How old to become a viable scuba instructor?

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Hey Diver0001,

I’ve never read a word from you that you I didn’t think unwise.

You are well adept at understanding the nuances between instructor, guide, resort, etc.

I don’t need money any more. I have been very lucky that way from a company I started that went and is going well. So income isn’t really the issue altho a few quid here and there never hurts. Even for a coffee or a meal. I have dependents but that’s looked after already. No-one is going to go hungry unless I get a serious meth habit. Which I’m too old and bored to.

I’m looking for something that makes me happy in life. I’m naturally an optimist. I’m also a jack of all trades master of none.

I have time. Arguably too much time. I love diving and don’t need to make money from it altho bed and board wouldn’t hurt.

I just have been wondering whether I’m too old to be useful or now, whether these wrinkles, dead friends, tricky situations are an asset or a black mark.

From the responses I’ve had - including yours - it doesn’t sound like I’m past my shelf life as a diver/guide/teacher. And money is the last thing that comes into it.

It’s about happiness and meaningfulness. Can I contribute or will I just be a drag.

From responses so far it seems like I may have a little to offer whilst doing the only thing I can think of that makes me happy.

Just wanted a take on whether anyone would take me on. I think I got my answer to that.

Thanks,
John

John, given this response, in your case I would say that it only comes down to a matter of age.

Keep yourself healthy and fit and then age doesn't matter. Some operators still won't want you because you're not "attractive" enough to their target clientele but there are many out there who will want you just the same because of other things you bring to the table.

Good luck!

R..
 
John, given this response, in your case I would say that it only comes down to a matter of age.

Keep yourself healthy and fit and then age doesn't matter. Some operators still won't want you because you're not "attractive" enough to their target clientele but there are many out there who will want you just the same because of other things you bring to the table.

Good luck!

R..

That’s so funny. It was only 2015 when I stopped being a guide. I’m a bit fatter than I was then (70kg) but against my better nature I had to push the girls away.

I think it’s the same thing in any position of authority. Any if you’re not too hard on the eye you get that. I always thought I was pretty ugly but girls seemed to disagree.

But as a guide I always put principle before pleasure.

I’ll probably regret that on my death bed but in the meantime I doubt looks would play a factor.

I think mainly cause I’m Irish and can chat but it’s never hurt yet. Self restraint hasn’t always been easy tho but I’ve always stuck to my principles.
 
I'd agree that "working" for a resort dive Op does wear you out. Main reasons being the expectations you are going to do everything for them and because of the relatively low experience levels they tend to make the "dumb" mistakes more experienced divers don't
 
I'd agree that "working" for a resort dive Op does wear you out. Main reasons being the expectations you are going to do everything for them and because of the relatively low experience levels they tend to make the "dumb" mistakes more experienced divers don't

Which is kinda nice. When I was new I found a lot of dive pros somewhat circumspect in terms of tips and tricks, weighting, etc. I really enjoy sharing what little knowledge I have (altho especially weighting as most ops get it spectacularly wrong and make the dive much more difficult for the newer diver).

That said even since 40 I’ve noticed my energy levels are lower now. But as long as I’m not lugging people’s twinsets I’m pretty happy and like making sure people are comfortable well before they get in the water.
 
That’s so funny. It was only 2015 when I stopped being a guide. I’m a bit fatter than I was then (70kg) but against my better nature I had to push the girls away.

I think it’s the same thing in any position of authority. Any if you’re not too hard on the eye you get that. I always thought I was pretty ugly but girls seemed to disagree.

But as a guide I always put principle before pleasure.

I’ll probably regret that on my death bed but in the meantime I doubt looks would play a factor.

I think mainly cause I’m Irish and can chat but it’s never hurt yet. Self restraint hasn’t always been easy tho but I’ve always stuck to my principles.

I always tried to ignore it. In all the time I gave lessons I became friends with a number of students but romance was never really in the cards. I had one student who I believe fell in love with me (long story but I trained her for an entire season until my wife started to object to her "cooking" for me) and I had one student who made a really flattering pass at me before she knew I was married.

I do recognise what you're saying, however. Due to the nature of my work I often see how easily women "fall" for attention from men with power and status. It is actually quite astonishing to see how much we resemble apes in our social interactions. Fortunately for my marriage I'm much more of a "Spock" than a "Kirk" so I observe without being impulsive.

That said, at my age it's pretty much over. My beard has gone grey (largely as a result of my day-job, I think). I think I still look ok but the grey pretty much put an end to any illusions I had of remaining attractive as I get older.

R..
 
Being just an "instructor" is almost worthless as instructors are a dime a dozen in scope of this thread. To be valuable you need to be able to service compressors, change oil on the boat/maintenace, wash boats down, hump allot of tanks and man the shop every ounce in awhile. When it's blown out vip/viz tanks, fill banks the kids didn't. On the hottest most humid day you have ever experienced in your life you wil changing out a marine head in a v berth. The people most valuable around the shop get to cherry pick the jobs..

You could go independent, it's hard to get clientele but that suit what you trying to do

Personally I'm going captain, you get allot more respect and at 47 I think it suits me

a
 
I’ll check out Captain course. I’ve driven a liveaboard a few times but that involved nothing particular.

My sense of direction is poor on a good day but I’m good at maths.

I can read winds and currents reasonably well.

All the making for a fun trip.

But the captains I know are many levels above and I would hate to be in charge of 30 ppl+ and not be as good as them.

The only positive is that I have a decent toolkit. Unlike make boats.
 
I think 45 is young and it sounds like you have a good amount of experience to compliment what is needed as an instructor. I have a number of friends in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who still train. Go for it!
 

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