Become a Dive Instructor and Travel the World!

If you like the travelling, the outdoors, have a passion for diving or the ocean and want to live an extraordinary life - become a PADI Scuba Instructor!

Join us in the Bay of Islands for 1 year of epic diving and start an adventure-filled career working in the ocean and travelling the world!

Course Information

Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction - Level 5

The real question is why not!

Imagine waking up to turquoise water and palm trees. You grab your gear, jump on the boat, and spend your morning guiding divers through a vibrant coral reef. After lunch, you’re teaching someone to breathe underwater for the first time - watching their face light up with pure excitement. Your evening? Planning next month’s trip to a new country, or swapping stories with other instructors from around the world over sunset drinks.

This could be your life after getting your Instructors and is what some of our graduates and staff have done for years.
With the internationally recognised PADI brand, You can travel to 188 countries and work as an instructor. You’ll have career prospects, such as instructing at dive resorts, on super yachts, live-aboard dive vessels, and so many dive shops!

Why train in the Bay of Islands?

Your training environment shapes your entire instructor journey. Here’s why the Bay of Islands is the perfect location:

Our Dive sites are some of the best in NZ and world renowned! We dive the incredible HMNZS Canterbury Wreck, Rainbow Warrior, deep pinnacles, walls, rocky reefs and more. We will also complete 3 away trips to dive in other locations around the North Island.
 

We are lucky to be in the Winterless north with New Zealand’s warmest waters where water temperature are between 15-22 year round. Comfortable water means you can focus on perfecting your diving and teaching skills, not just surviving the cold.

The marine life here is incredible due to the East Auckland Current sometimes bringing tropical species so you get a huge diversity of marine life. We have had visitors like Turtles, Mantas and unique Nudibranch’s, maybe you will be just as lucky!

Where are our graduates now?

From superyachts in the Maldives, Marketing for PADI International to working as a local instructor, our graduates are successfully working in the industry. What is your dream destination?

FAQs

How many dives do i need?

No prior experience needed. Our comprehensive training covers everything you require and beyond, ensuring you graduate as an exceptional instructor.

Do I need my own equipment?

Not to start the course but by your instructors you should have your own. While you are on your course you will have a student discount and we can help you find gear that works for you.

Is the course a cost effective way to become an Instructor?

Yes! To become an instructor, you require over 100 dives, each potentially costing between $200 to $300 per dive. Without studying through our program, this accumulation of dives could exceed $30,000 in expenses alone without the certification costs.

What are Specialty Ratings?

You’ll also be able to teach people how to dive in different specialty areas, such as Wreck diving, Night diving, Deep diving, Enriched air & more.This makes you more employable among your peers when looking for a job.

What else is there to do in the Bay of Islands?

Students who study with us experience the best of NZ. When you aren’t diving there is plenty to explore, beaches, surfing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, horse riding, live music, culture and history. We have it all here!

How can I enroll?

Enrolling is easy! Complete the form below and we will get in touch with more info and what the next steps are. Then you can apply for your StudyLink.

Academy of Diving Trust is registered as a Private Training Establishment by NZQA and has approval to sub-contract to Dive Zone Bay of Islands.