Why I Love to Teach Scuba Diving
In 2008, I made the bold decision to leave a stable, well-paying job to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor in Phuket. Although I had some apprehensions at the time, I have never regretted the choice. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to progress through the PADI ranks and achieve the highest rating of PADI Course Director.
Being a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor or PADI Master Instructor opens up a world of job opportunities across diverse countries and environments. This career path allows me to meet people from various nationalities and backgrounds, enriching my experiences both personally and professionally.
What I Can Teach
I have the privilege of teaching a wide range of scuba diving activities, from beginner courses to training future PADI Instructors. I also teach various specialty courses, including PADI Deep, PADI Wreck, and PADI Night Diver, as well as advanced courses like the PADI Rescue Diver course. Additionally, I offer professional-level courses such as Divemaster and Instructor through the PADI Go Pro program.
However, my true passion lies in teaching beginner courses, like PADI Discover Scuba Diving and the PADI Open Water Course. Watching students take their first breaths underwater is an incredible experience, filled with a mix of fear, excitement, and wonder. It’s rewarding to see students overcome their initial apprehension and conquer their fears while discovering the incredible sights of the underwater world. The satisfaction of providing students with a lifelong connection to the sea and memories that last a lifetime is unparalleled. How many jobs offer such profound job satisfaction?
Instilling Confidence
Guiding students from nervous beginners to confident scuba divers fills me with immense satisfaction. This transformation is rewarding for both the student and me. I believe that the harder we both work, the more fulfilling the outcome is for everyone involved. A three-day PADI Open Water Course provides this sense of accomplishment on many levels.
I often smile in amazement when PADI Open Water students express their excitement about completing skills in the swimming pool, saying it’s one of the most amazing activities they’ve ever done. I often reply, “But there are no fish here. Wait until tomorrow.” Our first training day is usually at Racha Yai Island, a great site for training with some nice fish species, although not the best in the area.
By the end of the course, the same students are ecstatic, claiming it’s the greatest thing they’ve ever experienced. I respond, “Wait until tomorrow; this is just a training day.” We often visit Phi Phi for our final day, where the marine life truly captivates us.
Forever a Teacher
I am confident I will remain involved in this industry for many years to come, regardless of the level I reach or my role. You will still find me in the water teaching my two favourite courses: PADI Discover Scuba Diving and the PADI Open Water Course. I hope to see you scuba diving in Phuket as well.
