r/scuba•
tangopapa75

Started instructor course but no longer want to do it. Options?

I paid for and started my instructor certification course but realized that I am doing it more because it's the next level certification. It feels like other people want me to be an instructor more than I want do. I'm not very deep into the program as I've only done the online coursework and no practicals.

What are my options at this point?

For those that want a little more background information.

I am a retired firefighter/paramedic and have been diving for 11 years. I have logged over 400 commercial dives and was a search and rescue diver for the FD for 7 years. I live in the Midwest, so diving is seasonal or travel is required. As far as teaching people, I was a gymnast and coached for 15 years after competing. I have also been in martial arts for 40 years and have been teaching on/off for more than 20 years. So far, the instructor course has been quite disappointing. I'm not learning anything new and am discouraged that this is all they expect out or instructors. From what I've seen, there are so many divers that are discourteous and have terrible dive technique, etiquette, and safety. As an instructor, I would want to make competent, courteous, and safe divers but it seems as if it's all about the business model and making money. I'm just not sure that I want to enter this level of the profession anymore.

Posted Nov 1, 2025, 1:14 PM UTC

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