Working as a divemaster/instructor in semi-retirement in a tropical dive destination.

[CRT2]

Do not view your age as an impediment. I became a PADI Instructor at the age of 44. If you are in good health and physically able you should go for it.

 

[wildernessdave]

That is good to hear. I am in good health and physically active. I am not really concerned that I would not be able tohandle the physical demands of instructing or working as a divemsster. I was more wondering if it would be harder to find work at a dive opperationat 50 or 55 compared with the level DMs and Instructor that are getting started as pros in their 20s.

 

[CRT2]

Do not view your age as an impediment. I became a PADI Instructor at the age of 44. If you are in good health and physically able you should go for it.

That is good to hear. I am in good health and physically active. I am not really concerned that I would not be able tohandle the physical demands of instructing or working as a divemsster. I was more wondering if it would be harder to find work at a dive opperationat 50 or 55 compared with the level DMs and Instructor that are getting started as pros in their 20s.

Personally, I think you would be a better candidate than the younger person. They are probably living off their income from diving whereas you are more flexible since you have other funds available. More training you have the better,

 

[Edward3c]

That is an interesting idea and I am not apposed to organizing and leading tours, but I really enjoy being underwater and at this point finding a way to do a lot of diving and help others experience the ocean is most attractive. I am getting to the point financially where my wife and I can consider retiring early and do something like teaching scuba or working as a DM would not need to bring in much money. I would be doing it because I enjoy it and enjoy watching other experience the underwater world . That is what I enjoy most about wilderness guiding. I love watching people experience the pristine lakes, rivers, and forests we explore together. Seeing there excitement, wonder and joy. I think good DMs and instructors are often motivated by the same thing, which makes me think I would enjoy it and it would enrich my experience compared to just diving on my own with my wife.

Don't forget that in some countries, Belize and Thailand come to mind, you will need to get a work permit and may had to meet local qualifications.

 

[Scott G. Bonser]

That is an interesting idea and I am not apposed to organizing and leading tours, but I really enjoy being underwater and at this point finding a way to do a lot of diving and help others experience the ocean is most attractive. I am getting to the point financially where my wife and I can consider retiring early and do something like teaching scuba or working as a DM would not need to bring in much money. I would be doing it because I enjoy it and enjoy watching other experience the underwater world . That is what I enjoy most about wilderness guiding. I love watching people experience the pristine lakes, rivers, and forests we explore together. Seeing there excitement, wonder and joy. I think good DMs and instructors are often motivated by the same thing, which makes me think I would enjoy it and it would enrich my experience compared to just diving on my own with my wife.

Dave, if I had it to do today, I would continue to pursue my goal of becoming a PADI instructor. As of now my physical shape keeps me in benign waters. I worked with 2 fantastic instructors who along with other DM candidates who appreciated the attention I gave the learning students and certified divers on charters and trips. Be prepared for some really bizarre happenings. After switching a certification class checkout with another DM student for her convenience, I traveled to Ginnie Springs. After the first part of the class finished their checkout for O/W certification that morning, I took a student who just passed the course in for a ‘guided tour’. He disappeared and came back to rip my mask off of my face and leave me. I thought he was a panicked diver and reacted accordingly. Once I figured out he intentionally attacked me..( I never knew why??..) I lost my temper. The instructors asked ‘why’ he did what he did (..he said he thought it would be ‘amusing’..). I was really MAD and thought that I blew my DM cert. Instructors backed me up and the other diver was sent back to Virginia. I got to enjoy the rest of the trip diving w/the students and instructor friends. The instructors had everything completed to turn in my records for certification the following week….never happened as they both died in a freak speedboat accident. ( students & DM canduates were crushed…) I had to seek another PADI instructor who did certify me after completing what parts were not submitted to PADI. Challenging?? Yes. As an instructor, or even DM, prepare for anything. My suggestion. Watch the ‘eyes’ they tell a great deal about the other divers. Only one of many challenging events I had as DM.

I am not trying to discourage you in any way as this incident made me MORE determined to pursue my goals. A marriage and financial problems eventually scrapped my dreams. You have a wonderful background of working with all kinds of people. There is a definite need for DMs and instructors out there. Again get a good sponsoring dive shop with great ethics and safety record. Become friends at the ‘Shop’ level and don’t be afraid to ask what you need to know. You and your bride will go far and have a rewarding experience. Try contacting Stephanie, w/Tarpoon Diving Center in S. FL. She may have some ‘leads’ to follow up on. My best wishes to You, my friend. You WILL persevere.

S G B PADI DM since ‘84.

 

[wildernessdave]

Don't forget that in some countries, Belize and Thailand come to mind, you will need to get a work permit and may had to meet local qualifications.

Good point!

 

[wildernessdave]

Dave, if I had it to do today, I would continue to pursue my goal of becoming a PADI instructor. As of now my physical shape keeps me in benign waters. I worked with 2 fantastic instructors who along with other DM candidates who appreciated the attention I gave the learning students and certified divers on charters and trips. Be prepared for some really bizarre happenings. After switching a certification class checkout with another DM student for her convenience, I traveled to Ginnie Springs. After the first part of the class finished their checkout for O/W certification that morning, I took a student who just passed the course in for a ‘guided tour’. He disappeared and came back to rip my mask off of my face and leave me. I thought he was a panicked diver and reacted accordingly. Once I figured out he intentionally attacked me..( I never knew why??..) I lost my temper. The instructors asked ‘why’ he did what he did (..he said he thought it would be ‘amusing’..). I was really MAD and thought that I blew my DM cert. Instructors backed me up and the other diver was sent back to Virginia. I got to enjoy the rest of the trip diving w/the students and instructor friends. The instructors had everything completed to turn in my records for certification the following week….never happened as they both died in a freak speedboat accident. ( students & DM canduates were crushed…) I had to seek another PADI instructor who did certify me after completing what parts were not submitted to PADI. Challenging?? Yes. As an instructor, or even DM, prepare for anything. My suggestion. Watch the ‘eyes’ they tell a great deal about the other divers. Only one of many challenging events I had as DM.

I am not trying to discourage you in any way as this incident made me MORE determined to pursue my goals. A marriage and financial problems eventually scrapped my dreams. You have a wonderful background of working with all kinds of people. There is a definite need for DMs and instructors out there. Again get a good sponsoring dive shop with great ethics and safety record. Become friends at the ‘Shop’ level and don’t be afraid to ask what you need to know. You and your bride will go far and have a rewarding experience. Try contacting Stephanie, w/Tarpoon Diving Center in S. FL. She may have some ‘leads’ to follow up on. My best wishes to You, my friend. You WILL persevere.

S G B PADI DM since ‘84.

What a story! Thanks for sharing. Even with the limited diving I have done, it is clear some dive operations are top notch and others are very low quality. The importance of connecting with a quality outfit is critical. Thank you for sharing your experience.

 

[Saboteur]

That is good to hear. I am in good health and physically active. I am not really concerned that I would not be able tohandle the physical demands of instructing or working as a divemsster. I was more wondering if it would be harder to find work at a dive opperationat 50 or 55 compared with the level DMs and Instructor that are getting started as pros in their 20s.

When I was in Cayman several years ago one dive op employed two DM/instructor that were very obviously late middle age or seniors. Before that in the 80’s on a trip to the west coast a senior DM. Grey hair and grey beards. As I remember they were very competent and pleasant dive leaders. I’ve had less safe and enjoyable dives with younger DM’s. Don’t let age be a hurdle. It’s all in your commitment to safety, enjoyment of the client and attitude.