Learning to Teaching: College students become dive instructors

College of the Florida Keys dive students celebrate their certifications as PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors at the college’s dive training lagoon on the Key West campus. From left are Lana Gaspari, CFK vice president of advancement; Lucja Rice, CFK’s diving business and technology faculty and a PADI master instructor; CFK student Courtney Woods; PADI examiner John Land; and CFK students Eric Lahti, Robert Frink and Eddie Bryant (kneeling). CONTRIBUTED

Four diving students at the College of the Florida Keys have advanced from the role of student to instructor. Each successfully completed the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) instructor development course at CFK and passed the PADI instructor examination, certifying them as open water scuba instructors. 

The two-day evaluative program is conducted by a visiting PADI employee who tests an instructor candidate’s teaching ability, dive theory knowledge, skill level, understanding of the PADI system, and attitude and professionalism. With PADI certification, these instructors will be qualified for professional jobs teaching individuals how to scuba dive anywhere in the world.

CFK is the only place in the Middle or Lower Keys that offers the PADI instructor development course. More information is at cfk.edu/cfkdiving.

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