“The PADI Divemaster is the intermediate step between purely recreational diving and becoming an instructor. The course is demanding but an essential one if you are interested in becoming a PADI instructor.”

On achieving the PADI Divemaster qualification you become a professional member of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.

Participants of the Divemaster course become actively involved in the training of other divers, also the supervision and organisation of diving activities. Working closely with senior instructors your communication skills, and diving techniques will become second nature.

Quote from the PADI Divemaster manual: "... it is difficult to establish a precise definition of the term PADI Divemaster because the role is so diverse. There is, however, one common characteristic in virtually all definitions of Divemaster that is helpful in understanding just what is meant by the term. This characteristic is responsibility. No other single term so adequately defines what a Divemaster is. The Divemaster is responsible for people, responsible for planning, responsible for orienting, and at some time responsible for nearly every aspect of safe diving.

This responsibility is a considerable one, and, therefore, the decision to become a qualified PADI Divemaster is not one that should be made hastily. The rewards of being a Divemaster, however, in terms of personal satisfaction and achievement are unparalleled.

For those who decide that scuba diving can be more than a recreational endeavour and are interested in exploring the professional potential it may hold, acquiring the PADI Divemaster rating is an essential step in the process. The decision to pursue this goal is to be commended, and it is PADI’s hope that this course will only be the beginning of a journey that will take the serious diver into an entirely different realm of diving - the realm of the professional."

The main elements of the course...

Divemaster theory: Completion of the Divemaster manual and self study workbook and exams covering the areas detailed below.

Pool skills development: Sessions will be held to bring the candidate’s skills to demonstration standard.

Assessments covering the aspects of: Watermanship. Stamina. General diving skills. Problem solving underwater. Diver rescue skills.

Completion of two projects: These will be based on underwater map making and production of a rescue contingency plan.

Involvement: In at least five pool training sessions and ten ocean training sessions for beginner or other level students, all sessions will be assessed.

the course...

qualification requires substantial theoretical knowledge of the following...

Dive planning.

Dive management and control.

Supervising students in training.

Diving physics.

Diving physiology.

Scuba equipment.

Diving skills and the environment.

The Recreational Dive Planner.

This can be achieved through pre-course study of the "Divemaster Manual" and "Diving Knowledge Workbook", both of which are included in the price of this course. As the majority of time is utilised with assisting in training and preparation of diving there is little available time during the course for self-study, so advance preparation is a key element. A degree of dedication and self-discipline is definitely a must to gain this respected qualification. A certain level of fitness is also required as qualification and assessments will take place during the course. If you are unsure as to any of the requirements to complete this course, do please call us to discuss any personal queries you may have. The Divemaster level of scuba diving is one we will be pleased to advise you on.

general information and how to book...

CHECK OUT THE PADI DIVE CENTRE LIST FOR A CENTRE OFFERING THE COURSE YOU NEED

prerequisites... to take part you must:

Be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Have logged at least 20 dives on entry, 60 dives by completion.

Be qualified as a PADI Rescue Diver or equivalent (Please enquire for equivalency details).

Submit an approved PADI medical form, signed by a doctor within the previous 12 months

Be in good physical condition as the course involves a fair amount of physical effort, however, despite being serious in content it’s also great fun to take part in.

Have proof of CPR and First Aid training, within the past 3 years. Medic First Aid courses are offered for those without this qualification. This will incur additional cost.

equipment & materials required...
The PADI Encyclopaedia of Recreational Diving* is essential to enable successful completion of the Diving Knowledge Workbook. The PADI Wheel* is also used during your course exams.
(* Available from us at: Encyclopaedia. £31.95 Wheel £41.95)
Full diving gear appropriate to local conditions which must include an alternate air source.
A this level of training Divemaster students should ideally have their own equipment as familiarity with equipment is an important element of dive safety.

membership of PADI...
Candidates on this course achieving the professional level of PADI Divemaster, are required to become members of PADI on completion, current membership fee is £59.53 (includes VAT) and is paid directly to PADI UK office.