Working as a diving instructor or divemaster abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working as a diving instructor or divemaster abroad like?

• A diving instructor gives diving lessons to students, both in theory and practice. You teach students what to expect underwater, how to interact safely with the environment and how to communicate with diving partners.
• At the end of a course you take exams, assess the performance of the students and hand out diplomas.
• A divemaster is the assistant to the diving instructor. You may guide and assist certified divers, but you may not give courses yourself.
• As a diving instructor or divemaster, you are also involved in all kinds of practical tasks: correctly handling diving equipment, understanding underwater signals and acting in emergency situations.

Responsibilities of a diving instructor or divemaster include

• Teaching theory and practice to beginning and advanced divers.
• Guiding certified divers during dives.
• Checking and maintaining diving equipment.
• Provide safety briefings before each dive.
• Observing students during dives and making adjustments where necessary.
• Taking exams and issuing certificates.
• Organizing diving trips and planning diving routes.
• Assisting with logistical tasks at the diving center or boat.

Working conditions of a diving instructor or divemaster are most probably be

• Contract duration: ranging from a few months to a year depending on the dive center or resort location.
• Reimbursement: can vary from room and board to a salary that provides for your maintenance.
• Location: you usually stay in accommodation at the dive center or resort, or somewhere nearby.
• Extra benefits: sometimes you get free or discounted diving trips, equipment or travel.

What are the reasons for working as a diving instructor or divemaster abroad?

• To be helpful: you will teach others something unique and rewarding: diving in an unknown environment.
• To feel involved: you work with people who share the same passion for the ocean and nature.
• To become entrepreneurial: planning fun things, from start to finish, requires some entrepreneurship.
• For self-insight: you learn to make independent decisions and rely on your own skills, even in challenging situations.

What skills and motivations do you need to work as a diving instructor or divemaster abroad?

• Empathy: feeling for people and their experience, and love for the flora and fauna underwater, is essential.
• Courage: self-confidence and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations are a part of the work.
• Environmental awareness: which means to respect for the power of water and the vulnerability of ecosystems.
• Organizational awareness: safety always comes first, both on the water and underwater.
• Communication ability: a big part of the job is effectively transmitting instructions and signals both above and below water.

What are the best countries and locations to work as a diving instructor or divemaster abroad?

• Southeast Asia: Indonesia (Bali, Sulawesi), Philippines, Thailand.
• Central America: Belize, Mexico, Costa Rica.
• Caribbean: Bonaire, Curaçao.
• Oceania: Australia (Great Barrier Reef), Fiji.
• Africa: Egypt (Red Sea), South Africa (Protea Banks, Sodwana Bay).

What are the risks of working as a diving instructor or divemaster abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

What are the risks of working as a diving instructor or divemaster and working for a dive school abroad, and what happens with some regularity:

• that there is an unsafe working environment that poses risks such as poorly maintained boats, currents, failing equipment.
• that physical strain is caused by a lot of standing, walking, lifting equipment or swimming and diving in rough water.
• that there are health risks such as decompression sickness, cuts, infections or food poisoning.
• that stress arises from responsibility for students, working in unfamiliar environments and cultural or linguistic differences.
• that accidents occur, such as injuries from equipment, falls or contact with underwater flora/fauna.
• that someone is temporarily unable to work or needs to be transported home due to an infection, injury or other medical emergency.
• When you work in the diving sector, you may be exposed to greater financial or legal risks as soon as you start performing your work under your own responsibility. It is advisable, as far as possible, to also inquire to what extent your local employer is adequately insured for accidents, technical errors, or misjudgments. Of course, this is not always the case, nor can it be always ascertained in advance. Take this into account as much as possible when deciding whether to perform certain risky tasks.

Are you insured while working as a diving instructor or divemaster abroad?

• There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
• Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
• During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may lapse. See the pages on: insuring paid work, internships, or volunteering abroad.
• See also: insurance for working as a diving instructor or divemaster for paid work, for internships and for volunteer work abroad.