What is a PADI Divemaster?
PADI Divemasters are divers just like you who have decided to take their diving to a professional level. There are many reasons why divers decide to pursue professional diver ratings:
To Live the Dream
For many divers, the opportunity to make a living doing something they love is a driving factor in becoming a PADI Divemaster. Whether as a fulltime job working at an island resort or as a part-time certified assistant helping with our local classes, the PADI Divemaster rating can lead the way to unlimited new experiences and opportunities.
To Dive Like a Pro
PADI Divemasters have to know their stuff. Through knowledge development sessions, waterskill exercises and workshops, and hands-on practical assessment, as a PADI Divemaster you not only develop the skills to organize and direct a variety of scuba diving activities, you hone your own personal skills and knowledge and become a role model other look up to.
To Share Their Passion
Many divers earn the Divemaster rating because they want to share their passion with others by helping introduce them to the wonders of the underwater world and ocean conservation. PADI Divemasters are mentors and guides and lead the way to unparalleled amazement, wonder and beauty.
become a padi Divemaster
Are you someone who loves sharing stories about your dive adventures with everyone you know?
Do you find yourself dreaming of your next dive – be it in your own backyard or at an exotic destination?
Are you driven to be the best diver you can be by growing your diving knowledge and skillset? I
f you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should join the ranks of PADI Divemaster.
Your dream of becoming a PADI Divemaster starts today.
Let us show you how!
For Private Counseling and to help you plan your next steps as a Dive Professional,
please complete our PADI Divemaster Information Request.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What are the PADI Divemaster swim test requirements?
A. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. What are divemasters allowed to do?
A. 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® programs
- Conduct the PADI ReActivate® scuba refresher program
- Teach Discover Snorkeling and PADI Advanced Snorkeler courses
- Organize and lead conservation activities
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 conservation courses
- Emergency First Response® first aid and CPR courses
- Emergency Oxygen Provider
- Equipment Specialist
- Emergency Oxygen Provider
- Digital Underwater Photography
Q. Is the divemaster course worth it if I don’t want to work in the scuba industry?
A. 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 recognized 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.
Q. What’s the difference between a PADI Divemaster and a PADI Instructor?
A. 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.
Divemaster Course prerequisites:
- Minimum Age 18*
- PADI Rescue Diver certification (or qualifying certification)
- Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care training (or qualifying training) within 24 months
- 40 logged dives
- Medically evaluated and cleared for diving by a physician within the past 12 months
Why Choose PADI Divemaster with Carolina Dive Center?
The Best Training
The PADI Divemaster course is the world’s most requested professional-level scuba certification program. PADI Divemaster training consists of interactive learning materials, skill development workshops and real-world experience to ensure you are prepared to be a dive leader. Our instructors will build a personalizes relationship with you. Carolina Dive Center has helped divers like you become Divemasters for 20 years.
The Most Opportunities
The PADI Divemaster certification is recognized globally and opens doors for job opportunities through the PADI’s vast network of more than 6500 dive centers and resorts. Carolina Dive Center will prepare and assist you with job placement.
Unparalleled Support
Carolina Dive Center is a 5 Star PADI Instructor Development Training Center. Working with our dedicated PADI Regional team we are committed to your success as a PADI Professional.