DIYP Mentorship Program
Building The Future Of The Dive Industry – Together.
The future of the dive industry depends on the people who are willing to invest in it.
The Dive Industry Young Professionals (DIYP) Mentorship Program connects experienced dive industry professionals with emerging professionals who are looking to grow their careers, expand their skills, navigate the industry, and build meaningful professional relationships.
Mentorship is about more than sharing a résumé or making an introduction. It is about sharing experience, asking questions, learning from one another, and helping the next generation of dive professionals become confident, capable leaders.
Our goal is to create a culture where knowledge is shared, professionals support one another, and today’s mentees become tomorrow’s mentors.
A Commitment To Community
DIYP Mentors volunteer their time because they believe in the future of the dive industry.
Mentees commit to showing up, asking questions, accepting feedback, and taking ownership of their development.
Both sides bring something valuable to the relationship.
We believe the strongest mentorships are not one-directional. While mentors bring experience and perspective, mentees bring fresh ideas, new experiences, and a different view of the industry.
What Mentorship Is – and Isn’t
The DIYP Mentorship Program is a professional development opportunity built around guidance, learning, and community.
Mentorship does not guarantee:
- Employment
- Business opportunities
- Sales or customers
- Free products or services
- Industry introductions
- Sponsorships
- Financial assistance
- Professional certifications
- Any other specific career outcome
Mentors may choose to share resources, opportunities, or professional connections when appropriate, but these should never be expected or demanded.
Likewise, mentorship should never be used for sales solicitation, recruitment pressure, or personal financial gain.
Why Mentorship Matters
The dive industry is built on relationships, passion, experience, and people willing to share what they have learned.
Yet navigating a career in the dive industry can sometimes feel like trying to find your way without a map. There are countless career paths, specialties, businesses, and opportunities – and many of them are not obvious from the outside.
A mentor can help provide perspective, encouragement, practical knowledge, and an honest look at the industry.
Through this program, DIYP aims to:
- Strengthen the dive industry community and professional standards.
- Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
- Encourage retention and engagement among young professionals.
- Help emerging professionals develop confidence and career clarity.
- Develop the next generation of dive industry leaders.
- Create a culture of mentorship that continues from one generation of professionals to the next.
What Is A DIYP Mentor?
A DIYP Mentor is an experienced and trusted industry professional who volunteers their time, knowledge, and perspective to help guide an emerging professional.
Mentors may provide:
- Career guidance and perspective
- Industry knowledge
- Professional development support
- Skills development
- Constructive feedback
- Encouragement and accountability
- Insight into career pathways
- Guidance on navigating the dive industry
- Support in identifying professional goals
Mentors are not expected to have all the answers. They are expected to listen, share what they have learned, ask thoughtful questions, and help their mentee grow.
The dive industry is built on relationships, passion, experience, and people willing to share what they have learned.
Yet navigating a career in the dive industry can sometimes feel like trying to find your way without a map. There are countless career paths, specialties, businesses, and opportunities – and many of them are not obvious from the outside.
A mentor can help provide perspective, encouragement, practical knowledge, and an honest look at the industry.
Through this program, DIYP aims to:
- Strengthen the dive industry community and professional standards.
- Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
- Encourage retention and engagement among young professionals.
- Help emerging professionals develop confidence and career clarity.
- Develop the next generation of dive industry leaders.
- Create a culture of mentorship that continues from one generation of professionals to the next.
A DIYP Mentor is an experienced and trusted industry professional who volunteers their time, knowledge, and perspective to help guide an emerging professional.
Mentors may provide:
- Career guidance and perspective
- Industry knowledge
- Professional development support
- Skills development
- Constructive feedback
- Encouragement and accountability
- Insight into career pathways
- Guidance on navigating the dive industry
- Support in identifying professional goals
Mentors are not expected to have all the answers. They are expected to listen, share what they have learned, ask thoughtful questions, and help their mentee grow.
What Is A DIYP Mentee?
A DIYP Mentee is an emerging dive industry professional who is committed to taking an active role in their own professional development.
Mentees are expected to bring curiosity, goals, questions, and a willingness to learn.
