Being a dive instructor can be an incredibly rewarding job. Every day, we teach people about the wonders of the underwater world, help them develop skills to explore it safely, and create new Ocean Torchbearers who pledge to protect and preserve our blue planet. If you’ve ever wondered what spending a day as a PADI Instructor is like, let me take you through my typical day.
My day usually starts early. I wake up, grab a coffee, and head to the dive center to prepare for the day’s program. I catch up with my colleagues, welcome students, and then get started helping divers prepare their boxes and ensure we have everything we need for the day ahead, including spare parts and emergency kits.
After everyone’s set with their gear, I board the boat for a dive with the students. As a team, we share the courses with other Instructors, so I get to teach all levels, from beginner to Divemaster. The dive is always amazing, and it’s a joy to see students improve their skills and confidently explore the underwater world.
After the first dive, we enjoy breakfast on the boat as I debrief my students and review the images from the dive. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the morning on the magnificent reefs and take in the beauty of the ocean surrounding us.
We keep exploring the reefs and working on more skills for the second dive. After completing two dives, I usually return to the dive center to help divers rinse their equipment and log their dives. I answer their questions and discuss the next steps in their diving journey.
After lunch, I tackle office work before heading out for two more fantastic dives with experienced divers. These excursions are always thrilling as we visit different dive sites, such as wrecks, reefs, or caverns, and take stunning pictures and videos.
We head back to the dive center after the dives to complete paperwork, log the dives, and discuss the day’s events. Then I rinse my equipment, ensuring it’s ready for tomorrow. I also upload the images of the day to my computer and work on some editing. I also usually dedicate an hour to conducting a course review session with my students, ensuring they are confident with their course materials.
Later in the evening, after I organize my work for the next day, I usually socialize with colleagues and divers to celebrate our incredible experiences throughout the day. We also regularly organize events like Pro or Specialty Nights and promote our conservation activities, providing detailed explanations of our programs to those divers who show interest.
I take some time for peaceful relaxation to unwind at the end of a busy yet fulfilling day filled with amazing dives and delightful memories. I read a few pages or pause to document my experiences in my journal. I recharge and look forward to another day of pursuing my passion for diving and sharing it with others.
Being a PADI instructor is more than just a job; it’s a passion. Every day, we wake up excited to share our love of the underwater world with others. It’s a privilege to help students learn new diving skills and witness their growth as they become the next generation of underwater explorers and Torchbearers. If you’re interested in becoming a PADI Pro, I urge you to take the next step. Not only will you have an incredible career, but you’ll also have the chance to impact people’s lives and the environment positively.
