5 Mistakes New Scuba Instructors Make, But Can Easily Avoid

There is a lot that goes into being a great scuba instructor, and it can be easy to make mistakes - especially when you're just starting out. In this blog post, we will discuss five of the most common mistakes new instructors make, and how to avoid them.

1. When you are beginning as a new scuba diving instructor, do not tell your students you are a new instructor. The most critical thing you can do is build up the self-assurance of your students and get rid of the fears they have. Your students should have belief in you, and nothing will destroy that confidence more quickly than you are telling your students that you are a new instructor, and that they are your first students.
2. Not being prepared One of the most common mistakes new scuba instructors make is not being prepared for their classes. This can mean not having all the necessary equipment, not knowing the material well enough, or not being organized.
3. One of the most fulfilling early experiences of becoming a scuba diver is to remember your first time breathing under the water—never forget that unique sensation of breathing underwater for the very first time. Try to let your students relish this experience, and do not forget to let them have the time to be amazed in what they see when they first dive in the ocean.
4. Being too rigid Another mistake new instructors make is being too rigid with their students. Scuba diving is supposed to be fun, and if your students feel like they cannot relax and enjoy themselves, they are not going to have a fun time.
5. Likewise, some new instructors make the mistake of being too lenient with their students. This can create an unsafe diving environment and lead to accidents. It can also lead to the time overextending, and your students will not thank you if the day ends well past the prescribed time.

The best way to circumvent theses five and other rookie mistakes is to team teach with an experienced instructor. Just like avid local divers know the best (and worst) places to dive, seasoned instructors can help you avoid bad situations and help you through rough waters. Team learning is excellent way to improve safety, reduce stress and help everyone have more fun. At Abyss we offer those doing their Master Scuba Training the chance to team teach their first twenty-five students, which give them a strong grounding.

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