July 22~July 27, 2008
When Patrick and Sherry told me the mentorship would give me the opportunity to visit the Florida store in Ft. Lauderdale I was so excited. My first impression of the store was "WOW." I couldn't believe I was even there. The first couple of days, I was diving for my advanced certification. I did 5 dives, naviagtion, deep, drift, photography, and fish ID. I loved them all. My very first dive, we dove with a couple of marine biologists with their students conducting their own research. I was in aw the entire time. Here I was standing 2 feet away from the people that are living my dream. I was able to get great advice and my excitement for marine biology grew even more. Ft. Lauderdale has beautiful reefs and the wreck I dove was amazing. It had been so long since I dove last that I forgot about how much I love being underwater.
While following employees in the shop, I learned how to fill tanks, take regulators apart and clean them, and how to keep customers interested. Just seeing a different layout of a dive store taught me so much. We made signs, moved product around, and I learned keeping product clean and presentable can make all the difference. The next day I got to work on the Hammertime! The florida stores dive boat. I wish I could have a summer job like that. I enjoyed every minute of working on the boat. Meeting the people, helping them with their gear, cleaning the gear after the dive was over, and just being on the other side of fence was neat. I've dove many charters and I just have a new respect for the dive masters, the captains, and crew that bring everything together for everyone to have a safe enjoyable dive.
I learned so much and had a lot of fun. I realized owning a dive shop is hard work no matter where you go. My very last day before I left to go back home we had some free time to spend on the beach. It was a great way to end the trip....remembering everything that had happened in the last week. It is something I will never forget.
<3 always and forever
Mermaidsdream
Monday, August 11, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
The Importance of Documents
May 22, 2008
In the last year or so, I have been signing legal documents on my own. I've always known they were important, but until today I never realized just how important they actually were. I went over the legalities of the dive industry with Patrick today. I really learned a good lesson. Whenever I sign something, I briefly check it over. After today, I will start paying better attention. It seems like you have to sign for everything these days. If your not careful though you could really find yourself in a mess. Pat and I talked about medical, service work, and liability aspects of legal documentation. I learned you have to be careful of how you word things in your documents and a couple of things took me by surprise. For new divers, a medical section is requierd to be filled out, but if you see medical information listed on a waiver for a diving excursion off of a dive boat, run for the hills.... Oftenly, the dive company will wait for you to sign the waivers until you are already on the boat. If you mark off any health difficulties they can deny your dive! Wouldn't that drive you crazy? Excited to go for a dive and then they tell you you cant go. And any service work done on any equipment, dive companies need to have the work double checked. This way if something goes wrong, the customer will have a harder time proving the malfunction of a piece of equipment was due to a tech error. This was something that didnt seemed not fair; depending on where you live, the state requires you to keep paperwork for up to 3 years, but the federal government requires you to save documents for up to 7 years. What a difference? You can really get messed up in court if you do not keep your documents depending upon where the court takes you. Documents also require great attention when you are traveling. Trips scheduled through dive shops share a good portion in this industry. Whoever plans the trip has to be very careful that the legal documents cover all liabilities. A lot goes into planning these trips, but what a wonderful way to have a great diving experience. The shop takes care of everything and does the best they can to ensure you have a wonderful experience. The next time I sign something I will be sure to check it over fully. Overall, I think I learned the most out of this mentor session. F. Y. I. We are planning a lot of amazing events for upcomming mentor dates. A sit in on a class night, helping run an event (i'm hoping to run a beach cleanup in Burnum Harbor around september), spending a few days in the florida store to help run the boat, and teaching kids about project aware. This is all very exciting. It is going to be an awesome summer. Stay tuned!
