I really have to reply to this. I own and manage a dive centre and believe me it is not easy. When we opened, I worked for nothing for almost 6 months. (Lived off my savings) After more than 5 years we are now working reasonably well. Although, we do remain fragile as we are always at risk of bad weather and unfair competition. I think that the first problem with this industry is the number of instructors who are happy to work free of charge. Does anyone know of another industry where people pay so much to earn an instructor rating and then go off and work for the fun? Personally, we do not take on young inexperienced instructors, even free of charge, as our diving tends to be a bit difficult and if we were to have an accident, under the local law, I will be held responsable. Also, I consider that I have a moral obligation to keep my divers safe regardless of the cost. However, not all of the companies think like me. We have an ongoing problem with retired military who move from France into the tropics. These guys are relatively young with a good retirement and their idea of creating a business is just to cut the prices until the competition gives up! When you already have an income, it is a lot easier.
On the positive side, I never get bored with diving. Someone said that the pros get bored with diving the same sites every day. Personally, I do not have this problem as there is always something new or an unknown behaviour of a well known creature. I am always fascinated how the same sites change according to the seasons, time of day and tides. And then I course every now and then we see what I call a "gift" from the sea. Recently, I dived with a whale shark and then mantas rays on the same day. Also, many of my customers have become good friends. This is certainly a very tough business. To survivie you must really love the sea and its creatures.
On the positive side, I never get bored with diving. Someone said that the pros get bored with diving the same sites every day. Personally, I do not have this problem as there is always something new or an unknown behaviour of a well known creature. I am always fascinated how the same sites change according to the seasons, time of day and tides. And then I course every now and then we see what I call a "gift" from the sea. Recently, I dived with a whale shark and then mantas rays on the same day. Also, many of my customers have become good friends. This is certainly a very tough business. To survivie you must really love the sea and its creatures.