Part-time employment is possible by becoming a scuba instructor. You can earn enough money to travel and enjoy your hobby as a diving instructor. Many middle-aged scuba instructors are retired teachers, law enforcement officers, and military veterans. Many of these scuba instructors enjoy a secure retirement and a fulfilling life after work. Read on to learn more about how to become a certified scuba instructor.
Qualifications to become an instructor in scuba diving
A scuba diving class is required to be a certified instructor. 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. Additionally, you will be required to perform a confined-water practice, which is usually done in a swimming pool. The final step is to perform four open water dives at maximum depth 18m.
Scuba instructors may also be called "travelers", as they are often required to travel. They are considered leaders in the industry and certifying agencies support their instructors. Instructor training extends beyond teaching people to dive. It also includes the ability to teach others how to care for them. Instructors learn how to provide professional sales skills as well as basic medical skills. Scuba instructors also have access at a significant discount to gear and parts. This allows them to buy new kits and replacements at half the cost of retail.
Salary for a diving instructor
The annual salary for a scuba instructor ranges from $18,000 to $20,000, although it is possible to increase in the future. While it's not a high salary for a professional career, it's more than enough to cover the cost of living in many foreign locations. 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.
You will be teaching others how to dive as well as leading dive trips. This job is a great choice for those who are interested in this career. It's challenging and never boring. You must also have excellent communication skills and a positive attitude in order to attract clients. For example, scuba instructors who have been in the hospitality business should be able build strong relationships with local business owners.
The work environment for a scuba instructor
Scuba instructors are not easy jobs. Divers must have diverse skills and work in a highly competitive environment. It is not surprising then that the demand for instructors in scuba diving far exceeds the supply. Instructors may be required to work hard, carry heavy tanks, and manage 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 instructor may work six days a weeks, and even seven days during peak tourist periods. It is important to keep up to date with new techniques and trends in order to be relevant in the industry.
Scuba Instructor Career Outlook
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 enjoy the physical benefits as well as the potential to become leaders and individuals. Scuba instructors work as part of a community and will be surrounded by like-minded people and mentors. The career can present challenges such as heavy lifting, insufficient time to train and certify students, and stress management.
Scuba instructors may not have the typical job duties but expect to work more that forty hours a week. They might also teach up to two classes. Some instructors may even work seven-days a week during peak times. Instructors at dive resorts typically work 60 hours a week. Scuba instructors generally work 40 hours a weeks and typically teach two classes per day.