I never thought I’d become a diving instructor. In fact, I used to be terrified of scuba diving. Not the fish or the deep water, but the simple act of breathing underwater. It felt unnatural, overwhelming, and—at times—impossible. The idea of removing my mask underwater, and then calmly replacing and clearing it, was something I dreaded. But I kept going back to the water. Dive by dive, I worked through those fears and eventually became a dive instructor. What I learned in the process changed not just my diving, but my approach to life.
This is not a list of glossy highlights. It’s a reflection of the real, sometimes slow, sometimes vulnerable process of learning, stretching, and becoming. Whether you’re an aspiring instructor or simply someone who wants to grow as a diver, I hope these reflections encourage you to take your next step – even if it feels like a leap.
1. You can be scared and still succeed
When I started my Open Water Diver course, I was constantly on edge. Clearing my mask felt like a personal Everest. Breathing underwater made me feel exposed. But I kept going. Not because I was fearless, but because something about diving spoke to me. After 100 dives (yes, really), I finally got over my fear of diving. Becoming an instructor wasn’t about being perfect—it was about proving to myself that I could do hard things.
2. The right mentor changes everything
I was lucky. Before starting my Divemaster course, I found an Instructor Trainer who believed in student-centered learning and positive psychology. We worked together one-on-one before I joined their small group of instructor candidates in Egypt. Their steady encouragement helped me believe I could lead others, even when I was still overcoming my doubts. That mentorship shaped my journey, and that relationship became a supportive friendship that continues today.
Photo by Mohamed Elnaggar on Unsplash
3. Location really does matter
I did most of my early scuba diving certifications in cold UK quarries. The visibility was limited, the temperature was bone-chilling, and the conditions were often challenging. It toughened me up, and I do not regret it. But when it came to my instructor training, I chose to go somewhere warm, calm, and clear: Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. I wanted to focus on my teaching, not on warming up between dives.
Diving in Sharm El Sheikh is affordable, accessible, and offers ideal shore diving for skill demonstrations. It also boasts vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. The sunshine helped settle my nerves, and the easy conditions gave me the space to concentrate on refining my techniques and building confidence. That choice changed everything.
If you are considering where to train, think about what you need most at that stage. Do you want to stretch your skills in challenging conditions? Or focus on teaching in a calm, controlled environment? Consider cost, accessibility, visibility, water temperature, current, and whether the dive sites allow for easy repetition of skills. There is no one right answer—just the right fit for where you are in your journey.
4. It’s okay if it takes time
It took me far longer than others to feel confident underwater. But that time taught me patience, perspective, and how to listen to myself. Some people breeze through their Divemaster in a few weeks. Others take a year. My journey was slower, but it was mine. And because of it, I learned how to support students who need a bit more time too.
5. How you prepare shapes the journey
Instructor training is as much about mindset as it is about skill. You don’t need to be perfect going in – but approaching it with curiosity, self-compassion, and a willingness to learn will take you far. If you’re considering taking the leap, spend time building a strong foundation—both mentally and practically.
Hone your buoyancy skills, go through rescue scenarios, and in-water confidence, even during fun dives. Review your dive theory in advance—physics, physiology, and decompression theory. Refreshing that knowledge early can ease the pressure. Watch how experienced instructors teach, how they support their students, and how they handle challenges underwater. Take notes. Ask questions.
Most of all, permit yourself to grow into the role at your own pace. Instructor training is not about already knowing everything—it is about being teachable and open to new experiences. That mindset will serve you far beyond the course itself.
6. Teaching grounds you
One of the most powerful shifts I experienced during instructor training was learning to shift my focus outward. Even in simulated teaching sessions with my fellow trainees, the act of supporting someone else’s learning helped settle my nerves. When I was briefing a skill, problem-solving, or encouraging someone after a tough session, I felt more grounded in myself. Practicing how to teach gave me purpose and showed me that confidence grows when you’re not just thinking about yourself.
7. Everyone has something they’re scared of
During my instructor training, I saw it all: candidates who worried about passing the written exam, others who froze during skill demonstrations, and some who struggled with surface conditions. Everyone had a challenge. That made us more supportive of one another. The fear might be different, but the feeling is the same – and we’re all in it together.
8. Small classes make a big difference
I chose to train in a small group for a reason. I knew I needed time to practice and space to grow. In big groups, it’s easy to hide or feel rushed. But in a smaller setting, your progress is visible and supported. I never felt like just another candidate. I felt seen, understood, and guided. That gave me the confidence to try, to mess up, and to improve.
If you’re choosing where to do your instructor training, take time to research. Ask about class sizes, teaching philosophy, and the experience level of your Instructor Trainer. Look for a dive center that aligns with your values—one that focuses on encouragement, skill-building, and personal growth rather than just pushing people through the process. Consider location too: easy shore access and good conditions can really help during skill demonstrations and evaluations.
9. You don’t have to be loud to lead
I used to think diving instructors had to be bold, extroverted, and always in charge. But I’ve learned that there’s power in quiet leadership too. You can be gentle, thoughtful, and calm—and still lead brilliantly. Students often respond to warmth and safety more than volume. Your presence matters more than your performance.
10. Visualizing your future helps it happen
When I was unsure how to master skills, I started visualizing myself as an instructor. I imagined demonstrating mask removal or a controlled emergency ascent, or guiding someone through their first scuba diving certification. That image of my future self pulled me forward and gave me a goal beyond my nerves. And eventually, that imagined version became real.
11. Empathy is everything
Because I’ve been the nervous student and the one who needed reassurance, I know how hard it is to step outside your comfort zone underwater. I understand what it means to try again, and again. That experience has given me a depth of compassion that flows into everything I do- as a travel marketing consultant, helping a friend, or facing a challenge in everyday life.
12. Just take the next step
After I completed my Open Water Diver course, I swore I’d never dive again. But I wanted to dive with sharks, and so I needed to become an Advanced Open Water Diver. That goal pulled me forward, so I kept going. One dive at a time.
Before I knew it, I was doing a Rescue Diver course off the Cornish coast, trying to ‘rescue’ someone a foot taller than me in cold, choppy seas (spoiler: I did not succeed). I was laughing my socks off during a kit exchange as a Divemaster trainee, as my buddy’s oversized gear floated away and my mask filled with water. I was still scared – but I kept going.
Then, finally, I found myself in Egypt during my Instructor Evaluation, removing my mask underwater, eyes open, clearing it calmly—and smiling. That was something I never thought I’d be able to do.
I never planned to become a diving instructor. I just kept saying yes to the next step, even when it felt impossible. That’s how progress happens. Not in giant leaps, but in small acts of courage that add up over time. If you’re standing at the start of your journey, just take the first step—and know this: you do not need to be fearless. You just need to be willing. The rest of the adventure will unfold, one dive at a time.
Ready to dive in? Check out SSI’s Dive Instructor course – or, if you are already a dive pro, take a look at their global scuba diving jobs to find your next opportunity.
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