If diving is your passion, then you may want to consider becoming a Padi dive instructor. Scuba diving instructors get to dive every day, travel to beautiful locations, and meet people from round the world. There are quite a few steps you will need to take to become a certified dive instructor, but these should be easy for anyone who truly loves the sport and wants to pass on their appreciation of the underwater world.
Get Your PADI Open Water Diver Certifications
The first things you will need to become a Padi dive instructor are your Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications. The Open Water course teaches you the basics and allows you to dive up to 18 feet or 60 meters anywhere in the world. The Advanced Open Water course expands your knowledge of underwater exploration and will allow you to dive up to 98 feet or 30 meters anywhere in the world.
Take the Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response Courses
A scuba instructor must be able to assist in any sort of diving-related situation, which is why the Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response (EFR) Courses are essential. These courses will teach you first aid techniques and how to deal with underwater emergencies. Before you can do your Divemaster course, you must have either your EFR certification or an equivalent First Aid certification.
Become a PADI Divemaster
The Divemaster course is the second-last step on your path to becoming a Padi instructor. This course teaches you how to lead and supervise dives and it will refine your diving and underwater rescue skills. You must have 40 dives logged to enrol in the course and by the end of it, you will need 60 dives logged to gain certification.
Complete the Instructor Development Course
The final step in becoming a dive instructor is the Instructor Development Course. The course includes Assistant Instructor certification and Open Water Scuba Instructor certification. After you have achieved both, you can take the Instructor Examination. To sit the exam you must have 100 dives logged and a medical statement signed by a physician in the last 12 months. If you pass the exam, you will be a fully certified Padi instructor.
As you can see, becoming a diving instructor involves rigorous training a great deal of perseverance and time. However, the journey is incredibly fulfilling and will give you the knowledge and experience you need to follow your passion and pursue your dream of being a full-fledged Padi scuba instructor.