Are you interested in creating a career out of diving? Becoming a PADI Pro is the first step to unlocking the underwater realm of getting paid to dive.
The first step on the ladder is the PADI Divemaster Course. To take things further, you can take the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) in order to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
If you’ve got an undeniable passion for the underwater world but are unsure where to start, how long it takes, how difficult the courses are and more, this article is for you. We’ll cover frequently asked questions that will help you on your journey to becoming a PADI Pro and getting your dream career started!
What is a PADI Pro?
First, it’s important to understand the differences between recreational diving and professional diving. Recreational divers dive for the adventure and underwater exploration. Professional divers love these things, too, but they are also specially trained to teach and guide others in their underwater adventures.
To become a PADI Pro, you must first complete the PADI Divemaster course, which will prepare you to assist scuba instructors and supervise diving activities.
Next, you can go on to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI). This will build on your Divemaster knowledge and develop your teaching skills. An OWSI can teach all of the core PADI courses up to the Divemaster rating. OWSI’s can also earn PADI Specialty Instructor ratings, such as Wreck Diving Instructor, to expand their course offerings.
A PADI Pro is someone who has extensively developed their underwater skills, leadership abilities, teaching abilities, and role of responsibility among the diving community. Undertaking a PADI Professional course is the crucial step in crafting a successful career in diving!
PADI Divemaster FAQs
Many people have questions specific to the PADI Divemaster course, which is the first professional-level certification. We’ll run through those FAQs below.
What Can PADI Divemasters Do?
PADI Divemasters can take on a number of dive-related responsibilities. They are certified to:
- Assist certified PADI Instructors with training and non-training diving activities
- Guide certified scuba divers on fun dives
- Lead Discover Local Diving programs
- Assist with Discover Scuba Diving® programs
- Teach the PADI ReActivate®, Discover Snorkeling and PADI Advanced Snorkeler courses
- Teach some PADI Specialty courses – Emergency Oxygen Provider, Equipment Specialist, Coral Reef Conservation, Project AWARE Specialist
How Long Does it Take to Become a Divemaster?
After earning the PADI Rescue Diver certification and logging 40 dives, you can undertake the PADI Divemaster course. You will also need to have also completed CPR and First Aid training within the past 24 months. The length of the Divemaster course varies based on the time it takes you to complete the water skills workshops, knowledge development sessions and practical sessions, as well as the time it takes to achieve 60 logged dives. As a general guide, most Divemasters take three weeks to six months to complete their courses.
How Difficult is the PADI Divemaster Course?
The PADI Divemaster course is a challenge. It’s the first step up the PADI Pro ladder and requires determination. However, with the right mindset and discipline, the course is completely manageable. The intensity of knowledge and skill development is rewarding and thrilling. Plus, you’ll have the support of your PADI Instructor for the entirety of your course. Your instructor will be there to guide you and share advice and tips.
Additionally, after completing the Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Rescue Diver Course, you will have a wealth of knowledge for your Divemaster course.
What if I Don’t Want to Work as a Divemaster?
Although Divemasters can work in the industry at dive shops and resorts, the course is also an excellent choice to further your knowledge and skills if you simply love diving! You’ll gain extensive knowledge of the underwater world, safety procedures, diving skills, and more. Combined, these skills can increase your underwater confidence, make you an excellent dive buddy and allow you to help others while diving for fun.
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) FAQs
Ready to learn more about becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor? Keep reading!
What Can PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors Do?
A candidate that has successfully completed the Instructor Development Course (IDC) and the Instructor Examination (IE), is certified to teach the following PADI courses:
- Open Water Diver
- Advanced Open Water Diver
- Rescue Diver
- Divemaster
- Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty
- PADI AWARE courses
Instructors can go on to achieve additional PADI Specialty Instructor ratings to expand their course offerings. These specialties include wreck diving, cave diving, drysuit diving, drift diving and many more.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Scuba Instructor?
After having been certified as a Divemaster, if you have been a certified diver for at least six months, you can enroll in the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and Instructor Examination (IE) to gain your Open Water Scuba Instructor certification. The IDC is a minimum of six days days (or more) and includes the Assistant Instructor course (AI) and the OWSI program. Then, the Instructor Examination takes place. The entire PADI OWSI course generally takes 10 to 14 days to complete, but we recommend reaching out to the PADI Instructor Development Center of your choice in order to discuss schedule specifics.
How Difficult is the PADI IDC?
As with PADI Divemaster training, the IDC is a challenge and designed to thoroughly educate those wanting to become scuba instructors. It’s certain that students have far more peace of mind knowing their instructors were required to put time and dedication into the IDC in order to safely train new divers. PADI Instructors are in demand around the world with more and more individuals creating a career in the industry. Although a challenge it’s a very doable challenge with the right mindset and passion.
Interested in Becoming a PADI Pro?
Now that many of your questions are hopefully answered, you may be thinking – where do I start? The first step is contacting your local dive shop to book your course! Alternatively, you might explore taking a PADI Professional course at a dive shop while traveling abroad.
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