The mentor provides guidance – the mentee owns their growth.
Who Is Eligible?
The DIYP Mentorship Program is designed for professionals within the dive industry who are looking to learn, grow, and contribute to the future of our community.
Mentors should have meaningful professional experience and be able to commit time to supporting an emerging professional. Age is not a factor at this point (meaning young leaders in the industry can be a mentor) – experience is.
Mentees should be motivated to develop their careers and actively participate in the mentorship relationship.
Participation is subject to DIYP review and program availability.
How The Program Works
1. Apply
Prospective mentors and mentees complete the appropriate application.
2. DIYP Reviews Applications
DIYP reviews applications to understand each participant’s experience, goals, interests, communication style, and expectations. Applications will be kept on file until applicants request the removal of their application.
3. Mentor Introduction
Prospective mentors may participate in a brief introductory conversation with a member of the DIYP team. This helps us better understand their experience, motivation, and approach to mentorship.
4. Matching
DIYP creates mentorship matches based on overall compatibility, including professional experience, goals, areas of interest, communication preferences, availability, and program needs.
A requested mentor or specific industry connection is not guaranteed. It may take some time for us to identify the appropriate connection.
5. Begin The Mentorship
Mentors and mentees meet to establish goals, communication preferences, expectations, and boundaries.
6. Quarterly Check-Ins
Both mentors and mentees complete brief quarterly check-ins. These help DIYP understand what is working, identify challenges, provide support, and ensure the program remains a positive experience for everyone involved.
7. Grow Together
Mentorship relationships may include virtual or in-person meetings, career discussions, goal setting, skill development, project guidance, networking conversations, and other activities mutually agreed upon by the mentor and mentee.
The One-Year Mentorship Journey
Mentorship relationships are different, so this timeline is intended as a guide rather than a rigid curriculum.
Month 1 – Connect & Establish Goals
Meet your mentor or mentee, establish communication preferences, discuss expectations, and identify initial goals.
Months 2–3 – Learn & Develop
Begin regular check-ins and focus on career goals, industry navigation, skills, and professional development.
Month 3 – First Check-In
Mentor and mentee complete their first quarterly check-in and identify any adjustments that may be helpful. Check-ins occur between the mentor and mentee – evaluations to DIYP are due at the same time, but these are to be completed separately and kept private between the evaluator and DIYP leaders.
Months 4–6 – Build Momentum
Continue developing goals and skills. When appropriate, mentors may provide project guidance, industry perspective, networking advice, or other opportunities for professional development.
Month 6 – Mid-Year Check-In
Review progress, celebrate accomplishments, and identify opportunities for continued growth. Check-ins occur between the mentor and mentee – evaluations to DIYP are due at the same time, but these are to be completed separately and kept private between the evaluator and DIYP leaders.
Months 7–9 – Expand & Apply
Put learning into practice, explore new professional opportunities, and continue building confidence and industry knowledge.
Month 9 – Third Check-In
Reflect on progress and address any concerns or changes in goals. Check-ins occur between the mentor and mentee – evaluations to DIYP are due at the same time, but these are to be completed separately and kept private between the evaluator and DIYP leaders.
Months 10–12 – Reflect & Look Ahead
Celebrate accomplishments, discuss long-term goals, and identify next steps beyond the formal mentorship year.
Month 12 – Final Check-In
Complete the final program evaluation and celebrate the impact of the mentorship experience.
Participants may have the opportunity to renew or continue their relationship beyond the formal program period.
Ready To Get Involved?
Whether you have decades of experience or are just beginning your career, there is a place for you in the DIYP community.
If you are ready to learn, share, grow, and help build the future of our industry, we invite you to apply.
Become A Mentor
Share what you’ve learned and help shape the next generation of dive industry professionals. Please read the expectations below before applying.
Become A Mentee
Bring your goals, curiosity, and ambition – and let someone who has been there help you navigate what’s next. Please read the expectations below before applying.
If you’re looking to support DIYP through other means, please consider a speaking/educational opportunity or becoming a sponsor!
Dive Industry Young Professionals 