How to Become a Diving Instructor

So you've gotten scuba certified, and you're loving it. In fact, you're thinking of making a career of it. Becoming a dive instructor seems like a great way to broaden your love or diving. Of course, there are pitfalls, too.

There are many different scuba certification agencies, all with different requirements for instructors. The steps outlined here focus on PADI certification.

Things You'll Need

• Proof that you are a PADI Divemaster or Assistant Instructor in good standing, or an instructor with another training organization
• Proof that you are certified as an Emergency First Response instructor
• Proof that you are over 18 years of age
• Proof that you have been certified for at least 6 months
• Logbook showing at least 60 logged dives, including night, deep and navigation experience
• Proof of CPR or first-aid training
• Medical statement signed by a physician within the past 12 months
• All basic scuba gear
• Two signaling devices, one audible and one visual
• PADI instructor Development Course manuals and materials

Instructions

1. Locate a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Program in the geographical area where you live or would like to learn.

2. Provide all materials shown on the list above to the school you've selected, along with fees for the course.

3. Participate in all required classroom, pool and open-water components of the training program.

4. Attend and participate in 14 curriculum presentations.

5. Complete at least two confined water teaching presentations.

6. Complete at least two knowledge development presentations

7. Complete at least two open-water teaching presentations integrating two skills.

8. Demonstrate competence at all 20 required dive skills.

9. Complete a face down nonstop swim for 800 meters using mask, snorkel and fins.

10. Pass a five-part diving theory exam, scoring a minimum of 75 percent on each section (you must have completed 100 dives in order to take the exam).

Tips & Warnings

• Other certification agencies have different requirements for becoming an instructor. Make sure you determine which agency you'd like to teach through.

• While being a dive instructor can be fun and exciting, this highly competitive field often provides only part-time work. Be certain you can make the financial sacrifices necessary to become an instructor. Consider becoming a PADI Course Director; opportunities for improved income often come from completion of this program.

References

• PADI