There are many reasons for people to dream of having a career as a scuba diving instructor. It is a line of work which offers flexibility, as instructors can find job placements in thousands of exotic locations around the world. It also provides the possibility of swimming with a vast array of awe inspiring marine life on a daily basis.
What Does Scuba Diving Instructor Training Include?
Before budding divers can begin their instructor training, they first need to attain an open water diving certification in order to become a qualified scuba diver. The training required for this license ensures that divers are qualified to take part in open water dives, without the supervision of an instructor. That being said most diving organizations do provide all inclusive courses, which means that previous diving experience is not required.
Once a diver has acquired their open water certification, they are then free to continue training as an instructor. Courses include practical and theoretical training, such as psychology based methods of in water teaching, in water problem solving techniques, medical training and procedures, and how to use of all the necessary equipment correctly.
Trainees will also be taught about the environment, diving physics, decompression, gas mixes, and nitrox. Some courses will also include education on the business aspects of scuba diving. Once the training is complete, the newly qualified instructor can then look for a placement immediately, to begin their career teaching other budding divers.
Courses can take several weeks, although many diving organizations offer a crash course, which means that training is condensed into a series of long training days. Costs vary, usually depending upon the location. The readers of SCUBA travel have voted for locations off the coast of Australia, Belize, Thailand, and Hawaii, as the best hot spots for scuba diving.
The most popular diving organizations, which provide scuba diving instruction and courses include PADI (the Professional Association of Dive Instructors), NAUI (the National Association of Underwater Instructors), SSI (Scuba Schools International), and BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club).
What Further Scuba Diving Courses are Available?
There are also further learning opportunities available, such as underwater photography and videography courses, and a variety of other further diving courses which can lead to a wider range of job opportunities. Graduates of instructor training programs can go on to gain a variety of occupations, such as:
- resort instructor
- marine institute instructor
- dive tour operator
- under water photographer
- marine mammal trainer
- cruise ship diver
- theme park dive team
- police diver trainer
- scientific dive team
- NASA astronaut trainer.
Both scuba diving instructor training courses and all of the further diving courses can be booked in advance over the internet, or through a booking agent. Many companies also offer packages which include meals and accommodation.
Suzanna Hulmes - Suzanna Hulmes has a BA Hons Degree in Creative Writing and Photography and Video. After taking a year out to travel extensively she is ...
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