PADI Divemaster

The PADI Divemaster course is designed to develop your knowledge and diving skills whilst preparing you for the wide range of responsibilities and opportunities that are available to PADI Divemasters. This is only one step away from becoming a Scuba Diving Instructor and, as you will learn during the course, not only will you become a role model for recreational divers; you will also become an ambassador for the marine environment.

As an entry to the professional levels of diver training, it is important that you understand the professional nature of this programme and the high expectations the diving community will have of your conduct when operating as a PADI Divemaster.

• These include:
  • Exemplary diving skills. The PADI Divemaster's skills can be used as demonstrations for student divers.
  • Rescue skills. The PADI Divemaster can prevent and manage accidents and role model rescue skills for student divers in training
  • Professional-level knowledge of dive theory. Depth of theoretical knowledge goes hand-in-hand with expertise and professionalism. This is the foundation for problem solving and creativity in the Divemaster's duties, and for subsequent growth as a PADI Assistant Instructor.
  • Competence as a certified assistant. PADI Divemasters know how to support instruction by handling logistical, supervisory and limited educational duties under an instructor's supervision.
  • Dive management and supervision abilities. PADI Divemasters accept appropriate, limited responsibility for certified divers within the context of leading or managing diving activities. This requires good people skills and good judgment along with a strong working knowledge of dive environments and activities.

• As a certified PADI Divemaster (in active status), you will be qualified to:
  • Independently guide Open Water Diver/Scuba Diver students on the tour portion of the Open Water Diver course Training Dives 2 through 4, at a ratio of two student divers per certified Divemaster.
  • Accompany Open Water Diver/ Scuba Diver students under the indirect supervision of a PADI Instructor:
    • a. during surface swims to and from the entry/exit point.
    • b. during the navigational exercises during Dive 4.
    • c. with the group, either on the surface or underwater, while the instructor conducts a skill, such as an ascent, with an individual student diver or buddy team.
  • Conduct any subsequent dives for Discover Scuba Diving participants, at a ratio of 2:1, if insured, after the participants have satisfactorily completed the first dive under the supervision of a PADI Instructor.
  • Conduct the PADI Discover Local Diving experience, (provided the Divemaster meets insurance requirements).
  • Conduct the PADI Discover Snorkeling program, (provided the divemaster meets insurance requirements).
  • Conduct the PADI Scuba Review program for certified Open Water Divers, divers with higher certifications, or for PADI Scuba Divers who want only to refresh their skills (provided the Divemaster meets insurance requirements).
  • Accompany student divers during training dives for the PADI Adventures in Diving program, Specialty Diver courses, or the Rescue Diver course.
  • Generally supervise both training and non training-related activities by assisting divers and student divers in the planning, organizing and direction of dives.
  • Assist a Teaching status PADI Instructor in the open water training of divers. The allowable student diver-to-instructor ratio increases by four additional student divers for each certified, renewed PADI Divemaster for all PADI programs and courses, unless stated otherwise by that course/program's standards. For the PADI Open Water Diver/Scuba Diver course, the allowable student diver-to-instructor ratio increases by two additional student divers for each certified, renewed PADI Divemaster, to a maximum of 12 student divers to one instructor.
  • Assist a Teaching status PADI Instructor in the confined water training of divers. Use of certified, renewed PADI Divemasters increases the allowable student diver-to-instructor ratio in confined water by four additional student divers per Divemaster for all courses, unless stated otherwise by that course/program's standards.
  • Teach and certify PADI Skin Divers independently (provided the Divemaster meets insurance requirements).
  • Conduct the skin diving skills segment of the Open Water Diver Course during Confined Water Dive Two, Three, Four or Five (provided the Divemaster meets insurance requirements).
  • Teach Emergency First Response courses after successfully completing an Emergency First Response Instructor course.
  • Independently conduct Discover Scuba Diving in a pool or in confined open water to a maximum depth of 6 metres/ 20 feet if qualified as a Discover Scuba Diving Leader.

• To qualify to enter the PADI Divemaster course, you must meet the following prerequisites:
  • Be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or have a qualifying certification from another training organization. A qualifying certification is defined as proof of certification beyond entry level, and proof of 20 or more logged dives documenting experience in deep diving and under water navigation.
  • Be certified as a PADI Rescue Diver or have a qualifying certification from another training organization.
  • Have completed and logged at least 20 dives as documented by your personal logbook.
  • Be at least 18 years old at the start of PADI Divemaster training.
  • Submit, to the instructor, medical clearance for diving signed by a physician, attesting to fitness to dive. The medical clearance must be current within the previous 12 months.
  • Submit proof of Emergency First Response Primary Care (CPR) and Secondary Care (First Aid) training (or other qualifying CPR/first aid training) within the last 24 months.

• At the time of certification, a PADI Divemaster candidate must meet the following requirements:
  • Show proof of 60 logged dives documenting experience in night diving, deep diving and underwater navigation.
  • Read and agree to abide by the PADI Membership and License Agreement.
  • Have current CPR and first aid training within the last 24 months.