<3 always and forever
Mermaidsdream
In the last year or so, I have been signing legal documents on my own. I've always known they were important, but until today I never realized just how important they actually were. I went over the legalities of the dive industry with Patrick today. I really learned a good lesson. Whenever I sign something, I briefly check it over. After today, I will start paying better attention. It seems like you have to sign for everything these days. If your not careful though you could really find yourself in a mess. Pat and I talked about medical, service work, and liability aspects of legal documentation. I learned you have to be careful of how you word things in your documents and a couple of things took me by surprise. For new divers, a medical section is requierd to be filled out, but if you see medical information listed on a waiver for a diving excursion off of a dive boat, run for the hills.... Oftenly, the dive company will wait for you to sign the waivers until you are already on the boat. If you mark off any health difficulties they can deny your dive! Wouldn't that drive you crazy? Excited to go for a dive and then they tell you you cant go. And any service work done on any equipment, dive companies need to have the work double checked. This way if something goes wrong, the customer will have a harder time proving the malfunction of a piece of equipment was due to a tech error. This was something that didnt seemed not fair; depending on where you live, the state requires you to keep paperwork for up to 3 years, but the federal government requires you to save documents for up to 7 years. What a difference? You can really get messed up in court if you do not keep your documents depending upon where the court takes you. Documents also require great attention when you are traveling. Trips scheduled through dive shops share a good portion in this industry. Whoever plans the trip has to be very careful that the legal documents cover all liabilities. A lot goes into planning these trips, but what a wonderful way to have a great diving experience. The shop takes care of everything and does the best they can to ensure you have a wonderful experience. The next time I sign something I will be sure to check it over fully. Overall, I think I learned the most out of this mentor session. F. Y. I. We are planning a lot of amazing events for upcomming mentor dates. A sit in on a class night, helping run an event (i'm hoping to run a beach cleanup in Burnum Harbor around september), spending a few days in the florida store to help run the boat, and teaching kids about project aware. This is all very exciting. It is going to be an awesome summer. Stay tuned!
<3 always and forever
Mermaidsdream
Friday, February 29, 2008
Our World-Underwater
February 15 -17, 2008
Another great year at Our World! The film festival blew me away this year. I couldn't imagine handfeeding a 15ft tiger shark or diving with an elephant. These two things are definately on my list of goals for when I become a marine biologist. The reason I enjoy coming to the show every year is I love being able to share my passion with other people who love the dive world as well. I learn so much about different diving places and experiences. Their stories and advice help keep me interested and motivated. Our World motivated another area of my life this year. While working tshirt sales, I was able to watch an artist paint a magnificent whale shark. It was amazing. I have never watched someone paint a huge painting from scratch before. Ever since I started getting so busy, I pretty much gave up on art. I used to love combining my love for the ocean and art. I really enjoyed it a few years ago, and I have decided to get back into the swing of things and paint again. I had a wonderful time at OWU this year everyone's hard work definately paid off. I cannot wait for the show next year.
<3 always and forever
Mermaidsdream
Another great year at Our World! The film festival blew me away this year. I couldn't imagine handfeeding a 15ft tiger shark or diving with an elephant. These two things are definately on my list of goals for when I become a marine biologist. The reason I enjoy coming to the show every year is I love being able to share my passion with other people who love the dive world as well. I learn so much about different diving places and experiences. Their stories and advice help keep me interested and motivated. Our World motivated another area of my life this year. While working tshirt sales, I was able to watch an artist paint a magnificent whale shark. It was amazing. I have never watched someone paint a huge painting from scratch before. Ever since I started getting so busy, I pretty much gave up on art. I used to love combining my love for the ocean and art. I really enjoyed it a few years ago, and I have decided to get back into the swing of things and paint again. I had a wonderful time at OWU this year everyone's hard work definately paid off. I cannot wait for the show next year.
<3 always and forever
Mermaidsdream
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Tanks!
January 26, 2008
Today was pretty cool. I got the chance to learn about something I really know nothing about. I've been diving for about six years now and although I have had a good amount of experience diving, my knowledge about scuba tanks is not where I would like it to be, that changed today. Tim and I gave 6 tanks the hydrostatic test and also a visual exam. I never realized how much acutally goes into testing these tanks. It's a long process and you have to be extremely qualified. I now know what all those numbers mean on the outside of my tank. I am definatly more confident when it comes to tanks! What's next???? Tim and I will help out with Our World-Underwater in 3 weeks! Our World is fantastic.... I helped out last year and had an absolute blast. If you are looking for a place to learn about places to dive, diving adventures, to gain inspiration, and so much more, make sure you come check it out!. Its the weekend of FEB 15-17 at Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont IL. C ya there!
