These are the most commonly asked questions that our divers have (not neccessarily in this order). If you have a question not on this list and can’t find the answer on our website, please feel free to e-mail or call us.
Q. What are the hidden costs?
There are NO hidden costs for the diving internship programs at all. A dive intern / trainee shall pay nothing more than the stipulated course fees for the diving.
Q. What is the quality of the diving equipment you supply?
All of the diving equipment supplied to trainees are high quality and under the EU specifications and ISO verifications. Even the breathing air we used has a verification according the DIN EN 12021.
Q. What do I do about accommodation?
Upon your arrival to Liamis Dive Centre, then our staff will be able to give you specific advice on accommodation, living options and availability, with regards to your preferences and budget. The majority of our trainees, Divemasters and Instructors, stay in shared accommodation. Accommodation will range from 250/280 € a month for a studio with cooking facilities. Apartments are very easy to arrange once on Kos, and there are always openings in shared apartments. It doesn’t take long before something suitable shows up.
Q. How many days will I need to study?
This can really be dependent on the dive student and also how advanced you are. For example if you are already a dive master and wish to take your time you can study 3-4 days per week. If you are a novice diver working your way up through the ranks we usually see the best results from a 5-6 day week (5 usually). DON’T for one minute think that this is a chore as all is extremely good fun and interesting. Some self-study will be expected but hey, who is going to complain about studying under the palm trees 🙂
Q. Are there any AGE restrictions?
NOT AS SUCH. You do need to be 18 years old in order to become a PADI professional i.e. Divemaster or above. Having said that there is no reason why we can’t train 17 year old to Rescue diver certification and then wait for the following training – as indeed we have. There is NO maximum intern age for the internship. We have trained people from 17 – 59 years of age. Due to the fact that there are younger guys and girls that would like to get involved in the scuba diving industry we added the Master Scuba Diver program that takes dive trainees up to the highest possible recreational scuba diving qualification ready for when they turn 18 and they can them become a dive professional and work in the dive industry.
Q. How long is your summer season?
Our season starts on May and finish on October.
Q. When can I start my internship?
The internship is a continuously running program that can be joined at any one of two starting months (May, June) of our season, depending of your level. We have interns that are attending college with set holidays and semesters, gap year students, ex-forces re-settlement divers, trainees that are working overseas jobs, interns from the forces that have set time frames etc. – we have to be flexible on the enrollment date and this is to assist you.
Q. Can I stay at your dive centre for more experience after the internship is complete?
Of course you can and we try to actively encourage it without any pressure. The reason being that you are much more attractive to a diving employer with a little experience. These programs are designed to allow maximum experience prior to finding dive work. This experience is not essential but has been seen to assist in scuba dive employment.
If you are a new diving instructor or Dive master from elsewhere then you are more than welcome to join us for a short 1 month or 3 months internship providing you with many certifications and specialties. This will allow you within a traineeship to gain teaching dive certifications with students whilst learning and honing many more dive skills.
Q. I have some family and friends coming out is this a problem?
This is not a problem at all. It is very common for dive interns to have family or friends over visiting them – or maybe the intern wishes to return for a mother’s birthday or weddings etc- as mentioned this is very common. Simply take all of the time that you need and then return to continue from the state of training where you left off. All of your equipment and materials will be safely stored in your personal locker and safely awaiting your return.
If any of your family or friends would like to gain scuba certifications or take day trips here (hey, you could lead them!) then they receive an automatic 50% discount on all regular scuba diving courses and dive trips.
Q. What money does a Dive Master earn in Greece?
This is a very frequently asked question. Liamis Dive Centre can offer the very best opportunity for scuba diving employment with a fantastic diver jobs service. Obviously dive work offers a fantastic “life style” of living in a beautiful mediterranean country and working your passion for a living – but that’s just it – YOU DO NEED TO MAKE A LIVING!!! There are Dive Masters that earn 500€ per month and are happy with that as they are on a pension and do it as a hobby. There are also many Dive Masters that earn 1000++€ per month – it’s down to you and how hard you are prepared to work. Keep in mind that you’ll be whistling on your way to work.
You will find that Instructors generally earn more than Divemasters due to the amount of duties that they can perform over and above. Always remember that “life-style” is very important.
Q. How do I become a PADI Scuba Diving Instructor?
In order to enroll in the PADI Instructor Development Course, you need to have been certified as a diver for at least 6 months, have 60 dives and CPR/1st aid training within the last 24 months, and be in good medical health. In addition to being certified as an Open Water Dive Instructor (O.W.S.I), you will also need to hold the following certifications;
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or a qualifying certification
PADI Rescue Diver or a qualifying certification
Emergency First Response CPR/1st Aid training (valid in the last 24 months)
PADI Divemaster certification or a qualifying professional rating
Once you are certified as a PADI Divemaster, then you can enroll in the PADI Instructor course.
