Freelance scuba instructor

Beginners wanting their first certification, certified divers taking advanced or specialty courses, and dive shops that hire freelancers for busy periods.

Per-student course fees or a per-class or daily rate from a shop. Extra income from specialty courses, refresher sessions and guided dives.

• Active scuba instructor certification
• Patient, clear teaching
• Water safety and rescue skills
• Good organizing and customer service

• Professional liability and general liability insurance, usually available through your certifying agency or a dive insurer
• Instructor membership renewals and CPR, first aid and oxygen provider training must stay current
• Check pool access, dive site permits and any local rules for commercial dive instruction
• Seasonal and weather-dependent work, so income may vary
• Equipment rental and tank fill arrangements, which you may need to agree with a shop

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $9,000, depending on your gear, insurance, memberships and any equipment rental or tank fill arrangements with a shop. These are estimates, and they assume you already hold your instructor certification.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many courses you teach and whether you work with shops, resorts or private students. This is an estimate. Work is seasonal and weather-dependent, so income may vary.

Check that professional and general liability insurance is in place, often through your certifying agency or a dive insurer. Keep instructor membership, CPR, first aid and oxygen provider training current, and check pool access and dive site permits.