Last week we looked at escaping the 9-5 grind and some possible options for how that might look. This time, we’ll take a look at some specific opportunities and how you can improve your skills and knowledge to land that dream job as a PADI Professional.

 

A benefit of PADI membership is the online classifieds and employment listings. In the first eight days of 2014, there were over 70 job postings from around the world for PADI Professionals. The jobs range from Divemaster up to and including Course Director. The locations ranged from Ohio to the Red Sea. And those eight days aren’t unique. There are opportunities all the time. Some require that you have some minimum level of experience and/or certifications. Others are looking for PADI Professionals that can speak multiple languages. Here are a few examples:

 

 

FRENCH OR GERMAN SPEAKING INSTRUCTOR NEEDED FOR MALDIVES

 

We are looking for multilingual instructors for one of our diving centers in Maldives to start as soon as possible.

 

We offer:

A long term contract (1 year, renewable)

Paid flight ticket (return ticket paid after completion of contract) and work permit

Basic Salary plus personal commission in US$

Monthly Bar allowance and mineral water for free

Unlimited laundry service for free

One month paid holiday after completion of contract

 

We expect:

Motivated instructors possibly with working experience in remote locations

PADI OWSI or higher in teaching status

Renewed professional diving insurance

Well groomed appearance and good manners should go without saying

Team work ability

Ability to teach fluently in English and either German or French

Additional languages are an advantage

 

Instructor for Miami, Florida, USA

We have a full time position for a PADI instructor starting immediately. We are seeking a highly motivated instructor, with excellent social skills and a genuine passion for teaching diving. Must be able to legally work in the U.S. We are a smoke/drug free environment.

 

Duties include but are not limited to: work in the sales floor, fill tanks, tank inspections and teach different levels of PADI courses.

 

This is a unique opportunity to become part of a small company & make influential decisions.

 

 

And there are many, many more.

 

So, what do you need to do to stand out from the crowd?

• Multiple languages
• Retail experience
• Fill-station operator experience/training
• Trained as a cylinder inspector
• Boat captain’s license
• Experience with small engine repair
• Computer experience
• Ability to teach many courses.

Let’s focus on the last item: ability to teach many courses. As a new PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor you can teach a lot: Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Adventure Diver, Advanced Open Water, Rescue, Divemaster, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Project AWARE, Discover Scuba, etc. But there is more out there in the realm of diving specialties. Here are a few examples:

 

• Sidemount Diver
• Night Diver
• Altitude Diver
• Boat Diver
• Underwater Navigator
• Underwater Naturalist
• Underwater Videographer
• Enriched Air(EANx)/Nitrox
• Wreck Diver
• Search & Recovery Diver
• Digital Underwater Photographer
• Emergency Oxygen Provider

 

There are many more specialties. One of the advantages of being able to teach specialties for you, the instructor, is that you get to teach what you really love to do. For example, I’m pretty concerned about diving safety, so I like to teach the Oxygen Provider course. I also love to teach Digital Underwater Photography. I may not be the best photographer, but I’m enthusiastic and my students know it. That enthusiasm really helps make your courses more fun and flow better. You also diversify what you teach, which can keep you from getting bored with teaching the same classes over and over.

 

Looking at other skills to help you land your dream job, boat captain and engine mechanic are excellent skills to have. Diving often happens from a boat. If you can sail and take care of the engine, you’re in a great position.

 

PSI has some excellent training on fill station operations and cylinder inspections. Contact me if you want to learn more about these programs.

 

Also, remember when you’re applying for these jobs to research the diving operation your applying to. Customize your resume and cover letter to fit that operation’s needs, don’t just write up one resume and blast it out to every dive shop you can find. The extra effort pays off.

 

Can’t find the ideal opportunity on the PADI Pros site? There is also a job seeker board where you can post your resume and describe the job you’re looking for.