Scuba diving jobs include dive master, recreational dive instructor, dive shop owner, and underwater photographer or videographer. A student considering a scuba diving career will want to determine his specific interests. He can then attain the necessary certifications and seek employment at dive shops or start his own business. A diving career can be physically demanding, and the dive professional must be safety minded.
Diving certification organizations offer training and certification programs throughout the world. Students will often start diving careers by first becoming recreational divers and gaining expertise. They can continue training to become professional dive masters, instructors, and to achieve other dive specialist credentials.
Once the student has achieved the required certifications, he can research potential employers. Scuba diving jobs can be found near oceans, and many beach resorts operate dive shops that hire dive masters to guide recreational divers. A beach resort may also hire an instructor-level scuba diver to train tourists who don’t have recreational diving certifications.
Although scuba diving is more popular near oceans, inland locations can also offer scuba diving jobs. Inland dive shops may cater to people who vacation at beach resorts or to people interested in fresh water diving. Instructors may teach at a dive shop pool, a community pool, or a local lake when conditions allow.
Some students may start their own business, creating their own scuba diving jobs. Regardless of location, they may choose to open their own full-service dive shops or to simply offer dive instruction. They may also start businesses that organize and guide trips to popular diving locations.
Continuing education in diving specialties will provide more scuba diving career opportunities. A professional with just the basic instructor certification is limited to training new recreational divers basic skills. The instructor with additional technical diving certifications, such as wreck or night diving, can teach experienced recreational divers those skills.
Professional scuba divers who enjoy photography and videography may have additional opportunities. They may find work at resorts taking underwater photos and videos of recreational divers. Dive magazines and filmmakers may also hire freelancers for underwater work.
Those who are considering scuba diving jobs should be aware of any physical limitations they may have. These jobs are most safely done by people in good physical condition. Diving may not be suitable for those who have claustrophobia, migraines, cardiovascular system issues, or who smoke. Dive masters and instructors are responsible not only for their own safety but also for that of their clients and students.