Rashid – our new Divemaster in Stone Town
My name is Rashid Kiukara, I come from Zanzibar. I love diving. I became a PADI Divemaster this year.
From Labourer to snorkel guide
I began working for One Ocean as a fundi (labourer) on the boats. Each year the boats come out of the water for a service and I helped to sand, varnish and paint the boats. I did this for two seasons. After the second season Gary, the owner of One Ocean, and his wife Gail asked me to come work personally for them as night security. Immediately, I said ok and took the chance. So I worked for two years and Gary and Gail wanted to give me a chance to work full time in their dive centre in Stone Town. They trained me as a snorkel guide. This made me very happy as I like to swim and got the chance to learn more. I did this for two years.
Next goal: Divemaster
In June 2016, we got a new manager (Dave) in town and a new instructor (Marcela). Dave wanted to give me the chance to learn diving. I had never been diving but wanted to try. Marcela took me to the pool and trained me from PADI Open Water to PADI Advanced Open Water. Even if Marcela only worked with us for 3 months I want to thank her for starting my diving experience. I wish her all the best wherever she is and miss her. Dave then said he would like to train me to become a divemaster and work for One Ocean.
This made me very happy and excited. When our new instructor Barbora arrived, she taught my EFR and PADI Rescue Course. I want to thank my dear Barusha for all her help. With that completed, I dived a lot and practised what I had learned and worked with our instructors and divemasters on the boat. After that, Dave took me for Divemaster training and after a lot of hard work I became a qualified PADI Divemaster. I now work for One Ocean as a Divemaster and love showing our guests the beautiful waters of Zanzibar.
I want to thank Mr. Dave for giving me the chance to become a PADI Divemaster and getting this far and Mr. Gary for his support. After all this time, I can now understand Mr. Dave’s crazy language…. thanks a lot buddy.
Note from Dave, manager One Ocean Stone Town
At One Ocean, we love to train our staff and especially our local staff, giving them the chance to learn and grow. Rashid is the perfect example of how hard work and dedication pays off. He is becoming an outstanding Divemaster and invaluable member of our team. Great work my friend, you have a bright future ahead.