Consider a career as an instructor in scuba diving if you're looking for part-time work. You can earn enough money to travel and enjoy your hobby as a diving instructor. Many middle-aged, retired teachers and law enforcement officers are scuba instructors. Many of them are able to enjoy a comfortable retirement and a fulfilling second lifestyle. Continue reading to find out more about the requirements for becoming a scuba diver instructor.
Qualifications for scuba instructors
To become a qualified scuba diving instructor, it is necessary to complete a course in scuba diving. The course teaches you the fundamentals of scuba equipment and how to breathe underwater. It also teaches you about dive safety and the theory behind them. These topics are covered both in a book and via eLearning. You'll also need to do a confined swimming practice, often in a pool. The final step is to perform four open water dives at maximum depth 18m.
Because they travel frequently and don't have a stable job, scuba instructors are often called "travelers". They rely on freelance work to make ends meet. They are considered leaders in the industry and certifying agencies support their instructors. Instructor training doesn't just teach you how to dive, but also how to help others. Instructors are also trained in basic emergency medicine skills and professional selling skills. Instructors in scuba diving have access to discounted gear and parts so that they can buy the most recent kits and replacement parts for half the retail price.
Salary of a certified scuba instructor
An instructor in scuba diving will earn an average salary of $18,000 to $20,000. However, this can change over time. It isn't a great salary for a professional career but it will cover many expenses such as living in foreign countries. Their take-home income is usually higher because scuba instructors often live in other countries. However, it is not uncommon for them to have to relocate frequently to find stable work.
As an instructor, you'll be responsible for teaching others to dive, as well as leading dive trips. This career is for you if this interests you. The job is challenging and never boring. To attract clients, it's important to be a good communicator and to keep a positive outlook. For example, scuba instructors who have been in the hospitality business should be able build strong relationships with local business owners.
Instructors of Scuba diving have to work in a positive environment
A scuba instructor's work is not an easy one. Scuba instructors often have to be a master of many trades. This requires a variety of skills and a competitive environment. It's not surprising, then, that the demand for scuba instructors far outweighs the supply. Instructors may need to balance work and family life, transport heavy tanks and deal with high-stress environments.
The type of resort or diving facility a diver works for will affect how they are able to work. A dive shop-based instructor might work 40 hours per week to teach two classes and average 60 hours per week. An instructor at a resort might work six days per week, or seven during peak tourist season. You must keep up with the latest trends and techniques in order to be competitive in this industry.
Scuba Instructor Career Outlook
Scuba diving offers many benefits. Being a scuba teacher is one example of this. This job is great for those who enjoy the ocean but are not comfortable dealing with other people or violence. Scuba instructors enjoy the physical benefits as well as the potential to become leaders and individuals. Scuba instructors become part of a network and are surrounded by mentors, like-minded people. There are many challenges to this career, including heavy lifting, lack of time for training and certification students, and managing stress.
Although scuba instructors might not have typical job duties they expect to work over forty hours per week and sometimes teach as many as two classes. Some instructors may even work seven days a week during busy times. Instructors at dive resorts typically work 60 hours a week. The average scuba instructor works 40 hours per week, and usually teaches two classes per week.