Is Scuba Diving a Good Career in Australia?
Is Scuba Diving a Good Career in Australia?
To a certain extent, and only if you understand its limitations, scuba diving can be a viable career in Australia. However, it is not a long-term career path unless certain specific conditions are met. Scuba diving as a career is temporary and a chapter in your life, unless you own your dive center or do not plan to have a family.
The Temporary Nature of Scuba Diving as a Career
It's important to recognize that scuba diving as a career is not a stable long-term profession. Most diving instructors I have encountered in their 50s, for example, are overweight and lack a clear direction for the future. They often struggle with the lifestyle and find it difficult to adjust to the demands of the profession.
Conditions for Success in Scuba Diving as a Career
In Australia, being a dive instructor can be a bit of a hobby rather than a full-time career. There are a few key conditions that can make scuba diving a more sustainable career:
Ownership of a Dive Center: Owning your own dive center can provide a stable income and allow for more control over your work schedule and career direction. No Plans for Family: If you do not plan to marry or have children, the lifestyle gap may be easier to manage. Dive instructors often work primarily on weekends, which can be challenging for those with family obligations. Alternative Income Sources: Supplementing your income with teaching or certification in multiple languages can enhance your career prospects.Minefield of a Scuba Diving Career in Australia
My own experience highlights the challenges of a scuba diving career in Australia. In 2007 when I arrived in Australia, I was at the peak of my career as a diving instructor. Here is how my job interview at a local dive center went:
“Hey mate!”
“Hi, I am a diving instructor and looking for work. I have been diving for ten years, I taught about 1200 students, logged 3500 dives, and can teach in 5 languages. I can certify in PADI, SSI, and ESA. Additionally, I have specialties in Nitrox, Deep Dive, Navigation, Wreck, and Rebreathers.”
“Good for you. Here you work every weekend, do four dives a day, and only need to speak English. Also, you will be paid 12 dollars per hour, no matter what day of the week and how long. Happy with that?”
I lasted six months.
The stark reality of the job and the pay rate was a significant factor in my decision to leave. This experience shows that while scuba diving can be a rewarding career, the financial prospects are often not favorable.
The Hobby Turned Career Reality
When I reflect on my experience, I can confidently say that being a diving instructor in Australia is not a career; it is a hobby. Although a pretty cool one, it is not a sustainable long-term career. The lifestyle and pay are often incompatible with a conventional career path.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while scuba diving can be an enjoyable and rewarding hobby in Australia, it may not be a career path that offers long-term stability. For those considering this profession, it is important to understand the limitations and challenges involved. Success in this field often requires owning your own business or a strong sense of adventure and lifestyle flexibility.