Life as a Dive Instructor Examiner

"Depth, Discipline, and Dedication."

Behind the Mask: Life as a Dive Instructor Examiner

Becoming a dive instructor is a life-changing achievement — but standing on the other side of the process, as an Instructor Examiner, is a whole different level of responsibility, insight, and reward.

As a Dive Instructor Examiner, I don’t just certify professionals — I help shape the future of the dive industry. I see raw passion, nervous energy, and determination in every candidate. And I make sure that when someone walks away with that instructor credential, they’ve truly earned it — not just on paper, but in confidence, competence, and character.

What Does a Dive Instructor Examiner Do?

The role of an Examiner is not simply to test. It’s to evaluate, mentor, and uphold global standards. We oversee Instructor Development Courses (IDCs) and conduct Instructor Exams (IEs), where aspiring instructors demonstrate their ability to teach, brief, problem-solve, and manage real-life dive scenarios.

Our job is to:

• Assess knowledge, presentation skills, and standards compliance

• Observe confined and open water teaching scenarios

• Evaluate professionalism, safety awareness, and communication

• Provide feedback that builds better instructors — not just pass/fail results

We are the final checkpoint before a diver transitions into an educator. That comes with real weight — and even more pride.

The Human Side of the IE

You can teach someone how to hover or demonstrate a regulator recovery. But what you can’t teach — and what I look for — is the ability to inspire trust underwater. Students follow instructors not just because they know skills, but because they project calm, clarity, and leadership.

Exams are emotional. Candidates put everything on the line. As an Examiner, I work hard to create an atmosphere of professionalism and support — because nerves are normal, and how someone handles pressure tells you more than any score sheet ever will.

The Challenges

Being an Instructor Examiner is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its share of challenges:

• Maintaining Objectivity – Everyone wants to pass, but my job is to protect the industry and ensure only qualified individuals become instructors.

• Cultural & Language Differences – Exams around the world bring unique communication styles, training backgrounds, and expectations.

• Consistency in Standards – Ensuring a global standard while adapting to local conditions takes experience and awareness.

• Time Pressure – Instructor Exams are packed with logistics, coordination, and tight timelines — everything has to be efficient and precise.

But every challenge is a chance to learn, and every course adds depth to my understanding of what makes a great instructor.

Why It Matters

When I certify a new instructor, I’m not just signing off a qualification — I’m sending someone out into the world to shape future divers. That’s a legacy. And I take that responsibility seriously.

The ocean needs educators who lead with passion, integrity, and skill. My job is to ensure we send out the best.

Final Thoughts

Being a Dive Instructor Examiner is a role built on years of experience, a deep love for the dive community, and a belief in the power of education. It’s not about the clipboard — it’s about people. And there’s no greater reward than seeing someone you've tested become a mentor for the next generation of divers.

I don’t just examine instructors. I help create leaders in the underwater world