Prerequisites
18 Years of age or above, Rescue Diver (or equivalent), 20 logged dives (60 prior to certification), current in CPR and First Aid (prior to certification).
Knowledge Reviews
There are 9 Knowledge Reviews for each chapter in the Divemaster Manual that must be completed, not very long, but designed to make you think.
Exams
There are theory and exams in the following areas: Physics, Physiology, Equipment, Decompression Theory and RDP, Dive Skills and Environment, Divemaster Conducted Programs, Supervising Certified Divers and Supervising Students.
Each of these topics corresponds to a chapter in the Divemaster manual, and you will find example questions in the Knowledge Review Workbook for you to practice.
The pass mark is 75% with 100% mastery of each subject. In other words, we explain what you have wrong until you understand the theory. The idea is for you to understand the Theory, not to just get a passing score.
Emergency Assistance Plan
You also need to produce an Emergency Assistance Plan (EAP), you have recently completed the PADI Rescue Course then you will find the EAP from that course useful, so bring it along.
Waterskills and Stamina
You will need to be able to swim well, with a 400m swim, 15 Min float/tread, 800m snorkel swim, 100m diver tow and all of these exercises are timed, the faster the time, the higher the score!
Rescue exercise 8 (Unconscious Diver at the Surface) is repeated and you are assessed on how you perform.
You have a skill Circuit where you will need to provide demonstration quality skills and achieve a minimum passing score, you will need to do this a few times to develop your skills to appear fluid and easy.
Practical Application
You are assessed on your ability to produce a dive map, as well as conduct one of the programs you are trained for as a PADI Divemaster. There is also an equipment exchange where you exchange all equipment (except weight belt and wet suit) with a buddy whilst buddy breathing from a single air source.
You will be living in the water when you are assisting with courses from Open Water and above as well as learning how to guide, one of the best feelings in the world is to guide a group who love diving, it certainly makes a change from the normal work routine.