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Ready to go pro and begin mentoring divers? The PADI Divemaster program is designed to start building leadership and problem solving skills essential for all PADI professional divers. During the course, you’ll perfect your dive skills and have the opportunity to learn skills that will allow you to supervise and lead divers as well as assist with scuba education. Time to join the elite. Are you ready?
The knowledge development component of the class consists of reading all the materials (including the Divemaster e-Learning) and completing two exams, nine knowledge reviews, and an emergency assistance plan; it is primarily a self-study program. Divemaster Candidates (DMCs) read and study the academic material on their own, and, when they feel ready, come to Pan Aqua to take the exams. Exams may be taken one at a time or all at once. If necessary, academic review sessions are scheduled on an as needed basis for any candidate that wants extra help with understanding the material or any specific topic within the course.
As part of the course, DMCs will complete four stamina tests which include a fifteen minute tread, a four-hundred yard/meter swim without swim aids, an eight-hundred yard/meter snorkel swim, and a 100 yard/meter inert diver tow. DMCs will also be required to perform all 24 basic open water skills and rescue skills as well as a number of problem solving skills. Pool sessions are typically scheduled on Saturday nights from six to eleven p.m. and will occur one or two times each month during the dive season.
There are five teaching workshops that each DMC must complete in both a pool and open water settings. Candidates will take on the roles of both instructor and student during these workshops. The open water scenarios will take place during the Divemaster Weekend at Dutch Springs near the end of the dive season, while the pool workshops will take place during the scheduled pool sessions.
The internship component consists of both confined and open water training. During the confined water internship, DMCs will assist Pan Aqua instructors with the Open Water Diver classes. Each candidate must attend at least two complete open water courses, though they may do more for experience. The open water internship involves assisting Pan Aqua instructors with Open Water Diver checkout dives and continuing education dives. Each student must assist with at least six dives performing all the tasks required of a Divemaster. Most DMCs choose to complete their open water internship during our local dive season at Dutch Springs, though they may choose to assist the trip leader of any sanctioned Pan Aqua trip that has training needs.
Divemaster Candidates are expected to have all of their own gear and are required to bring that gear to each pool and open water session. Gear is expected to be of an acceptable vintage and in proper working order.
Divers must be at least 18 years of age and have a minimum of 40 logged dives to begin the program. By the end of the course, they must have 60 to earn their certification. Furthermore, students must have their Rescue Diver certification and a current Emergency First Responder certification. Candidates must also have a medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months prior to beginning the course.
Course: $1,565 (includes course materials, Divemaster weekend at Dutch Springs, instructional costs, application and certification fees)