Consider a career as an instructor in scuba diving if you're looking for part-time work. As a diving instructor, you'll be able to earn enough to fund your travels and hobby. Many middle-aged, retired teachers and law enforcement officers are scuba instructors. Many of them enjoy a comfortable pension and a fulfilling second life. Continue reading to find out more about the requirements for becoming a scuba diver instructor.
Qualifications to become a 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. You'll also learn about safety and theory of diving. You'll learn about these topics in a manual and 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.
Scuba instructors are also known as "travelers" because they are required to travel often and may not have a steady job, and so they have to rely on freelance jobs. They are recognized as leaders in the industry. Certification agencies support their instructors. Instructor training doesn't just teach you how to dive, but also how to help 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 of a scuba instructor
A scuba instructor's annual salary is typically around $18,000 to $20,000, but it can increase 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. Their take-home income is usually higher because scuba instructors often live in other countries. They may have to move frequently in order to find steady work.
Instructors teach other people to dive. They also lead trips. If you're interested in this career choice, you'll find the job highly demanding and never boring. A positive attitude and good communication skills are essential to attract potential clients. Scuba instructors who have worked in the hospitality industry, for example, should be able to build good relationships with local business owners.
Instructors who teach scuba diving are required to be able to communicate with their students.
Scuba instructors are not easy jobs. Scuba instructors are often a jack of all trades, requiring a diverse set of skills and a highly-competitive environment. It is no surprise that the demand of scuba instructors outweighs the supply. Instructors may be required to work hard, carry heavy tanks, and manage 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. An instructor at a resort might work six days per week, or seven during peak tourist season. It is important to keep up to date with new techniques and trends in order to be relevant in the industry.
Career prospects for a scuba teacher
Scuba diving has many benefits, and a career as a scuba instructor offers many of these benefits. This job is for people who love being in the water, but don't like dealing with violence or people. 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.
Although they might not have traditional job duties, scuba instructors expect to work more then forty hours a weeks, sometimes teaching two classes. During busy times, some instructors may work seven days each week. Dive resort instructors can expect to work 60 hours per week. Instructors in scuba dive resorts typically work 40 hours a semaine and usually teach two classes every week.