Scuba Diving Instructor

Scuba Diving Instructors teach diving students skills and techniques for underwater diving. Because of the potential hazards of scuba diving, instructors spend much of their time teaching proper safety techniques. This requires a full understanding of the operation and proper maintenance of diving equipment as well as an understanding of the effects of underwater pressure on the human body.

While many people dive for recreation, others may pursue a career as a commercial diver. Commercial divers perform a variety of tasks, including underwater welding, underwater salvage, construction, marine research, or work related to offshore oil and gas production. Others may assist law enforcement agencies in search and rescue missions.

Education and Training

In the U.S., scuba diver instructors may need the following education and training:

• high school diploma
• scuba diving certification from an approved organization
• CPR and first aid certification

Those who pursue a career as a commercial diver may also need the following:

• familiarity with welding and cutting equipment
• knowledge of construction techniques, especially as it relates to underwater construction.

In addition to the educational and professional requirements listed above, it is helpful for a diver to have a love of nature and a concern for the environment.

On the Job

Scuba divers are drawn to the challenge and excitement of underwater diving. They need to be in very good physical condition, and may need to adapt to low visibility, extreme temperatures, confined spaces and underwater currents.

Math on the Job

Underwater divers are very organized and detail-oriented, especially during the planning phase of a dive. Divers need to use math to keep track of oxygen supply, depth, and water pressure. Those that are commercial divers must have excellent problem-solving skills, due to the fact that new jobs may include unique problems that can only be resolved through experimentation, reasoning, and a methodical approach to the work.

Related Careers

• diving supervisors
• diving consultants
• law enforcement diver
• salvage and inspection
• marine construction