Choosing your first dive instructor-
Along with the suggestions to check credentials and insurance, these are a few considerations to take when looking for your first dive instructor
· Word of mouth– ask around your group of friends (preferably those that are divers) and get their opinions on beginner dive programs.
· Research the instructor– online reviews of shops and independent instructors are usually plentiful. That is a good place to start when it comes to researching what type of atmosphere the program offers.
· Meet the instructor– Reach out to the instructor and make an appointment to meet them before anything is agreed upon. Bring a list of questions or concerns with you about anything dive related. This will also be a time to get to know a little about the instructor and their personality. It is important to feel comfortable talking openly with your instructor even before you get in the water.
· Request to sit in on a class– Ask to view one of the instructor’s classes to get an idea of their teaching style and how attentive they are to their students. You could take time to write down more questions that might come to you while observing the class.
· Equipment– This might be all new to you, but you could ask for a quick briefing on the equipment and the purpose each piece serves. This may help you gain confidence in the instructor’s knowledge and give you a little taste of how well they explain things.
Choosing an instructor for your child–
Along with the suggestions to check credentials and insurance, these are a few considerations to take when looking for an instructor for your child.
· Word of mouth- ask around your group of friends (preferably those that are divers) and get their opinions on dive programs for children.
· Research the instructor– online reviews of shops and independent instructors are usually plentiful. That is a good place to start when it comes to researching what type of atmosphere the program offers.
· Meet the instructor– Reach out to the instructor and make an appointment to meet them before anything is agreed upon. Bring your child along with you so you can see the interaction between them and get a good read of the instructor’s personality.
· Request to sit in on a class- Ask to view one of the instructor’s classes to get an idea of their teaching style and how attentive they are to their students.
· Equipment– Ask to inspect the equipment your child will be using during the class to ensure safety
Choosing an instructor for a 2nd or 3rd certification
Along with the suggestions to check credentials and insurance, these are a few considerations to take when looking for your 2nd or 3rd certification.
· Word of mouth– First ask your original dive instructor. In many cases something comes up, like a scheduling issue, that prevents students from using their first open water instructor for their continued diving education. If that is the case, use that instructor as a resource to find another instructor or program that they are familiar with to get you started on your search. Next, ask around your group of friends (preferably those that are divers) and get their opinions on advanced dive programs.
· Research the instructor– online reviews of shops and independent instructors are usually plentiful. That is a good place to start when it comes to researching what type of atmosphere the program offers.
· Meet the instructor– Reach out to the instructor and make an appointment to meet them before anything is agreed upon. Bring a list of questions or concerns with you about anything dive related. This will also be a time to get to know a little about the instructor and their personality. It is important to feel comfortable talking openly with your instructor even before you get in the water.
· Request to sit in on a class– Ask to view one of the instructor’s classes to get an idea of their teaching style and how attentive they are to their students. You could take time to write down more questions that might come to you while observing the class.
· Request to dive with them– You are certified! What better way to get to know their diving techniques than to buddy up and go diving? Underwater is the best place to see if they have the skills you are looking for.
· Equipment– You know gear by now. You should inspect any gear/equipment you will be using during training. Also, getting a look at how well the instructor maintains their equipment is another sign to look for.
Choosing a divemaster or IDC instructor-
Along with the suggestions to check credentials and insurance, these are a few considerations to take when looking for your Professional Certification
· Word of mouth– First ask your original dive instructor. In many cases something comes up, like a scheduling issue, that prevents students from using their first open water instructor for their continued diving education or that instructor is simply not qualified to teach at this level. If this is the case, use that instructor as a resource to find another instructor or program that they are familiar with to get you started on your search. Next, ask around your group of friends (preferably those that are divers) and get their opinions on advanced dive programs.
· Research the instructor– online reviews of shops and independent instructors are usually plentiful. That is a good place to start when it comes to researching what type of atmosphere the program offers. Things to consider when looking for a program might be
1. Do I want to travel to obtain this certification?
2. Am I wanting to intern?
3. Am I wanting pure information about diving and its history?(more classroom time)
4. Am I wanting to know the latest and greatest about equipment and its uses?
5. Where am I wanting to go with this professional certification?
· Meet the instructor– Reach out to the instructor and make an appointment to meet them before anything is agreed upon. Bring a list of questions or concerns with you about anything dive related. This will also be a time to get to know a little about the instructor and their personality. It is important to feel comfortable talking openly with your instructor even before you get in the water.
· Request to sit in on a class– Ask to view one of the instructor’s classes to get an idea of their teaching style and how attentive they are to their students. You could take time to write down more questions that might come to you while observing the class.
· Request to dive with them– You are certified! What better way to get to know their diving techniques than to buddy up and go diving? Underwater is the best place to see if they have the skills you are looking for.
· Equipment– You know gear by now. You should inspect any gear/equipment you will be using during training. Also, getting a look at how well the instructor maintains their equipment is another sign to look for.
Choosing a tech instructor-
Along with the suggestions to check credentials and insurance, these are a few considerations to take when looking for your tech certifications.
· Research tech certs– You need to know what you are wanting out of tech diving. There are several reasons to get tech certified and different specialties once you dip into this wonderful world. You should know what parts of tech diving pique your interest the most, and then look for an instructor that has the same passion. This can be important because every tech diver is not the same. You have treasure hunters, cavers, saturation divers etc. Know what you want so you know what to look for when it comes to an instructor’s experience.
· Word of mouth– First ask your original dive instructor or any previous instructors. In many cases previous instructors do not have the credentials to certify students to this level of diving. If that is the case, use these instructors as a resource to find another instructor or program that they are familiar with to get you started on your search. Next, ask around your group of friends (preferably those that are divers) and get their opinions on tech diving programs.
· Research the instructor– online reviews of shops and independent instructors are usually plentiful. That is a good place to start when it comes to researching what type of atmosphere the program offers.
· Meet the instructor– Reach out to the instructor and make an appointment to meet them before anything is agreed upon. Bring a list of questions or concerns with you about anything dive related. This will also be a time to get to know a little about the instructor and their personality. It is important to feel comfortable talking openly with your instructor even before you get in the water.
· Request to sit in on a class– Ask to view one of the instructor’s classes to get an idea of their teaching style and how attentive they are to their students. You could take time to write down more questions that might come to you while observing the class.
· Request to dive with them– You are certified! What better way to get to know their diving techniques than to buddy up and go diving? Underwater is the best place to see if they have the skills you are looking for.
· Equipment– You know gear by now. You should inspect any gear/equipment you will be using during training. Also, getting a look at how well the instructor maintains their equipment is another sign to look for.
Additional Resources – Scuba Certification Agencies – AquaViews (leisurepro.com)/ How Do I Find a Scuba Instructor for My Child? – SDI | TDI | ERDI | PFI (tdisdi.com) / / Professional Diver or Diving Professional ??Top Jobs in Scuba Diving – SDI | TDI | ERDI | PFI (tdisdi.com) / What is Technical Diving? A in-depth guide for beginners – Scuba Diving Website for Women (girlsthatscuba.com)