Dominica Marine Tour Guide Training Program

In May 2005, twenty young Dominicans began training 5 days a week in a pilot program called the “Dominica Marine Tour Guide Training Program. The first of its kind program was a united effort of the Public Sector and the Private Sector with The National Development Corporation, Youth Skills Division and the Dominica Watersports Association working hard together to complete this ambitious project.

Applications were accepted after extensive radio advertising campaign and the applications were then screened by the Youth Skills Division and the Dominica Waterports Association. After an interview process 20 students were accepted. These students undertook a demanding 3-month schedule that trained them in many aspects of being a professional Marine Tour Guide with international credentials that enables them to get jobs anywhere in the world. This training includde all of the following

Our goal was to produce competent and enthusiastic guides that are not only potential employees for Dominican companies, but also ambassadors for Dominica who can demonstrate the professional standards that we demand here.

The students were hard working, enthusiastic, and appreciative of this opportunity.

 

Graduation

The final Graduation Ceremony took place during Dominica’s Dive Fest on Saturday July 2nd 2005. Eighteen students completed the course and these graduates were presented with their certificates.

Recognition of the importance of this program resounded worldwide. The program has been written up in trde magazines in the international diving community.