PADI Divemaster Course
Become A PADI Divemaster
Becoming a PADI Divemaster is an exciting journey that transforms a passionate recreational diver into a dive leader and mentor. The process starts with ensuring you meet the prerequisites, which include being at least 18 years old, having a Rescue Diver certification, and a minimum of 40 logged dives to start the course and 60 dives to earn the certification. You must also have completed Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care training within the past 24 months.
The training itself comprises several key components. First, you’ll engage in knowledge development, studying dive theory on topics like physics, physiology, equipment, and environmental considerations, often through a combination of self-study, eLearning, and classroom sessions. Concurrently, you will hone your water skills, practicing and perfecting your diving techniques to demonstration-quality standards in both confined and open water settings.
Practical application is a major part of the course, where you'll assist instructors with real student divers, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in supervising dive activities and managing dive logistics. Leadership training is a cornerstone of the Divemaster program, preparing you to organize dives, conduct dive briefings, and ensure diver safety.
Throughout your training, professionalism is emphasized, as you’ll learn to role model good diving practices and manage dive operations effectively. To complete the course, you must pass a series of exams, skill assessments, and practical evaluations, demonstrating your competence in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Upon successful completion, you'll submit your application to PADI, along with the required fee, to become a certified Divemaster. This certification opens up a world of opportunities, allowing you to work in the diving industry, assist with training new divers, and lead certified divers on underwater adventures.
Who is this course for
The PADI Divemaster course is designed for passionate and experienced divers who are looking to take the first step towards a professional diving career. It is ideal for those who wish to deepen their understanding of dive theory and skills, gain leadership abilities, and play a crucial role in helping others enjoy scuba diving. This course is perfect for divers who aspire to guide underwater tours, assist instructors with student divers, and take on dive management responsibilities, all while setting an exemplary standard of safety and professionalism in the diving community. Whether aiming to work in dive centres, resorts, or on liveaboards, the Divemaster certification is the gateway to becoming a respected leader in the diving world.
Participant information
Prerequisites
- Minimum 18 years old.
- A PADI Advanced Open Water Diver ( or qualifying certification from another training organisation)
- A PADI Rescue Diver ( or qualifying certification from another training organisation)
- An Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (or qualifying first aid and CPR training from another organisation) course completion within the past 24 months.
- Have at least 40 dives to begin the course and 60 for certification
- Be fit for scuba diving and submit a Medical Statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months.
Important medical information
To do this course, you need to be reasonably healthy. You will need to complete a medical questionnaire before being allowed to dive – download it here. Have a look through the questions on Page 1. If you answered YES to questions 3, 5 or 10 OR to any of the questions on page 2, please read and agree to the statement provided by signing and dating it AND take all three pages of this form (Participant Questionnaire and the Physician’s Evaluation Form) to your physician for a medical evaluation. Participation in a diving course requires your physician’s approval.
Flying after diving
Please be advised that you may not do this course and dive if you are planning to fly within 24 hours after the dive.
Pricing
- R26 000 all inclusive
- R24 000 for using all own gear
This includes
- PADI Instructor Manual
- PADI Divemaster Manual
- PADI Encyclopaedia of Recreational Diving
- Scuba Tune-up Guidebook
- PADI DSD Instructor cue cards
- PADI Divemaster Slates
- PADI Professional Training log
- Professional tuition
- Discover Scuba Leader qualifications
- Counselling and career advice
- Cylinder & equipment (during course)
- Air fills during the program
- Use of swimming pool and facilities
Programme outline
PART ONE- THEORY TOPICS
- Course Orientation
- The Role and Characteristics of a PADI Divemaster
- Supervising Diving Activities for Certified Divers
- Assisting With Student Divers in Training Dives
- Theory Introduction
- Physics
- Physiology
- Equipment
- Decompression Theory and the Recreational Dive Planner
- Divemaster Conducted Programs
- Diver safety and risk management
- The Business of Diving
- Your Diving Career
PART TWO- WATER SKILLS AND STAMINA
- Diver skills
- 400m swim
- 15-minute tread water
- 800m mask, snorkel & fin swim 100m inert diver tow
- Rescue assessment
PART THREE- PRACTICAL TRAINING
- Mapping an open water site
- Conducting a scuba review and skin diver course
- Equipment Exchange
- Divemaster Conducted Program
- Divemaster conducted programs and specialised skills
- Awareness of the dive environment
- Dive setup and management
- Conducting dive briefings
- Organising a search and recovery project and a deep dive
- Assisting with Discover Scuba Diving and leading Discover Local Diving programs
Course duration
The programme typically takes two to three weeks, dependent on weather.
What can divemasters do?
Even though “divemaster” makes it sound like you’re the boss of everyone, Divemaster is actually the first rung on the PADI Professional ladder.
Divemasters typically assist instructors with classes and lead certified divers on underwater adventures. If they work at a shop, divemasters often fill tanks, load gear, check-in divers and help with other essential tasks.
In addition to the activities listed above, divemasters may also:
- Assist PADI Instructors with training and non-training diving activities
- Lead Discover Local Diving programs
- Accompany certified PADI Scuba Divers and Open Water Divers on dives
- Assist PADI Instructors with Discover Scuba Diving® (DSD) programs
- Help divers refresh their skills with the PADI ReActivate® program
- Teach Discover Snorkeling and PADI Advanced Snorkeler
With additional training, PADI Divemasters can conduct Discover Scuba Diving Experiences in a pool or confined water. They may also lead divers who have successfully completed a DSD experience on guided dives once the participants have made their first dive with an instructor
Frequently asked questions
- Before cancelling your booking, please note that PADI dive courses are non-refundable. The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School requests proof of payment as well as a completed booking form to secure your preferred dates.
- Unfortunately, no changes are permitted within 7 days prior to the start of the course.
- If you require a medical and do not provide us with one in time for your course, unfortunately, there will be no refund and you cannot participate in the course
- If you arrive for a session but have failed to complete your eLearning, unfortunately, there will be no refund and you cannot participate in the course
- If you simply do not show up on the first day you will forfeit your course fee.