How long does it take to become a divemaster?

If you're at least 18 years old and meet the prerequisites listed above, it's possible to become a PADI Divemaster in two very intense weeks. Most divemaster candidates complete their training over three weeks to six months. Contact your preferred PADI Dive Center, Resort or Instructor to learn more about scheduling and availability.

What are the PADI Divemaster swim test requirements?

There are three swimming assessments and one treading water exercise. Accommodations can be made for candidates with physical impairments. Swim 400 metres/yards nonstop without swimming aids. Use any stroke or combination of strokes. Swim 800 metres/yards face down - nonstop - using mask, snorkel and fins only. Use of arms or flotation aids is not permitted unless the candidate has a physical impairment. Tow or push a diver for 100 metres/yards nonstop, at the surface, without assistance. Both divers wear full scuba equipment. Tread water, drown-proof, bob or float using no aids and wearing only a swimsuit for 15 minutes. Hold hands (not arms) out of the water for the last two minutes. Candidates with a physical impairment that makes it difficult or impossible to hold their hands out of the water may skip the hand-raising challenge with no reduction in score.

How many dives are required to become a divemaster?

To become a certified divemaster you need at least 60 logged dives. Only 40 dives are required to begin divemaster training. The number of dives you'll make during the course varies.

What are divemasters allowed to do?

PADI Divemasters can: Assist certified PADI Instructors with training and non-training diving activities Guide certified scuba divers on fun dives Lead Discover Local Diving programs Assist with Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) programs Conduct the PADI ReActivate scuba refresher program Teach Discover Snorkeling and PADI Advanced Snorkeler courses Organise and lead conservation activities With additional training, divemasters can also work as equipment repair techs, deck hands, become boat captains and more. Read more about what divemasters can do.

Can divemasters teach?

Upon certification, PADI Divemasters can: Conduct the PADI ReActivate scuba refresher program Teach Discover Snorkeling and PADI Advanced Snorkeler courses With additional training, PADI Divemasters can conduct Discover Scuba Diving (DSD®) experiences in a pool or confined water. They may also lead divers who have successfully completed a DSD experience on guided dives after participants have made their first dive with an instructor. The DSD participants must be under an instructor's indirect supervision and the maximum ratio of participants to PADI Professionals may not exceed 2:1. Any divemaster-supervised dives must take place within 14 days of the DSD experience. PADI Divemasters may also become qualified to teach: The AWARE Specialist and Coral Reef Conservation courses Emergency First Response® first aid and CPR courses Emergency Oxygen Provider Equipment Specialist Emergency Oxygen Provider Digital Underwater Photography PADI Freediver™ courses PADI Mermaid™ courses PADI Distinctive Specialty courses without dives Learn more about what you can do with a PADI Divemaster certification .

Is the divemaster course worth it if I don't want to work in the scuba industry?

Absolutely! Many divers enroll in the divemaster course simply because they love diving, want to learn more and improve their skills. Becoming a divemaster will increase your underwater confidence immensely, make you an excellent dive buddy and introduce you to what it's like to be a professional diver. Also, you'll have a job qualification recognised worldwide. Maybe you don't want to change careers right now, but as a certified PADI Divemaster, you always have the option to lead a different life . A PADI Divemaster certification can also be helpful if you want to pursue a career in marine conservation .

What's the difference between a PADI Divemaster and a PADI Instructor?

Divemasters are primarily dive leaders. They plan dives, help with logistics, take certified divers on underwater tours and assist PADI Instructors. If you want to help divers and be a role model to students, but not teach independently, PADI Divemaster may be all the professional training you need. Read more about the roles and responsibilities of a divemaster . If you want to become a scuba instructor and teach people to dive, completing the divemaster course is the first step. Next, you'll enroll in the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). After passing the PADI Instructor Exam, you'll be able to teach all PADI core courses from Open Water Diver up to Divemaster. Learn more about the difference between a divemaster and a scuba instructor . Curious about teaching but not ready to enroll in an IDC? PADI Divemasters can teach a handful of PADI specialty courses if they complete training with a PADI Course Director. Divemasters can also qualify to teach: PADI Mermaid™ courses PADI Freediver™ courses Emergency First Response® first aid and CPR courses Learn more about what divemasters can do.

What's the difference between divemaster and Master Scuba Diver?

The PADI Master Scuba Diver™ rating is a recreational diving achievement that denotes outstanding levels of training and experience. Only 2% of divers become PADI Master Scuba Divers, but Master Scuba Divers are not dive professionals. A Master Scuba Diver rating alone does not qualify someone to work in the diving industry. Divemaster is the first step on the professional ladder and a prerequisite to becoming a scuba instructor. Learn more about the difference between divemaster and Master Scuba Diver .

Divemaster

$1,500

About the Course

Learn how to lead underwater tours, assist with scuba classes and inspire others to care about the ocean. Hone your skills and be the diver everyone admires. Divemaster is the most popular and most recognised professional scuba certification in the world. PADI Divemasters enjoy abundant career opportunities, get paid to scuba dive and share their love for the ocean.

Learn How to

Lead guided dives
Assist with classes
Give a dive briefing
Conduct refresher training

Take This Course If You Want to

Gain professional-level dive skills
Start your scuba diving career
Share your passion for the ocean
Mentor other divers

How to Become a Divemaster

Overview

The divemaster course includes knowledge development (in-person and online), confined water practice sessions and open water training. Your PADI Instructor will also lead you through skill workshops and hands-on practical activities.

Prerequisites

Minimum age: 18
Rescue Diver (or equivalent certification)
Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care training (or qualifying training) within the last 24 months
40 logged dives

PADI eLearning

Interactive lessons cover divemaster-led programs and activities, diver safety and risk management, the aquatic environment and more. Study online or offline using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor whenever you have a question.

Time commitment: 10-16 hours

With Your Instructor

Gain practical experience giving dive briefings, assisting with classes and leading underwater tours. Learn how to anticipate problems and provide assistance, create an Emergency Assistance Plan and improve your navigation and problem-solving skills through practical workshops.

The PADI Divemaster course includes three swimming assessments and one treading water exercise.

Time commitment: Approx 50 hours

After This Course

As a certified PADI Divemaster, you're eligible to enrol in the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and become a PADI Instructor or Assistant Instructor.

You can also work with a PADI Course Director and become qualified to teach select PADI specialty courses. Divemasters may also qualify to teach:

PADI Mermaid™ courses
PADI Freediver™ courses
Emergency First Response® first aid and CPR courses

Junior Divers

Divers who are younger than 18 but at least 15 may enroll in the PADI Junior Divemaster program.

Must have 20 logged dives.

Junior Divemaster is a sub-set of the PADI Divemaster course. Junior Divemaster candidates may complete a significant portion of the divemaster course, but additional training is required when the Junior Divemaster turns 18.