CAreer as a Dive Instructor or Divemaster?

[BILL]

Could one have a good career as a Dive instructor or Divemaster? I am PADI certified looking to going through the process to become certified. I love diving, I go every weekend. My Mom always said "Do what you love"

[Sara]

You might want to consider that as a "on the side" job. They hardly make any money.

[Mall]

OF course you can. Now getting someone to hire you might be a challenge so try and find a shop to volunteer at to get experience. My brother started at 20, worked at numerous resorts as a dive instructor and dive master (as well as a bartender) for 15 years. He now owns his own dive locker in Sydney.

Individually, these certification are spending money jobs, together you can make a living.

[moviebuff]

Define what you mean by a "good" career. If you mean one where you have enough money to do typical things like buy a house, a car, and support a family...not likely unless you own a successful dive center. If you mean one where you make just enough money to survive working 10-12 hour days, 6-7 days a week, where every day is different and you truly love working with people in and out of the water, then sure.

First, you need to become an instructor. There are very few career opportunities for DMs since an instructor can perform both teaching and DMing duties but a DM cannot teach. Why hire both an instructor and a DM when an instructor can do both jobs?

Second, you need to have other skills to distinguish yourself from the thousands of other instructors out there. Here are some additional skills that will improve your chances for employment:

- Be able to drive a boat. In US waters this means having a captain's license.
- Be able to repair boat engines.
- Be able to service and repair scuba equipment, especially regulators.
- Be able to visually inspect scuba cylinders and service tank valves.
- Be able to service and repair air compressors.
- Be adept at retail skills, including selling scuba equipment and classes.
- Be adept at computer skills such as web page design or social media activities.
- Be fun & entertaining while maintaining a professional attitude & demeanor.

You should also be aware that working as a DM or instructor is nothing like being a diver on vacation. You don't get to lay around on the beach after diving soaking up the sun and partying with your friends every night, you are there to work. It is your job to take care of all the things that have to be done in the background that your customers aren't expected to do or may not even be aware need to be done so that their diving experience goes smoothly. You will have to deal with all sorts of divers who range from being overconfident and arrogant to students who are anxious and fearful. You have to be resourceful enough to deal with all the problems that come up, because things rarely go as planned. You should also be prepared to spend a significant amount of time NOT diving.

Something that also needs to be considered is that, like professional sports, one bad accident can end your career. So having something else that you can fall back on is a good idea.

If this all sounds good to you, then go for it. I would suggest first becoming an instructor and seeing how you like that role before committing to a career in recreational diving. If you enjoy it, then follow your dream.

Good luck!