Drift Diving

Term from Scuba Diving Instruction industry explained for recruiters

Drift diving is a specialized type of scuba diving where divers let natural water currents carry them along instead of swimming. It's like underwater sightseeing while letting the current do the work. This technique requires specific skills because divers need to navigate safely while moving with the flow of water. It's an important skill for diving instructors because many popular diving locations have currents, and instructors need to know how to teach students to handle these conditions safely. When you see this term in a resume, it indicates that the person has experience in managing dives in moving water conditions.

Examples in Resumes

Led over 200 Drift Diving sessions in strong current areas

Certified 50+ students in Drift Diving and Current Diving techniques

Developed safety protocols for Drift Diving operations at multiple dive sites

Typical job title: "Drift Diving Instructors"

Also try searching for:

Scuba Instructor Diving Instructor Advanced Diving Instructor Specialty Diving Instructor Current Diving Specialist Water Safety Instructor

Where to Find Drift Diving Instructors

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you plan and manage a drift dive for a group with mixed experience levels?

Expected Answer: Should explain group management strategies, safety procedures, entry/exit planning, and how to adjust the dive plan based on different skill levels and current conditions.

Q: What emergency procedures do you have in place for drift diving operations?

Expected Answer: Should describe surface support systems, communication methods, emergency pickup procedures, and how to handle various emergency scenarios while dealing with currents.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when assessing if conditions are suitable for drift diving?

Expected Answer: Should mention current speed, visibility, weather conditions, entry/exit points, student experience levels, and backup plans.

Q: How do you teach students to maintain proper buoyancy during a drift dive?

Expected Answer: Should explain teaching techniques for buoyancy control in moving water, including practical exercises and common student challenges.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What essential equipment is needed for drift diving?

Expected Answer: Should list surface marker buoys, rescue signaling devices, compass, and other safety equipment specific to drift diving.

Q: How do you brief students before a drift dive?

Expected Answer: Should cover basic briefing points including current direction, entry/exit procedures, group staying together, and safety signals.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic drift diving techniques
  • Standard safety procedures
  • Equipment preparation
  • Simple current assessment

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Group management in currents
  • Emergency response handling
  • Advanced navigation skills
  • Teaching experience in various conditions

Senior (5+ years)

  • Dive operation management
  • Risk assessment and mitigation
  • Advanced rescue techniques
  • Training program development

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No certification in drift diving specialty
  • Limited experience with current diving
  • Poor understanding of safety protocols
  • Lack of emergency management experience
  • No experience teaching in various current conditions