Divemaster Instruction Consultation: Is it Possible for a Divemaster to Teach Scuba Diving?
As a certified Divemaster, you play a crucial role in the diving community. Here's a breakdown of the various programs you can assist with, supervise, and in some cases, lead.
Programs You Can Assist With
- You can accompany Open Water students on dives 2, 3, and 4 at a 2:1 ratio under indirect supervision of a diving instructor.
- You can supervise students during their Adventure dives or Specialty course dives under indirect supervision of a diving instructor.
- You can assist a diving instructor during confined and open water training.
- You can supervise other students while the diving instructor demonstrates a skill.
Programs You Can Lead (with Additional Training)
- After completing the appropriate training, you can lead the Emergency Oxygen Provider course.
- As a qualified Discover Scuba Diving Leader, you can conduct the Discover Scuba Diving program in a pool or open water.
- You can lead the ReActivate program with certified divers.
- You can conduct the Discover Snorkeling program.
- You can teach the snorkeling skills of the Open Water course during the open water dives.
- You can conduct the Discover Local Diving program.
- You can teach and certify Skin Divers and lead the PADI Seal Team AquaMission: Skin Diver Specialist.
Additional Training Opportunities
- The Emergency Oxygen Provider course is another training opportunity available for Divemasters.
- You can attend Emergency Oxygen Provider courses as a Divemaster.
- As an active status Divemaster, you can supervise both training and non-training related tasks.
- You can undertake Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty courses with a PADI diving instructor.
Leading to Certification: The Fine Print
However, it's important to note that to lead certain programs and certify students, additional training is required beyond the Divemaster level. Here's a breakdown:
| Course | Divemaster Requirement to Lead | Additional Training Needed | |-------------------------------|--------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Digital Underwater Photographer| Cannot lead to certification | Must complete PADI Specialty Instructor training for Digital Underwater Photography | | Emergency Oxygen Provider | Cannot lead to certification | Must complete PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider Instructor training or equivalent |
This is consistent with PADI’s structured teaching hierarchy where Divemaster certification allows assisting and guiding but not instructor roles for awarding specialty certifications or emergency training.
In conclusion, as a Divemaster, you have a significant role in the diving community, from assisting in various training sessions to leading certain programs. However, to lead specialty and emergency oxygen courses, you must complete the specialty instructor training programs to become certified instructors for these courses.
[1] PADI Divemaster Course Description [2] PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider Course Description [3] PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty Course Description [4] PADI Specialty Instructor Training [5] PADI Instructor Development Course
During your work as a Divemaster, you can facilitate learning by accompanying Open Water students on dives, supervising students during their Adventure dives or Specialty course dives, and assisting a diving instructor during confined and open water training. Additionally, you can take advantage of opportunities for self-development and education-and-self-development by attending Emergency Oxygen Provider courses, as well as Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty courses, to further enhance your scuba diving knowledge and skills. However, to lead specialty and emergency oxygen courses and certify students, additional training is necessary beyond the Divemaster level, such as completing PADI Specialty Instructor training for specific courses.