After completing the PADI IDC, you can then attend the Instructor Exams, additionally you will need 100 dives to attend the IE.
Q. How much are monthly living expenses on Kos?
On average, most of our trainees budget between 250 – 300 € per month (after apartment has been paid) on food, drinks and miscellaneous expenses. There are several supermarkets on the island and groceries are very affordable, though you’ll often find yourself eating out in cafes and restaurants with other trainees and divers where also you can have a discount.
Q. I’ve no diving experience, can I still enroll on a training program?
We provide training of all levels, from beginner to Dive Master. In fact, we specialise in customised programs, regardless of your certification level or experience. If you contact us and let us know if you want to become a PADI Divemaster and approximately how many dives you have, your certification level (if any) and what dates you would be looking to take your training, then we will get right back to you with specific information.
Q. Is it possible to find work as a Dive Mater after my DM course and exams are completed?
As for work opportunities at our dive operation, we never guarantee or promise anything in advance – it wouldn’t be fair (you should always be wary of such operators that do without having met you!) We do have a full time staff of Dive Masters, and vacancies arrive from time to time. However, there are many times when we do need additional staff, in which case we prefer to use candidates from our recent Dive Master Course.
Q. Do I need a work permit to take my internship and train?
Greece is a full member of the European Community so from the time that you are an EU citizen you can stay in Greece for your rest of your life. Most international visitors get an initial 90 days when they first enter Greece. This is not a working visa.
Q. When does the season finish?
Our season is finishing middle to end of October.
Q. Is equipment rental included in the price?
We can provide rental equipment (except for watches, dive computers, compasses and signalling devices) at no extra charge. We have Technisub, Apexs, Tusa, Bare equipment, in good condition and serviced on a regular basis by our authorised equipment technician. We do recommend that you have your own mask/snorkel, fins (open heel) and wet suit of 5 mm for comfort as well as hygiene reasons (though again, our equipment is always available). For trainees who are going on to complete their PADI Dive Master course and want to work in the dive industry, we highly recommend that you invest in your own set of scuba equipment. As a professional, this is both your uniform and work tools and as a diver, your safety and leisure equipment. Most dive centers and resorts will not hire a professional who does not have their own gear, or at the very least will expect you to invest in a set of equipment as a condition of employment. At Liamis Dive Centre we have a special equipment package that will kit you out from head to toe, with accessories, at an incredible price. This offer is for all candidates who are taking their Dive Master training with us. Please enquire for more information.
Q. Is Kos island FEMALE friendly?
I thought that I’d add this to the FAQ’s as this is a frequently asked question, certainly by the ‘lone traveling’ female. Greece is generally very female friendly. Kos island is a great place to scuba train and generally have fun. Kos city hosts so many wonderful pass-times there is something here for the young, the old, the male or the female. Scuba Dive and train, internship and learn, but let’s also dine well, go to the cinema, play beach volley or tennis, water ski, paraglide, mountain trek…there is so much to do here that it is a shame for anyone to miss out, female or male.
Q. Can I work part time to fund the course?
This is a very commonly asked question.
Many people often ask if they can gain bar work / employment, waiter / waitress work or hotel work etc as a form of income – this is impossible. All of these types of jobs are available but is not easy to combine evening or night work with diving.
The best thing to do is ensure that your finances are in order and enough to cover the cost of the course & any relevant living expenses. This way you are able to concentrate on the dive training and being the very best Dive Master to get out there, dive and earn some real money.
Q. Will I need any inoculations (jabs) before my visit to Kos Island?
No you do not.
Q. How do I reach Kos?
Flights to Kos are surprisingly cheap…and this is good to leave you concentrating more on your scuba dive education. Please do check the internet for some great deals. There are charter flights from most of the European cities. You can, also, fly to Athens and then get the ferry from Piraeus to Kos or a flight to Kos airport.
Q. Are the study materials all in English or do you have other languages for the programs?
We have English, Dutch, German, French, and Greek speaking scuba dive instructors and the programs can be taken in any of these languages. Full materials such as the PADI manuals and training aids will be supplied in the language of your choice.
Q. I only speak English – is this a problem?
Liamis Dive Centre offers courses in the languages above but in excess of 95% of our students are English speakers. The majority of our staff are multilingual.
Having more than one mainstream language will be an advantage as a dive professional but is not essential. It can be the stipulation for a few dive job postings but not the majority.
