Dive Courses and Guided Shore Dives

Locals trying scuba for the first time, certified divers wanting more training, and visitors wanting a guide for a local dive.

A fee per course or per guided dive, plus equipment hire and certification fees. Group sizes are kept small for safety.

• Scuba instructor or divemaster certification
• Patient, clear teaching
• Safety-first judgement

• You generally need a current instructor certification from a recognised training agency before you can teach or charge for courses; many agencies also require you to hold current membership and insurance
• Professional liability and commercial general liability insurance suited to diving; check with your agency and insurer what is required
• Yearly instructor renewal, plus first aid, CPR and oxygen provider training
• Permits or fees for dive sites, including parks, harbours or private quarries, so check with the site manager and your municipality; also check whether a municipal or provincial business licence applies where you operate
• Cold water and short seasons in many regions, so plan for quieter months
• Medical fitness of students and signed waivers, and what your agency requires

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $10,000, depending on certification, insurance and what you rent. Pool time and equipment are usually rented or shared with a local dive shop rather than owned.

Check that you hold a current instructor certification from a recognised training agency, plus the membership and insurance it requires. Also check professional and commercial general liability insurance, dive site permits or fees, and whether a municipal or provincial business licence applies.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many courses and guided dives you run. Plan for at least about 8 hours a week, and expect quieter months because of cold water and short seasons in many regions.