Choosing the right scuba diving instructor is crucial for a safe and enjoyable learning experience But with so many instructors out there, how do you know which one is the best fit for you? This guide will help you navigate the interview process, providing you with essential questions to ask and key factors to consider
Unveiling the Ideal Instructor: A Comprehensive Interview Guide
1 Diving into Personal Background
- What’s your name?
- How long have you been diving?
- How long have you been certifying divers?
- What kind of diving do you personally enjoy?
- How often do you dive outside of classes?
- What do you enjoy most about teaching?
- What is the most difficult aspect of teaching?
- Do you ever dive for fun with past students?
- Have you ever failed to certify a student? Why or why not?
- If I don’t choose you, who is the second best instructor in the area?
- Why should I learn here rather than at another dive shop?
2. Exploring Teaching Philosophy:
- Which certification agency do you use?
- Do you teach the panic cycle?
- Do you work on buoyancy?
- Do you work on trim?
- What method do you use to properly weight your students?
- Will I be learning skills kneeling on the pool bottom or mid-water?
3. Pre-Class Preparation:
- What equipment do I need to provide for class?
- What books or materials do I need to purchase?
- How large is the average class? Is there a maximum?
- What happens if I need more time on a particular skill?
- What fining techniques do you teach?
4 Classroom Clarity
- When and where are the classroom sessions?
- What happens if I miss a classroom session?
- Will there be any discussion beyond knowledge reviews?
- Will any computer basics be covered in class?
5. Pool Proficiency:
- Where will the pool sessions be held?
- How many pool sessions will there be?
- How long is each pool session?
- How deep is the pool?
- Will there be any assistants with the instructor?
- Will there be a lunch break?
- What happens if I am congested and cannot equalize?
6 Open Water Exploration
- Where are open water checkouts held?
- If multiple places are possible, what is the deciding factor?
- Will checkouts be with the same instructor as the class and pool?
- What’s the average number of divers attending open water checkout?
- How many open water dives will there be?
- How long does each dive normally last?
- About how deep do the dives go?
7. Non-Verbal Cues
- Is the instructor patient?
- Did the instructor seem offended or put off by any question?
- Did the instructor side-step or seem uncomfortable by any question?
- Would I be happier learning from a man or a woman?
- What kind of feeling is Mr. Gut giving?
- Were you asked what kind of diving interested you?
- Were you asked why you wanted to dive?
- Were you reminded that diving is a sport with risks?
Beyond the Interview: Choosing the Right Instructor
Beyond the questions you ask, consider these factors when making your decision:
- Experience: Look for an instructor with extensive experience in both diving and teaching.
- Teaching Style: Choose an instructor whose teaching style aligns with your learning preferences.
- Personality: Find an instructor you feel comfortable with and who you can connect with.
- Safety Record: Ensure the instructor has a strong safety record and prioritizes safety in their teaching.
- Cost: Consider your budget and compare the costs of different instructors.
Remember: The right instructor can make all the difference in your diving experience. Spend some time, ask lots of questions, and pick a diving teacher you’re sure will help you reach your goals.
Additional Resources:
- ScubaBoard Instructor Interview Questions: https://scubaboard.com/community/threads/instructor-interview-questions.335456/
- Miami Technical Diving: How to Interview Your Technical Diving Instructor: https://www.miamitechnicaldiving.com/articles/how-to-interview-your-technical-diving-instructor
Happy diving!
Where Did You Work?
For six months, I worked at Club Med in Cancun. When your contract is up, you are transferred to a different location, which lets you see the world. If I had worked there full time, I would have been sent to the Turks and Caicos Islands. A friend of mine was sent to the Philippines. It’s great because you meet people from all over the world.
How Did You Get Into SCUBA Diving?
SCUBA diving is something I learned when I was young and have loved ever since. Both of my parents were divers. Diving is my passion and I enjoy taking others down underwater to experience the magnificent life down there. I became an instructor after a few years as a dive master so I could share what I love with other people.
You get to see a whole new world down there that you can’t even see just by snorkeling. I love the look on people’s faces when they see the cool stuff underwater for the first time. Dives are always different, and anyone can enjoy them, even if they’re not in great shape.
Dive Instructor Answers Your Awesome Scuba Diving Questions!
FAQ
What makes a good scuba instructor?
Which is the most difficult skill to learn on a diving course?
What skills do you need to be a diving instructor?
How much do you tip a PADI instructor?
