The 2010 SCUBA season is not far off.  It might be time to take a new class or refresh diving skills. Maybe someone you know might like to learn to SCUBA dive and become your buddy. How does one choose a SCUBA instructor? Here are some tips to make your diving experience safe and enjoyable.

Eco SCUBA Key West

First, locate a good dive shop. Entering  the store, ask yourself:
1. Is the shop clean and well maintained or does the shop need to bull-dozed?
2. Does the store name brand products for sale? If everything written in a language you’ve never seen before, reconsider your choice of store?
3. Is their rental gear in good repair and up-to-date? If  Cousteau sold it to the store himself, this is not the gear you’ll want to use to keep yourself alive under water.
4. Is the staff knowledgeable and friendly? This is a fine line. There is nothing worse than an arrogant, know-it -all, with a cigarette pack rolled up in his shirt sleeve. Forget the over-friendly, flirting instructor. Use your instincts and rely on common sense.
5. Are prices reasonable? Always look for middle of the road. The lowest price says that the owner doesn’t value the shop or the employees, by being cheap. The most expensive shop can shut out a lot of divers who own medium sized wallets.
6. What is the certifying agency that’s going to send the dive card? The different agencies (NAUI v. PADI) are all about the same. You are as good as your instructor…choose wisely.

If not, quietly excuse yourself, run fast and find another store. But, if everything is in order and you feel comfortable and welcomed, then move ahead and find the right instructor. Finding the right instructor is the most important part of the endeavor. You have to feel comfortable and safe with this person. After all, they literally have your life in their hands. If you’re not getting a good feeling, again, ask for another instructor.

Eco SCUBA Instructor, Kelly Burger, onboard the ECO 1

There are attributes in your instructor that are important:
1. Is the SCUBA instructor certified by a major diving association and insured?
2. Does the instructor communicate, so that you can understand the materials and training?
3. Is the instructor patient and focused on your needs and safety?
4. Does the instructor seem experienced and knowledgeable?
5. Is the instructor excited about the sport and eager to share that experience?

Some shops try very hard to pair students and instructors that compliment each other. Male or female instructors are the same: some are better than others. Instructors employed by dive shops, generally, are dedicated to the sport and work full time. Most private instructors have full time jobs and teach part-time because they love the sport. Some private instructors and shops can be unscrupulous and recourse can be difficult, so rely on word of mouth (referral).

If the store and instructor pass the test, you’ll have a safe and exciting experience leading to a lifetime of wonderful adventures…under water.