To get the job you want, in the location you want, you need to be a cut above the average instructor by not only having a more detailed knowledge of scuba diving and the business of diving, but by also being able to offer more to both the Dive Centre and their customers. Being able to teach PADI Specialty Courses, Emergency First Response (EFR) Courses, a full range of DAN Courses and DSAT courses, all greatly enhance you chance of getting a job, especially as an new instructor. As a PADI OWSI your first step should be attaining your Emergency First Response Instructor (EFRI) rating, allowing you to teach a complete range of PADI courses.
Your next step should be to get the PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) rating. This assures your future employers that not only can you offer their customers PADI Specialty Training in at least 5 different specialty areas, but you are also an experienced PADI instructor with at least 25 student certifications.
Completing Specialty Instructor Training with a PADI Course Director ensures that you not only receive up to date information on PADI standards, valuable hands on training using the latest techniques, but it will also allow you to start teaching these exciting PADI courses immediately, prior to having gained the 25 certifications you need if applying directly to PADI, which can make a big difference !!Another GREAT way to increase your employability is being able to teach DAN courses. Most of the Course Directors in the IDC Guide teache the DAN Oxygen Provider Instructor Course, DAN First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries (HMLI), DAN Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and Advanced Oxygen Administration.