Divemaster/Dive Guide Course & Evaluations
Ready to turn your love of scuba diving into something more? The SSI Divemaster Program at Aquatic Specialties is your opportunity to develop your skills, grow as a leader, and take your first steps toward becoming a dive professional.
Designed for passionate divers looking to expand their knowledge and experience, this program focuses on developing the leadership, dive management, and practical skills needed to work in the scuba diving industry. With guidance from our experienced team, you will build confidence in the water, strengthen your understanding of dive operations, and learn what it takes to help others enjoy the underwater world safely and responsibly.
Your journey to becoming a dive professional starts here. Join our dive community, take on new challenges, and discover where your passion for diving can lead!
Availability: In Stock
Our professional level courses are completed in structured phases designed to build your knowledge, skills, and confidence every step of the way!
STEP 1: DIGITAL LEARNING
Begin your training with SSI's interactive digital learning materials, which you will complete at your own pace before attending your first class. These materials provide the theoretical foundation required for professional-level training and cover topics such as dive leadership, risk management, good stewardship, teaching methodologies, diver safety, standards and procedures, and professional responsibilities.
STEP 2: IN-PERSON TRAINING
Professional-level training includes a combination of classroom sessions, workshops, practical exercises, pool evaluations, and open water skill development. During this phase, candidates work directly with an Instructor Trainer or Professional Training Team to refine their diving abilities, leadership skills, problem-solving techniques, and instructional methods. This blended approach allows participants to:
- Learn directly from experienced dive professionals
- Develop leadership and supervisory skills
- Practice teaching and presentation techniques
- Ask questions and receive immediate guidance
- Improve watermanship and demonstration-quality dive skills
- Facilitates collaborative work and learning
- Gain experience managing and assisting divers in training environments
- Build confidence in professional-level decision making and risk management
- Develop the professionalism expected of SSI and Aquatic Specialties Dive Professionals
In-Person Training Requirements for Divemaster: See "Course Schedule Tab" for more information
STEP 3: EVALUATIONS
Professional certifications require candidates to demonstrate competency through a series of practical evaluations, teaching presentations, skills demonstrations. leadership exercises, and in-water assessments. Throughout this phase, candidates will apply their knowledge and training in real-world scenarios while demonstrating the standards required for professional certification.
Evaluation Requirements for Open Water Instructor: See "Course Schedule Tab" for more information
Important: Course schedules are subject to change based on season, weather conditions, instructor availability, and student needs. If additional in-water training is required, students may be asked to attend additional pool sessions or complete extra dives outside of scheduled class time, which may be subject to additional fees. Please note that dives being conducted from a charter will also include additional fees.
COURSE INCLUDES:
The course fee includes:
- Professional course registration and certification fees
- Access to course digital materials
- A starter/welcome package with Divemaster materials
- Lifetime access to the SSI digital logbook, digital certification cards, dive tables, and related resources
- All scheduled training sessions with the course (see "course schedule" tab)
- All scheduled evaluations included with the course (see "course schedule" tab)
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
If applicable, candidates may have to pay additional costs including, but not limited to:
- SSI Professional Registration Fees (Approx. $100, Payable directly to SSI every year)
- Personal DAN Membership (Cost varies based on selected membership tier)
- Personal DAN Insurance (Cost varies based on selected insurance tier)
- Professional Liability Insurance (Can be purchased independently, but also available with the shop through DAN. Cost of insurance through the shop varies based on professional level and contribution)
Other additional costs, if applicable, may include but are not limited to charter or boat fees, park or site entry fees, required personal equipment, equipment rentals, custom or expedited class fees, private class fees, and/or any additional dives or training time required beyond the standard course. Please call the shop if you have any questions about what additional costs may apply to your specific course or training schedule!
| REQUIREMENT | DETAILS |
| Age |
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| Certifications |
In addition to the above, students must also have the following depending on the certification:
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| Required Forms |
*Professional Liability Insurance is required for completion of Divemaster certification, but does not need to be completed before the first session.This will be discussed throughout the course. |
| Water Fitness |
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| Misc. |
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REQUIRED PERSONAL EQUIPMENT (Must Purchase/Own)
The following items must be purchased / owned by each participant before starting the course:
- Divemaster materials (Provided to you during orientation)
- Dive slate
- Dive flag
- Delayed surface marker buoy (This is different from a dive flag)
- Primary and secondary dive lights
- Manual compass (Computer consoles or dive slates with a manual compass are acceptable)
- Total diving system:
- BCD
- Regulator
- Dive Computer
- Cylinders
- Weights and weight belt / pockets
- Wetsuit
- The "basics" **:
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Hood
- Boots
- Gloves
- 2 Mouthpieces
We recommend purchasing your equipment at Aquatic Specialties so we can personally fit the equipment to you and your body type. We have many different brands, styles, and sizes, and having equipment that fits well will enhance your performance in the water and make your dive experience more enjoyable! We offer our students a 10% discount* on eligible required equipment purchased while actively enrolled in a course; this discount does not apply to equipment listed under the "Total Diving System" or "The Basics". Every customer matters and your support of your local dive shop is the backbone to our success. Your patronage motivates us to keep improving, and allows us to be able to provide you with the services that we do today - together, we will dive into great things!
*Some restrictions apply on select products
**This list of basic equipment would have been purchased for your Open Water certification and is not included in our rentals due to sanitation and fit.
RENTAL GEAR (Not Included)
Use of rental equipment for any open water dives conducted outside of the classroom is not included in the course fee; however, rental equipment may be available to rent.
Please Note: Students are responsible for picking up, transporting, and returning their own rental equipment. If transport is needed on our part, an additional surcharge may apply.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Our SSI Divemaster Program at Aquatic Specialties runs from December through June, combining classroom learning, skill development, and hands-on in-water training to help prepare you for the next step in your diving journey.
