The PADI Divemaster course expands the problem-solving skills developed by the PADI Rescue Diver program and extends it from accident management and prevention to supervisory situations with student divers and certified divers. The course also helps
divers form the appropriate leadership attitude and prepares them for making sound judgement calls. At the Divemaster level, problem solving skills focus on looking for solutions and using good judgement to choose the best of several options. Divemaster candidates learn to problem-solve safety-related issues, and to have a positive, solution oriented attitude toward customer service, business and operational challenges. The PADI Divemaster course is divided into knowledge development, skills and stamina, and practical application sections. Through this training, Divemaster candidates develop exemplary dive skills including fine-tuning rescue skills. They also gain professional-level knowledge of dive theory, which is the foundation for problem solving and creativity. Divemasters gain competence as certified assistants and dive supervisors. Certified PADI Divemasters are role models who follow responsible dive practices and demonstrate care for the aquatic environment. Their knowledge, skill and enthusiasm for diving helps people have fun
within their interests and skill levels.

Course Standards Certification Requirements:

Divemaster candidates meet the following course performance and requirements:

• Complete knowledge development by completing Divemaster Online, Dive theory online and pass the Divemaster Final Exam.
• Create an Emergency Assistance Plan for a designated dive site.
• Complete water skills exercises.
• Complete a diver rescue assessment.
• Complete the dive skills workshop and assessment.
• Complete practical application skills.
• Complete Divemaster-conducted programs workshops.
• Complete practical assessments.
• Meet the professionalism criteria.
At time of certification, the candidate must have:
• Logged at least 60 scuba dives including experience in night diving, deep diving and
underwater navigation.
• Completed EFR Primary and Secondary Care training within 24 months.
• Read and agreed to the PADI Membership and License Agreements.
Diver Prerequisites for entry into the program
• Certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and PADI Rescue Diver
• 18 years old
• Logged 40 scuba dives
• Completed EFR Primary and Secondary Care training within 24 months
• Medically evaluated and cleared for diving by a physician within 12 months.

Schedule

The course is performance based. Many Candidates who can meet the standards right away can complete each part of the course on the first try. Others will need to ramp up their skill and stamina. At SUCI with limited pool hours and limited open water training activities, the practical schedule would be start now with eLearning and pool sessions over the winter and finishing summer 2019 or the following summer. Note. Candidates in a hurry should consider a Full Time 7 to 14 Day course at a year-round PADI IDC center.

Course attendance and participation

It will be critical that the candidate be able to participate in scheduled group course activities. As mentioned above, SUCI conducts an Open Water checkout and Advanced open water, just once a year. Both are important aspects of the DM course and dictate course completion.

Cost

Budget for about $1300. PADI eLearning and required materials represent about 50% of the total. The Club would appreciate full payment at the start of the course, but is open to other arrangements PADI On graduation, DM candidates become professional members of PADI and receive a permanent PADI number. There is an annual PADI renewal fee ($150) and an initial application fee of $150. There is a requirement for professional liability insurance.