Not ready to quit your day job for a full-time scuba diving job? These scuba diving side jobs are a great way to combine your passion with some extra income.
Were you recently scuba certified, or have you always been obsessed with the underwater world? If making money while scuba diving intrigues you, then this article is for you. If you are looking to turn your new favorite hobby of scuba diving into side jobs, or if you have been a diver for years and want to expand upon your hobby, there are many outlets for making money while diving that don’t have to be a full-time career.
Whether you are a seasoned pro, a passionate new diver, or someone considering a scuba certification, there are several ways to make money scuba diving. Below, we’ve compiled some obvious and not-so-obvious ways to cash in on your passion, along with an exciting interview with a PADI Pro passionate about sharing knowledge on the subject!
Underwater Model
Ready to strike a pose underwater? If you have great buoyancy and air consumption, then lending your dive skills to an underwater photo shoot might be for you. With some networking, you may be able to land side jobs as an underwater model. The likely employer? Scuba diving gear manufacturers and tourism boards who are looking to promote diving at their destination.
Show Diver
From the mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida to Cirque du Soleil safety divers in Las Vegas, Nevada. If an underwater production is taking place, scuba divers are likely involved, either as the main entertainment or in the background as safety divers.
Search and Recovery Diver
Search and recovery divers dive in less-than-ideal conditions, but for the good of others. Many law enforcement agencies use dive teams when they need to take their investigation underwater. And in some cases, scuba-certified civilians are able to be a part of the dive team. Compensation varies, but this could also be a volunteer role if you are not already employed by the police department. If you feel called to help after a tragedy, check with your local police department for their dive team requirements. And consider enrolling in the PADI Search and Recovery Diver specialty course or a Public Safety Diver™ specialty course.
Underwater Boat Hull Cleaner
If you don’t mind diving in low visibility and you are someone who finds peace in cleaning, then a side gig as a boat hull cleaner might be for you. Many job postings for this type of work only require a scuba certification. Prior experience is always a plus. A quick Google search will turn up results for many opportunities at your local marina.
Underwater Photographer or Videographer
If you are a talented underwater photographer or videographer with a library of underwater images, licensing your photos is a great way to break into the industry. Consider pitching to Scuba Diving magazine or selling your photos to a tourism board.
Scuba Diving Pro: Divemaster or Scuba Instructor
Many divers turn their passion into a full-time career as a PADI Divemaster or PADI Instructor. But there are many opportunities to be a PADI Pro part-time if you aren’t ready to quit your day job. If you’re looking for side jobs, reach out to your local dive shop to see if they are hiring, or check the PADI job board.
Hear More From a PADI Pro
Eric Paracka, a PADI Pro, has spent extensive time exploring exciting ways to generate revenue from the diving industry. Not only has he been successful in his endeavors, but he is also passionate about helping other PADI Divers, both at professional and recreational levels, scout opportunities to use their dive certifications! Eric is pretty much an expert on scuba diving side jobs.
We spoke to Eric to find out more, and here’s the tell-all!
Could you tell us, in two to three sentences, who you are and what your dive certification level is?
“My name is Eric Paracka. I have a Master’s in Biblical Archaeology and am the business owner of Epic Fencing Club Atlanta, a high-performance athletic facility within the sport of fencing that trains athletes from all over the world. In the diving industry, I am a certified PADI Master Scuba Diver, Public Safety Diver, and Scientific Diver (yes, I am actively involved in both Public Safety Diving and Scientific Maritime Operations). Additionally, outside of my business, I also operate as a working diver for Blue Cord Diving Service in servicing local lakes and marinas throughout the northwest region of the state of Georgia.”
What are the top side jobs you can do with a Master Scuba Diver certification that you think most people have no idea about?
“One of the best legally permissible opportunities that may be overlooked by divers is actually one of two options: within the dive industry itself and the other being within the swimming industry.
I mention the dive industry to support small business owners and diving at large, and to raise awareness that it is not uncommon for dive shops to hire recreational divers to help run the shop, since you don’t have to be a Divemaster or Instructor to do so.
Many individuals with recreational certification who are looking for a college job, weekend job, temporary second job, or who are curious to dip their toes into the dive industry before committing to something more may be interested to know that opportunities exist within most dive businesses, occupationally speaking. Further, if one does desire to advance within the world of scuba diving, one does not actually have to advance into that of Divemaster or Instructor if they wish to continue within the diving industry itself. I personally think many in the diving industry forget that there are opportunities to work for companies like Huish Outdoors LLC (which owns Hollis, BARE, Oceanic, Zeagle, Atomic, etc.) or even companies like PADI and Divers Alert Network (DAN).
As for job opportunities more directly tied to advanced recreational certification outside the dive industry. Swimming-related professions and activities typically love divers at or above the Rescue Diver certification level. What many divers may not realize is the advantage diving gives them in surrounding water-based occupations, like being a Swimming Instructor. Swim Instructors make a comparable amount of money to a Divemaster or Dive Instructor and also possess their own unique specialty certifications and hierarchy within that field. While obviously not a requirement to become a Swim Instructor, someone with an advanced diving background will immediately stand out on any resume. Specifically, one who can show a background in rescue-related skills and training (i.e., Rescue Diver and/or Master Scuba Diver).”
Why would you encourage divers to pursue a career that makes use of their dive certifications? And where would you suggest starting out?
“Diving is a great vocation. A vocation with a lot of angles. While an individual may not get wealthy from diving, it is a good career that can not only put bread on the table but also feed the heart. As for where to begin, one of the most exciting places I would suggest is your local aquarium. They always need help and don’t necessarily require professional diving certification. When I was taking my Scientific Diver course, a couple of girls in my class worked for their local aquarium as certified Rescue Divers. The aquarium is a great place to start and top of my list for places to support.”
Have you pursued side jobs that involved your dive certification? If yes, tell us a little about the job and how it was beneficial.
“This question is self-evident. Diving is a great vocation. A vocation with a lot of angles. While an individual may not get wealthy off of diving it is a good career that can not only put bread on the table but feed the heart as well. As for suggesting a place to begin. One of the most exciting places I would suggest would be one’s local aquarium. They always need assistance and do not necessarily require professional diving certification. When I was going through my Scientific Diver course, there were a couple of girls in that class who worked for their local aquarium as certified Rescue Divers. The aquarium is a great place to start and top of my list for places to support.”
