A career as a scuba teacher is a great option for those looking for part-time jobs. As a diving instructor, you'll be able to earn enough to fund your travels and hobby. Many middle-aged scuba instructors are retired teachers, law enforcement officers, and military veterans. Many enjoy a secure pension and a satisfying second life. Read on to learn more about how to become a certified scuba instructor.
Qualifications to become an instructor in scuba diving
You must complete a scuba dive instructor course before you can become a scuba diver. You will learn the basics of diving equipment and how you can breathe underwater. You will also learn about the theory and safety of diving. These topics will be taught to you in a guide and through eLearning. You will also be required to complete a confined water exercise, usually in a pool. Four open water dives will be required to test your knowledge and skills at 18 meters.
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. Instructors are considered to be leaders in their field and certified agencies support them. Instructor training goes beyond just teaching people how to dive and teaches them how to care for others. Instructors are also trained in basic emergency medicine skills and professional selling 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. It isn’t a huge salary for a profession, but it’s enough to cover living expenses in many countries. Scuba instructors live overseas, so their take-home pays are higher than average. However, it is not unusual for them needing to move frequently to secure work.
As an instructor, you'll be responsible for teaching others to dive, as well as leading dive trips. You'll find this job challenging and rewarding if you are interested. It's also important to have good communication skills and a positive attitude to attract potential clients. For example, scuba instructors who have been in the hospitality business should be able build strong relationships with local business owners.
Instructors in Scuba have a great work environment
The job of a scuba instructor isn't easy. Divers must have diverse skills and work in a highly competitive environment. It is no surprise that the demand of scuba instructors 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.
The type of resort or diving facility a diver works for will affect how they are able to 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 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.
Scuba Instructor Career Outlook
Scuba diving has many benefits, and a career as a scuba instructor offers many of these benefits. This job is perfect for those who like being outdoors and don't mind dealing with people. Scuba instructors have the opportunity to grow and become leaders. Scuba instructors work as part of a community and will be surrounded by like-minded people and mentors. There are many challenges to this career, including heavy lifting, lack of time for training and certification students, and managing stress.
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. Some instructors may even work seven-days a week during peak times. Instructors working at dive resorts will typically work between 60 and 60 hours per week. The average scuba instructor works 40 hours per week, and usually teaches two classes per week.