Scuba Diving : Articles : Scuba Diving Certification : How to Become a Dive Master

How to Become a Dive Master

Submitted by admin on 2010-02-01 | Last Modified on 2010-02-25

Rating:

Dive Master is a certain qualification that is used all over the world and is given to an individual who has the responsibility over an entire group of divers, typically within the sport and hobby of scuba diving. It can also be used as a generic term to describe the lowest possible rating of training agencies such as SSI and SDI. If you are interested in becoming a recreational diving instructor then this is a certification that you must receive in order to qualify. There are many roles that a Dive Master can perform; the following list contains just a few examples in order to give you a better idea.

They are sometimes responsible for

Organizing and assisting with recreational diving activities
Assisting other diving instructors with their classes and events
Becoming an assistant to a PADI instructor
Supervising participants in PADI programs for divers who have not yet earned their certification
Supervising diving activities by planning, organizing, and directing dives
Teaching and certifying snorkelers and skin divers

There are many benefits to becoming an official Dive Master such as being able to purchase your own liability insurance which is actually a necessity when it comes to certain activities in scuba diving. You will also have the ability to travel to holiday destinations all over the world and work in their facilities such as diving resorts, private yachts, cruise ships, and more. However, in order to earn the title of Dive Master you must first go through the necessary training program where you will be able to learn the dive skills needed to help you solve problems and perform your duties competently and effectively. These training programs will typically incorporate both classroom and independent study formats in order to provide you with the big picture. You will go through exercises that test and improve your stamina, water skills, and will help you to help others improve upon their own abilities as well.

Simply going through the training programs is still not all there is to becoming a Dive Master as you will also have to fulfil an internship where you can put the knowledge you have gained in the classes to the test with some real world experience. If a structured internship program is not available to you, you may be able to take part in a series of practical training exercises instead. This could include assisting in an actual scuba diving program with actual students or other individuals who are pursuing the qualification of Dive Master.

Prior to training you must complete the following minimum certifications