<3 Always and Forever
Mermaidsdream
Today was pretty cool. I got the chance to learn about something I really know nothing about. I've been diving for about six years now and although I have had a good amount of experience diving, my knowledge about scuba tanks is not where I would like it to be, that changed today. Tim and I gave 6 tanks the hydrostatic test and also a visual exam. I never realized how much acutally goes into testing these tanks. It's a long process and you have to be extremely qualified. I now know what all those numbers mean on the outside of my tank. I am definatly more confident when it comes to tanks! What's next???? Tim and I will help out with Our World-Underwater in 3 weeks! Our World is fantastic.... I helped out last year and had an absolute blast. If you are looking for a place to learn about places to dive, diving adventures, to gain inspiration, and so much more, make sure you come check it out!. Its the weekend of FEB 15-17 at Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont IL. C ya there!
<3 Always and Forever
Mermaidsdream
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Merchandising and displays
January 19, 2008
I arrived an hour before Scuba Emporium opened to see what I notice in the store. Also, to see how the merchanndise is laid out and how stock rooms should be organized. A scuba store needs to have a definate flow for everything around. I never realized how much actually goes into setting up the store part of Scuba Emporium. I helped Patrick lay out 2 displays that looked like they needed a little work. I learned laying mirrors can help catch people's eyes and help lighten up a dark area, making it easier to check out the merchandise. I also learned to be aware of any safety hazards. Such as watching out for hooks that stick out and catch onto a customer brousing the store. You also need to be aware of theft and be sure to keep the important expensive stuff tied down. Another trick I learned was to not have any open spots when you are displaying anything. After I finished the displays, I was able to walk around and listen in on how sales are done. I never realized so much goes into having a business... and this was only a portion. I definately like setting up displays. It was a great way to start the program.
<3 Always and Forever
Mermaidsdream
I arrived an hour before Scuba Emporium opened to see what I notice in the store. Also, to see how the merchanndise is laid out and how stock rooms should be organized. A scuba store needs to have a definate flow for everything around. I never realized how much actually goes into setting up the store part of Scuba Emporium. I helped Patrick lay out 2 displays that looked like they needed a little work. I learned laying mirrors can help catch people's eyes and help lighten up a dark area, making it easier to check out the merchandise. I also learned to be aware of any safety hazards. Such as watching out for hooks that stick out and catch onto a customer brousing the store. You also need to be aware of theft and be sure to keep the important expensive stuff tied down. Another trick I learned was to not have any open spots when you are displaying anything. After I finished the displays, I was able to walk around and listen in on how sales are done. I never realized so much goes into having a business... and this was only a portion. I definately like setting up displays. It was a great way to start the program.
<3 Always and Forever
Mermaidsdream
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Starting The Mentorship
December 29, 2007
Today I went to Scuba Emporium to go over the Scuba Emporium Mentorship Program with Patrick Hammer (owner of Scuba Emporium). We went over the legal policies of the program as well as what I will actually be doing. Lets just say I am really excited! The program will give me many opportunities to see what the dive industry is really like. I expect this to be quite the learning experience. Although I have been diving for seven years....... I have a lot to learn. My first date will be January 19th. I cannot wait!
<3 Always and Forever
Mermaidsdream
Today I went to Scuba Emporium to go over the Scuba Emporium Mentorship Program with Patrick Hammer (owner of Scuba Emporium). We went over the legal policies of the program as well as what I will actually be doing. Lets just say I am really excited! The program will give me many opportunities to see what the dive industry is really like. I expect this to be quite the learning experience. Although I have been diving for seven years....... I have a lot to learn. My first date will be January 19th. I cannot wait!
<3 Always and Forever
Mermaidsdream
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