If you’re healthy, a good swimmer and like working with people, a business as a scuba instructor just might be for you.
As an instructor in this sport you can finally break out of the rat race by helping people to attain their scuba diving certification.
Initially, you’ll likely work out of a retail outlet selling scuba equipment. You’ll also need regular access to a swimming pool or other facility in which you can teach the actual scuba lessons.
Before getting started, however, you’ll need to hire a lawyer to help you draft out a number of documents which waive your liability in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Although modern safety equipment has made scuba a relatively risk-free activity, it is nonetheless advisable – and in some countries legally required – for every instructor to have their students sign official waivers prior to beginning any training.
If you don’t like the idea of teaching scuba yourself, there is also the option of hiring instructors and simply managing the business. If you choose to do this, you will have to very carefully vet any dive masters you hire; a single incompetent employee can give your entire operation a bad reputation and severely hurt your business.
Thankfully, with the numerous scuba instructor qualifications available nowadays, you should be able to ensure that your staff is qualified by verifying their documents. Hiring advanced instructors at a premium is also advisable, as it will give you the option of hosting expert training sessions for those who have already undergone the basic course necessary to undertake simple dives.
Expanding Your Scuba Instructor Business
Multiple opportunities for expanding operations are available for those in the scuba instructor business. By offering a package of a training course in tandem with a scuba vacation, you can expand your business beyond drawing revenue from simple scuba lessons.
Additionally, you may choose to offer specialized lessons, one-on-one instruction, or even open-water teaching – setting yourself apart from the majority of scuba schools which offer only basic in-pool teaching. A good team of dive masters will ensure that a decent percentage of your customers return for such further training.
Since many of your advanced clients will wish to undertake regular dives, you may find that there is a market for selling scuba equipment yourself. While the initial cost of acquiring the tanks, flippers, specialized goggles and wetsuits will run into the tens of thousands of dollars, the profit margins justify the initial investment for most.
You should note, however, that sales will likely be seasonal if there is a local scuba scene, as the majority of enthusiasts do not take part in scuba during the winter. Of course, there is, as has been mentioned, the option of arranging scuba holidays during such periods to keep your business as a scuba instructor ticking over.
