How to Be a SCUBA Diver Instructor

SCUBA instructors need a great amount of diving experience.

SCUBA diving is a hobby enjoyed by many people around the world. Some people also SCUBA dive as part of their profession, including some members of the armed forces, rescue searchers and marine biologists. Teaching others can be the ideal career if you are an avid diver. If you want to earn a part or full-time income as a SCUBA diver instructor, you will have to meet stringent physical requirements and have a vast amount of diving experience.

Instructions

1. Pick the organization you want to be certified through, such as the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the National Academy of Scuba Educators, the National Association of Underwater Instructors, Scuba Schools International and Unified Team Diving. It is important to do this early on, so you know how many dives you'll need to log, as well as the required expenses, classes and exams.

2. Take SCUBA diving lessons. You cannot become a SCUBA diving instructor without being a master diver yourself. Most SCUBA diving certification providers can provide you with a list of diving instructors and schools near you.

3. Purchase the equipment needed to become a SCUBA diving instructor, including a mask, fins, compass, exposure suit, regulator, snorkel, and audio and visual signaling devices. The organization that you choose to receive certification from will provide an exact list of what you need.

4. Learn all you can about SCUBA diving equipment--this is crucial not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of the people you instruct. You will gain much of this experience through trial and error while learning how to SCUBA dive, but you can also study. Part of being a good instructor is knowing how tell when a diver is properly wearing their equipment, and when a piece is not working correctly.

5. Obtain CPR and first-aid certification. This is required by most organizations that certify SCUBA driving instructors. Contact your local American Heart Association or Red Cross to find CPR and first-aid classes.

6. Pay all fees and complete the written and physical tests required by your chosen organization with a passing score. Depending on the organization, you may also need to get your doctor to sign a medical statement.

Tips & Warnings

• It is a standard requirement that you be at least 18 years old before becoming a SCUBA diver instructor.

References

• Entrepreneur.com: Entrepreneur Business Idea Center - Scuba Diving Instruction
• Precision Diving; The Economy and the Scuba Industry: Tips to Improve Your Scuba Business; Duane Johnson