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Scuba Forum > Training
 
#1723
 Does PADI Allow Independent Instructors
cducote - 11/14/2013 1:26 PM
Category: Training
Replies: 4
I am planning on getting My Divemaster and Instructor Certification throug PADI in the spring. My question is tihis: As a Padi Instructor do you have to be affiliated with a dive shop in order to do private instruction? There are no Padi shops in my area. I was certified through PADI and was just trying to stay with them but if cant do this, are there any agencies that do allow it?

Thanks For the advice in advance
#15579
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Brian_V - 11/14/2013 1:55 PM
You can be an independent instructor through PADI, SSI does not allow instructors to be independent.
#15579
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Brian_V - 11/14/2013 1:57 PM
Once you become a dive professional, you can buy your materials and send in your student’s certification applications directly with PADI headquarters, with no need to even enter a dive shop.
#51828
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Greg - 11/14/2013 2:02 PM
You can be an Independent Instructor through PADI. As long as you pay your annual PADI membership fee and maintain Professional Liability Insurance.


Here are a few past forum topics that may answer some other questions you have:

http://www.divebuddy.com/forum/28446/scuba-instructor-profes...liability-insurance/

http://www.divebuddy.com/forum/30136/student-scuba-insurance...liability-insurance/

http://www.divebuddy.com/forum/23559/non-teaching-padi-instr...-insurance-question/



As an Independent Instructor, be expected to fill the following roles:



Marketing Manager: You will need to market yourself...through local radio/print ads, social media, word-of-mouth.

Office Manager: You will need to manage the paperwork, gear maintenance, bills, etc.

Sales Manager: You will need to respond to questions and organize students, provide directions, time management, etc.

Instructor: You will need to teach the scuba class :)

Janitor: You will need to clean and maintain your gear.



You will need to decide if you’re going to provide all the gear (if there isn’t a dive shop near by, this may be your only option). OR if your local dive site rents gear and tanks, consider using them.



Good luck! Make sure to refer all your students to DiveBuddy!
#1723
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cducote - 11/14/2013 2:28 PM
Thanks For the Info. And all students will definately be refered to DiveBuddy.