Becoming a dive instructor is the perfect way to combine a love of diving and teaching others. This career offers many unique benefits, including flexible work schedules and the opportunity to teach anywhere in the world where there is diving.
The job is demanding and requires patience and flexibility on the part of your students, but it can also be a very rewarding experience. You can help people discover the world of scuba diving, and seeing your students’ faces light up when they get their first glimpses of that alien aquatic world is always a great feeling.
To become a dive instructor, you must complete the PADI IDC and pass the PADI Instructor Exam (IE). The IDC consists of the Assistant Instructor (AI) course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) course. It is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge you need to conduct beginner scuba lessons safely, effectively, and with a smile on your face.
You can take the AI and OWSI courses at the same time or in separate modules. The IDC focuses on the practical aspects of teaching, with knowledge presentations in classrooms and skill circuits in confined and open water. In addition, the IDC requires you to demonstrate your abilities during diving exercises.
Preparation for a Dive Instructor Qualification You’ll need to have near-perfect diving skills and an understanding of diving theory, which includes physics, physiology, and equipment mechanics. You’ll also need to be able to handle stressful and unexpected situations such as entanglements, out-of-air emergencies, or dive site problems.
Your IDC instructors will be friendly, experienced PADI Course Directors who have a passion for teaching and helping you succeed. They’ll guide you through the IDC and exam process and be on hand to answer any questions you may have along the way.
If you want to teach other divers, you need to complete the IDC, which is a two-week training program that qualifies you to instruct beginning dive courses. You’ll also need to pass the PADI IE, which tests your ability to teach all the basic scuba courses in theory and practice.
There are also many other ways to gain experience as a dive instructor, such as becoming a divemaster or assisting in classes before taking the IDC. The IDC is a rigorous and comprehensive program that covers all the skills you need to become an effective scuba instructor.
The IDC is a good time to start building up your dive experience, and it is especially important for divers who are looking to advance their careers in the field. It is a great way to learn about the industry and build a network of contacts for future opportunities.
After you’ve completed the IDC, it’s time to begin your professional become a dive instructor career. Once you’re a certified instructor, you can start working at your local dive shop or at a resort. The hours vary, but most mainland-based instructors spend 40-50 hours a week at a dive shop, and at resorts, it’s typically 60-hour weeks.
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