The PADI Divemaster course is a performance- based program, so course duration depends on class size, logistics, and divemaster candidate performance characteristics. The recommended 50 hours course is based on a class of six candidates learning through a combination of independent study, classroom, confined water and open water sessions.


The PADI Divemaster course is divided into three modules:

* Knowledge Development

* Water Skills & Stamina

* Practical Application

KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT

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

WATER SKILLS & STAMINA

Stamina Assessment
There are four exercises that evaluate stamina, water-skills, each rated by points. There is no passing score for any single exercise, but a combined score of 12 or more is required prior to certification. In addition, candidates must complete all exercises prior to certification. Candidates who fall short of a combined score of 12 may be given time to practice and develop their abilities while continuing in other areas of the course.

Diver Rescue Assessment & Development
The Diver Rescue Assessment and Development has three goals. First, it evaluates effectiveness to assure that candidates can perform a rescue if necessary in an emergency. Second, it improves the quality of rescue skills to be more role model for assisting with the PADI Rescue Diver course. Third, it forms the foundation of demonstration quality rescues required during the IDC/IE. This exercise is the simulated rescue of an unresponsive, non-breathing diver. You will have lots of time to observe demonstrations and practice under the direction of our MSDT or IDC Staff Instructors.

Confined Water-skill Demonstration Development
The Confined Water-skill Assessment and Development has two purposes - to verify that the candidate can perform the 20 basic dive skills from the PADI Skill Evaluation, and to train the candidate to perform these skills to demonstration quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

During your training, you will be working closely with your instructors in learning how to assist and conduct training dives for PADI open water diver courses, Discover Scuba Diving programs, specialty courses and more.

You will also get an opportunity to spend time and gain hands on experience in working with a busy dive center, retail shop, customer service programs, and guiding experience once you are ready. Best of all, we offer unlimited shore diving to our Divemaster's to help them gain more under water experience and increase their logged dives.

Who is a PADI Divemaster?

The dive community expects several characteristics of an individual with the PADI Divemaster rating.

These include the following :

Exemplary diving skills : a PADI Divemaster skills can be used as demonstrations for student divers.

Rescue skills : a 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 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. The PADI Divemaster assists the dive operation with risk management.

Ethical role model behavior : PADI Divemasters are expected to display common honesty and courtesy, and follow accepted, responsible dive practices. Their behavior reflects well on them, the dive operation for which they work, and the PADI organization.

Enthusiasm and fun : People learn to dive for the excitement, adventure, and challenge - or broadly, for fun. They look to PADI Divemasters to assist them in having fun within their interests and skill levels. Divers expect PADI Divemasters to be pleasant and sociable individuals to interact with. The PADI Divemaster assists with the dive community's diver retention efforts.