A career as a scuba teacher is a great option for those looking for part-time jobs. You can earn enough money to travel and enjoy your hobby as a diving instructor. Many middle-aged scuba instructors can be retired military veterans, police officers and teachers. Many of these scuba instructors enjoy a secure retirement and a fulfilling life after work. Continue reading to find out more about the requirements for becoming a scuba diver instructor.
Qualifications to become an instructor in scuba diving
A scuba diving class is required to be a certified instructor. The course covers the basics of scuba equipment as well as how to breathe underwater. It also teaches about diving safety and the theory behind it. 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. 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.
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 is more than just teaching how to dive. It also teaches how to care for others. Instructors are also trained in basic emergency medicine skills and professional selling skills. Scuba instructors also have access at a significant discount to gear and parts. This allows them to buy new kits and replacements at half the cost of retail.
Salary for a scuba instructor
An instructor in scuba diving will earn an average salary of $18,000 to $20,000. However, this can change 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. But, they may need to relocate often in order to find stable work.
You will be teaching others how to dive as well as leading dive trips. This job is a great choice for those who are interested in this career. It's challenging 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.
Work environment of a scuba instructor
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 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. An instructor who works at a dive shop may teach two classes for 40 hours each week, while an instructor at a resort might be working 60 hours per weeks. 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.
Career outlook for a Scuba Instructor
There are many benefits to diving, and being a scuba instructor is one of those benefits. This job is for people who love being in the water, but don't like dealing with violence or people. Scuba instructors have the opportunity to grow and become leaders. 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. Instructors working at dive resorts will typically work between 60 and 60 hours per week. Scuba instructors typically work 40 hours per week and teach two classes each week.