Every one is bringing up valid points, being an independent instructor is difficult in more ways than just discounts on gear and the like. With out a recognized organizational name behind the independent instructor. It can be difficult to get insurance, supply certification cards to students and to have those cards recognized by dive companies. There are hundreds of dive instructors who don't have instructor certifications from "recognized" organizations. It does not make them any less safe or responsible. Some of them are fantastic instructors with a wealth of dive knowledge and a complete understanding of what it takes educate and evaluate new divers. Then there are the independent instructors who are certified by recognized dive agencies, who,because they are independents, don't receive the same support as "employed" instructors. It can be very frustrating to operate a business as an independent. Diving is a business for most instructors and one of the few ways to insure success is to write a business plan, execute that plan and do the foot work and research to insure success.