We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Scuba Instructor?

By T. Webster
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,229
References
Share

Scuba instructors pass along their knowledge and expertise to others interested in learning underwater diving at recreational or professional levels. The word "scuba" originated as an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. This kind of underwater diving allows the diver to breath underwater via a mouthpiece attached to a tank filled with compressed air.

A broad range of topics are taught by scuba instructors. Areas they teach can include selecting and maintaining the proper equipment, safety and learning proper underwater diving techniques. Scuba instructors teach classes ranging from beginner to advanced, with the skills needed and the associated risks increasing with each level.

Scuba equipment is a diver’s lifeline, and a good scuba instructor understands the proper selection and maintenance of equipment. Being able to identify malfunctioning equipment is important as well. The scuba unit, for example, regulates how the diver descends, ascends and floats. Undetected problems with the scuba unit could result in serious injury to a diver.

Generally, it is best to take lessons from a scuba instructor who is certified by a scuba training agency. These agencies can operate on country-wide or international levels. Among the largest scuba certification agencies are the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, Scuba Schools International and the National Association of Underwater Instructors.

A quality scuba instructor is trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). First aid skills are essential to have in case a fellow diver is injured. A scuba instructor also knows how to guide another diver back to safety if the diver becomes disoriented or panicky.

Among the most common injuries associated with scuba diving are cuts and scrapes from coral or other rough underwater surfaces. Decompression sickness is a more serious concern. This happens when a diver ascends to the surface too quickly, causing bubbles to form in the bloodstream. The most severe cases can affect functioning of the brain, lungs or spinal cord.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, serious injuries during scuba diving are uncommon. Roughly 90 scuba divers die worldwide each year, in comparison to the millions of dives that take place around the world. Also, fewer than 1,000 divers each year require treatment related to decompression sickness.

An interest in scuba diving can lead to a lucrative career. Aside from being a scuba instructor, jobs are available in public safety rescue work, commercial diving and underwater welding. Depending on the position and conditions, work as a professional scuba diver can be dangerous because of rough waters, poor visibility and predators such as sharks.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-scuba-instructor.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.