Everything I need to Know to go Pro?

[Imagination]

Hi,
My name is Mathew, i'm 23 and I've been diving for about 5 years now. I'm only an advanced diver but probably have as many dives as some instructors (200+) ... I lost count a long time ago ;-) I work with the company "Dive Into Your Imagination.com" and Annie Crawley as a professional underwater cinematographer. I dove all around the world and shoot a Panasonic HVX200 HD video. Anyways getting to my question... For the longest time i've wanted to continue my training as a diver and get my Dive Master, Instructor etc... But I think the real reason I haven't is that i don't know where to start. I'll take advice from whoever knows.... How much will it cost (for everything)? I'm cert. threw PADI... what if I want to switch to another organization? How fast or slow can I go and how long will it take? Do I need doubles of everything? Would I need equipment for my students? How many students are in a class? Is being an instructor something I could do on the side....some extra $$$ and speaking of money, how much can an instructor make? .... On and on. Anything that anyone can tell me about taking the next step in my training I'll appreciate it Also anything about rebreather cert. or cave cert.? I'm just curious... Thanks

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

Just curious, can you share with us a bit about your certification? Did you have to supply your own gear or was it provided for you? How many students were in each of your classes? What happened to the place where you got your first two certs OW and AOW?

 

[Elemental]

I'm only an advanced diver but probably have as many dives as some instructors (200+)

Sadly, you're probably right.

 

[James Bond boat entry]

If you are not certified to dive Nitrox, get that first. Check out these links for that and introductions to Tec Diving, this will give you an idea of the challenges and rewards of diving doubles.

Global Underwater Explorers | Global Underwater Explorers

IANTD IAND rebreathers Scuba Dive Training Agency Nitrox EANx Trimix Oxygen Rebreather Cave Wreck IANDT IAND decompression, scuba diver

PADI/DSAT Discover Tec Experience

TDI/SDI International Training :: Home ::

Nitrox will give you more No-deco bottom time and the doubles will give you a lot of gas to "film".

If you are making a living as a shutter bug, I would acquire tools/training in that area first.

Here is the link to the PADI pros website with employment offers, to give you an idea what dive centers are seeking:

PADI Employment Board