PADI Divemaster Course

The PADI Divemaster program is your first step to leadership level in the PADI System of diver education

While PADI recommends approximately 50 hours of training to be certified as a Divemaster, we recommend approximately 50 days! We are committed to ensuring that each and every PADI Divemaster candidate trained at Ban’s Diving is prepared to work around the world.

This internship is a very social experience and is often regarded as the best time of their life by most students. Are you ready to be a Divemaster Trainee (DMT)?

To qualify for PADI Divemaster training, you'll need to:

1. Be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent).
2. Be certified as a PADI Rescue Diver (or equivalent).
3. Have logged a minimum of 20 open water dives prior to entry into PADI Divemaster training and completed and logged a minimum of 60 open water dives with experience in night, deep and navigation prior to certification as a PADI Divemaster.
4. Be at least 18 years old.
5. Be in good physical condition for diving and submit a medical exam form signed by a physician.

What’s in the program:

The program is basically 3 parts:

1. Theory
2. Working with Certified Divers
3. Working with Student Divers

Theory

Theory development includes knowledge reviews, lectures and exams. Lectures are given in the afternoons (Monday thru Friday) and cover the topics of Physics, Physiology, Decompression Theory, Equipment, and Environment. These lectures are designed to compliment self-study in the respective areas and are followed with an examination in each area. The exam passing score is 75%, however we review each missed question to ensure candidates have a 100% understanding. Unlike any other dive centre, we offer EVERY lecture EVERY week, which creates a great deal of flexibility for the dive masters in training in their scheduling.

Working with Certified Divers

If you can learn how to manage logistics as a Divemaster in Training at Ban’s, you will be able to work for any dive operation. The responsibilities of a working Divemaster are vast and vary from one location to another – so we’ve decided to offer training in all areas. One important role of a DM is to offer certified divers guided tours of the local dive sites, and to refresh diving skills to those who have been out of the water for a long period of time. General fitness, the ability to anticipate and respond to problems, and to conduct Divemaster programs independently (discover snorkelling, skin diving etc.) is also a common function of the DM. In order to prepare in these areas, training includes (but is not limited to):

• 400m swim/800m snorkel/100m tired diver tow/15min float/rescue assessment
• Multiple skill circuits to improve demonstration quality and problem solving
• Workshops in navigation, mapping, dive site briefings
• Boat surface cover, dive shop duties, emergency planning

Working with Student Divers

Many use the unlimited diving given to candidates enrolled in the program, to prepare for the IDC. Koh Tao is one of the world’s top destinations for Instructor Training. For this reason all of the Divemaster candidates are asked to assist on a minimum of two full Open Water Courses, two full Advanced Courses, and one full rescue course. During this portion of the program DMT’s are encouraged to develop their teaching skills, improve their feedback techniques and strengthen problem solving abilities. Most individuals find this portion of the course incredibly rewarding as student divers often relate better to the DMT’s as they do their instructors.

As a PADI Divemaster, you'll be qualified to:

1. Lead certified fundivers underwater
2. Conduct Scuba Reviews to refresh skills and knowledge for divers out of practice
3. Assist PADI Instructors conducting PADI Diver programs

Upon successfully completing the PADI Divemaster program, you'll receive a certification card and a wall certificate. You'll also become a member of PADI and receive benefits, including the ability to purchase professional liability insurance (which may be required to conduct some activities).

What’s next?

Once you become a PADI Divemaster, you can enrol in the PADI Instructor Development Course and pursue your career in diving!