How To Become a Scuba Diving Pro

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Scuba diving is an exciting and intriguing water sport. However, did you know that you can become a professional scuba diver? Yes, there is a whole level of scuba diving beyond doing it for fun. Ever wondered how your scuba diving instructor became an instructor in the first place? The journey to becoming any of the mentioned professionals begins with becoming a scuba diving pro. Here are tips on how to become a scuba diving pro.  

1. Undertake Training 

In order to become a scuba diver, you need to meet minimum education and health requirements. You should be able to swim, be physically fit, be above 18 years and probably have a high school diploma. Once you qualify you can start training. But perhaps you are already a beginner diver and lets cut the long chase, how do you become a scuba diving pro?

The first step is to complete all of your training before you can join the divemaster program.  Once you complete all your basic training classes, then your journey towards becoming a pro begins. The journey begins with joining a divemaster class. In order to join the program, you will be required to have completed all preliminary training such as training in first aid, rescue-diving certification, and emergency response training certificate. A divemaster certification program is an intensive training whereby your knowledge in scuba diving is taken to a higher level. This is because experienced and increased knowledge in scuba diving is achieved through practicing, studying and finalizing with an examination.  

The journey to becoming a divemaster begins with classroom sessions. You should enroll in a divemaster's school.  During the classroom sessions, you will have to study the safety and also trends in scuba diving. Classroom sessions are followed closely by individual study. During this period, you will be expected to undertake rigorous training on your own initiative to achieve what it takes to be a divemaster. During this stage, I would advise that you start getting your own gear. You can check out the best scuba BCD which is important in ensuring you can easily float while training on your own. Finally, you will have to be evaluated for certification. 

2. Get Certification 

In order to get certified as a divemaster, you need to be able to qualify to take the test. To get a scuba diving certification, you will first need to portray confidence and comfort being in the underwater environment. Below are the various levels of certifications offered by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). 

• PADI Scuba diver certification

The first certification that you are required to get in your journey to becoming a scuba diving pro is the PADI scuba diver certification. This is an important certification that indicates you can be able to dive to a depth of about 12m with the company of a professional diver. 

• Open Water Diver (OWD) certification 

This is a certification that indicates that you are able to manage yourself plus the scuba gear underwater. At this level, you can be able to independently dive without being accompanied by an instructor to a depth of 18 meters. 

• Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD)

This is the third certification which allows you to dive to a depth of 30 meters. It also shows that you have an expanded knowledge of scuba diving. 

• Scuba Diving Certification for Rescue Divers

This is a course that focuses on teaching you on developing rescue skills. This certification allows you to be able to dive deeper and undertake rescues in times of emergencies. 

• Master Scuba Diver

This is the highest level of recreational scuba diving. In this certification, you can build up your rescue skills and other diving skills. 

• Dive Master Certification

At this point, you will start undertaking professional certifications with this as the first professional level. With this certification, you will start working with other professionals.  

• Assistant Instructor Certification 

This is where you will start working as an assistant instructor alongside professional instructors. You will be able to tutor theoretical classes to divers and evaluate surface exercises. 

• Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI

This certification allows you to be an instructor and can even certify other professional divers. At this level, you will be able to train and issue certification of all levels.  

After this level, once you certify about 25 divers, then you can become a master scuba diver trainer. 

3. Apply for jobs 

There are numerous professional jobs that you can undertake as a professional scuba diver including scuba diving instructor, dive shop manager, boat captain, public safety diver, or even a marine biologist. Once you have achieved the highest level of certification, you can start applying for jobs as a scuba diving professional. The first step is to look for a job at your local dive or scuba dive school. The next level is to look for jobs online on reputable job sites. Furthermore, you could start undertaking private sessions in conjunction with dive schools that allow you to do so. Finally, you could undertake a degree in marine biology and work as a marine biologist.  

Conclusion 

The journey to becoming a scuba diving pro is not an easy one. The above guidelines provide an insight into what you need to do and the possible careers you could develop as a scuba diving professional.