Each session builds on the last, allowing you to develop your knowledge, refine your diving abilities, and gain valuable experience as you work toward becoming a dive professional. Follow the schedule below for class dates and topics, and get ready for an exciting journey into the professional side of scuba diving!
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12/18/26 from 6pm - 9pm: Course orientation & Class 1
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12/19/26 from 1pm - 4pm: In-water Fitness Evaluations (See "Prerequisites" tab for more details)
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01/08/27 from 6pm - 9pm: Class 2 & 3
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01/09/27 from 10am - 4pm: Hands-on in-water work in our on-site, heated pool
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02/05/27 from 6pm - 9pm: Class 4
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02/06/27 from 10am - 4pm: Hands-on in-water work in our on-site, heated pool
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03/12/27 from 6pm - 9pm: Class 5
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03/13/27 from 10am - 4pm: Hands-on in-water work in our on-site, heated pool
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04/09/27 from 6pm - 9pm: Classroom evaluations
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04/10/27 from 10am - 4pm: In-water/pool evaluations & makeup day
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05/08/27 from 8am - 2pm: Dive briefing and open water guiding evaluations
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05/09/27 from 8am - 2pm: Dive briefing and open water guiding evaluations
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06/04/27 from 6pm - 11pm: Night & limited visibility guiding evaluations
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06/12/27 from 8am - 2pm: Deep dives guiding evaluations
Future Programs & Custom Training: Our 2027-2028 SSI Divemaster Program schedule will be announced in October 2027. For individuals interested in completing the program outside of our regularly scheduled course, please contact Aquatic Specialties. Depending on instructor availability and our existing schedule, we may be able to arrange a custom training program for an additional fee.
Important: Course schedules are subject to change based on season, weather conditions, instructor availability, and student needs. If additional in-water training is required, students may be asked to attend additional pool sessions or complete extra dives outside of scheduled class time, which may be subject to additional fees. Please note that dives being conducted from a charter will also include additional fees.
To ensure a safe, successful, and enjoyable dive experience, we ask that all students take the following responsibilities seriously throughout the course:
GEAR TRANSPORTATION
Students are responsible for transporting their own personal equipment and rental equipment to and from each class and dive session. If you are unable to do so, we may be able to assist with transport for an additional surcharge. Please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements.
PUNCTUALITY & ATTENDANCE
Arrive on time for all sessions. Diving requires structure and safety protocols - late arrivals may miss important briefings and could be asked to reschedule at an added cost. Full attendance is required for certification.
PRE-COURSE STUDY
If your course includes eLearning or textbook materials, they must be completed before your first in-person session. This ensures you understand the theory and can focus on skills during practical training.
MINDSET & FOCUS
Stay attentive and engaged throughout the course. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and support your fellow divers. Please be mindful that this is a classroom setting and we are all here to learn together. If you would like a private class, please contact the shop for more information. Teamwork is a key part of the experience!
MEDICAL & PHYSICAL READINESS
You must complete a medical questionnaire prior to starting the course. If any answers indicate a potential condition, a physician's clearance may be required. Being comfortable in the water and in reasonably good health is essential for completion of the prerequisites of this course. Swimming is involved.
COMMUNICATION
Keep in touch with us if anything changes - whether it is scheduling conflicts, health concerns, or gear issues. We are here to help, and clear communication ensures a smoother experience for everyone!
Need help preparing or have questions? Reach out to our team at any time - we are here to support you at every step of your diving journey!
DIVE GUIDE vs. DIVEMASTER: WHAT"S THE DIFFERENCE?
If you are ready to take your diving beyond the recreational certification, you may be wondering whether the SSI Dive Guide or Divemaster pathway is right for you. Both pathways develop leadership, dive planning, and group management skills, but they differ in professional qualifications, requirements, responsibilities, and opportunities within the dive industry.
At Aquatic Specialties, we want you to understand the differences so you can choose the path that best fits your experience and goals.
DIVE GUIDE:
The Dive Guide program is designed for divers who want to develop their leadership skills and learn how to guide certified friends and family on organized underwater adventures. The Dive Guide pathway is a great option to gain experience in guiding certified divers and taking their diving to the next level without necessarily pursuing a professional career.
What Can a Dive Guide Do?
- Guide certified divers on non-commercial recreational scuba dives
What Can a Dive Guide NOT Do?
- Guide certified divers on commercial / paid recreational scuba dives
- Conduct and/or teach training programs
- Assist in any training programs
DIVEMASTER:
The Divemaster qualification builds on dive leadership and adds the professional requirements needed to take on additional responsibilities within a dive operation. The Divemaster pathway is ideal for divers who want to explore professional opportunities in the dive industry, work with a dive shop or dive center, assist instructors within their authorized scope, and continue progressing toward further professional qualifications.
What Can a Divemaster Do?
- Teach the SSI Snorkeling program
- Act as a certified assistant for SSI entry-level recreational scuba programs and specialties in which they hold a diver-level certification
- Assist during open water training dives by taking no more than two (2) students at a time on excursion dives
- Register for Ecology Specialty Instructor training programs (and teach them upon certification completion)
- Guide certified divers on commercial / paid recreational scuba dives
- Enroll in an SSI Instructor Training Course
What Can a Divemaster NOT Do?
- Conduct and/or teach entry-level recreational scuba programs
- Conduct and/or teach specialty recreational scuba programs
WHICH PATH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Both pathways offer an opportunity to grow as a diver and leader. The right choice depends on your goals, experience, and whether you want to pursue professional opportunities in the diving industry.
At Aquatic Specialties, we are here to help you understand your options and find the right path for your diving journey. If you are ready to take the next step, contact us to learn more about our professional training programs and find out which pathway is right for you!
