Attributes of a Good Scuba Diving Instructor


Defined Tag: Scuba Diving Instructor.

In order to be an effective scuba diving instructor, there are several traits that one has to possess. Here are some examples of what it takes to be a good teacher and facilitator when it comes to teaching the art of scuba diving.

Knowledge is a basic tool of any instructor. When it comes to teaching something like scuba diving, understanding exactly what all is entailed is absolutely necessary. Instructors for scuba diving will often need to have working knowledge of not only the basics, but also how to troubleshoot when there is an equipment problem, how to tell good equipment from bad equipment, and what types of weather are not suitable for scuba diving. A total knowledge of the activity will make all the difference in the quality of instruction that is given.

Along with the knowledge factor, the scuba instructor also needs to be a good communicator. Teaching persons to scuba dive is not just a matter of articulating information to the students. The experience also includes the abilities to adapt the presentation so that the information is conveyed in terms that the students can readily grasp. There is also the need to interact with the students to make sure everyone is getting the idea behind the information, and relating it to the total process of scuba diving. Communication has to be a two way street in order to be effective. That is, the students must be able to ask the instructor questions and also relate back what they understand in order for the educational process to take place.

Last, a good diving instructor will have patience. Not everyone will get the point the first time, or the second, and maybe not the third. Being able to keep a cool head and help someone who is having trouble is a great way to help someone get the swing of the diving without feeling under a lot of pressure. Any scuba diving instructor that keeps these three factors in mind will be a great hit with the students, as well as turn out some very competent graduates.