The PADI Divemaster
Course
This is the first Membership/Professional Level in the PADI System.
 The Divemaster certification allows you to assist in teaching PADI courses, plan
and guide dives for certified divers, and independently conduct several experience
programs in the PADI system. With your first "Black" Divemaster C-Card
you are employable in the diving industry! Move on to become an Assistant Instructor,
Open Water Instructor, and beyond.
 Prerequisite:
Age requirement and medical evaluation - a Physician's Medical Clearance to Dive
must be conducted within 12 months prior to start of course. The Student may
not be the signing Physician. Paperwork can be completed in advance or at course
registration.
PADI Rescue Diver certification, or an equivalent rating is required for this
course. If the candidate holds an equivalent Rescue certification, but their
Divemaster Course Rescue Assessment is inadequate, the candidate must complete
a PADI Rescue Diver Course.
The candidate must have 20 logged dives to begin the Divemaster course (60 logged
dives, showing experience in Night, Deep and Underwater Navigation are exit requirements).
PADI Emergency First Response course, or equivalent including
basic first aid and CPR techniques, is an entry requirement for this course;
training must be current (within two years).
A Standard
Learning Agreement must be reviewed and signed in addition to course paperwork.
Once registered, any session the student misses must be made up at an extra charge
or during the next regular course schedule, or forfeit remaining course fees.
As some parts of this course will involve working with Students in other courses,
it is essential that the candidates are strongly committed to the schedule and
workload involved with this course.
Course
outline:
Course includes all materials. It is highly recommended that students own all
of their own equipment, as familiarity with personal gear improves general diving
skills. In addition to SCUBA equipment a knife, depth gauge, compass, timing
device, Tables and whistle/surface signaling device are all required for this
course.
Divemaster certification covers Knowledge Development (12 sections), water skills
and Stamina (including an evaluation of the 18 required skills to Demonstration
Quality), and Practical Application.
Knowledge Development
This section covers 12 topics and prepares the candidate for a supervisory role,
with the academic knowledge required to fully understand and assist with all
aspects of PADI courses and independently conduct experience programs. Independent
Study (using the Workbook and Encyclopedia) is critical in this portion of the
course.
A complete understanding of this material will enable the candidate to successfully
complete the Divemaster Final Exams.
Knowledge on topics such as Tables, Standards and Procedures, Diving Skills,
and Assisting with Students in Training, among others, are all covered in the
Divemaster course manual, as well as manuals from the Rescue, Advanced and Open
Water Courses. Candidates will therefore find copies of these manuals useful
in the Divemaster course.
Water Skills and Stamina
This portion of the course tests the candidate in all areas of in-water fitness
and proficiency. The Skill Circuit covers all the skills learned in the Open
Water Course and must be developed to 'demonstration quality', i.e. the Divemaster
candidate must be able to display each skill clearly, such that a Student would
be able to understand the mechanics of the skill and repeat them.
The candidate must also complete: a 400m Swim; an 800m Snorkel Swim; a 100m Tired
Diver Tow; and the Diver Rescue Assessment. These tests are scored but there
is no time limit; they are designed to test stamina and ability rather than speed.
Practical Application
This section builds the skills that are specific to a supervisory role. As well
as assignments designed to build problem solving and leadership skills, there
are two options available to candidates in this part of the course: Internship
or Practical Training Exercises.
Internship provides the candidate with experience in assisting with actual courses
conducted by a certified PADI instructor. Practical Training Exercises are designed
to simulate this experience through mock-training sessions. The candidate and
their instructor will select the best alternative depending on logistics and
course scheduling.
Course
Fees:
Course Fees vary depending on your schedule and the number of students in your
group. Individual students can be added to existing groups, or may choose to
take a private course. Review your schedule with our staff and receive a quote
on your course.
Join the ranks of the most recognised and respected diver training organisation
in the world! PADI professionals are known world-wide as valuable employees and
competent educators. Start today!
|