Guided shore dives and learn-to-dive courses

Tourists, backpackers, local beginners wanting to get certified, and certified divers new to the area who want a local guide.

Price per guided dive, per introductory dive or per course, with extra for gear hire and tank fills. Repeat divers and course graduates add steady bookings.

• Dive instructor or divemaster qualification
• Safety awareness and calm leadership
• Good local knowledge of dive sites
• Customer service and basic marketing

• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance that specifically covers diving instruction and guiding
• Check your state or territory workplace health and safety regulator for rules and standards that apply to recreational diving operators
• Check whether marine park or council permits are needed to run commercial tours at your chosen sites
• A working with children check may be needed if you teach under 18s, so check your state's rules
• Weather, sea conditions and diver medical fitness can cancel trips and create safety risks, so plan a clear cancellation policy

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how much hire gear you buy, how you arrange tank fills and what insurance quotes you receive.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many guided dives and courses you run. Weather and sea conditions can cancel trips, so a clear cancellation policy is worth planning.

Check that your insurance specifically covers diving instruction and guiding, and your state or territory workplace health and safety regulator's rules for diving operators. Check marine park or council permits for your sites, and working with children checks if you teach under 18s.