Become A Padi Scuba Instructor

Looking for information on how to become a PADI scuba instructor? In case you didn't know, PADI stands for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. When you become a PADI open water scuba instructor, you will be able to teach all PADI programs that are offered, such as the divemaster and discover scuba diving courses. The awesome thing about becoming a PADI scuba instructor is the fact that your certification will be recognized worldwide, so you should never have a problem finding a job.

To become a PADI scuba instructor, you will need:

• Learning materials, such as instructor cue cards, lesson planning slates, the PADI instructor manual and the instructor development course candidate workbook
• Basic scuba gear, such as a mask, exposure suit, snorkel and scuba unit
• An audible and a visual scuba signaling device

1. Required Prerequisites. PADI requires that you meet certain prerequisites before you can become a PADI scuba instructor. You must be either a PADI divemaster or PADI assistant instructor before you can enroll in the PADI scuba instructor program. In addition to those prerequisites, you must also be at least eighteen years old, be a certified emergency first response instructor, have been a certified diver for at least six months, have at least 60 logged dives, submit a medical statement that was signed by a doctor within the past year and have proof that you attended first aid and CPR training within the past two years.
2. The Curriculum. The first step in becoming a PADI scuba instructor is passing the curriculum. As part of the curriculum, you will attend and participate in many different presentations, such as course orientation, adaptive teaching, the rescue diver course and how to teach recreational diver training. You will need to pass a five-part theory test with a score of at least 75% before you can move on to the application aspect of the course.
3. Skills Portion. Once you have passed through all of the curriculum that is provided by PADI, your final step in becoming an open water scuba instructor is the skills aspect of the exam. To officially become a PADI scuba instructor, you will need to perform the twenty dive skills that are listed on the skill evaluation and perform a nonstop, face down swim for 800 yards. You will need to be wearing your snorkel, mask and fins while you perform that swim.

After you have become a PADI scuba instructor, you can take other core courses that are offered, such as emergency oxygen provider instructor.