit, which had been abandoned on the bottom earlier in the film. Who knew!

Never Say Never Again (1983)

Now before you say anything we do know that Never Say Never Again is not an official Eon production Bond movie. But it has Sean Connery in it so. Umm, well I am going to leave it in there. As this is basically a remake of Thunderball, it is inevitable that scuba diving is a major plot part. The equipment is more evolved and colorful by the 1980s, with a load of underwater scenes and twists. Oh, and did we mention the best dive preparation of all time as Bond is seduced by the femme fatale on the way to the dive site!

A View to a Kill (1985)

Roger Moore’s final James Bond outing A View to a Kill, finds him using scuba to explore an underwater pumping system in the San Francisco Bay. As the pumps are turned on, Bond has to use the scuba unit to evade death. He pushes it into the pump propellor and avoids being chopped up. A waste of a good scuba unit, but it does enable Bond to escape and win the day by dropping Christopher Walken off the Golden Gate Bridge.

Licence to Kill (1989)

Licence to Kill features Timothy Dalton in his second and final outing as Bond. Scuba diving features heavily in this film from the early stages where divers break Robert Davi’s drug dealer character Sanchez out of his armed prison convoy. Classic Bond dive scenarios return including boats with underwater hatches, mini-submarines, and of course underwater battles. Ok, the waterskiing behind the plane after using a spear gun to escape a scuba battle might be a little far-fetched and asking for DCS, but after all, this is Bond. Bond even evades detection by swimming under a manta. The bad guys even take scuba diving items to a new level by using a recompression chamber to blow up one of their own. Not to be missed.

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

Tomorrow Never Dies sees Pierce Brosnan’s Bond donning the scuba gear. Following a HALO jump to evade radar (whilst wearing full techie gear) Bond dives down to the wreck of a British warship to investigate. He and Michelle Yeoh’s Chinese super-spy narrowly avoid catastrophe as the unstable wreck plummets into a deep chasm. Inevitably of course 007 escapes to live another day.

Do all these movies make you want to go scuba diving again? Check out our range of PADI Dive courses and scuba diving trips in Diani Beach, Kenya. Live like Bond. Go diving.

House for Rent in Diani for Scuba Divers

Guest house for rent in Diani swimming pool
Swimming pool

House for rent in Diani. Ocean Tribe is delighted to announce we now have another accommodation option for divers coming to to Diani with our own guest house for rent in Diani near to the Ocean Tribe dive base. 

The self catering guest house boasts two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and a kitchen and living room area. Outside in the garden there is a swimming pool, barbecue and a protected walled enclosure. 

The property is located 100m from the beach on the main Diani Beach Road. Within walking distance are the World-famous Diani beach, seafood restaurants and bars, as well as other water sports activities. It is a great location for divers who wish a quiet place to stay with nice facilities close to the main Diani Beach. 

Long term rates are also available for divers who would like to have a house for rent in Diani for a little longer. Optional extras which can be included with the guest house include a chef who can look after your culinary needs during your stay, catering for every dietary requirement.

The guest house can comfortably take 4 people (2 in each room) and we can also assist with taxis, hire cars and of course safaris for people wanting to get out and explore the best that Kenya has to offer.

Contact Ocean Tribe today about our guest house for rent in Diani to enjoy during your PADI course or diving trip.

Diani Job- Dive Centre Support Staff

Ocean tribe rash guards

Diani Job- Dive Centre Support Staff- Ocean Tribe are looking for dive centre staff to join our crew in our dive bases in Diani Beach.

Applicants should be Kenyan or have the right to work in Kenya. MUST BE ABLE TO SWIM AND ALREADY A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER OR INTERESTED IN EARNING THEIR SCUBA DIVER RATING.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES GUIDE

A full time hourly position that rotates through book-keeping retail sales, dive reservations, and booking scuba training courses.

