Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the stressors and coping strategies of scuba diving instructors using qualitative research approaches. Methods: Data were collected through open-ended questionnaires and interviews with 16 subjects who agreed to participate in the study. The data were validated through triangulation method and analyzed by inductive contents method. Results: Scuba diving instructors experienced stress in trainees, teaching, and teaching environment at the pool lesson and coped with positive behavior control, positive thought control, and avoidant behavior control. Scuba diving instructors experienced stress in inadequate sea conditions, dissatisfaction with resort facilities, lack of diving skills, and safety management of students during the sea lesson. They coped with positive behavioral control and avoidant behavioral control. Scuba diving instructors were stressed on tour management, interpersonal relationships, condition control, and poor finance in general life, and coped with positive behavior control, positive thought control, and avoidant behavior control. Coping strategies to alleviate the stress level of scuba diving instructors include stress awareness, stress coping skills, body relaxation exercises, general stretching exercises, stretching exercises before scuba diving, finding rational and positive cognition, understanding others, and trying to gain self-change. Conclusion: These findings are significant in providing practical information about the difficulties and stresses of scuba diving instructors. Future research needs to study female scuba diving instructors, whose numbers are increasing these days.

INTRODUCTION
 METHOD
  Participants
  Instrument and Procedure
  Data analysis
 RESULTS
  Contents analysis of stress factors
  Content analysis of stress coping strategies
 DISCUSSION
  Stress factors of scuba diving instructors
  Stress coping strategies of scuba diving instructors
 REFERENCES

• Byoungmin Min(Yeungnam University)
• Hosang Yoo(Yeungnam University) Corresponding author