Independent dive instructor

Adults and teens who want to learn to dive, travellers who need certification before a trip, and certified divers taking further courses.

Course fees per student, plus gear rental, certification card fees and referrals for dive trips and equipment.

• Current scuba instructor certification
• Patient, clear teaching
• Safety-first mindset
• Organizing small groups and schedules

• Professional liability and commercial general liability insurance, and whether your agency requires its own cover
• Signed waivers, medical questionnaires and safe student-to-instructor ratios
• Cylinder fills and testing rules, check with your provincial regulator and any supplier you rely on
• Cold water and a short outdoor season in many areas, so plan for winter pool work or ice and drysuit courses
• Check your municipality about home-based business licensing and sales tax registration

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $9,000, depending on the gear you supply, insurance, agency fees, and how you arrange pool time and local dive sites. Get quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many courses you teach. Cold water and a short outdoor season in many areas mean you may need to plan for winter pool work.

Check professional liability and commercial general liability insurance, and whether your agency requires its own cover. Also check waivers, medical questionnaires, student-to-instructor ratios, cylinder fill and testing rules with your provincial regulator, and municipal licensing and sales tax registration.