A varied schedule will include day, evening and weekend shifts

Essential Job Functions

  • Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
  • Open and close cash registers, performing tasks such as book-keeping, counting money, separating charge slips, coupons, and vouchers, balancing cash drawers, and making deposits.
  • Manage Dive Centre Management System (Full Training will be Given)
  • Enthusiastically answer incoming calls.
  • Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.
  • Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain equipment based on customer needs, desires, and stock levels.
  • Independently sell and set up the following: retail items ranging from T-shirts to Computers, Diving & Snorkel Charters, and PADI diver training courses from Try Scuba Diving to IDC Staff Instructor.
  • Answer questions regarding the items listed above.
  • Describe and explain equipment use, operation, and care to customers.
  • Demonstrate use or operation of equipment.
  • Clean shelves, counters, and displays.
  • Exchange merchandise for customers and accept returns.
  • Bag or package purchases.
  • Help customers try on or fit equipment.
  • Inventory stock.
  • Prepare equipment for purchase or rental.
  • Collect customers and monitor dive and snorkel boats.
  • Estimate and quote equipment packages.
  • Estimate cost of repair or service of equipment.
  • Estimate cost of service, gear, or training required, such as “Cost of Open Water Diver Course, Price of Open Water BCD, Cost of Gas Fills, and Dive Charter” requested to complete Open. water Diver specialty from the dive boat in their own BCD.
  • Rent gear and prepare rental contracts for customers.
  • Distribute and maintain rental equipment, fill air cylinders as needed.
  • Attend all staff meetings and all in-service training programs.

Other Skills/Attributes

  • Self-motivated, professional, courteous and enthusiastic team player
  • Have a friendly outgoing personality and be goal oriented
  • Possess strong communication and exceptional customer service skills
  • Maintain an organised and neat work environment
  • Be passionate about your interests and personal growth
  • Able to multi-task in a multi-disciplined work environment
  • Adhere to training standards as set by PADI, DDI and DAN
  • Follow personal and professional safe diving practices
  • Comply with Ocean Tribe dress code and code of conduct as described in employee handbook, and Retail Center Staff
  • Full training will be given to the successful candidate as well as scuba diving certifications. Staff members will be expected to learn to dive for product knowledge and will be sponsored to professional levels if show the aptitude.

Interested applications should email a cover letter, CV and current photograph to info@oceantribe.co

Dive Job- PADI Dive Instructor (+Freediver) Position in Kenya

Dive job Kenya

Dive Job Description

For those dive professionals out there seeking diving jobs, Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya is seeking a  scuba and ideally a freediving instructor to join our team in East Africa.

Ocean Tribe is a growing PADI 5 Star IDC Center based in Diani Beach, 30km to the south of Mombasa in Kenya. We are looking to grow our business in the time following the lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A majority of our diving is done on the local dive sites in Diani Beach and Kisite Marine Park off Shimoni.

The successful PADI Instructor is responsible for teaching to agency and Ocean Tribe standards, dive guiding daily dives, and deck handing for a great underwater experience, safety, and customer service.

Dive Job- Instructor Applicant Requirements

  • Be certified and renewed as a PADI OWSI or higher and willing to teach more specialties.
  • Currently certified in First Aid & CPR, AED, and Oxygen provider.
  • Certified as an EFR Instructor
  • Be fluent in English and ideally one or more other languages
  • Must be in good standing (no recorded ethics violations or quality assurance issues) with any certifying dive agency
  • Hold current professional liability insurance
  • Own their own equipment
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills. Must be willing and able to work in a collaborative setting with a diverse group of coworkers and guests.
  • Be able to provide references from previous diving jobs and PADI Course Directors

Desirable Skills

  • Underwater Photography
  • Equipment servicing and maintenance
  • Freediving or Sidemount Instructor

We Provide

  • Basic Salary
  • Self-catering accommodation
  • Commissions on sales and courses taught.
  • Trade rate on diving equipment purchases
  • Instructor continuing education
  • Ocean Tribe uniform

Diving Instructor Job Position Duties

Instructors are Expected to Work 5 ½ Days a Week based on a rolling roster.

The diving season in Kenya normally lasts between October and April and we are looking to make this a long-term position, although we have no objections to instructors who would like to work in seasonal positions during our low season between May and July

The expected start time is the end of August/the beginning of September. Only shortlisted applications will receive a reply.

Please forward the cover letter, CV, and photo to our PADI CD Mark Slingo Email hr@oceantribe.co .

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email to arrange initial interviews, which will be held over Zoom. Other communication methods will include WhatsApp.

Ocean Tribe is a fun company to work for and has a family-like atmosphere. Unfortunately, the pandemic has stretched us financially so at first a basic living salary and accommodation is the package for instructors. Commissions are also offered on every sale made for the company.

  • Disclaimer: This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.

Freediving Courses Now Offered at Ocean Tribe

PADI Freediver

Ocean Tribe is delighted to announce that we are now offering PADI Freediving courses in Kenya from 30th September 2021. This is a fantastic opportunity for underwater enthusiasts to learn the discipline of freediving and immersion without scuba tanks.

What is Freediving?

Do you freediving is similar to snorkeling (although at a much deeper level)? You’re mistaken. Freediving is a completely new method to explore the underwater environment. PADI Freediving courses will enable you to go deeper, stay down longer, and feel like you’re a part of the ocean.

