Diving Instructor
So, whats it like becoming a diving instructor?
Becoming a Diving Instructor
This is my own personal opinion. I don’t think there are many people that are able to honestly say that they can do their hobby and get paid. That said the job of an instructor hold responsibilities. You are ultimatly responsible for your clients lives. The pay, well that can be poor, depending on where you are teaching, but the lifestyle, lifing in the sun (if you choose to) more than makes up for that I can assure you. I first became a diving instructor in the Dominican Republic. Working for Northern Coast Diving. At the time there was a team of 9 diving instructors, teaching all levels of PADI certification.
Any job that you do 5 or 6 days a week begins to seem like a JOB, even if its’s your hobby. The turnover of good instructors at a dive store is normally high. If you like travel, it is the perfect job. I worked in the dominican republic, then Hawaii. Apart from being a Diving Instructor, I also turned my hand to boat handling, so there are always other options that arise. Get your self on a good course, if you are young, free and single..or with another diver 
….. Becoming a Diving Instructor is a fullfilling occupation, that I would recommend.
Paul Bradbury, PADI Master Instructor. (Over 1000 Students certified) PADI, SDI, SDI.
On the boats
Your job is your hobby
My first dives. For the PADI ADVANCED course I was taken to Dosthill Quarry. October 1994. Yep, Cold.
Reading the dive log, I didnt sound that impressed with the underwater life. Remember these were FUN DIVES straight after the open water course ! Anyway, It would be good to hear from anyone still diving in Dosthill.
Dive Dosthill
It was a cold October day that I will never forget. After the much needed cup of hot chocolate I plucked up the courage to don my wet suit…..YES wet suit…the water just 4 degrees above freezing. Great. Once the briefing was over we walked to the edge of that platform and stared at the bleak looking pond below……What fun…..and with a perfect giant stride, I was in. After the initial shock the suit did warm up…..but to be fair, the face and hands, which were in thin gloves never do. Visibility….Mmmm about 2 meters, which is not bad, depending on where you have to compare it with. Some say that peeing in your suit helps with the cold…..It does for approx 0.4 seconds, but trust me the hassle with your partner later when you remove the suit is not worth it LOL.
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- before the water was in
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- Waiting for the plunge
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- Blue waters ;)
The first module skills were carried out and I am so glad that there was only one other person to wait for. My dive buddy and good friend Steve……. I look back now and wonder how we actually managed to get back in the water for the second dive…AND go back the next day to finish the course. However, after all is said and done, learning to dive altered my life, my lifestyle, my outlook and even my personality…all for the better I must add. Here is a link to stoney cove. It is one of the best inland dive sites and does have a great safety record and all of the needed facilities, including a cafe. SCUBA MAN says Dive safe.
www.stoneycove.com
Where to start?
It is very important to find a good reputable diving school/instructor.
Also of course decide if you do actually want to get wet in the UK !
I am a big fan of learning in the UK as I think that once you have dived in the UK you can dive anywhere. Definitly TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. Equipment I mean… Do a try dive. In a pool then the sea. If you enjoy it, then start thinking about buying your own kit. So many people buy kit, then find out that for some reason they dont like it. !! Yep some strange folk out there LOL.
GET CERTIFIED. There is nothing like having that open water certification. Its like freedom..or it was for me !
Let go diving………………………….
In future posts I will be relating to my first dives and posting some real life experiences. I hope that you join in.
Happy bubbles Paul. SCUBA MAN
Eagle Ray
Paul doing saftey briefing before a dive
Scuba Diving Expert
As a naturally adventurous person I have always had a love for the sea and whatever lived in it. I blame that on Jack Cousto.
I bought my first SCUBA Diving kit in 1994 and after purchasing it decided I should find out how to use it ! (This is NOT how I would recommend you go about it). After diving in quarries and mud pools as well as rough seas and hard to get to coves I discovered the warm water abroad !
I went on holiday for 9 days and stayed 4 years!!!!! (Girlfriend was not pleased) Oooopps.
I did my PADI exams to instructor level while living in the Dominican Republic and have taught over 1000 students at all levels mostly while working at Northern coast diving. I teach 12 specialities including DEEP DIVING, NITROX, WRECK etc etc.
I received my Master diving instructor in 2000 and moved to Oahu, Hawaii where worked in a great dive shop, DEEP ECOLOGY. While in Hawaii I also did a 100 ton ships captain licence.
I have instructor qualifications for several organisations including SSI, TDI/SDI and PADI.
So, why this blog?. Well, I do not envisage getting back into the classroom to teach anymore but I get lots of e-mails asking for advice. Where to learn and with who? Which organisation? Where to dive?, Where to see sharks and where not to?….so, ask away….
Most people that are laid back are people that get satisfaction in life by simply having a job, family and simple thrills. However, there are also those who want to make the most out of life. These people are naturally adventurous and want to try out everything that the world can offer. These people try extreme sports, such as skydiving and they also find great thrill in scuba diving. If you are such a person, then you will find that SCUBA diving can offer you the thrill, adventure and excitement that you have been looking for. ENJOY.
