After so many years in this industry, training Divemasters and PADI Instructors, I’ve noticed a common pattern: most professionals complain about the salaries in the diving world. And honestly, they’re not wrong… but I’ve also seen that many settle with just their Divemaster or Instructor certification, without going any further.
The truth is, the diving world is full of growth opportunities. The more skills and qualifications you add to your profile, the more valuable you become to a dive center – and the higher your paycheck will be. With the right mindset, this profession can be much more than a job: it can be your dream career.
Imagine this: working in the most fascinating places on the planet, moving from one island or country to another each season, diving daily in crystal-clear waters, and meeting amazing people from all around the world.
If you ask me what’s the most important skill after becoming a Divemaster or Instructor, I’ll tell you something many forget: learning how to sell.
Here’s a real example from my own experience:
➡️ One day, I went to a dive center to ask for a job, but they told me there were no vacancies. So, I grabbed some of their flyers, went to the nearby beach, and started talking to people. I managed to bring in several customers for a Discover Scuba Diving experience and snorkel tours. When the center’s director saw this, guess what happened? Exactly: I got hired.
Diving is passion, but it’s also business. If you bring clients, no dive center will let you slip away.
Beyond your certifications, there are countless skills that can make a big difference in your career:
In short: the more tools you have, the more doors will open – and the higher your income can be.
In diving, staying at one level isn’t enough. The professional ladder is full of exciting steps:
Divemaster ➝ Instructor ➝ Specialty Instructor ➝ IDC Staff ➝ Master Instructor ➝ and maybe even Course Director!
Every step makes you more attractive to dive centers and raises your professional value – and your salary.
The opportunities are endless:
Don’t forget you can also work on liveaboards or cruise ships with dive centers onboard, where salaries are usually higher and the lifestyle is unique.
Of course, remember that in the most paradisiacal destinations the workload can be intense. If you prefer a more personal environment, you can always choose a smaller, family-run dive center instead of the big “diver factories.”
Yes, earning a higher salary and growing professionally are important. But never forget that the real wealth of diving lies in its lifestyle:
Being a dive professional isn’t just a job – it’s a lifestyle, and one that very few people in the world get to experience.
👉 So, are you ready to take the next step in your diving career?
Carlos Campaña
C.C. Papagayo, Avenida de Papagayo 18, local 67D
35580 Playa Blanca
Lanzarote – Islas Canarias
+34 690 80 85 08
+34 928 51 72 77
info@lanzarotenonstopdivers.com
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