Working as a PADI Dive Instructor in Dubai
Nick Hawkins looking towards a future as a dive instructor
Okay, I passed my PADI OWSI in April 2017. Now what? I still have my current job in Dubai and my contract has me tied in for another 10 months. Do I wait? How will that gap look to future employers once I take the plunge (couldn’t resist) into the dive industry?
These are probably questions everyone that completes their IE asks himself or herself. I made a simple choice, get working now. But how? Where?
Nick the sailor questioning his decision about becoming a dive instructor
It took 10 minutes to google several dive centers in the UAE and obtain their email addresses. A quick look at their webpages and some social media stalking and I got a feel for each one of them and their main customer type. I was after a high volume of students not just recreational divers.
Next step, I emailed the ones I thought suitable, introducing myself and what I could offer in terms of freelancing for them. I also inquired about their policy when it came to me bringing students that I sourced myself to their center; mainly, how much of a cut of the course fee they would take
Most replied within 24 hours.
The next step, go and visit each manager and simply have a chat. Nothing too specific just an opportunity to meet and greet.
Nick learning to control Nuwan and his hair
So, here I am, a bit over a month from completing my IE and I have certified 2 Advanced Open Water students, 2 Open Water students, 2 Junior Open Water students, conducted 5 DSDs and have 3 students currently under training. All this while still working my regular desk job.
My message to new instructors is BE ACTIVE. In the yacht industry “dock walking” with CVs is common practice. I see no reason why, if you’re in a popular dive location, this approach shouldn’t be your first action.
Happy hunting and remember why you did your IE.
Nick Hawkins
P.S. I will be available from the end of this year for anyone looking to hire a fulltime (phenomenal) OWSI with full commercial skipper license
Nicks review on https://scubatribe.com/profile/dive-careers/review/6817 about his instructor training in Sri Lanka with Dive-Careers.com
I discovered Dive Careers when the IDC I was preparing to attend elsewhere was cancelled. A quick internet search led me to the IDC in Sri Lanka. The sign up was simple and from the very beginning Mark was very professional and supportive with the theory preparation. The IDC was very smooth and was conducted in a relax but informative manner and the candidates were able to see each other develop daily with each practice lesson we delivered. I felt very confident going into the IE and the results for each candidate were very high. I would definitely recommend the company and Mark personally to anyone looking to complete their IDC.