Q. Do you offer an interesting range of specialty diver’s courses that I can take?
Yes, as a very pro-active scuba diving career development center we strive hard to ensure that you have many useful sand interesting courses to train in. Below are a few of the specialty courses that we offer:
- PADI Deep Diver Speciality Course
- PADI Underwater Navigator Speciality Course
- PADI Wreck Diver Speciality Course
- PADI Nitrox Speciality Diver Course
- PADI Underwater Naturalist Speciality Course
- PADI Multilevel Diver Speciality Course
- PADI Drift Diver Course
- PADI Digital Underwater Photography Diver Course
- PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Diver Course
Q. I like to keep fit – is there a Gymnasium in Kos?
You are in for a very pleasant surprise. Kos city has many great gyms for use and all at very good prices indeed.
Q. Can I use my Mobile Telephone in Kos?
Mobile phones / cell phones can indeed be used in Kos (we are in a European country after all), and we have a couple of very good services. Greece has several very good Mobile Networks but VODAFONE and WIND networks are the most prevalent. Simply on arrival we can show you where you can gain a SIM card for your phone. Once you have your Greek SIM your phone be able to make local and international call at very inexpensive rates. This also means that you shall not have to pay any charge for incoming telephone calls from abroad when your family or friends call you. To have a mobile telephone here in Kos is a good way for family and indeed new friends here to stay in touch.
SIM Cards in Greece are very inexpensive indeed. Once you have your SIM card the phone services are simply ‘pay as you go’.
Q. CAN I use ATM’s or other banking services in Kos?
If you wish to use your bank ATM card to withdraw money from your home bank Foe sure is not a problem at all. ATM machines are everywhere on the island. Generally the ATM’s are VISA and MasterCard. If your card does not have one of these symbols then do not despair as you can still withdraw money form a “money changer” (Western Union). A “money changer” is a banking service where you can take money from your cash card by signing for it. You will need your passport and your card.
Q. Can I open a Bank account?
Opening a bank account here in Kos has not been an issue. Just visit the bank and ask for the requirements needed for opening a bank account.
Q. What about Insurance, hospital facilities and the local recompression chamber?
For insurance I would suggest an international dive medical package through DAN (Divers Alert Network,) or any other reputable company. Please note that diving insurance is mandatory in diving. Many people find the DAN plans more comprehensive – please note that diving insurance is NOT expensive. Try the site – Daneurope.org.
Kos’s hospital facilities are good. Many (most) of the doctors and nurses have had European education and speak fluently English.
The nearest facilities (re-compression chamber) are in Kalymnos Island. During the Divemaster internship – interns are given an assignment to plan and ensure the fastest and safest emergency plan for recompression / decompression sickness. We have this plan and all necessary telephone and response numbers etc but it’s the Dive masters job to clarify all data etc and add to it.
Q. Is the qualification recognized worldwide or only in Greece? – Can I get a scuba job in many countries?
All of the courses that we run are recognized worldwide. As a divemaster you are internationally licensed to teach scuba where ever there are diving facilities. You will be affiliated to PADI whom are the largest recreational diving organization in the world with in excess of 70% of the recreational scuba market share. PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) is seen to be the market leader and with your professional dive qualifications you’ll be able to work and dive in the majority of the top diving destinations in the world. There are sites out there that assist with scuba dive job placements as any norm employment agency would assist. Great sites such as Dive4jobs.com and Diversjobs.com – allow you to post your dive resume and search listings. Once a PADI professional you will have access to the professional area on the PADI web site also which is a superb resource for dive jobs and careers.
Q. I have a laptop / tablet and would like to use email – is there access – can I stay in touch with friends and family?
There are internet cafes on literally every corner that you can use for between 1.5 € – 2.5 € per hour – hence very in-expensive indeed.
If you are coming with a Laptop or tablet and it has Wi-Fi – then in Kos city you will find nearly everywhere a FREE ADSL Wi-Fi connection that you can use.
Q. Electrical goods – what voltage power points and what pin type do you use in Kos Island?
The power points in Kos Island take the two round pins at 220 Voltage. The power is the same as the rest European countries with exception of U.K. Please note that if you require power and pin converters, they can be purchased here very easily and inexpensively.
Q. How do I get to the dive center?
We are located in Kos harbor/Kos city. From the airport you can take a taxi for 35 € or the public bus for 5 €. If you take the ferry then we are just 5 minutes’ walk away.
Q. What can I bring?
Don’t bring too much! If you pack everything but the kitchen sink you’ll find you won’t use most of it. Clothing – again, don’t bring too much. You will need swimsuits, a few t-shirts and shorts plus some sweaters and trainers. It is very informal here, so don’t feel you need to bring evening clothes unless you want to.