Not ready to quit your day job for a full-time scuba diving job? These scuba diving side hustles are a perfect way to combine your passion while benefitting your wallet.
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 new side jobs, or if you have been a diver for years and are looking 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, as well as 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 there is an underwater production taking place, chances are that scuba divers are 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 utilize 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 station. 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. Most 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, commissioning 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.
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 with his endeavours, but he is also passionate about helping other PADI Divers, both with professional and recreational levels, scout out opportunities to make use of 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. Within the diving industry, I am a certified PADI Master Scuba Diver, Public Safety Diver, and certified 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 an MSD 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 in support of small business owners and diving at large, to bring awareness of the fact that it is not uncommon for dive shops to hire recreational divers to help run the shop, since one does not have to be a Divemaster or Instructor to do so.
Many individuals who possess recreational certification and are looking for a college job, weekend job, temporary second job, or just curious to dip their toes in the dive industry before committing to something more may be interested to know that there are opportunities 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 Dive Master or Instructor if they wish to continue within the diving industry itself. I personally think many within the diving industry forget that there are opportunities to work for companies like Huish Outdoors LLC (who owns Hollis, BARE, Oceanic, Zeagler, Atomic, etc) or even companies like PADI and Diver Alert Network (DAN).
As for job opportunities that are more explicit to advanced recreational certification outside of the dive industry. Swimming-related professions and activities typically love divers at or above the Rescue Dive certification level. What many divers may not realize is the advantages diving gives to surrounding water-based occupations like that of being a Swimming Instructor. Swim Instructors make a relative amount of money compared to that of a Dive Master or Dive Instructor and also possess their own unique specialties 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 licenses? And where would you suggest starting out?
“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.“
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 girls in that class who worked for their local aquarium as certified Rescue Divers. The aquarium is a great place to start and top on my list for places to support.”
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 searching for side jobs, reach out to your local dive shop to find out if they are hiring or check the PADI job board here.
