A career as a scuba teacher is a great option for those looking for part-time jobs. 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 are able to enjoy a comfortable retirement and a fulfilling second lifestyle. Learn more about what it takes for a scuba instructor.
To become a scuba instructor, you must have the following qualifications
First, you need to take a scuba instructor course. You will learn the basics of diving equipment and how you can breathe underwater. It also teaches you about dive safety and the theory behind them. These topics are covered both in a book and via eLearning. Additionally, you will be required to perform a confined-water practice, which is usually done in a swimming pool. You'll then need to complete four open-water dives that will test your skills, at a maximum depth up to 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 goes beyond just teaching people how to dive and teaches them how to care for others. Instructors also learn basic sales skills and emergency medicine 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 of a certified scuba instructor
The annual salary for a scuba instructor ranges from $18,000 to $20,000, although it is possible to increase in the future. 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. They may have to move frequently in order to find steady work.
Instructors teach other people to dive. They also lead trips. You will find this job very challenging and not boring if you are interested in this career. 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. It's not surprising, then, that the demand for scuba instructors far outweighs the supply. Instructors might have to balance teaching with their work-life balance, carrying heavy tanks and dealing with high-stress situations.
There are many factors that affect the work environment of scuba instructors, depending on where they work. 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.
Career outlook for a scuba instructor
Scuba diving has many benefits, and a career as a scuba instructor offers many of these benefits. This job is best for people who enjoy being outdoors in the ocean and do not like to deal with violence. Scuba instructors will reap the benefits of being able to improve their leadership skills and personal growth. Scuba instructors are part of a group and will be surrounded with mentors and like-minded people. The career can present challenges such as heavy lifting, insufficient time to train and certify students, and stress management.
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. In busy periods, some instructors might work seven days a weeks. Instructors at dive resorts typically work 60 hours a week. Scuba instructors typically work 40 hours per week and teach two classes each week.