Sailing and dinghy instructor

Parents booking children into holiday and weekend courses, adults who want to learn to sail, and schools or youth groups.

Per-session or per-course fees, or an hourly rate if you work for a club or centre. Holiday programs and a full weekend roster add up in the warmer months.

• Confident sailing ability
• Teaching and managing groups, especially children
• Safety awareness and quick decision-making
• Good fitness for long days on the water

• Working With Children Check requirements, which vary by state and territory
• Insurance: a club may cover you while working for them, but check whether you need your own public liability if you run your own program
• Using clubs' boats, safety boats or slipways usually needs written permission
• Rules on paid instruction on the water vary by state, so check with your state marine authority
• Work is seasonal and weather-dependent, so expect quiet winter months

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on whether you instruct through a club or run your own program. Check whether you need your own public liability insurance, and written permission to use club boats.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on how many courses and lessons you teach. These are estimates, and work is seasonal and weather-dependent, so expect quieter winter months.

Check Working With Children Check requirements for your state or territory, and the rules on paid on-water instruction with your state marine authority. Also check you have written permission to use a club's boats, safety boats or slipways.