Qualifications of a SCUBA Diving Instructor

Scuba diving instructors have extensive experience in diving and practical knowledge about the sport and its effects on the human body. They share their enthusiasm and dedication by teaching, pursuing professional-level training and promoting safe diving practices.

  1. Significance

    • Scuba diving instructors teach dive theory and principles and demonstrate how to perform dive skills underwater. Scuba instructors are responsible for implementing safe diving standards and evaluating students as they perform skills for certification.

    Basic Eligibility

    • Divers must be at least 18 years old and certified as a dive professional (divemaster and above) to qualify for instructor training in PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors). All instructors and dive professionals must stay current in CPR and First Aid training.

    Requirements

    • Before entering instructor training, candidates must have at least 50 to 60 logged dives, specialty training, such as night diving and navigation, and extensive hours of underwater training. Scuba instructors must pass rigorous written and physical exams to demonstrate their mastery of dive information and skills.

    Considerations

    • Many instructors have been teaching open water scuba diving classes for a long time. Many also offer specialty classes, such as underwater photography or wreck diving. Consider expanding your training with a previous instructor if he offers a specific class and if you enjoyed his teaching style.

    Misconceptions

    • Divemasters on dive charters (boats) are introduced as part of the crew. This designation usually doesn't reflect the diver's professional status because many boat divemasters are actually scuba instructors (with qualifications and experience above divemaster level).