What qualifications are needed to work at Greenwich Diving?

Well, we are members of PADI, the largest and most important company specializing in scuba diving in the world. . They hold courses at all levels for people who want to make scuba diving their profession.

What are most popular activities with your customers?

There are two very popular activities.  The first is what is known as the “Baptism” which is basically your first scuba diving experience.  The second, our training courses which vary from basic training, instructor, advanced, rescue and master courses.  In 2010 we gave nearly 500 courses and we are very proud that our clients were satisfied with our services.

You are well known for the environmental work you carry out. Tell us a little bit about that.

We work with several different towns, mainly with Altea on various initiatives.  One of the most unusual ones is during the fiestas of L ‘Olla.  Once the firework displays are over we clean the seabed, collecting any debris free of charge.  We also give lectures in local schools on marine conservation, maintaining the cleanliness of our beaches etc….

We received an award for the Best Diving Centre in Spain in 2009 and another in 2010 for our conservation work and further education.

Is there a specific type of client that comes to the diving centre?

About 82% of our clients are Spanish and the rest Norwegian, Dutch, French, German and Russian.  Our instructors speak several different languages allowing us to widen the market for our product and ensure that all clients enjoy their diving experience.

We open all year round, so the clients that dive in the winter months are generally local and enjoy special discounts.  In the summer we have many clients from Madrid and the Basque Country.  These clients come to us recommended by friends; word of mouth is our best publicity.

Speaking of advertising, what other tactics do you use?

We have billboards in various locations, adverts on different websites and we have recently joined Facebook, with plans to get 12 million visits in 1 month. We would like to become a social club as well as a diving club, where lovers of the sport can meet and share experiences.  We have also started a forum where clients can converse and arrange their visits to the club.

Are there any requirements for people wishing to dive?

The minimum age is 14 years but there is no maximum age as this depends on the physical condition of each individual.  We also have a programmed activities specifically aimed at children and young people.

Where do your activities take place?

Here in the bay of Altea, northward up to the Peñon de Ifach and then southwards to the Island Mediana.  The Benidorm Island or the Journalists Island as it is also known is perfect for diving due to the profound depth of the water in that area.

What is a typical day like?

We generally start at midday. The team give a lecture to ensure clients know the details of each dive and knowledge of the area they will be diving in.

Each dive takes about 50 minutes then at approx 12:30 o 13:00 we return to the port.  There are also afternoon dives at 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00 hours and we offer the possibility of night dives.

What equipment is needed?

All our equipment is new, clothes, bottles, vests, etc. Many clients bring their own equipment, but we can provide tourists with anything they need.  Another unusaul fact  is that our boat is made of aluminum, unlike other boats of similar characteristics used for diving.

Have a look at our discount voucher for the diving centre (click on discounts) , just print it out and take it with you.

For more information contact

Greenwich Diving Centre

Telephone 00 34 96 688 1457

www.greenwichdiving.com

Leticia Murillo

Exbenidorm.