Master Scuba Diver and Divemaster; What's the difference or is there even one?
Unless you’ve studied the PADI curriculum or attended lesson’s on the differences, then like many we are often left confused. Your helper at the dive resort is a Divemaster, but another diver there is a Master SCUBA Diver and yet it’s the Instructor who seems to be in charge..? So then what is a the difference you wonder.
One of these is a rating you earn through significant training and scuba diving experience. There is no leadership or training for teaching involved but requires a Rescue Diver certification and a number of Specialty ratings (Specialty Diver ratings help to improve your dive skills and allow you to dive in or with special equipment and/or environments). Once a diver is Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver certified with at least 5 Specialty Diver ratings and over 50 logged dives, you can apply for a Master SCUBA Diver rating.
PADI Divemaster however is different almost entirely. This is an entry level Professional Diver certification. To begin the course you need only Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water and Rescue diver certifications and a minimum of 40 logged dives. Having greater experience and Specialty or even Technical Diver ratings will compliment your skills and knowledge however that is not part of the course or requirements.
During a Divemaster course, divers learn a greater knowledge of diving science and perfect their diving skills for demonstration and confidence purposes. A Divemaster will have learnt the foundations of what is needed to organise and supervise diving activities. They will have added knowledge of dive safety procedures and are sometimes able to teach some simple courses.
Divers take a Divemaster course for many different reasons; to become a dive professional, improve their dive skills, be a better dive buddy or take more responsibility during diving activities. You can become a Master SCUBA Diver after becoming a Divemaster or vice versa depending on your goals and ambitions at the time.
For more about the Master SCUBA Diver rating and or the Divemaster course click/tap the links below or talk to us at NZ Sea Adventures:
