How to stand out in a competitive dive industry?

Let's face it – the dive industry can be as crowded as a dive boat on a perfect weather day. While the pandemic definitely reduced the number of active dive instructors, we are now going back towards more "normal" levels, which means that for every job published there are always a couple of dozens of applicants. With that said, how do you make yourself shine brighter than the reflection off a brand new dive computer? Whether you're a freshly certified divemaster or a seasoned instructor looking for that edge, here are some tried-and-true ways to stand out in our bubble-filled world.

Specialize in something unique

Jack of all trades, master of none? Not in diving! While being versatile is valuable, developing expertise in a specific niche can make you the go-to person for particular experiences.

Consider specializing in:

• Technical diving

• Underwater photography or videography

• Marine biology or conservation

• Adaptive teaching for divers with disabilities

  
  

I once met an instructor who specialized in teaching underwater photography to marine biologists. Super niche? Absolutely. Always booked solid? You bet!

Invest in continual education

In diving, there's always something new to learn. The instructor who stopped learning after their IDC is like a coral that stopped growing – stagnant and eventually overlooked.

Ways to level up:

• Take specialty instructor courses beyond the basic offerings

• Move towards becoming an IDC Staff Instructor, so you also can assist IDC or dig deeper in the Divemaster training.

• Attend industry workshops and conferences

• Cross-train in related fields (boat handling, emergency response, marine science)

• Learn other skills that might be useful in a dive center, like digital marketing skills

  
  

Master the art of storytelling

Technical skills get you certified, but storytelling skills get you remembered. The dive industry isn't just selling air fills and certification cards – it's selling experiences and memories.

How to become a better storyteller:

• Perfect your briefings with engaging delivery

• Share meaningful conservation messages that stick

• Document your adventures (blog, social media, videos)

• Create memorable metaphors for teaching complex concepts

The better you are at teaching, the more your students will recommend you or come back. When you move on to the next job, you will bring along a customer base or some dedicated followers!

Build genuine relationships

In an industry where word-of-mouth is still king, your network is your net worth. Whether it is your managers, colleagues or students, you never know when and where you will run into them again.

Relationship-building tips:

• Remember returning guests' names and preferences

• Stay in touch with past students (a quick "how's the diving going?" message goes a long way)

• Collaborate with local businesses and other dive professionals

• Be generous with your knowledge and support to others in the industry

The dive community is surprisingly small, and your reputation travels faster than a speedboat on calm waters. Keep in mind that people might ask for references for a good reason!

Go above and beyond (consistently)

The instructor who does exactly what's required – nothing more, nothing less – blends into the background. It's the one who consistently goes the extra mile who stands out.

Small extras that make big impressions:

• Personalized feedback for each student

• Custom site maps or marine life guides for your location

• Follow-up resources after courses

• Little touches like post-dive hot chocolate or underwater course photos

One important note: "above and beyond" doesn't mean working yourself to exhaustion. It means thoughtfully adding value in ways that matter to your students and are sustainable for you.

Standing out in the dive industry isn't about being the loudest, the most extreme, or having the most Instagram followers. It's about consistently bringing value in ways that matter to your students and dive operation.

Remember, your goal isn't to be the perfect instructor for everyone – it's to be the absolutely perfect instructor for your ideal students. Find them, serve them exceptionally well, and you won't just stand out in a crowded industry – you'll create your own current, one that others will eventually follow.

Keep your mask clear and your standards high – there's plenty of ocean for all of us, but your unique combination of skills and dedication is what will truly make you stand out!