Types of SCUBA Certification
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) grants the necessary certification to become a SCUBA instructor. To become an instructor, PADI requires certification in diving and then certification as an assistant instructor before taking the examination to become a full instructor.
Education
A training course from PADI is necessary to receive each of the three certifications necessary for becoming an instructor. Some employers prefer to hire instructors who have a college degree in addition to this SCUBA instructor training, such as an associates or bachelors degree in exercise science or kinesiology.
Experience
To become a SCUBA instructor, experience diving in deep water and at night are necessary. PADI requires 100 logged hours of diving experience.
Other Skills
SCUBA instructors must know lifesaving skills like CPR and first aid in case an accident or injury occurs during a lesson. PADI requires instructors to take a course in emergency first response to learn these skills.
Examination
To become a qualified instructor, candidates must demonstrate 20 PADI dive skills and have the ability to swim non-stop, face down with a snorkel and fins for 800m. PADI typically administers the examination to test these skills the last day of the instructor training course, or on a pre-scheduled day following the course.
