When you think of working on a cruise ship, what images come to mind? Do you think of lounging on deck, mingling with interesting passengers and other crew members from a variety of backgrounds, or standing at the bow, arms outstretched, a la Leonardo Di Caprio in Titanic? In reality, working on a cruise ship as a diving instructor can be a fun job, but it is one that has its own specific set of challenges.
The Role of Cruise Ship Dive Instructors
Depending on which cruise line you are interested in working for, your role could include taking passengers on snorkel adventures, leading dive classes in onboard pools and assisting dive operators at a variety of destinations with check out dives. In addition, you might be called on to act as dive master while in port, however most cruise lines contract out with local crews. Often, dive instructors simply go along with passengers to ensure their safety and act as a liaison between the cruise line and local dive operators.
In addition, instructors are sometimes paid to convince guests to sign up for excursions at various ports of call; part of this includes taking the trips in order to find out what the experience is like. Some examples include things other than diving, such as helicopter tours, trips to archaeological sites, and visits to local attractions. Most instructors work the same route for a period of time, so that they are completely familiar with all various destinations have to offer.
Cruise ship diving instructors are normally responsible for ensuring equipment is maintained, and are also responsible for mixing gases and providing air fills. Some cruise ship diving instructors double as pool life guards and others lead water activities. Some even act in onboard stage shows.
In addition to working directly with passengers and helping them to have a fun experience, cruise dive instructors are usually assigned collateral duties. Normally, they have designated roles on the medical team, the fire team, and the man overboard team, plus, they are often responsible for providing passenger safety briefings.
Pay, Accommodations, and Other Considerations
As part of the ship’s crew, onboard diving instructors must normally share a cabin with another crew member. Cabins are small, and privacy is rare. On the flip side, if you like the idea of making friends with a variety of different people, sharing experiences together, and enjoying free time at exotic ports of call, the lack of alone time might not bother you a bit – much depends on your personal preferences.
Being part of a cruise ship’s crew means spending weeks and sometimes months at a time away from friends and family. If you are in a romantic partnership, it is possible to find employment on a ship together; however this is not a common scenario – single people with no children find the lifestyle much more attractive than do those with families at home.
Pay varies, as do benefits; it’s not a lot of money however if you don’t have many financial obligations, this job can be a good way to enjoy yourself while putting money in the bank. Your meals are often part of the package, and most ships offer bar discounts and other discounts to employees. Crews have their own private recreation areas that usually include some spa amenities, pool tables, hot tubs, and movie lounges.
Could working as a diving instructor onboard a cruise ship be a good career for you? Some people love the job, while others get tired of it quickly. Normally, one signs on for a few months at a time, with the opportunity to sign up again if the experience is one you enjoy. If you think you might be a good fit, give it a try – you’ll be able to visit interesting places, at a minimum.