A career as a scuba teacher is a great option for those looking for part-time jobs. You'll earn enough to cover your travels or hobby by being a diving instructor. Many middle-aged, retired teachers and law enforcement officers are scuba instructors. Many enjoy a secure pension and a satisfying second life. For more information on what it takes to become a scuba instructor, read on.
Qualifications to become a scuba instructor
To become a qualified scuba diving instructor, it is necessary to complete a course in scuba diving. 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. You'll learn about these topics in a manual and through eLearning. You will also be required to complete a confined water exercise, usually in a pool. Next, you will need to do four open water diving tests. These will test your knowledge and skills up to a maximum depth limit of 18 metres.
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 considered leaders in the industry and certifying agencies support their instructors. Instructor training is more than just teaching how to dive. It also teaches how to care for others. Instructors also learn basic sales skills and emergency medicine skills. Access to the best gear and parts is also available for Scuba Instructors. They can get the latest kit and replacement parts at half of the retail price.
Salary of a certified 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. Because scuba instructors tend to live abroad, their take-home pay is higher than the average. It is not unusual for them to need to move often to find stable employment.
You will be teaching others how to dive as well as leading dive 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. A good example of this is scuba instructors who have had experience working in the hospitality sector.
The work environment for a scuba instructor
Being a scuba instructor can be difficult. 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 might have to balance teaching with their work-life balance, carrying heavy tanks and dealing with high-stress situations.
The environment in which a scuba instructor works varies depending on what resort or dive facility they work at. A dive shop-based instructor might work 40 hours per week to teach two classes and average 60 hours per week. A resort-based instructor might work six or seven days a week during peak tourist seasons. You must keep up with the latest trends and techniques in order to be competitive in this industry.
Scuba Instructor Career Outlook
Scuba diving offers many benefits. Being a scuba teacher is one example of this. This job is best for people who enjoy being outdoors in the ocean and do not like to deal with violence. In addition to the physical benefits, scuba instructors can grow as individuals and leaders. Scuba instructors work as part of a community and will be surrounded by like-minded people and mentors. This career is not for everyone. It requires heavy lifting and can be stressful.
Although scuba instructors might not have typical job duties they expect to work over forty hours per week and sometimes teach as many as two classes. During busy times, some instructors may work seven days each week. Diving resort instructors typically expect to work at least 60 hour per week. Generally, scuba instructors work 40 hours a week and usually teach two classes a week.