Part-time employment is possible by becoming a scuba instructor. 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 them enjoy a comfortable pension and a fulfilling second life. Read on to learn more about how to become a certified scuba instructor.
You need to be a certified scuba instructor
First, you need to take a scuba instructor course. 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 will be covered in a manual as well as through eLearning. A confined water practice will be completed, usually in the pool. The final step is to perform four open water dives at maximum depth 18m.
Because they travel frequently and don't have a stable job, scuba instructors are often called "travelers". They rely on freelance work to make ends meet. They are respected as industry leaders and have certifying agencies supporting them. Instructor training doesn't just teach you how to dive, but also how to help others. Instructors learn how to provide professional sales skills as well as basic medical skills. Instructors in scuba diving have access to discounted gear and parts so that they can buy the most recent kits and replacement parts for half the retail price.
Salary for a scuba instructor
An average annual salary for a Scuba Instructor is $18,000-$20,000. However, it can rise over time. Although it is not an excessive salary for a career in scuba, it covers the cost of living in many different countries. Their take-home income is usually higher because scuba instructors often live in other countries. 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. This career is for you if this interests you. The job is challenging 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.
Instructors in Scuba have a great work environment
A scuba instructor's work is not an easy one. Scuba instructors are often a jack of all trades, requiring a diverse set of skills and a highly-competitive environment. It's not surprising, then, that the demand for scuba instructors far outweighs the supply. Instructors may need to balance work and family life, transport heavy tanks and deal with high-stress environments.
There are many factors that affect the work environment of scuba instructors, depending on where they 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 instructor may work six days a weeks, and even seven days during peak tourist periods. As with any job, it is essential to stay current on new trends and techniques to remain relevant in the industry.
Scuba Instructor Career Outlook
Scuba diving has many benefits, and a career as a scuba instructor offers 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 are able to develop as leaders and individuals in addition to the physical benefits. Scuba instructors can be part of a larger community, and will be surrounded and mentored by others who share the same interests. The career can present challenges such as heavy lifting, insufficient time to train and certify students, and stress management.
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 who work at dive resorts can expect to work at least 60 hours per week. Scuba instructors generally work 40 hours a weeks and typically teach two classes per day.