Consider a career as an instructor in scuba diving if you're looking for part-time work. A diving instructor can make enough to pay for your travels and hobbies. Many middle-aged dive instructors are veterans, former teachers, police officers, and military personnel. Many of them have a happy retirement and a fulfilled second life. For more information on what it takes to become a scuba instructor, read on.
Qualifications for scuba instructors
First, you need to take a scuba instructor course. The course covers everything you need to know about scuba diving equipment and how it works underwater. It also teaches you about dive safety and the theory behind them. These topics are covered both in a book and via eLearning. In addition, you'll complete a confined water practice, typically in a pool. You will then have to complete four open water dives, which will test your skills and knowledge at a maximum depth of 18 meters.
Scuba instructors are also called "travelers" as they often travel. They are respected as industry leaders and have certifying agencies supporting them. Instructor training does more than teach people how to dive. It also teaches them how they can care for others. Instructors are also trained in basic emergency medicine skills and professional selling 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 for a Scuba Instructor
An average annual salary for a Scuba Instructor is $18,000-$20,000. However, it can rise over time. 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. Scuba instructors live overseas, so their take-home pays are higher than average. 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 career is for you if this interests you. The job is challenging and never boring. To attract clients, it's important to be a good communicator and to keep a positive outlook. Experienced scuba instructors in hospitality should be able establish good relationships with local owners.
Instructors of Scuba diving have to work in a positive environment
It is not easy to be a scuba instructor. Scuba instructors often have to be a master of many trades. This requires a variety of skills and a 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. Instructors who work at dive shops may be required to work 40 hours per week in order to teach two classes. This is averaging 60 hours per weekly. An instructor at a resort might work six days per week, or seven during peak tourist season. 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
There are many benefits to diving, and being a scuba instructor is one of those benefits. This job is ideal for those who enjoy being out in the ocean, but do not enjoy dealing with people or being around violence. Scuba instructors enjoy the physical benefits as well as the potential to become leaders and individuals. Scuba instructors will work in a team and be surrounded by mentors and other like-minded individuals. The challenges of the career include heavy lifting, a lack of time to train and certify students, and dealing with stress.
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. Instructors working at dive resorts will typically work between 60 and 60 hours per week. Scuba instructors typically work 40 hours per week and teach two classes each week.