Organizations devoted to training scuba divers and scuba diving instructors have existed since the 1960s. For experienced, motivated scuba divers, instructor certification courses provide the first step towards turning a hobby into a profession. Once you have earned instructor certification with a nationally recognized organization, you can teach scuba diving courses at any of that organization's dive shops and resorts around the country.
Certifying Organizations
In 1960, NAUI, or the National Association of Underwater Instructors, was established as the first national training organization for scuba diving in the United States. PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, was established soon afterward in 1966. PADI has since become the world's largest scuba training organization, according to MarineBio.org.
Basic Prerequisites
Prospective scuba instructors must be at least 18 years old to enter training. You must verify that you are in good medical and physical condition with a medical statement signed by your physician. You cannot enter basic scuba certification classes or instructor training if you have medical conditions that may put you at risk underwater.
Required Experience
You must have extensive scuba diving experience to enter an instructor certification course. You must have documented CPR and first aid training as well as a certain number of logged dives. Different organizations require you to have different numbers of logged dives. PADI, for example, requires 60 logged dives, while NAUI requires only 50. Your dive log should include night dives, deep dives and navigation diving experience. You will also need to prove that you have passed certain other certification courses, such as divemaster, assistant instructor or skin diving instructor courses.
Course Content and Evaluation
The classroom or self-study portion of instructor certification courses covers dive theory, the dive industry, risk management, business strategies and dive instructors' legal responsibilities. During training, you will have to prepare classroom lectures and presentations as well as lessons in confined-water and open water sessions. At the end of the course, you will have to pass a swimming competency test, an extensive skills evaluation and a written exam.
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