The PADI Divemaster Course is the first run on the ladder to becoming a professional diver. It's a big step and a big commitment, and one that we take as seriously as you do! You'll get hands on experience throughout your Course, along with all the back up and support you'd expect for our Instructors.
We run the Divemaster Course as an ‘Internship’ or ‘Apprenticeship’. This allows Divemaster Trainees gain the necessary experience in every aspect of the Divemaster Role. The Course is performance based and as such, can take anything from 3 months upwards to complete, depending on how much time the Divemaster Trainee can dedicate to the Course and the time of year the DMT enrolls on the Course.
Goals and Purpose of the PADI Divemaster Course
As the entry to professional levels in diver training, the PADI Divemaster course plays a pivotal role within the PADI System of diver education. Those who join the PADI Divemaster ranks assist instructors with training student divers. They also supervise diving activities for certified divers, snorkelers and skin divers. Obviously, PADI Divemasters can strongly influence the safety and fun divers enjoy during training and diving. At the same time, many PADI Divemasters are looking ahead, gaining professional experience they will apply as PADI Assistant Instructors and Open Water Scuba Instructors.
Who is a PADI Divemaster?
The dive community expects several characteristics of an individual with the PADI Divemaster rating. These include:
- Exemplary diving skills. The PADI Divemaster’s skills can be used as demonstrations for student divers.
- Rescue skills. The 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’s 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.
Course Prerequisites
To qualify to enter the PADI Divemaster course, an individual must:
- Be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or PADI Advanced Plus, or have an equivalent rating. “Equivalent” is defined as proof of certification beyond entry level, and proof of 20 or more logged dives documenting experience in deep diving and underwater navigation.
- Be certified as a PADI Rescue Diver or have an equivalent rating. “Equivalent” is defined as proof of certification in diving rescue from a training organization other than PADI. If the candidate enters with an equivalent certification, then the candidate must submit proof of CPR and first aid training within the past 36 months. If a candidate with an equivalent certification demonstrates poor or inadequate performance during the diver rescue assessment, then the candidate must complete a PADI Rescue Diver course.
- Have completed and logged at least 20 dives as documented by the individual’s personal log book. Note: Proof of 60 dives showing experience in night diving, deep diving and underwater navigation is a certification requirement.
- Be at least 18 years old at the start of PADI Divemaster training.
- Submit, to the instructor, medical clearance for diving signed by a physician, attesting to fitness to dive. The medical clearance must be current within the previous 12 months. The physician signing the form cannot be the individual.
Course Content
The Course is split into three areas:
1. Knowledge Development; 2. Waterskills & Stamina; 3. Practical Application.
1. Knowledge Development
There are a number of lectures/reviews followed by 8 exams covering topics such as Supervising Students and Certified Divers to Physics, Physiology and Decompression Theory.
2. Waterskills & Stamina
There are 4 timed Stamina Skills: Swim, Float, Snorkel Swim and Tired Diver Tow; A Rescue Assessment; and skill circuits where Divemaster Trainees achieve Demonstration Quality of the 20 basic scuba skills students learn in their Open Water Course.
3. Practical Application
During the Course Divemaster Candidates have the opportunity to assist on pool training and open water training with students under the supervision of a PADI Instructor. Candidates are also given the opportunity to assist on or conduct a range of PADI Courses and Experience Programmes.
In addition there are 2 projects which Divemaster Trainees complete at home over the duration of the Course.
The Watermanship skills, projects and Knowledge Development can be completed by the Divemaster Trainee at any stage throughout the Course, during his or her free time. However, the Practical Application can only be completed when other training is being conducted. Therefore, Divemaster Trainees are encouraged to dedicate as many weekends as possible to being in the Dive Centre, along with some mid-week evenings, to assist on Training Courses.
Cost
The PADI Divemaster Course costs €650, excluding course materials. Course Materials necessary for the Divemaster Course are:
Crewpack incl PADI Instructor Manual €195
eRDP €20
During your Course there are a number of PADI materials that are recommended, but not required, for the Course and we will go through this in detail with you at the beginning. You will have access to the PADI Instructor Manual, Videos and DVDs and all necessary paperwork/score sheets during your Course. The Course also covers all costs associated with pool training. If we’re using other Dive Centres for Open Water Training, there may be some facility fees incurred by trainees. The Course doesn’t include travel and accommodation expenses, nor does it include equipment rental.
Candidates are expected to have all of their own equipment in working order and a good state of repair, including additional and specialized equipment necessary for particular training dives. If you don't already have your own equipment we can offer you staff discounts on most items bought during your Divemaster Course.
It is also recommended that Divemaster Candidates have access to and are familiar with training materials for all Courses leading to the Divemaster Course, i.e. PADI Open Water Course, PADI Advanced Open Water Course, PADI Rescue Diver Course. Students who come through the PADI system may already have these materials.
A deposit of €150 is needed to secure your place on the Divemaster Course. You should also buy your Crew Pack at this stage. The balance can be paid over the duration of the Course.
Divemaster Courses are started on demand. However, as it is run as an Internship and much of the Course is based on assisting on other Training Courses, divers are encouraged to enrol during Spring and early Summer. Divers who enrol on the Course at the end of the local dive season, or during the winter months, will naturally find their Course takes longer to complete as opportunities to assist on other Training Courses are somewhat limited.
After enrolling on the Course Candidates meet with their Instructor and discuss in detail Course content and requirements - at this point an initial schedule is set up. The PADI Divemaster Course is run as an Internship over a period of months and Candidates meet with their Instructor regularly throughout the Course to discuss progress and schedule upcoming training.
You are welcome to drop out to the Dive Centre anytime for a look around and I’ll be happy to discuss your Course with you in more detail and answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, you can contact us on 041 9887900 and one of our Instructors will be happy to answer any questions you may still have.