Freediving is a sport that can be competitive. Divers from all over the world spend years training to break world records in static apnea, dynamic apnea, free immersion, and constant weight freediving.

Reconnect With Nature

Freedivers integrate with the underwater environment silently. They have spectacular encounters with timid marine creatures and can hear all of the ocean’s sounds, including fish chewing on coral, the tide pulsing at the rocks, and even dolphin and whale cries!

Freediving is an excellent approach to reconnect with the sea while also exploring the ocean’s depths with minimal impact. Some people freedive for the challenge, but for many others, the underlying appeal of freediving is the silence and calm it gives to their otherwise chaotic lives.

Do I Need Freediving Courses?

Despite the fact that freediving looks to be a simple sport, you can learn a lot about safety and physiology. A non-trained freediver runs the risk of ear, sinus, and lung problems, as well as blackouts and drowning. An insured, competent freediving instructor can help you improve your skills while avoiding major dangers.

If you’ve done any freediving before, the new skills taught by PADI Freediving instructors will help you not only increase your depth and time underwater, but also improve your personal and buddy safety skills.

For more information please visit the Freediving section of this site or contact us to get started today!

Diving Jobs- PADI Scuba Dive & Freediver Instructor Position in Kenya

Ocean Tribe Rash Guards

For those dive professionals out there seeking diving jobs, Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach, Kenya are seeking a scuba and freediving instructor to join our team in East Africa.

Ocean Tribe is a growing PADI 5 Star IDC Center based in Diani Beach, 30km to the south of Mombasa in Kenya. We are looking to grow our business in the time following the lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A majority of our diving is done on the local dive sites in Diani Beach and Kisite Marine Park off Shimoni. 

The successful PADI Instructor is responsible for teaching to agency and Ocean Tribe standards, dive guiding daily dives and deck handing for a great underwater experience, safety, and customer service.

Dive Instructor Job Applicant Requirements

  • Be certified and renewed as a PADI OWSI or higher and willing to teach more specialties.
  • Be certified as a PADI Freediver Instructor
  • Currently certified in First Aid & CPR, AED and Oxygen provider. 
  • Certified as an EFR Instructor
  • Be fluent in English and ideally one or more other languages 
  • Must be in good standing (no recorded ethics violations or quality assurance issues) with any certifying dive agency
  • Hold current professional liability insurance
  • Own their own equipment
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills. Must be willing and able to work in a collaborative setting with a diverse group of coworkers and guests.
  • Be able to provide references from previous diving jobs and PADI Course Directors

Desirable Skills

  • Underwater Photography
  • Equipment servicing and maintenance
  • Freediving or Sidemount Instructor

We Provide 

  • Basic Salary
  • Self-catering accommodation
  • Commissions on sales.
  • Trade rate on diving equipment purchases
  • Instructor continuing education
  • Ocean Tribe uniform

Diving Instructor Job Position Duties

Instructors are Expected to Work 5 ½ Days a Week based on a rolling roster. 

The diving season in Kenya normally lasts between October and April and we are looking to make this a long-term position, although we have no objections for instructors who would like to work in seasonal positions during our low season between May and July

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the start date of the position is not yet confirmed but we are hoping for October/November. Only shortlisted applications will receive a reply.

Please forward cover letter, CV and photo to our PADI CD Mark Slingo Emailhr@oceantribe.co .

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email to arrange initial interviews, which will be held over Zoom. Other communication methods will include WhatsApp.

Ocean Tribe is a fun company to work for and a family-like atmosphere. Unfortunately the pandemic has stretched us financially so at first a basic living salary and accommodation is the package for instructors. Commissions are also offered on every sale made for the company.

  • Disclaimer: This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at anytime at the sole discretion of the Employer.
Learn to Dive Platinum Package

COURSE PACKAGES

SPECIAL OFFER
LEARN TO DIVE COMBO PACKAGES
Get extras on top of your Open Water Diver course for less
(All materials and fees included)

Open Water Course on its own (3 Days)- $499
Open Water & Perfect Buoyancy (4 Days)- $550 
Open Water &  Enriched Air Nitrox (3 Days)- $540
Open Water & Advanced Open Water (6 Days)- $750
Open Water + Enriched Air + Deep Diving + Navigation Diving (6 Days) - $750
Open Water & Sea Turtle Ecology (3 Days)- $540
Open Water & Any Ecology Specialty (3 Days) - $540
  • Get better buoyancy and your first specialty diver rating
  • Get certified to use Nitrox as well as learn to dive
  • Get your Open Water and Advanced courses
  • Do full Advanced Packages once you have learned to dive
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Ocean Tribe Dive Team

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