DM
Course objectives
To enable the candidate to organise, conduct and supervise recreational dive training, both land and boat-based, effectively act as an instructor assistant to a teaching status PADI OPEN WATER INSTRUCTOR (or higher) / Develop the theoretical knowledge of candidates to a level sufficient to become an Instructor. The course consists of 3 modules of work:
Module – 1 Waterskills and Stamina
This module consists of:
- Stamina Assessment and Development
- Diver Rescue Assessment and Development
- Confined Waterskill Assessment and Development
Module 2 – Knowledge Development
This module consists of completing:
- All sections of the DM manual either by self-study, by tutorial sessions or a combination of both
- An Emergency Assistance Plan
- DM examination
Module 3 – Practical Application
This module consists of acquiring the following skills:
- Skill 1: Dive Site Set up and Management – candidates learn how to manage the dive site, work with emergency equipment, set float/flags and descent lines, manage diver accounting procedures, and practice the social and customer service aspects of working with students and customers.
- Skill 2: Mapping Project.
- Skill 3: Dive Briefing – candidates practice giving a dive briefing for a familiar dive site covering the 10 points of an effective briefing as noted on the Divemaster Slates. Candidates can incorporate the map from Skill 2 into their briefing. As some candidates have no previous presentation skills training, this skill-building exercise helps prepare them for the workshops.
- Skill 4*: Search and Recovery Scenario – candidates practice searching for and lifting lost items to the surface.
- Skill 5*: Deep Dive Scenario – candidates practice the safety-related skills relevant to diving below 18 metres/60 feet.
* Deep Diver and Search and Recovery Diver specialty ratings credit toward these respective skills.
Workshops
The following workshops and assessments give candidates the training and experience they need in confined or open water to carry out their functions after certification. (After reviewing the standards for each program, candidates take the lead under the instructor's guidance; or, in Workshop 3, candidates play the role of the assistant.)
- Workshop 1: Scuba Review in Confined Water
- Workshop 2: Skin Diver Course and SnorkeLling Supervision
- Workshop 3: Discover Scuba Diving Program in Confined Water
- Workshop 4: Discover Scuba Diving Program – Additional Open Water Dive
- Workshop 5: Discover Local Diving in Open Water
Practical Assesments
These four in-water segments are scored on the candidate's ability to meet the objective and to anticipate instructor and diver needs. Divemasters demonstrate skills such as the ability to organize a dive, assess a site, coordinate and supervise divers, recognize and overcome difficulties.
- Assessment 1: Open Water Diver Students in Confined Water
- Assessment 2: Open Water Diver Students in Open Water
- Assessment 3: Continuing Education Student Divers in Open Water
- Assessment 4: Certified Divers in Open Water
Course Fee
$1,850 exclusive of PADI application fees
Prerequisites:
- Certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and PADI Rescue Diver86
- 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
Required Materials (included in the course fee):
- PADI Divemaster Manual
- PADI Instructor Manual
- RDP – Table and eRDPML including associated Instructions for Use booklets
- The Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving
- Divemaster Slates
- Logbook
- Divemaster candidates must view the PADI Divemaster Video
Recommended materials:
- PADI's Guide to Teaching
- Diving Knowledge Workbook or Dive Theory Online
- Scuba Tune-up Guidebook

