Part-time employment is possible by becoming a scuba instructor. 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 enjoy a secure pension and a satisfying second life. Learn more about what it takes for a scuba instructor.
Qualifications to become a scuba instructor
To become a qualified scuba diving instructor, it is necessary to complete a course in scuba diving. This course will teach you how to use scuba equipment, and how to breathe underwater. You'll also learn about safety and theory of diving. You'll learn about these topics in a manual and through eLearning. In addition, you'll complete a confined water practice, typically in a pool. The final step is to perform four open water dives at maximum depth 18m.
Travelers are sometimes called scuba instructors. They are often required to travel and do not have a regular job. This is why they rely on freelance jobs. They are recognized as leaders in the industry. Certification 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 are also trained in basic emergency medicine skills and professional selling skills. Access to the best gear and parts is also available for Scuba Instructors. They can get the latest kit and replacement parts at half of the retail price.
Salary for a 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. Scuba instructors live overseas, so their take-home pays are higher than average. 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. You'll find this job challenging and rewarding if you are interested. 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
Scuba instructors are not easy jobs. Scuba instructors are often a jack of all trades, requiring a diverse set of skills and a highly-competitive environment. The demand for scuba divers is far greater than the supply. Instructors may find themselves balancing the demands of teaching with work-life balance, hauling heavy tanks, and dealing with high-stress environments.
The environment in which a scuba instructor works varies depending on what resort or dive facility they work at. For example, a dive store-based instructor may work 40 hours a week to teach two classes, averaging 60 hours per week. A resort-based instructor may work six days a weeks, and even seven days during peak tourist periods. You must keep up with the latest trends and techniques in order to be competitive in this industry.
Scuba Instructor Career Outlook
Divers have many benefits and a career as an instructor can help you reap many of them. This job is for people who love being in the water, but don't like dealing with violence or people. Scuba instructors are able to develop as leaders and individuals in addition to the physical benefits. Scuba instructors become part of a network and are surrounded by mentors, like-minded people. The career can present challenges such as heavy lifting, insufficient time to train and certify students, and stress management.
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. Dive resort instructors can expect to work 60 hours per week. The average scuba instructor works 40 hours per week, and usually teaches two classes per week.