From: morley@Apple.COM (John Morley)
Newsgroups: rec.scuba
Subject: Re: how to become an instructor
Summary: How to become an instructor ... in a nutshell
Date: 25 Jul 92 01:07:08 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Apple Computer Inc., Cupertino, CA

In article <1992Jul24.205652.6065@vestek.com>, marcus@vestek.com (Mark Stephen) writes:
> I have seen a lot of talk on the subject of becoming an instructor
> lately, but being new on the net have only seen the tail ends of the
> discussion. What are the basic requirements, ie; how does one go about
> making it to instructor level. I am just interested in a simple
> nutshell version if someone has the time.
> 
>      Thanks, Marcus

OK here's the nutshell version of how to become an instructor.  This version
is specific to the NAUI certification agency, but I believe that the other
agencies have somewhat similar procedures.


Step 1.  Get certified as an OpenWater diver.

Step 2.  Get some diving experience.  Something on the order of 25 dives or
         more is recommended to proceed to the advanced diver level.

Step 3.  Take an advanced diver course.  This is actually optional as you can
         go on to the next steps without the advanced diver rating.  You will
         however have to pass the NAUI advanced diver exam (non-trivial) as
         a pre-requisite to receiving a leadership rating (explained later)

Step 4.  Take a diver rescue course.  This is a pre-requisite for certification
         as an Assistant Instructor or Divemaster.

Step 5.  Get certified in BLS and First Aid.  BLS is a more advanced CPR
         rating that teaches 2-person CPR techniques.  Community CPR deals
         only with 1-person CPR technique.

Step 6.  Take an Assistant Instructor (AI), Divemaster (DM) or Instructor
	 Preparatory Course (IPC).  You will need either the AI, DM or IPC as
         a pre-requisite to entering an Instructor Training Course (ITC). The
	 AI and DM ratings are considered leadership ratings in NAUI (I am
	 omitting the Skin Diving Leader which is also a NAUI leadership
	 rating).  If you get the DM rating you will be required to purchase
	 liability insurance to have an active rating.  Both the AI and DM
	 ratings qualify you to purchase liability insurance through NAUI.

Step 7.	 Take an Instructor Training Course (ITC).  These last about 2 weeks
         and focus mostly on the techniques in teaching, as opposed to
         actual diving skills.  You are expected to have demonstrated mastery
         of diving skills as a result of the AI, DM or IPC work that is a
	 pre-requisite.  You will be tested on some of those skills in the ITC.

Step 8.  Pass steps 1 - 7 and you are now a certified NAUI scuba instructor.
	 This means you can now introduce new students to the wonders of the
	 underwater world and make a handsome profit at the same time :-}
	 Actually if income is your primary motivation you are better off
	 looking into another line of work.  The instructors I know have to
	 work other jobs in order to get by.  However if you don't mind living
	 simply, and would like the opportunity to live, work and play in
	 an exotic diving destination, then this may be just the ticket.

- John Morley
  NAUI Advanced (AI candidate)