Experienced scuba divers can turn their favorite sport into a profession by entering scuba instructor training programs. Most certification organizations provide rigorous training for prospective teachers, preparing you to teach as a certified instructor at dive shops around the country.
Training Organizations
NAUI, the National Association of Underwater Instructors, became the first national scuba training organization in the United States in 1960. PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, was founded in 1966, and certified 3,226 new divers in its first year of operation in 1967, according to MarineBio.org. PADI has become the world's largest certifying organization, followed closely by NAUI, the British Sub Aqua Club and Scuba Schools International.
Prerequisites
You must meet several prerequisites before you can enter a scuba instructor course. Different certification organizations have different prerequisites, but most require that you be at least 18 years old before beginning instructor training. You must also demonstrate good physical and medical condition with an up-to-date medical statement signed by your physician. You must have proof of up-to-date CPR and first aid training. PADI requires you to have at least six months of diving experience and 60 logged dives, as well as divemaster or assistant instructor certification. Some of your logged dives should demonstrate experience in night, deep and navigation diving. NAUI requires you to have logged at least 50 dives, including some night, deep and navigation dives. You must have passed the divemaster, skin diving instructor or assistant instructor course.
Course Content
In instructor training courses, you will learn about dive theory, diving skills, the dive industry and business, risk management and the legal responsibilities of dive instructors. You will have to prepare classroom presentations and lectures as well as confined water teaching sessions and open water teaching sessions. You will have to pass a written test to demonstrate your mastery of dive theory, leadership and other material covered in the course. You will also be required to pass a swimming test and a skills evaluation.
Opportunities
As an open-water scuba instructor, you can teach most recreational and specialty courses. You may need additional training to teach courses such as underwater photography or videography. If you continue your instructor training, you will eventually be able to teach more advanced technical courses as well as instructor courses.
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