Divemaster Course

Divemaster Course
From NZD NZ$1,760.00
  • Duration: 28 Days (approx.)
  • Location: Warkworth, NZ
  • Product code: DM01
The Divemaster Course is the first professional level certification. During the course you will learn how to work with divers, lead certified divers, and act as a dive guide showing divers underwater dive sites and the marine life that inhabits those dives sites. You will increase your knowledge about physics and physiology as well as increase your proficiency with your scuba and snorkeling skills. 

You will get to learn how to guide dives, assist on courses & charters. Once completed you will be ready to enroll on the instructor courses.


*All divemasters students dive free on our local charters throughout their course period to help them increase their hours & skill levels.


Whist minimum hours required to complete the course is 40, often students train for 70+ to ensure they have a firm grounding on becoming dive professionals.


Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

  • Standards and procedures
  • History of SDI
  • Code of ethics and professionalism of an SDI Divemaster
  • Products and procedures
    • How to place an order
    • Yearly renewals
  • Liability and insurance
    • Risk management
    • Waivers and releases
    • Filling out an accident report
  • Knowledge Development
    • Equipment
    • Physics and physiology of diving
    • Medical problems related to diving
    • Use of dive computers and tables
    • Diving environment
    • Dive planning and dive management control
    • Problem solving
    • Underwater and surface communications
    • Diver assistance
    • Avoiding out of air and emergency situations
    • Recommended safe diving practices
    • Boat diving procedures
    • Shore/beach diving procedures
    • Night diving procedures
    • Accident management
    • Emergency procedures
  • Leadership development
    • Planning group dives
    • Divemaster check lists and logs

Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:

  • 800 metre swim with mask, snorkel, and fins non-stop without the use of arms in less than 17 minutes
  • 400 metre swim on the surface, non-stop, any stroke, without the use of swimming aids, in less than 10 minutes; swim goggles permitted
  • Scuba skills – minimum equipment: all equipment required for a SDI Dive Leader
    • In water, transport another diver in full scuba equipment at a quick pace for 4 minutes
    • Demonstrate a complete rescue scenario satisfactorily
    • Perform underwater skills with and without a mask
    • Swim on the surface, in full scuba equipment, using the snorkel, 100 metres
  • Bring a diver, simulating unconsciousness, up from depth, not greater than 6 metres/20 feet; at the surface swim them 100 metres in less than 4 minutes
  • Confined water skills:
    • Preparation and planning
    • Briefing and debriefing
    • Group control
    • Problem recognition and solving
    • Diving equipment assembly and disassembly
    • Equipment inspection
    • Entries/exits
    • Proper weighting and buoyancy control
    • Snorkel and regulator clearing
    • Regulator recovery
    • Controlled descents and ascents
    • Underwater swimming
    • Mask clearing
    • Buddy system techniques
    • Weight system removal and replacement
    • Out-of-air emergency alternatives
    • Equipment care and maintenance

Course prerequisites:

  • Certified Advanced Adventure Diver or equivalent; advanced certification must include verifiable experience in deep, navigation, night, and limited visibility specialties
  • Certified Rescue Diver or equivalent
  • Provide proof of current CPR, first aid and oxygen provider(where local law permits)*
  • Provided proof of at least 40 logged dives
  • Minimum age 18