SCUBA Instructor Job Information
No doubt the advent of scuba technology in the 1960s led to a boom in the recreational diving industry, but it also led to the need for professionals who can teach the needed skills and continue the growth of the sport. Both the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) and the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) have strict guidelines and curriculums in place that allow the novice diver to advance onward to instruct others.
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Job Description
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Dive instructors guide beginning students through the basic water-based pool skills needed for the new diver to obtain their open water certification or C-Card. The dive instructor's job is to stress safety throughout the course, answer questions, alleviate nervousness and demonstrate basic scuba skills. These skills follow guidelines under the Divemaster, set out by the licensing company (PADI or NAUI) with which the instructor is affiliated. Skills include correct underwater breathing techniques, basic equipment maintenance and use, regulator and mask recovery, finning maneuvers and adapting to emergency situations.
PADI Requirements
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Scuba divers who have successfully completed their open water diving must log (document) at least 60 dives that include night, deep and navigation diving in order to qualify for the course. At completion of the course, 100 dives must be logged. Diving instructor hopefuls must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid CPR/first aid certification from an approved licensing agency and have held their C-Card for at least six months. The instructor course is divided into two segments: completing the first grants the diver the distinction of being a dive instructor assistant; the second follows through to grant the diver the dive instructor license.
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NAUI Requirements
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NAUI's requirements mirror those of PADI. Divers must meet certain prerequisites in order to apply for the instructor course, such as logged dives at varying depths and times and certified and approved gear. Medical clearance must be given, with the diver having a check-up within one year of enrolling in the course. The applicant must score at least a passing grade of 75 percent on their final written exam and demonstrate all required skills to earn the dive instructor title.
Employment
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Both PADI and NAUI dive instructors enjoy employment opportunities worldwide, wherever there's an affiliate. Most instructors are employed by their corresponding dive center; naturally, jobs are more abundant along coasts. Commission-based salaries for dive instructors vary and aren't generally very high. However, many instructors use their salary to supplement income from another job. Besides pay, there are many perks. Dive instructors usually travel for free or pay reduced rates on nearly all diving excursions sponsored by the dive center, a practice that could save the instructor thousands of dollars a year, depending on the number of trips taken.
Advancement Opportunities
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Both licensing agencies allow proficient diving instructors to continue their education and diving experience to earn the coveted distinction of being a divemaster. Divemasters plan, organize and lead all diving excursions, as being a divemaster is full-time job. Going through the course allows the diver hopeful the chance at earning transferable college credit as well. Several courses are offered to help instructor applicants improve their skills, thus upping their chances at earning the divemaster distinction. Underwater photography, Nitrox (enriched air) diving and emergency response are among those courses.
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References
- Photo Credit scuba diving image by les sanders from Fotolia.com
