Hello,
I am new to scubaboard.com and am interested in becoming a dive master. Any advice?
First of all ... to make sure we are on the same page .. PADI is having 2 programs .. 1st is called Master scuba diver .. and 2nd is called Dive master...
they are very different ..
Master scuba diver .. in order to achieve it .. you need to have open water then advanced open water ..then EFR and rescue .. and 5 PADI specialties + 50 logged dives...
Dive Master .. is order to achieve it .. you have to do the following:
- you will need to have at least 40 logged dives to start and at least 60 dives by the time you apply for the certificate
- you need to have rescue certificate as a pre-requisite.
-finish theoretical knowledge (9 chapters so far) .. and answer knowledge review..
- then do the exam (actually 2 parts 60 questions each).. u need to pass certain score
- do skill exams .. towing .. several circuit swims .. stress exam (exchanging scuba gear underwater using only 1 second stage shared with your body ) ... and u need to score at least 15 points to pass..
- get medical approval that your health is good with diving.
- after you get the certificate you will need to pay yearly membership .. otherwise you will not be divemaster ..
- get deep dive/search and recovery specialties
- do pool sessions with instructor and show how to demonstrate basic skills .. like mask removal/replacement .. 2nd stage removal and recovery .. 5 points ascent/decent .. CESA ..etc..
- finish dive master internship that includes :
--- least 2 pool sessions with students .. assisting the instructor
--- do at least 5 open water dives/weekends with openwater/advanced/rescue/specialty students
the main point is to get an answer why do you want to get divemaster certificate ? you shall have the motives to help , guide, supervise and assist .. and you will be obligated in case you became divemaster ..
so it may be easy to get the certificates .. but the duties and obligations are not that easy if you really want to be a good dive master.