Divemaster

A Divemaster is a diving qualification used throughout most of the world in scuba diving for a diver who has overall responsibility for a group of divers. As well as being a generic term, Divemaster also refers to the lowest professional rating of many training agencies, such as PADI, SSI, SDI except NAUI, which rates the Divemaster just under an Instructor but above an Assistant Instructor.

The role and certification is somewhere between the BSAC Dive Leader and Advanced Diver, although differences in emphasis exist.^[1]

The certification is a pre-requisite for becoming an instructor in recreational diving with most agencies except NAUI^[2], because of the superior position of the NAUI Divemaster in the NAUI hierarchy.

The role of a Divemaster can be varied, but will predominantly encompass the following roles:

• Organizing, conducting and supervising recreational diving activities (but not training), both land and boat based.
• Assisting instructors in conducting training programs and activities for certified divers.
• Generally supervising non-training related diving activities by planning, organizing and directing dives.
• Within the limits of some agencies, Divemasters may:
  • act as instructional assistants to instructors.
  • supervise participants in experience programs for uncertified divers.
  • teach and certifying skin divers and snorkellers.
  • conduct scuba review programs for certified divers.

Divemasters, in theory, have the ability to work in holiday destinations in many parts of the world. They may work in diving resorts, private yachts, cruise ships and dive centres – anywhere where there is a demand for diving, however, it is rare for a Divemasters to be paid for their efforts, usually they work for tips, the experience, and/or discounts on equipment purchases.

Training

During Divemaster training, candidates learn dive leadership skills through both classroom and independent study. They complete water skills and stamina exercises, as well as training exercises that stretch their ability to organize and solve problems as well as help others to improve their abilities.

Candidates put this knowledge into action through a structured internship or a series of practical training exercises. Some programs will include the candidate assisting in actual diving programs with real diving students. Other programs can be run as role playing and involve other Divemaster candidates, rather than real students.

Divemasters can develop to Divemaster level through two different methods. Either through progressing along the recreational levels of diving, or through Divemaster internships that fast-track the candidate to Divemaster level by having them become involved in the training facility where they are training.

PADI and SDI Divemaster candidates must have reached the following minimum requirements prior to their Divemaster training:^[3]

• Open Water Diver Course (or qualifying certification from another training organization)
• Advanced Open Water Diver Course (or qualifying certification from another training organization)
• Rescue Diver Course
• First Aid & CPR Training (preferably with [Automated External Defibrillator] training)
• 40 Logged dives
• Submit a Medical Statement Signed by a by a physician within the last 12 months.

PADI Divemasters must have completed 60 logged dives prior to certification as PADI Divemaster.

Footnotes