Becoming a scuba diving instructor is a massive achievement, but it’s not the end of the road—it's just the beginning of an ocean full of opportunities. If you’re wondering what comes next or you're dreaming of a diving career that goes beyond daily teaching, this guide is for you. Below, we explore dive careers that go far beyond instructing, and the types of people who would thrive in each role.
1. Instructor
What it is: Teaches people how to dive, from beginners to advanced divers, and often serves as the first inspiration for new divers’ careers.
Perfect for: Patient teachers and ocean ambassadors who enjoy working closely with students and seeing their confidence grow.
Common Employers: Dive shops, resorts, liveaboards
Courses Needed: PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)
Other Skills: Communication, safety awareness, patience
Link: https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/padi-instructor-development-course-2024
2. Dive Operations Manager / Dive Center Manager
What it is: Oversees everything from daily logistics and staff schedules to customer experience and budgets.
Perfect for: Natural leaders and problem-solvers.
Common Employers: Dive resorts, PADI 5-Star Dive Centers, liveaboards
Courses Needed: PADI IDC Staff Instructor or higher
Other Skills: Business management, HR, inventory control
Link: https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/idc-staff-instructor
3. Liveaboard Dive Director
What it is: Manages diving activities aboard liveaboards.
Perfect for: Adventurous hosts who thrive at sea.
Common Employers: Liveaboard fleets
Courses Needed: PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) or higher
Other Skills: Multilingual, hospitality experience
Link: https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/master-scuba-diver
4. Technical Diving Instructor
What it is: Teaches advanced technical diving courses.
Perfect for: Precision-focused thrill seekers.
Common Employers: Tech dive centers, exploration teams
Courses Needed: PADI Tec Instructor certifications
Other Skills: Advanced gas management, equipment setup
Links: https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/padi-side-mount-diver-course
https://store.padi.com/en-gb/activity-type/technical-diving-activity-type/
5. Commercial Diver
What it is: Works in industrial underwater environments.
Perfect for: Tough, hands-on problem-solvers.
Common Employers: Oil & gas, shipping, construction
Certifications Needed: Commercial diving school certification
Other Skills: Welding, rigging, mechanical aptitude
Links: https://www.divingschool.co.za/ (Not a PADI affiliated organisation)
6. Scientific Diver / Marine Research Assistant
What it is: Conducts research and data collection.
Perfect for: Curious conservationists.
Common Employers: NGOs, research institutes
Courses Needed: PADI Aware Speciality
Other Skills: Species ID, data recording
Links: https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/fish-identification
https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/project-aware
7. Public Safety Diver
What it is: Handles underwater search, recovery, and rescue.
Perfect for: Brave, disciplined responders.
Common Employers: Police, coast guard, fire departments
Courses Needed: PADI Rescue Diver, PADI Public Safety Diver
Other Skills: Evidence handling, search patterns
Links: https://store.padi.com/en-gb/ns/courses/public-safety-diver/p/public-safety-diver/
8. Underwater Photographer / Videographer
What it is: Creates visual underwater media.
Perfect for: Creative storytellers.
Common Employers: Media outlets, NGOs
Courses Needed: PADI Digital Underwater Photographer, PADI Rescue Diver
Other Skills: Editing, lighting, composition
Links: https://store.padi.com/en-us/courses/digital-underwater-photographer/p/60472-1B2C/
https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/rescue-diver
9. Dive Guide / Watersports Staff on Superyachts
What it is: Offers luxury dive services to private clients.
Perfect for: Service-minded professionals.
Common Employers: Superyachts, luxury resorts
Courses Needed: PADI Divemaster or Instructor, STCW
Other Skills: Guest service, watersports instructor
Links: https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/divemaster
https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/padi-instructor-development-course-2024
10. Equipment Technician / Sales Representative
What it is: Maintains and sells dive gear.
Perfect for: Gear enthusiasts.
Common Employers: Dive shops, equipment brands
Courses Needed: PADI Equipment Specialty, Manufacturer-specific technician certifications (e.g., Scubapro, Aqualung tech courses)
Other Skills: Tool skills, sales, inventory
Links: https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/equipment-specialist
11. Entrepreneur
What it is: Starts and runs your own dive-related business.
Perfect for: Visionaries and self-starters.
Common Employers: Self-employed
Courses Needed: Varies by business type, PADI Staff instructor may be helpful
Other Skills: Marketing, finance, networking
Links:https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/idc-staff-instructor
12. Tour Guide / Eco Tourist
What it is: Leads eco-focused diving trips.
Perfect for: Conservation advocates.
Common Employers: Eco-tour companies, NGOs
Courses Needed: PADI Dive Master or Instructor, PADI Project AWARE specialties
Other Skills: Environmental education, public speaking
Links:https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/idc-staff-instructor
https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/divemaster
13. Boat / Liveaboard Operator
What it is: Runs dive boats or liveaboard operations.
Perfect for: Maritime lovers with leadership skills.
Common Employers: Dive charters, liveaboards
Courses Needed: PADI Dive Master or higher, maritime captain’s license
Other Skills: Navigation, vessel maintenance
Links: https://scubaversity.dive360.biz/courses/divemaster
14. Business Management