Great Jobs in the Scuba Industry

If you’re like me, one of my least favorite questions when I was working on my degree or my dive certifications was the question, “So, what are you going to do with that?” Some careers have more obvious applications than others; that’s just the nature of your education. But anytime someone asks you what you’re going to do with your career in scuba diving, you should always have an answer, because there’s ALWAYS something to do! Here's four ideas to get you started.

This man is clearly living a happy and fulfilled life.

1. Scuba Instructor. This might seem like the most obvious answer, but don’t let that fool you: this job is anything but ordinary. Take the joy of teaching people something that will enrich their lives, add to it flexible working options and a schedule that you create and you have a job that you can use to supplement your income or turn it into your full-time gig.
2. Divemaster. Whether you run a boat charter in the Caribbean or work for a landbound dive center, this industry runs on the blood, sweat and tears of its  divemasters. In many cases, the presence of a divemaster is the key to a successful dive in an unfamiliar place; they serve as guides, experts in dive planning and equipment setup, and they assuage the fears of new divers. They are the people that probably inspired you to go pro in the first place.
3. Underwater Archaeologist or Research Diver. You can go anywhere and do anything with this type of career. Some examples are: locating and exploring unidentified shipwrecks, surveying animal behavior, and diving in extreme environments like inside caves and under ice for the purposes of learning more about them and learning how to preserve them. To do this, you have to be comfortable with several types of diving, but the experience will be well worth it.
4. Underwater Photographer. Photographers often get to witness some of the most amazing moments in the life of the ocean, and although this discipline takes patience and the willingness to work part-time for little or no pay, you will get to observe some spectacular things. You will also be able to draw attention to some significant conservation issues facing our oceans. But, like I said, be ready for the “no pay” thing.

Join us and make a difference! (Image by Clay Bennet)

There you have it—four good responses to the question, “Oh, scuba diving… What are you gonna do with that?” And if you know of any more to expand the list (and I know it can be expanded), post your favorite scuba jobs below!


Want to know how SCUBA EMPORIUM can help you get started with any of these careers? Call us today! 708.226.1614