Dive pro?

[velocity]

I recently started diving and it has been brought to my attention that it could actually be a career change for me. I have been reading all I can and trying to decide if it is something I should pursue. I just had a few questions I was hoping you guys could answer.

What kind of pay can be expected working in say Florida? I would really be looking for a job that would allow me to spend time at home so no travel jobs. My fiance likes to dive as well but only recreationally so it would need to be in an area where she could find a job as well if my income alone would not support us both. Are the realistic ideas? Can I get a job that will allow me to do those things in the diving industry? I can go after whatever ratings I need to accomplish that, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[LSDeep]

uhmm, ok lets start with pay. in my experience you can expect between $1000 and $3000 a month in florida, depending on your level of experience and the position in the divecenter. that might be supplemented by sales and teaching commissions which might vary widely. some dc's offer also more or less complete healthplans, 401k and other benefits. as a new instructor you might want to set your hopes on the lower end. many jobs will keep you "at home", but expect the ocassional divetrips you accompany. also depending on the dc. i am sure you can get around that if you want, most instr. are pretty keen to do this jobs. i see jobs usually offered in the keys and along the eastcoast from miami up to the jupiter area, but also inlands and along the gulf coast. if you are looking at a "inland" job, expect regular trips to the coast. also expect many evening and weekend classes. many of your clients will be from the area and have to work to, means you need to schedule your classes around their needs. as for job opportunities for your fiance, it really depends where you guys settle down. i would take it easy, do your classes, but keep a main job, work part time in a dc and see if you like it and is really your "thing". you will get experience, which makes it easier to find a good job and you dont jump into the cold with no financial security.

[velocity]

Let me explain the situation a little better and maybe you can give me some better advice. Right now we are living in arkansas and are planing a move to florida in the fall of next year. Looks like we are going to shoot for fort lauderdale so I can go to pro dive.

By the time we go I will already have my open water certification and possibly AOW as well. Would I have a hard time getting a job locally there after I finish all of the classwork at pro dive? We are young and don't have anything holding us in one place so moving again won't be a big deal. Also I am not sure if you are familiar with pro dive but I sure could use a profesionals opinion on what program I should take through them. I could take the whole thing which is roughly 8500$ but if there are parts of it I don't need I would prefer not to waste money on them. Here is a link to their course price list so you can take a look. www.prodiveusa.com/courseprices.html You said that I could expect between 1000 and 3000 a month in florida, are you talking about bring home or gross?

[manta]

Pro Dive usually has a decent track record for placement of their graduates. A married couple (good friends of mine) actually beat the pavement when they went to DEMA and found jobs that way.

You would do much better to get as many certifications in Arkansas before you go - that will naturally drop the price. Advice I give people is to get to DM then hang there for SEVERAL classes. You will get stuck with 'remedial' students in the pool, those who lag behind in certain skills, and get a much better handle on how to help them around to getting the skills without the pressure of "should I certify these people?" It sounds like a lot of time.....it is. Remember this: you will have to carry liability insurance for the REST OF YOUR LIFE. Who you certify next year you can be responsible for 10...20 years down the road.

Diving is life support. A career in diving needs to be a serious commitment. That's not to say that you don't know this already - just a rememinder. It is fun, rewarding and hard work.

Also think about not limiting yourself to Florida. Pro Dive has connections all over the world.

Just my 2 cents worth

[LSDeep]

gross is usually not of much interest, i was talking about money in my pocket (or bank).

prodive has a good rep and everybody i know doing courses with them was actually pretty happy.
i would agree with manta on the courses. take it easy, try to get your rescue and dm done beforehand. also i wouldnt go for a package with 100courses. do your idc/ie and maybe efr instr, gasblender and nitrox instr at the same time (usually demanded by many dc's in florida) and take it easy afterwards from there.

[velocity]

Thanks a lot for the advice guys.

[velocity]

I found a local dive shop with an instructor I really like that can take me all the way to DM before the move next year. Now I can't decide if we should still make the move to fort lauderdale. There really isn't any point in moving there just to finish my IDC and then get a job somewhere else.

[goproutila]

Hi Velocity,

I run Instructor training programs in Honduras at the Utila Dive Centre, we're also a PADI Career Development Centre www.utiladivecenter.com and offer DM and IDC plus MSDT training with all the specialties and an internship that has you mentored with our Instructors to gain real world experience, we also have a great track record at placements. You can check out my dedicated professional website as well www.goproutila.com and our packages for IDC/EFR Inst and MSDT average $3200 including materials and fees to PADI, shoot me an e-mail and I can give you more details.

Warm regards,
Andy

PS You'll also find that even with a flight from Miami to Honduras, the cost of living and training here make sit worthwhile plus you can pick up real world experience.