The PADI Master Scuba DiverTM rating is sometimes called the “black belt” of diving. You can tailor individual interests like photography or cold water diving towards becoming a PADI Master Scuba Diver. Let’s review how you can customize your Master Scuba Diver curriculum to meet your scuba career goals.
Divemaster or Master Scuba Diver
If you’re unclear on the difference between a Master Scuba Diver and a Divemaster, the short answer is:
- PADI Master Scuba Diver (MSD) is the highest possible rating for a recreational diver. To become a MSD you need: a PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver and PADI Rescue Diver (or equivalent) certifications. Additionally, proof of 50 dives and five PADI Specialty Diver certifications are required.
- PADI Divemaster is the first rung on the PADI Professional ladder. To begin the Divemaster program, divers must have at least 40 logged dives and a PADI Rescue Diver (or equivalent) certification. View the complete list of Divemaster prerequisites.
Speciality certifications aren’t required for Divemaster programs. However the course includes organizing a search and recovery project and leading to deep dive. Therefore, aspiring PADI Professionals will benefit from having the Deep Diver, Underwater Navigator, and Search and Recovery specialty certifications. And so, with two additional specialties, you will meet the five speciality requirement for Master Scuba Diver. Why not try Emergency Oxygen Provider and Equipment Specialist to enhance your diving résumé?
Emergency Oxygen Provider
The Emergency Oxygen Provider speciality can be applied towards a Rescue Diver course requirement and is an essential safety skill for dive professionals. Some dive operators won’t hire a Divemaster or Instructor who doesn’t know how to administer emergency oxygen.
Equipment Specialist
Equipment Specialist gives a thorough overview of scuba gear, how it works, proper maintenance and basic repairs. This will give you the confidence to deal with common gear problems when diving. Subsequently, it’s a valuable skills as a dive professional. This specialty also introduces you to the different types of scuba equipment you may encounter when working on a boat or with students.
Public Safety Diver
The PADI Public Safety Diver course prepares divers to respond to a variety of emergencies. To begin training as a PADI Public Safety Diver, you need a PADI Advanced Open Water certification.
Interested in pursuing a career as a public safety diver? You will benefit from a PADI Master Scuba Diver program that includes the Underwater Navigation and Search and Recovery specialties. Locating and recovering evidence is something public safety divers are often asked to do. Additionally, the Dry Suit Diver and Full Face Mask specialties are also useful to added to you skills toolbox. Regularly, used by public safety divers, knowledge of these two pieces of equipment will help you stand out from the crowd. Lastly, the Self-Reliant Diver specialty can help prepare a diver for the self-rescue technique section of the Public Safety Diver course.
Choose Your Own Adventure
There are dozens of exciting career opportunities for scuba divers including:
- Hollywood stunts
- Scientific diving
- Underwater archaeology
- Working on a liveaboard
- Training astronauts
Speak to your PADI Dive Center or Resort about your scuba career goals and ask what distinctive specialties may be available.
These distinctive PADI specialties all count towards your Master Scuba Diver rating. They offer divers a wide array of training opportunities including: underwater model, invasive lionfish tracker, and mermaid.
PADI Master Scuba Divers are an elite group of respected divers. As such, fewer than two percent of all divers ever achieve this level of experience and training. Interested in a part-time or full-time career in scuba, the Master Scuba Diver program is an effective way to enhance your skills and your résumé.
