This thread is really getting too long and may be loosing its value. I noticed over 1200 have viewed it and that may be it needs to be started again as I have even barely touched the surface of making real money as a scuba instructor . I have not been getting much more quality input other than those who want to take a jab at me. HA HA its been fun. SO here goes I will make another installment and that may be the last, as it seems to be cooling down now .
When putting on your scuba seminar one of the reasons for using properly trained and highly seasoned Instructors and not divemaster is your students are paying top dollar and to give them a divemaster or a divemaster in training will make them feel cheated.
Your student to instructor Ration should be no more than 4 to 1 and with problem or slow students 1 to 1. Most of the time a 2 to 1 ratio is fine but really the one one to one approach is fantastic.
You spend about five minutes doing a few skills on the first dive and then ten minutes of seeing the fish and reef etc. Keep them at the rock sand interface so they wont hurt anything. Make sure they have FUN. This is your ticket to success. The fun I repeat must start immediately and you have got them hooked . I go to the 4 to 1 ratio when they have nearly completed the course.
Your clients will (Correctly) perceive your course to be safer and more personalized thus justifying the higher costs .
8-10 students use 3 instructors this allows plenty of 1 to 1 time for the slower students.
Always use all of the training aids offered by your certifying agency. Textbook videos, slates, knowledge reviews, quizzes and exams.
Always use underwater video to help critique your students. (Not absolutely necessary) but I highly recommend it> It really helps to putting on the best scuba course possible.
Give them more dives than the course minimum. They paid for it and this really helps them to get solidly set in their diving abilities and keeps them diving and going on to the advanced and specialties.
Schedule there days to be full from lecture to videos to water. This keeps them focused and fills up their time. OF course the even is time for acknowledging everyones successes with dinner and a couple of drinks. Stay off the booze. Stay off the Booze.
Its not safe. All too often a scuba course is really an excuse for a party to drink and chase babes. If this is your motivation it is fine and fun but dont expect people to pay you big bucks for this type of situation. They will feel cheated from the start and probably will never return.
Be a professional all the time and it will reward to handsomely.