8 replies to this topic

[Racer184]

I don't remember how I got talked into it.... but as of today I am a SDI open water scuba instructor.






(Now I have to decide if I am going to shell out the $$$ for instructor insurance and actually become an instructor)

[WreckWench]

Congrats! Yes the real issue is if you want to shell out over $600 a year just for the insurance.

[jesterdiver]

My LDS has been trying to get me to b an instructor for them for months now. I haven't done it, because of the whole liability thing and having to keep insurance. I was told locally, but haven't checked this out myself, that once you become instructor rated, even if your not an "active" instructor, that you should always keep your professional insurance going because there is some legal gray in regards to liability every time you go in the water.

I am definitely curious about the topic.

[Racer184]

Insurance for an instructor is about 90% more than a DiveMaster or Assistant Instructor.
There is "instructor - non-teaching" insurance for instructors that are no longer teaching. That's not too bad.

You do "need" to keep insurance after quiting instructing because the insurance is "claims made" coverage, not incident coverage.

A DM needs to keep insurance for 4 years after retiring. An instructor needs to decide for themself how many years or decades after retiring to keep insurance.

[little mermaid]

Congrats to you on your new mission!!!! If it weren't for instructors, our addiction would not come to fruition /> Thank you!

[WreckWench]

Kathy is right...we do need instructors... but on the other hand...its not for everyone. I once considered it more for credibility reasons...but my insurance as a DM is already too high and the liability as a DM is already too high so why did I want to double or quadruple all of that risk? Its easier to hire excellent instructors to work for you then to be one yourself.

In my mind to be an instructor you MUST REALLY want to teach and if not, then there is no reason for doing it.

As noted you do put yourself at risk every time you are in the water which means that no matter when and where you go diving...you are at risk. If someone is in over their head...the boat/resort will ask YOU to be their buddy...even if you are paying full ride like everyone else. If someone has an incident on the boat or while diving in a group you are loosely part of...you are required to assist and/or be called upon if there is ever a lawsuit and asked to defend your actions or lack thereof. And that is just your casual risk...it compounds when you actually start training students.

Alan after so many years of diving and being a DM I don't doubt that you are ready for this exciting next step...but it comes with a huge amount of responsibility as you know. I am proud of you and excited for you! kamala

[Buzo Guero]

Congratulations, AMIGO!!! It is a quandary, I know. I deferred my instructor rating for more than 20 years. What finally made me do it was that I realized that I had ASSUMED LIABILITY, anyway, as I often take family, friends, clients on my boat to dive in the Sea of Cortez. I was putting my arse on the line, anyhow, so, figured I may as well have all of the necessary tools at my disposal. I didn't become an instructor to teach. I did it because I don't do anything half way...

As far as the insurance goes, it really varies by shop. I've been affiliated with some that make you pay your section of the pie out of pocket. Fair enough. The shop I'm with now pays for it, period. It's a benefit of working for them & helping them out. I'm basically on call for them when another instructor is hurt, gets sick, etc.

To Kamala's point about becoming a default dive buddy/unpaid instructor, that is why I'll be getting my SDI Solo Cert next. The textbook lays the scenario out perfectly.

So, whatever you decide to do with your new Instructor Rating, IT IS AN AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT!!! Relish it.

[Racer184]

I have independent insurance, not on any group plan.

There are some very very very minor advantages to having independent insurance. Most DM's would never notice.

I did the S.D.I. Solo Class a year ago. It is VERY much worth it. As an u.w. photographer, I am, in reality, a solo diver anyway.

[Scubatooth]

Congrats

This is one of the reasons why I stayed a DM / never perused a instructor rating was because of the liability even though I am judgement proof (BTDT unfortunately). Being a paramedic even though offduty (and mostly not in a state im licensed) I still have that bullseye on my back if anything happens. This has been why in the past I have not said what my profession was and only gave the cards necessary for the dive as I'm there to dive not work (Just like my car has no markings as to being a paramedic nor employer). If they expect me to work then compensation needs to be addressed or the trip needs to be comp'd as if something happens were all in the hot seat... No thanks.


Ill agree on the SDI solo card as I dont like being paired up with people who I have no clue on. Diving Sidemount I have my back up under my arm so Im good in that respect.