During the Open Water Scuba Training, it is a requirement that each PADI Divemaster candidate be equipped with the proper equipment for the diving environment. This includes, but is not limited to: fins, mask, snorkel, cylinder, regulator, alternate air source, buoyancy control device (BCD) with low pressure inflator, backpack (if not integrated into the BCD), where weights are appropriate, a quick release weight system, appropriate exposure suit for the environment, timing device and depth gauge (or dive computer), compass, knife/dive tool (unless prohibited by local laws or regulations), safety sausage and at least one audible emergency surface signaling device (whistle, air horn, etc).

It is a requirement that each PADI Divemaster candidate have, in their possession, a personal set of materials for study and use during the course and for reference afterward. Candidates must have a current version of these required materials:

• PADI Divemaster Manual
• RDP – all three versions (The Wheel, table and eRDP including associated Instructions for Use booklets)
• The Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving
• Diving Knowledge Workbook
• Divemaster Slates
• Instructor Guides for programs PADI Divemasters may conduct:
  • Discover Scuba Diving
  • Discover Snorkeling/Skin Diver Course
  • Scuba Review/Discover Local Diving

The PADI Divemaster course is divided into three modules: the Knowledge Development Module, the Water Skills and Stamina Module, and the Practical Application Module.

The Knowledge Development Module establishes the knowledge foundation needed as a professional level diver and consists of 12 topics:

• The role and characteristics of a PADI Divemaster
• Supervising diving activities for certified divers
• Assisting with student divers in training
• Dive theory introduction
• Physics
• Physiology
• Equipment
• Decompression theory and dive tables
• Divemaster conducted programs
• Risk management
• Business of diving
• Furthering your dive career

The performance requirements for this module are assessed through a combination of independent study, classroom sessions and evaluation by written exams. As part of this module, candidates are also required to complete an Emergency Assistance Plan.

The Water skills and Stamina Module develops skills to the role model level appropriate for demonstrating to student divers, and to prepare for higher training levels. The Stamina Assessment and Development portion evaluates basic swimming skills.

The Diver Rescue Assessment and Development phase will develop and refine your skills beyond the Rescue Diver level, while the Confined Waterskill Assessment and Development will refine and develop, to demonstration quality, the 20 basic scuba skills from the PADI Skill Evaluation.

There are three Required Training Exercises in the Practical Application Module, followed by either an internship with specific internship criteria or four Practical Training Exercises. The Required Training Exercises include map making, underwater problem solving, and a Divemaster conducted program. The internship and Practical Training Exercises allow candidates to practice and develop Divemaster skills with real or simulated student divers, and with real or simulated supervised divers.

Included is the following schedule for completing the PADI Divemaster course. This is a suggested schedule and may be rearranged to suit logistical and individual needs.

• Session One
  • Classroom: Topic 1: The Role and Characteristics of a PADI Divemaster
  • Practical: Waterskills and Stamina Exercises One and Two – Confined Water
  • Independent Study: Chapters 1 and 2 of the Divemaster Manual PADI Divemaster Video Emergency Assistance Plan – assigned to be completed before certification
• Session Two
  • Classroom: Topic 2 (Part 1): Supervising General Diving Activities for Certified Divers (Objectives 1-18)
  • Practical: Waterskills and Stamina Exercises Three and Four Equipment Exchange – Required Training Exercise Two
  • Independent Study: The Physics of Diving
• Session Three
  • Classroom: Topic 2 (Part 2): Supervising General Diving Activities for Certified Divers (Objectives 19-25)
  • Practical: Diver-Rescue Assessment Confined Waterskills Assessment
  • Independent Study: The Physiology of Diving Chapter 3 and 4 of the Divemaster Manual
• Session Four
  • Classroom: Topic 3: Assisting with Students in Training
  • Independent Study: Mapping Project – Required Training Exercise One – Assigned to be completed before certification. Equipment Chapters 5 and 6 of the Divemaster Manual
• Session Five
  • Classroom: Topic 9: Divemaster Conducted Programs Topic 10: Risk Management
  • Practical: Divemaster Conducted Programs – Required Training Exercise Three
  • Independent Study: Decompression Theory and the RDP Chapter 7 of the Divemaster Manual
• Session Six
  • Classroom: Topic 4: Dive Theory Introduction Topic 5: The Physics of Diving – review and answer questions Topic 6: The Physiology of Diving – review and answer questions
  • Practical: Makeup and Remedial Training Begin Internship and/or Practical Training Exercises
  • Independent Study: Chapters 8 and 9 of the Divemaster Manual
• Session Seven
  • Classroom: Topic 7: Equipment – review and answer questions Topic 8: Decompression Theory and the RDP –review and answer questions Topic 11: The Business of Diving
  • Practical: Internship and/or Practical Training Exercises
• Session Eight
  • Classroom: Topic 12: Furthering Your Dive Career
  • Divemaster Exams
  • Practical: Internship and/or Practical Training Exercises

Course Cost: $950.00

Plus Divemaster application fee payable at certification: $132.00

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