SCUBA Instructor Requirements

Divers interested in becoming SCUBA instructors must meet certain requirements to enroll in certification classes and training programs. The following list provides general standards to review if you're interested in becoming a SCUBA instructor.

  1. The Basics

    • To enroll in a SCUBA instructor course, candidates must be at least 18 and pass a medical examination that takes into account the physical demands of diving. Candidates interested in become recreational instructors should have completed and logged at least 40 open-water dives. Also, candidates should at least be certified as open-water divers. For PADI and NAUI, the open-water SCUBA instructor requirements are little more demanding, requiring a minimum of 60 and 50 open-water dives, respectively. Some programs may want you to be an assistant instructor or master diver prior to enrolling in the instructor course.

    Skills

    • Individuals must be able to successfully demonstrate stamina and watermanship skills to training program personnel. More demanding programs such as NAUI or PADI may require a timed 880-yard swim with mask, fins and snorkel; a 440- yard swim; a 100-yard swimming assist and 20 minutes of treading water. Each certification program is different. Candidates must also pass an exam that tests knowledge of equipment, physics of diving, physiology of diving, use of the dive tables and diving environment. The candidate must complete training in diver rescue skills and perform a minimum of one open-water rescue session the evaluator will assess. Candidates must also be trained in both first-aid and CPR.

    Hours

    • The candidate must have completed and logged at least 100 training hours with 50 in the presence of an instructor trainer.

    Exam

    • Candidates must score at least 75 percent in each part of a dive theory exam. The exam consists of classroom instruction, confined and open water skills presentations, and a simulated rescue of an unconscious diver. In addition, individuals must also demonstrate mastery of diving skills, lesson planning, class preparation, group control, supervision, problem solving skills and teacher presentations.