A career as a scuba teacher is a great option for those looking for part-time jobs. You can earn enough money to travel and enjoy your hobby as a diving instructor. Many middle-aged scuba instructors can be retired military veterans, police officers and teachers. Many of them have a happy retirement and a fulfilled second life. 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 covers the basics of scuba equipment as well as how to breathe underwater. The course also covers safety tips and their theory. 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. Four open water dives will be required to test your knowledge and skills at 18 meters.
Scuba instructors are also called "travelers" as they often travel. They are considered leaders in the industry and certifying agencies support their instructors. 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 are also given access to heavily discounted gear and parts, so they can purchase the latest kits and replacement parts at half the price of the retail price.
Salary for a diving instructor
The average annual salary for a scuba instructor is around $18,000 to $20,000 but can rise 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 are more likely to be based abroad than the average person. This means that their take-home salary is much higher than the norm. It is not unusual for them to need to move often to find stable employment.
Instructors will teach others how to dive, and lead dive trips. This job is a great choice for those who are interested in this career. It's challenging and never boring. A positive attitude and good communication skills are essential to attract potential clients. If you have experience in the hospitality industry, you should be able develop good relationships with local business people.
Work environment of a scuba instructor
A scuba instructor's work is not an easy one. Divers are often an expert in all things, so they need to have a wide range of skills and be competitive. The demand for scuba divers is far greater than the supply. Instructors might have to balance teaching with their work-life balance, carrying heavy tanks and dealing with high-stress situations.
The type of resort or diving facility a diver works for will affect how they are able to work. For example, a instructor working at a dive center might teach two classes per week for 40 hours. A typical week is 60 hours. A resort-based scuba instructor might work six days a week or even seven days during peak tourist seasons. To stay relevant in the industry, it's important to stay up-to-date on all new trends and techniques.
Career outlook for a scuba instructor
There are many benefits to diving, and being a scuba instructor is one of those 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 become part of a network and are surrounded by mentors, like-minded people. This career is not for everyone. It requires heavy lifting and can be stressful.
While scuba instructors don't have a typical job, they can expect to work more hours than 40 hours per week. Sometimes, they may even teach two classes. Some instructors may even work seven-days a week during peak times. Diving resort instructors typically expect to work at least 60 hour per week. The average scuba instructor works 40 hours per week, and usually teaches two classes per week.