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 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.
You need to be a certified scuba instructor
If you want to become a scuba diving instructor, you must first complete a scuba diving course. The course teaches you the fundamentals of scuba equipment and how to breathe underwater. You'll also learn about safety and theory of diving. These topics can be learned in a manual or through eLearning. Additionally, you will be required to perform a confined-water practice, which is usually done in a swimming pool. Four open water dives will be required to test your knowledge and skills at 18 meters.
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 respected as industry leaders and have certifying agencies supporting them. Instructor training goes beyond just teaching people how to dive and teaches them how to care for others. 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 of a certified 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. 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. They may have to move frequently in order to find steady work.
As an instructor, you'll be responsible for teaching others to dive, as well as leading dive trips. If you're interested in this career choice, you'll find the job highly demanding and never boring. Good communication skills are important, as well as 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
It is not easy to be a scuba instructor. Scuba instructors can be a mix of several skills, making them highly competitive. So it's not surprising that there is a high demand for scuba instructors. Instructors may need to balance work and family life, transport heavy tanks and deal with high-stress environments.
The type of resort or diving facility a diver works for will affect how they are able to work. 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. A resort-based instructor could work six days a semaine, or seven days during peak tourist times. To stay relevant in the industry, it's important to stay up-to-date on all new trends and techniques.
The career outlook for a scuba instructor
Many benefits come with scuba diving. A career as a scuba diver instructor provides many of these 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 will reap the benefits of being able to improve their leadership skills and personal growth. 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. Scuba instructors generally work 40 hours a weeks and typically teach two classes per day.