Consider a career as an instructor in scuba diving if you're looking for part-time work. As a diving teacher, you can make enough to support your hobbies and travels. Many middle-aged dive instructors are veterans, former teachers, police officers, and military personnel. Many of these scuba instructors enjoy a secure retirement and a fulfilling life after work. Learn more about what it takes for a scuba instructor.
You need to be a certified scuba instructor
To become a qualified scuba diving instructor, it is necessary to complete a course in scuba diving. 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. In addition, you'll complete a confined water practice, typically in a 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 are also called "travelers" as they often travel. They are respected as industry leaders and have certifying agencies supporting them. Instructor training is more than just teaching how to dive. It also teaches how to care for others. Instructors learn how to provide professional sales skills as well as basic medical skills. Scuba instructors have access to a wide range of discounted parts and gear, which allows them to purchase the latest equipment and replacement parts at half-off retail prices.
Salary of a scuba instructor
The average annual salary for a scuba instructor is around $18,000 to $20,000 but can rise over time. It's not an expensive salary, but it covers many of the expenses associated with living abroad. The take-home pay for scuba instructors is usually higher than the national average because they live abroad. It is not unusual for them to need to move often to find stable employment.
As an instructor, you'll be responsible for teaching others to dive, as well as leading dive trips. You will find this job very challenging and not boring if you are interested in this career. It's also important to have good communication skills and a positive attitude to attract potential clients. Experienced scuba instructors in hospitality should be able establish good relationships with local owners.
Work environment of 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 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. A dive shop-based instructor might work 40 hours per week to teach two classes and average 60 hours per week. A resort-based instructor may work six days a weeks, and even seven days during peak tourist periods. It is crucial to stay on top of new trends and techniques for any job.
Career prospects for a scuba teacher
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 will reap the benefits of being able to improve their leadership skills and personal growth. Scuba instructors work as part of a community and will be surrounded by like-minded people and mentors. The challenges of the career include heavy lifting, a lack of time to train and certify students, and dealing with stress.
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. In busy periods, some instructors might work seven days a weeks. Instructors working at dive resorts will typically work between 60 and 60 hours per week. The average scuba instructor works 40 hours per week, and usually teaches two classes per week.