PADI Course
Divemaster
Your first PADI professional rating — from dive enthusiast to dive leader.
Duration
4-6 weeks (varies by pace)
Max Depth
Max 40 metres
Prerequisite
Rescue Diver + 40 logged dives + valid EFR
Certification
PADI Divemaster (professional rating)
Course Overview
Divemaster (DM) is the first professional rating in the PADI system — the transformation from someone who loves diving into someone who leads diving. After completing Divemaster, you can lead certified divers on dives under instructor supervision, and assist instructors with student training.
This is a significant time commitment — typically 4-6 weeks depending on your pace and how many hours per week you can invest. The course covers: in-depth review of dive physics and physiology, diving skills demonstration (to near-perfect standards), dive planning and environmental knowledge, supervised Fun Dive leadership, and internship-style assistance with student courses.
Divemaster doesn't just give you a certification — it transforms your understanding of diving. When you're required to demonstrate skills perfectly, manage the safety of multiple divers simultaneously, and make calm decisions under pressure, your mastery of diving reaches an entirely different level.
If you're passionate about diving and considering it as a career or serious part-time pursuit, Divemaster is the entry point into the professional diving world. It's recognized at dive centers worldwide.
Who is this course for?
An honest look at who this course is — and isn't — for.
This course is for you if…
- Rescue Diver with 40+ logged dives and valid EFR
- Passionate about diving and want to develop skills to professional standard
- Considering part-time or full-time work at a dive center (locally or abroad)
- Pursuing the PADI Instructor path (DM is a prerequisite for PADI IDC)
- Willing to invest significant time and effort over 4-6 weeks
Maybe not for you if…
- Fewer than 40 logged dives or no Rescue Diver certification
- Expecting this to be a 2-3 day course
- Trying it out casually without clear motivation or goals
- Unable to commit relatively consistent time over 4-6 weeks
Course Schedule
Actual scheduling adapts to weather and your progress.
Phase 1 — Knowledge development
Dive theory in depth
Complete PADI Divemaster knowledge development covering: dive physics (gas laws, pressure, buoyancy), physiology (nitrogen narcosis, decompression illness, oxygen toxicity), dive environment, equipment, and planning. Each chapter has knowledge reviews to ensure solid theoretical foundation.
DM theory is intensive and spread over 4-6 weeks. In-person discussion in Tsim Sha Tsui by default. Remote students can use Zoom throughout, though some chapters (leadership, crisis response) are strongly recommended in person at least a few times.
Phase 2 — Skills demonstration
Diving skills to demonstration level
DM candidates must demonstrate all foundational OW and AOW skills fluidly — to a standard that students can follow and copy. I'll provide personalized coaching, focusing on your weaker areas until every skill reaches teachable-demonstration standard.
Phase 3 — Internship
Leading Fun Dives + assisting courses
Lead certified divers on supervised Fun Dives, learning pre-dive briefings, route planning, in-water guiding, and post-dive review. Also assist instructors with OW student training in the pool and open water, accumulating real teaching assistance experience.
Phase 4 — Assessment
Comprehensive skills assessment
Complete the PADI Divemaster final skills assessment: surface rescue exercise, underwater navigation skill demonstration, dive planning evaluation, and a written exam (minimum passing score required). Pass and you receive your PADI Divemaster professional rating.
What's included?
All costs transparent — no hidden fees.
Included
- Full PADI-certified instructor personal coaching
- All equipment rental
- Pool and open water training venue fees
- Boat fees
- Insurance
- PADI Divemaster certification fee (PADI annual membership not included)
Not included
- Lunch on dive days (BYO or purchase)
- PADI annual membership fee (required annually as PADI Pro)
- Personal dive gear (recommended to own your own equipment at DM level)
Healthcare workers and students get an additional HK$200 off with valid ID
Safety is non-negotiable
Divemaster training is fundamentally a course in safety leadership. As a DM, your responsibilities include identifying risks before divers enter the water, monitoring conditions continuously during dives, and making rapid decisions in emergencies.
All internship activities — leading Fun Dives and assisting courses — take place under direct PADI-certified instructor supervision. You won't be expected to bear independent responsibility before achieving formal certification.
After becoming a PADI Pro, you'll need to maintain valid EFR (renewed every 24 months), an active PADI professional membership, and ensure thorough pre-dive briefings and safety assessments before every dive you lead. These aren't formalities — they're professional responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions students ask about this course.
Related Courses
What you might want to explore next.
Rescue Diver
The most challenging — and most transformative — course in recreational diving.
Enriched Air Nitrox
Less nitrogen, longer bottom times — the most popular PADI specialty.
Want to learn more about Divemaster?
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- ·「How much does the OW course typically cost?」
- ·「I want to start next month — is it possible to arrange?」
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