SCUBA Diving Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the adventurous world of water sports, the role of SCUBA diving instructors has never been more pivotal.

As people’s interest in underwater exploration grows, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, teach, and ensure the safety of divers in the deep blue.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a SCUBA diving instructor?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring diver trying to understand the qualifications of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect profile for a SCUBA instructor,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of SCUBA instruction,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable SCUBA diving instructor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

SCUBA Diving Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

SCUBA Diving Instructors are responsible for teaching students the necessary skills and knowledge to safely enjoy underwater diving.

They are experienced divers themselves and must adhere to safety regulations to ensure the wellbeing of their students.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Preparing lesson plans for SCUBA diving courses
• Teaching students about the technical aspects of diving, including the use of diving equipment
• Instructing students on safety procedures and emergency protocols
• Conducting pool and open water training sessions
• Assessing students’ diving skills and knowledge through practical exams and quizzes
• Ensuring all diving activities are conducted in a safe and controlled manner
• Maintaining and inspecting SCUBA equipment regularly
• Leading guided tours for certified divers
• Adhering to the professional standards and guidelines set out by the relevant dive organizations
• Administering first aid and CPR if necessary

 

SCUBA Diving Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a qualified and enthusiastic SCUBA Diving Instructor to join our team.

The SCUBA Diving Instructor will be responsible for teaching and guiding students in the exciting world of SCUBA diving in accordance with PADI/SSI guidelines.

The ideal candidate should have a passion for diving, exceptional customer service skills, and a love for teaching.

Ultimately, the SCUBA Diving Instructor will provide high-quality, safe, and memorable experiences to all students.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach SCUBA diving courses in line with PADI/SSI curriculum and guidelines
• Ensure the safety of all students during training and diving activities
• Conduct diving trips and underwater tours when required
• Perform equipment checks and ensure proper maintenance
• Monitor students’ progress, provide feedback, and assist with skills improvement
• Adhere to all diving safety regulations and emergency procedures
• Provide exceptional customer service and foster a welcoming environment

 

Qualifications

• PADI/SSI Certified Diving Instructor with active status
• Proven experience as a SCUBA Diving Instructor
• Excellent knowledge of diving safety standards and procedures
• Strong swimming skills and physical stamina
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle emergency situations effectively
• First Aid and CPR certification

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Travel opportunities
• Professional development opportunities
• Diving equipment discounts
• Paid time off

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: SCUBA Diving Instructor
• Work Environment: This role primarily involves outdoor and underwater work in various weather conditions. Frequent travel may be required for diving excursions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dive Center Manager or Dive School Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time, Part-time, or Seasonal
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, proof of PADI/SSI certification, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a SCUBA Diving Instructor Do?

SCUBA Diving Instructors are professionals trained in underwater diving who teach aspiring divers how to explore the marine environment safely and responsibly.

They work in diverse environments, from local swimming pools to tropical resorts.

They are tasked with providing comprehensive courses, following established curriculums, to individuals or groups of varying ages and skill levels.

The primary role of a SCUBA Diving Instructor is to impart knowledge on diving theory, including diving physiology, the underwater environment, and equipment use and maintenance.

They also train students in practical skills, like managing buoyancy, navigating underwater, and responding to potential emergencies.

They are responsible for ensuring the safety of their students, closely supervising all underwater activities, and providing necessary support during dives.

SCUBA Diving Instructors are also responsible for maintaining and inspecting diving gear, and they often play a role in organizing and leading recreational diving trips.

Their job also often involves fostering a respect for marine life and promoting sustainable diving practices.

In addition to teaching, many SCUBA Diving Instructors often have responsibilities related to the management of diving centers, including scheduling classes, customer service, and equipment sales and rental.

 

SCUBA Diving Instructor Qualifications and Skills

A competent SCUBA diving instructor should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Extensive knowledge about diving techniques, safety procedures, and emergency response actions to ensure the safety of divers.
• Excellent swimming and diving skills, as well as physical fitness to handle underwater challenges and emergencies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to clearly instruct students about diving techniques, safety procedures and to build long-term relationships with clients.
• Patient and empathetic teaching methods, as learning to dive can be a challenging and potentially stressful experience for many students.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly and effectively address any issues that might occur during a diving lesson or dive.
• Ability to operate and maintain diving equipment, and to teach students how to use it properly and safely.
• Must hold a valid professional diving certification from a recognized body such as PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.
• First aid and CPR certification, as well as oxygen administration training, is crucial for handling underwater emergencies.

 

SCUBA Diving Instructor Experience Requirements

SCUBA Diving Instructors typically start their journey by becoming certified divers.

This involves rigorous training and examinations, both theoretical and practical, under the guidance of experienced instructors.

