A career as a scuba teacher is a great option for those looking for part-time jobs. As a diving teacher, you can make enough to support your hobbies and travels. Many middle-aged scuba instructors can be retired military veterans, police officers and teachers. Many of them enjoy a comfortable pension and a fulfilling second life. Learn more about what it takes for a scuba instructor.
Qualifications to become a scuba instructor
If you want to become a scuba diving instructor, you must first complete a scuba diving course. The course covers everything you need to know about scuba diving equipment and how it works underwater. You'll also learn about safety and theory of diving. These topics are covered both in a book and via eLearning. A confined water practice will be completed, usually in the pool. Next, you will need to do four open water diving tests. These will test your knowledge and skills up to a maximum depth limit of 18 metres.
Scuba instructors may also be called "travelers", as they are often required to travel. They are respected as industry leaders and have certifying agencies supporting them. Instructor training goes beyond just teaching people how to dive and teaches them how to care for others. Instructors are also taught basic emergency medical skills and professional sales 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 for a Scuba Instructor
The average annual salary for a scuba instructor is around $18,000 to $20,000 but can rise over time. Although it is not an excessive salary for a career in scuba, it covers the cost of living in many different countries. The take-home pay for scuba instructors is usually higher than the national average because they live abroad. However, it is not unusual for them needing to move frequently to secure work.
Instructors are responsible for teaching other divers to dive and leading trips. You will find this job very challenging and not boring if you are interested in this career. A positive attitude and good communication skills are essential to attract potential clients. Scuba instructors who have worked in the hospitality industry, for example, should be able to build good relationships with local business owners.
The work environment for a scuba instructor
The job of a scuba instructor isn't easy. Divers must have diverse skills and work in a highly competitive environment. It's not surprising, then, that the demand for scuba instructors far outweighs the supply. Instructors may have to manage the demands of teaching while also managing their personal lives, such as hauling heavy tanks or dealing with high stress environments.
Based on where the instructor works, the work environment can vary. An instructor who works at a dive shop may teach two classes for 40 hours each week, while an instructor at a resort might be working 60 hours per weeks. A resort-based scuba instructor might work six days a week or even seven days during peak tourist seasons. As with any job, it is essential to stay current on new trends and techniques to remain relevant in the industry.
Career prospects for a scuba teacher
Many benefits come with scuba diving. A career as a scuba diver instructor provides many of these benefits. This job is for people who love being in the water, but don't like dealing with violence or people. Scuba instructors will reap the benefits of being able to improve their leadership skills and personal growth. Scuba instructors will work in a team and be surrounded by mentors and other like-minded individuals. You will have to lift heavy objects, train and certify students quickly, and deal with stress.
Although they might not have traditional job duties, scuba instructors expect to work more then forty hours a weeks, sometimes teaching two classes. During busy times, some instructors may work seven days each week. Instructors at dive resorts typically work 60 hours a week. Generally, scuba instructors work 40 hours a week and usually teach two classes a week.