Teaching specialty courses can substantially increase your success in the diving industry and also goes a long way in keeping your work interesting – you do not teach the same thing over and over again. One of the first steps you should take is becoming a Nitrox Instructor. Most newly trained divers take this course as the first step to continue their education. You should match other Specialty Instructor ratings to your own interest – if you want to teach effectively, you have to like the subject you are teaching.
Since the introduction of digital photography, courses in Underwater Photography have boomed. The number of divers seeking guidance in the use of their photo equipment has dramatically increased. In contrast to the situation in the past, you will hardly ever need to supply a camera – most divers already have their photo equipment and seek your assistance to find out how their equipment works.
If you are interested in more practical diving skills, you should consider becoming an instructor in subjects such as Search & Recovery, Night Diving, Underwater Navigationor Dry Suit Diving. All these courses only have limited theory lectures but allow for a lot of time in the water to practice special skills with course participants.
Also the underwater environment is a great subject to learn about. If you like biology and underwater life – the main reason why many people dive – you should consider becoming a specialist in this subject. In the Underwater Naturalist Instructor course you learn about the interactions between the different organisms underwater and can relate fascinating information to your students. The Research Specialty teaches procedures to give a scientific touch to future dives and the Scuba-Eco Nutrient Loading Specialty allows divers to become active in the protection of the aquatic realm.
Specialties to teach Handicapped Divers are for those who want to cater for the physically challenged diver.
The Rebreather Specialty Instructor Course prepares you to introduce divers to the challenges of diving with other equipment than the common open circuit regulator.
Expand your teaching