Thinking about how you could make a difference and protect the oceans? You’ve probably heard about changes that you can make in the products that you use (see more on how to use less plastic here!). However, you can make an even bigger impact by becoming a part of the educational side of conservation and teach scuba diving.

There is still a huge gap in knowledge among the general public regarding conservation. This means that a lot of the issues in modern society can be solved with awareness. Therefore, if teaching and being in the ocean for a living sound appealing to you, it’s possible to do a lot of good by teaching scuba diving.

As an instructor, you would have first-hand knowledge about what is going out in the ocean. You see physical examples of the impact of human life when ignorance is in the driver’s seat; for example, by witnessing fishing nets entangling undesirable bycatch. This gives you insight into changes that need to be made (eat less meat/use less plastic/switch to unprocessed foods/change mode of transportation) and by being an instructor, people are more likely to trust your authority on the matter. 

The best part about being in this age of technology is that not only can you teach your students and fun divers about what you have seen/experienced, you can also share photos or videos online that educate others from afar.

Although teaching students about the environment is super important (make sure to utilize PADI specialties designed by Project AWARE), the scuba diving basics are where you make huge, noticeable improvements.

HELLO BUOYANCY!

How many times have you seen that diver who is crashing into coral or kicking the reef because they can’t control their buoyancy? 

TOO MANY TIMES.

When you teach scuba diving, the number one focus is always safety, but a close second is diver buoyancy and proper weighting. This means that you as an instructor are responsible for teaching people to wear just the right amount of weight, achieve proper trim and efficient finning techniques. By focusing on these skills and teaching divers the reason why they need to respect the reef, you will have the makings of a good diver and future ocean advocate.

When you get really excited about something, it’s super easy to inspire others. For dive instructors, this passion may be centered around the animals you see, the places you can visit, the ways in which you can help others or how to conserve the environment you love so much. 

Share it. Spread a message of hope and genuine care for the planet.

Get certified as a scuba instructor in Komodo! Not only do you have the chance to experience some of the best scuba diving in the world, but you’ll also get free accommodation, 2 free PADI specialties plus training from Course Director, Aitor Diaz! Dragon Dive Komodo is putting on their next Instructor Development Course on October 9th, 2019 with final exams on October 26th and 27th, 2019. 

Learn more about the course by emailing us at info@azulunlimited.com

Sarah Miller

PADI IDC Staff Instructor #320212

We teach responsible scuba divers and ocean protectors. The brand is run by PADI IDC Staff Instructor Sarah Valdez who teaches scuba diving in person and on YouTube. Now she travels around the states and Mexico in her van scuba diving in new and different places. Follow her adventures on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok or join the Azul scuba community on Patreon.

Azul Unlimited is partnered with Azul Komodo, a top PADI IDC Center in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia offering daily dive trips to the Komodo National Park. Contact their team directly for an unforgettable experience diving in one of the top dive destinations in the world!