You might consider a career in scuba instruction if you are looking for part time employment. A diving instructor can make enough to pay for your travels and hobbies. Many middle-aged scuba instructors are retired teachers, law enforcement officers, and military veterans. Many of them enjoy a comfortable pension and a fulfilling second life. You can read more about how to become an instructor in scuba diving.
Qualifications for scuba instructors
A scuba diving class is required to be a certified instructor. 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 are covered both in a book and via eLearning. You'll also need to do a confined swimming practice, often in a pool. The final step is to perform four open water dives at maximum depth 18m.
Scuba instructors may also be called "travelers", as they are often required to travel. Scuba instructors are leaders in the industry, and certification agencies support 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. 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
The annual salary for a scuba instructor ranges from $18,000 to $20,000, although it is possible to increase in the future. Although it is not an excessive salary for a career in scuba, it covers the cost of living in many different countries. Scuba instructors are more likely to be based abroad than the average person. This means that their take-home salary is much higher than the norm. It is not unusual for them to need to move often to find stable employment.
Instructors teach other people to dive. They also lead trips. You will find this job very challenging and not boring if you are interested in this career. You must also have excellent communication skills and a positive attitude in order to attract clients. For example, scuba instructors who have been in the hospitality business should be able build strong relationships with local business owners.
Work environment of a scuba instructor
The job of a scuba instructor isn't easy. Scuba instructors can be a mix of several skills, making them highly competitive. It is no surprise that the demand of scuba instructors outweighs the supply. Instructors may find themselves balancing the demands of teaching with work-life balance, hauling heavy tanks, and dealing with high-stress environments.
The type of resort or diving facility a diver works for will affect how they are able to 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 may work six days a weeks, and even seven days during peak tourist periods. It is important to keep up to date with new techniques and trends in order to be relevant in the industry.
The career outlook for a scuba instructor
Divers have many benefits and a career as an instructor can help you reap many of them. This job is for people who love being in the water, but don't like dealing with violence or people. Scuba instructors enjoy the physical benefits as well as the potential to become leaders and individuals. Scuba instructors can be part of a larger community, and will be surrounded and mentored by others who share the same interests. 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. In busy periods, some instructors might work seven days a weeks. Instructors at dive resorts typically work 60 hours a week. Scuba instructors generally work 40 hours a weeks and typically teach two classes per day.