PADI® Course Director Rocio Bunker is recognized as a PADI Elite Instructor 2018 – an award that acknowledges PADI’s top performing instructors around the world.
We spoke with Bunker to learn about her challenges, achievements and how she uses each of her classes as an opportunity to become an even stronger instructor.
What inspired you to become a PADI Pro?
When I first found out that people could scuba dive I couldn’t think of anything else – I was obsessed with the idea of diving. Then, when I was taking my first scuba class and realized my instructor did that for living, I was convinced that nothing else in the world was going to be better. I started to work learning everything I could that would make me a better instructor, got involved researching techniques, gear, environment, etc.
I was carefully crafting my toolbox for the day I would become a scuba instructor. As I was moving toward my goal, I started noticing that a lot of people didn’t have a mental image of the beauty of the ocean and therefore didn’t really care for the future of it.
I discovered that teaching scuba and introducing people to the ocean goes hand in hand with ocean conservation and awareness, so it made my career pursuit all the more meaningful and rewarding.
What do you consider the greatest achievement in your diving career?
I feel like every step has been a big one and it wouldn’t be possible without the other. But the biggest one is when I became a Course Director, and with that rank came Training Director for a team of 60 very busy scuba professionals at one of the busiest dive shops in the world, Ocean Enterprises in San Diego, California, USA.
I consider this my greatest career achievement, but the most rewarding is witnessing positive changes toward ocean conservation on the lives I’ve touched. It’s being the change I want to see.
Little by little our instructors are starting to teach ocean conservation, people are joining us on beach cleanups and dive cleanups, committing our shop to 100% AWARE certifications, and choosing responsible and sustainable travel destinations.
Did you have to overcome any fears, challenges or obstacles to get where you are now in your diving career?
Yes, all the many things that make me stand out have also been my challenge.
Everywhere I’ve worked I’ve had to prove myself and break free of stereotypes, stay focused on my goal and my role. Keep in mind that every day has been an opportunity to rise to the occasion as a woman, younger than most of my peers, being from a foreign country and all the other aspects that make me stand out from the crowd.
As a PADI Elite Instructor, how does it feel to be recognized as one of PADI’s top performing instructors in 2018?
The PADI Elite Instructor award is really great because sometimes we get so caught up in work, with classes, events, etc. This award is a great excuse to stop and check your own progress, remember every student and class you taught that year, improve your style and add everything you’ve learned because every class will bring a new challenge and teach you something new.
What advice do you have for your fellow PADI Pro’s to join the Elite?
We are mentors and role models. Be safe, be patient, be empathetic, remember your first time and how much did you not know then.
Enjoy teaching. Don’t forget to do what you say and lead with example. We are in a unique position to help people explore the world beneath the surface. Do it right the first time, teach them to respect the ocean and its inhabitants. Each one of your students represents another ocean lover who can help against overfishing and pollution.
Will you be a PADI Elite Instructor? Visit the “My Account” tab and then “Awards” tab at the PADI Pros’ Site to see how many certifications you garnered.
For more information about the Elite Instructor Award program, please visit the PADI Pros’ Site, or contact your regional customer relations team.
