Facebook
Twitter
Scuba Diving Lessons: Dive Instructor Training
If you love to dive, then what could be better than getting paid to do it? While many divers fantasize about earning a living from the sport, few actually follow through and pursue this passion. For most, the main obstacle to a career in the dive industry is simply not knowing where to start. Here, PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer Dr. A. Jose Jones provides helpful tips on how recreational divers can turn their dreams into reality by taking advanced scuba diving lessons to become a PADI instructor.
Living the Dream
With more than 6,000 Dives under his belt and 50-plus years in the dive industry, PADI Diving Society member and PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer Dr. A. José Jones knows a thing or two about becoming a PADI Pro and living the dive life. Here's his inside advice on becoming a PADI Pro.
Why Go Pro
"I met so many people who wanted to learn to dive, I felt almost obligated to teach them. I also felt that, if I didn’t teach them, no one would," says Jones.
Jones' Three Tips for Launching Your PADI Pro Career
1. "I’d say they should first take advantage of the excellent PADI information and facilities that already exist. Visit a PADI Five-Star Dive Center or Resort and have them explain the path that the PADI organization has developed to bring recreational divers to the next level.
2. Work with a PADI Instructor as a Divemaster and learn the ropes — being an effective instructor involves more than teaching classes in the pool and going on checkout dives.
3. Learn as much about the ocean and its inhabitants as possible. Students love to be taught by instructors who are familiar with the ocean and its biodiversity.”
On Living the Dive Lifestyle
"Whether you're a new diver or a PADI Pro, join or establish a dive club, and be a part of the PADI Diving Society. Divers in clubs remain in diving longer than those who are not. When I became an instructor, I formed a dive club, the Underwater Adventure Seekers of Washington, D.C. UAS has certified more than 2,000 divers, many of whom have been with the club and div- ing for 20 to 30 years. Divers want new experiences and adventures. They want diversity. Be the one to give it to them.”
Enhance Your Dive Life
"Sooner or later, most divers get tired of just getting wet. You need a goal other than just looking at the pretty fish. If you want to stick to diving, diversify your diving, have fun and go pro!”
Meet Dr. Jones
Dr. A. José Jones will be featured at the sixth-annual Legends of Diving festival series at Portage Quarry in Bowling Green, Ohio, from Aug. 12 to 14. At the event, you can learn more about Jones and pick his brain about becoming a PADI instructor. For more info, visit www.portagequarry.com
Additional Resources For Taking the Lessons to Become a PADI Pro
* For general information on becoming a PADI Pro, click here.
* To contact a PADI Instructor Development Center (IDC) or PADI Career Development Center, click here
* For details on the PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Program, click here.
* PADI Pro Nights: PADI Dive Centers and Resorts are hosting PADI Pro nights for divers and nondivers to learn about careers in diving. Visit your local Dive Shop to get motivated to go pro and learn how to plan your dive courses accordingly. You’ll get to meet other PADI Pros and learn why they became a PADI Pro, what their life is like now and how you can do it yourself. Visit www.padi.com to find your local PADI Dive Center or Resort, and ask them about their next PADI Pro Night.