After gaining initial certification, aspiring SCUBA Diving Instructors usually spend several years gaining experience in different types of diving and environments, potentially logging hundreds of dives.

They may also take part in conservation projects, underwater photography, or other related activities to broaden their experience.

They then typically undertake a Dive Master course, which involves assisting with training other divers, leading dive trips, and managing dive operations.

This can take several months to a year and requires a significant amount of practical diving experience.

Once the Dive Master certification is achieved, the next step is to become an Open Water SCUBA Instructor.

This requires further training and examinations, including demonstrating teaching skills and knowledge of diving theory.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience and a high number of logged dives may be qualified to apply for advanced instructor or course director positions.

These roles involve designing and implementing training programs, mentoring new instructors, and managing diving schools or dive centers.

In addition to practical experience, a SCUBA Diving Instructor should have good communication skills, a strong understanding of safety procedures, and a passion for the underwater world.

 

SCUBA Diving Instructor Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a SCUBA Diving Instructor typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

The primary requirement is the candidate’s diving ability and knowledge which is usually obtained through practical training and certifications from reputable diving schools.

The path to becoming a SCUBA Diving Instructor generally starts with becoming a certified Open Water Diver, followed by an Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver.

With sufficient experience, the individual can then pursue a Divemaster Certification, the prerequisite to becoming a SCUBA Diving Instructor.

To become a certified SCUBA Diving Instructor, candidates must complete an Instructor Development Course (IDC) and pass the Instructor Examination (IE).

These courses focus on dive theory, standards and procedures, and teaching methods.

It is also advantageous for a SCUBA Diving Instructor to have a certificate in first aid and CPR, as well as training in emergency oxygen provision.

Some instructors may choose to specialize in particular areas such as deep diving, night diving, or underwater photography, which require additional certifications.

In addition to these formal qualifications, a SCUBA Diving Instructor should be physically fit, comfortable in the water, and have excellent communication and leadership skills.

Continuous learning and development are also crucial in this field to stay updated with the latest safety protocols and diving technologies.

 

SCUBA Diving Instructor Salary Expectations

A SCUBA Diving Instructor earns an average salary of $46,890 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary greatly depending on the location, experience, and the type of courses they instruct.

Instructors who own their own diving schools or provide specialized training courses can potentially earn a higher income.

 

SCUBA Diving Instructor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a SCUBA Diving Instructor need?

SCUBA Diving Instructors need strong swimming skills and a good understanding of diving techniques and safety procedures.

They should have excellent communication and teaching skills to convey instructions effectively to students.

They need to be patient, especially when teaching beginners, and should also be able to assess and respond to emergency situations efficiently.

 

Do SCUBA Diving Instructors need a specific degree?

While SCUBA Diving Instructors do not need a specific degree, they must be certified by a recognized diving organization, such as PADI or SSI.

The certification process includes demonstrating proficiency in diving skills, learning about diving theory and safety, and completing a certain number of open water dives.

It is also advantageous if the instructor has a first aid and CPR certification.

 

What should you look for in a SCUBA Diving Instructor’s resume?

Firstly, you should look for certification from a recognized diving organization.

Also, check for experience in teaching diving courses and the number of logged dives.

Knowledge in First Aid and CPR is a plus.

Other useful skills to look for include multilingual abilities and experience in customer service or other roles that involve interaction with people.

 

What qualities make a good SCUBA Diving Instructor?

A good SCUBA Diving Instructor is passionate about diving and enjoys sharing that passion with others.

They are patient, understanding, and good at easing the fears of beginner divers.

They should also be safety-conscious and reliable, as their students depend on them for their safety underwater.

In addition, good instructors are continuously learning and staying updated about the latest diving techniques and equipment.

 

Is it difficult to hire a SCUBA Diving Instructor?

Hiring a SCUBA Diving Instructor can be challenging, especially in areas with a high demand for diving activities.

There is often a shortage of highly skilled and certified instructors.

Therefore, employers may need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract qualified candidates.

Additionally, the seasonality of diving in some regions may also affect the availability of instructors.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dived beneath the surface to understand what it truly means to be a SCUBA diving instructor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about exploring the depths of the sea.

It’s about guiding others into the aquatic world, one dive at a time.

With our handy SCUBA diving instructor job description template and real-world examples, you’re now ready to make a splash.

But why stop there?

Plunge deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or finessing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every dive is a part of the bigger adventure.

Let’s explore the depths. Together.

How to Become a SCUBA Diving Instructor (Complete Guide)

Earn Like a Boss: Remote Jobs That Can Make You Rich!

Find Your Happy Work: The Most Gratifying Jobs in the Market

Turn Fun into Fortune: Enjoyable Jobs with Surprising Salaries

The Weirdest of Work: Unusual Jobs That Exist