There are many reasons to become a PADI Divemaster or Scuba Instructor: to work and travel, to share your love of the underwater world with others, or simply for the personal challenge. Along the way, you’ll hone your scuba diving skills and emerge as a leader in the world’s largest community of divers bound together by a shared passion for adventure and ocean conservation.
Becoming a PADI Pro is diving's ultimate transformation – turning passion into a dynamic career. PADI's professional courses equip you with advanced skills and the ability to inspire others. It's your pathway to sharing ocean wonders, fostering conservation, and creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Dive into a fulfilling and impactful profession as a PADI professional.
Marvin Otsuji (Owner at Seasport Divers) What is a PADI Pro?
First, it’s important to understand the differences between recreational diving and professional diving. Recreational divers dive for the adventure and underwater exploration. Professional divers love these things, too, but they are also specially trained to teach and guide others in their underwater adventures.
To become a PADI Pro, you must first complete the PADI Divemaster course, which will prepare you to assist scuba instructors and supervise diving activities.
What Can PADI Divemasters Do?
PADI Divemasters can take on a number of dive-related responsibilities. They are certified to:
- Assist certified PADI Instructors with training and non-training diving activities.
- Guide certified scuba divers on fun dives.
- Lead Discover Local Diving programs.
- Assist with Discover Scuba Diving® programs.
- Teach the PADI ReActivate®, Discover Snorkeling and PADI Advanced Snorkeler courses.
- Teach some PADI Specialty courses – Emergency Oxygen Provider, Equipment Specialist, Coral Reef Conservation, Project AWARE Specialist.
What Can PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors Do?
A candidate that has successfully completed the Instructor Development Course (IDC) and the Instructor Examination (IE), is certified to teach the following PADI courses:
- Open Water Diver
- Advanced Open Water Diver
- Rescue Diver
- Divemaster
- Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty
- PADI AWARE courses
Do I need prior diving experience?
Yes, you must have completed the PADI Rescue Diver certification, have Emergency First Response training within the last 24 months, and have at least 40 logged dives.
