PADI Divemaster
Overview
Divemaster training is the first leadership level in the system of diver education.
The rating denotes an individual who:
- Has a high level of personal diving skill.
- Has instructor level knowledge of diving theory.
- Has had significant training in how to assist an instructor during training activities.
- Is able to assume appropriate responsibilities that benefit the welfare of other divers.
Many Divemasters go on to become Instructors, so the training and experience gained through the Divemaster course shapes their abilities and attitudes as professional level diving educators.
Divemasters are qualified to:
- Act as certified instructional assistant to Instructors.
- Supervise participants in experience programs for uncertified divers.
- Generally supervise both training and no training related diving activities by planning, organizing and directing dives.
- Teach and certify Skin Divers.
- Conduct the Scuba Review program for certified divers.
- Enroll in Instructor level training.
To qualify for Divemaster training, an individual must:
- Be certified as an Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent).
- Be certified as a Rescue Diver (or equivalent).
- Have logged a minimum of 20 open water dives prior to enter into Divemaster training, and have completed and logged a minimum of 60 open water dives prior to certification as a Divemaster.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be in good physical condition for diving and submit a medical exam form signed by a physician.
Divemaster course program
The Divemaster course consists of three phases:
- Watermanship and skills assessment
- Watermanship and stamina
- General diving skills
- Knowledge development
- Diving physics
- Diving physiology
- Diving equipment
- Diving skills and environment
- Supervising students in training
- Dive management and control
- Dive planning
- Emergency assistance plan for Diving emergencies in the local area
- Mapping a local open water site
- Practical application involves training activities using various structured training sessions, simulated scenarios and internship sessions with actual courses. These training sessions enable the candidate to gain practical experience as an instructional assistant and a supervisor of open water diving activities, both as a coordinator and as an underwater guide.
Upon successfully completing the Divemaster course, the applicant receives the necessary paperwork from the instructor to apply for his membership to PADI. The individual also becomes a professional PADI member and receives benefits including the ability to purchase professional liability insurance (which may be required to conduct some activities listed above).
NOTE: The schedule is given by your dive instructor according to actual students. The minimum time this course requires is 2 weeks.