The PADI Divemaster is probably the most important course within recreational diving. As a Divemaster Candidate (DMC), you will not only summarise and improve upon all previous dive related knowledge and skills, but truly develop into the divemaster you wish to become in the future. It’s best recommended to take the Divemaster course over 4 – 6 weeks to complete all performance requirements, workshops, and assists, and develop yourself as a PADI Professional. You only plan on doing it once, so best make the most of it! Here are our top tips on how:
1. First and foremost, choose the right dive centre. All PADI dive centres will give you the same certification, however not all dive centres will provide the same training and experience. Training methods, safety standards, equipment quality, instructors, expectations and overall atmosphere will be different depending on where you complete your Divemaster course, so make sure you invest in your future with the right dive centre for you.
2. Dive dive dive, and dive again. There really is no substitute for practice. The more you dive, the more you will learn, and the better you will become. This is true for not only personal ability in and under the water, but also for other important Divemaster skills such as; boat briefings, dive briefings, skill demonstrations, supervising divers, boat organisation and logistics. The more you put in, the more you will get out. Upon certification you will be responsible for your own group of divers both on and under the water, so best to get comfortable and confident in what is expected of a smiling diving ninja guru, a PADI Divemaster.
3. Try to work with multiple instructors and divemasters throughout the DMC workshops and course assists. Each individual PADI Pro will have different tips, tricks and niche expertise for you to learn from, but everyone will also have an individual personality and flare. Try to experience the different teaching styles and methods of different instructors, or the different leading styles of divemasters. You will learn something new from everyone, and the variety and diversity of styles will help you build your very own for the future.
4. Develop good dive habits. Habits are far easier to learn than to forget, so make sure you’re putting into practice the best procedures from the very start. Not only will this make you a better and safer diver, but it will also set an example of role model behaviour to others around you. The PADI Divemaster is a title that inspires confidence and many divers will look to you to set the tone; make sure it’s a good one!
5. Take this opportunity as a DMC to learn the local dive sites well, and also to educate yourself on the local marine life. Navigation can be tricky, but it comes with hard work and practice, so stick at it. If you intend to work in the same area you completed your Divemaster course, you’ll be expected to know your way around the dive sites. Learning about the local marine life is equally important; knowledge is power! That way you can point out all the amazing and interesting fish to your divers, and answer any questions they may have about what they’re seeing. It’s important to show your love and passion for the oceans to inspire other divers and to enjoy the dive yourself!
6. Submerge yourself in opportunity. There is so so much that goes into operating a dive centre, and this is your opportunity to soak up all of it! Ask questions about everything, lend a hand whenever possible, and say ‘yes’ to every opportunity that comes your way. By fully integrating yourself into the dive team, you’ll gain invaluable experience in the dive industry and prove that you have the drive and ability to work as a Divemaster upon certification.
7. Enjoy it. Throughout the PADI Divemaster course, you will be working very closely with the dive centre staff, instructors, divemasters, and even customers. You’ll make friends as close as family and remember your experience forever, so enjoy it!
