I doubt that any agreement in North America stating that instructors and divemasters are independent contractors would stand in court (disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer and this is not legal advice). Yet, it's common practice. It keeps costs low. Dive stores & charters do not respect labor laws and regulations related to workers comp, minimum wages, etc.
And because instructors are, indeed, 'dime a dozen', there's always one willing to do it 'for the fun of teaching and gaining experience'.
I don't see that changing any day soon. If you own a dive store and decide to treat your employees properly, you end up with costs considerably higher than your competitors. So, you can't.
It will change when 'quality assurance' is actually implemented in the dive industry.
In the meantime... It's the Wild West... Anything goes!
And because instructors are, indeed, 'dime a dozen', there's always one willing to do it 'for the fun of teaching and gaining experience'.
I don't see that changing any day soon. If you own a dive store and decide to treat your employees properly, you end up with costs considerably higher than your competitors. So, you can't.
It will change when 'quality assurance' is actually implemented in the dive industry.
In the meantime... It's the Wild West... Anything goes!
