Completing the PADI Divemaster course is a big step as you are transitioning from being a passionate recreational diver to becoming a professional, dedicating time and effort to the dive industry. That’s why it’s so important to complete the course with a PADI Instructor you trust and feel comfortable with.
Because of that, I had the absolute privilege of certifying my own mother as a PADI Divemaster!
We started diving together nine years ago when I was just 13. Back then, she was the one dragging me into the water, introducing me to the underwater world and teaching me how to be an eco-friendly diver. I didn’t know it at the time, but that first course — our PADI Open Water Diver course — was the beginning of a lifelong passion. It inspired us so much that we later co-founded an organization dedicated to cleaning up beaches and protecting the ocean.
Diving became something much more than just a hobby for us. It was a shared love and a way to contribute to marine conservation while also spending time together.
Becoming Her Instructor
Fast forward a few years, and at 19, I became a PADI Instructor. By then, scuba diving had shaped my life in ways I never expected, and I knew that I wanted to make a career out of it. My mom had continued her own diving journey alongside me, and when the time came for her to take the next step and become a Divemaster, it felt only natural that I would certify her.
The PADI Divemaster course is known for being both challenging and rewarding. It’s not just about improving your diving skills; it’s also about learning how to lead, teach, and inspire others. Seeing my mom go through this transformation firsthand was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
Training Together
My mom assisted me with courses and training programs, practicing her skills until she felt completely confident in each one. From perfecting buoyancy demonstrations to guiding dives, she took on every challenge with determination. Some skills came naturally to her, while others took more practice, but she never gave up. I saw her confidence grow with every dive, every briefing, and every student she helped.
One of the most memorable moments was when she reached her 100th dive during one of the training dives. As a little surprise, I prepared a ‘100’ on a slate so I could take a picture of her. I could see the happiness and relief in her eyes as this was a huge goal for her. It was such a proud moment – not just for her, but for me as her instructor and daughter.
More Than Just a Certification
This experience was about more than just completing a course. It was a reminder of why we both fell in love with diving in the first place. It strengthened our bond in a way that’s hard to describe. Underwater, we weren’t just mother and daughter anymore, we were also a team.
Now, every time we dive together, there’s this unspoken understanding between us. We know how the other thinks underwater, how we react in different situations, and how to work together seamlessly. It’s a special connection that not many people get to experience, and I feel so incredibly lucky to have shared this journey with her.
The Beauty of Diving Together
Completing this journey together has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It reminded me why I fell in love with diving — not just for the adventure, the marine life, or the incredible destinations, but also for the connections we build along the way.
Diving has given us countless memories, from our first-ever dive to co-founding a conservation organization to traveling the world together diving at the most amazing spots. And this, certifying my own mother as a PADI Divemaster, is a moment I will cherish forever.
To anyone considering the PADI Divemaster Course, my advice is simple: choose an instructor or dive center you trust, one who pushes you to be your best while making you feel supported. You can find the best dive centers near you using the PADI Dive Shop Locator.
If you’re lucky enough to share that experience with someone you love, it makes the journey even more special.
Written by guest blogger Nikky Wegloop, PADI Mermaid and Scuba Instructor, founder of Mi Moana non-profit organization for marine conservation through the reduction of ocean plastic pollution
