Hey everyone! Thomas Hughes here. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Nick Derutter from Dive Saga at the DEMA Show 2023. Dive Saga is a fantastic channel focused on dive travel, expeditions, and the fascinating history behind dive sites. Nick also shares valuable tutorials and gear reviews. During our conversation, we delved into the realities of becoming a scuba instructor and how to sustainably build a career in this field.
The Reality of a Scuba Diving Career
Nick and I discussed two common misconceptions about scuba diving careers. The first is the belief that you can't make a decent living in scuba diving, which we both agree is not true. The second is the overly romanticized idea of living an effortless beach life. The truth lies somewhere in between – it's possible to make a good living while enjoying the lifestyle, but it requires hard work and dedication.
Sustaining a Career in Scuba Diving
The key to a long-term career in scuba diving is diversification and creativity in income sources. Nick mentioned several ways to supplement income, such as:
- Photography: Selling stock photos or offering photography packages to dive trip participants.
- Social Media and Online Presence: Leveraging skills in social media or website development can be invaluable to dive centers.
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborating with manufacturers or other industry players for sponsorships or product reviews.
The Two-Year Mark in Scuba Instruction
An interesting statistic that Nick shared is that 80% of scuba instructors don't renew their credentials after two years. This high dropout rate actually benefits those who stay, as it tightens the community and opens up more opportunities.
Tips for Increasing Income Potential
- Leverage Your Skills: Whether it's photography, social media, or web development, use your unique skills to create additional income streams.
- Build a Personal Brand: Establishing a strong personal brand can lead to partnerships and sponsorships.
- Network: Use your connections and experience to build a network of potential customers and industry partners.
Transitioning to Full-Time Scuba Instruction
For those like me, who are balancing a full-time job while pursuing a passion for scuba instruction, the transition to full-time can be challenging but feasible. It's about finding creative ways to generate income and possibly leveraging assets like a paid-off house for rental income, a YouTube channel, selling photo packages, and more.
Conclusion
Becoming a successful scuba instructor is more than just a dream; it's a viable career path with the right approach and mindset. For more insights and tips on making this transition, check out Nick's book, "Career In Scuba," which is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to dive into this profession. You can find it here on Amazon.
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