SSI Dive Master

What is SSI Dive Master?

• Dive Master is the first professional level in SSI.
• It qualifies you to guide certified divers in open water, assist SSI Instructors with courses, and work in dive centers or resorts worldwide.
• SSI actually splits the role into two stages:

1. Dive Guide (DG) → leading and guiding certified divers.
2. Divemaster (DM) → when you combine Dive Guide + Science of Diving (theory).

👉 Once you complete both, SSI awards the Divemaster certification.

Prerequisites

Before you can enroll:

• Age: Minimum 18 years.
• Diver Certification: Must be certified as an SSI Stress & Rescue Diver (or equivalent).
• Logged Dives: At least 40 dives to start training; 60 dives to certify.
• First Aid / CPR: React Right (or equivalent) within the past 24 months.
• Medical Statement: Fit for diving, signed by a physician within the last year.

What You Learn

The Dive Master program develops both practical leadership skills and in-depth dive theory.

1. Dive Guide Component (practical skills):

• Guiding certified divers in open water.
• Group management, briefings, dive planning & logistics.
• Handling emergencies, missing diver, diver stress, etc.
• Working with a dive center (real scenarios, internships).

2. Science of Diving Component (theory):

• Physics of diving.
• Physiology of diving.
• Decompression theory & dive planning.
• Underwater environment & equipment technology.

Together, these form the Divemaster certification.

Structure & Duration

• Academics: Digital training modules + classroom/theory sessions.
• Confined Water: Skill demonstrations & leadership exercises.
• Open Water: Guiding dives, conducting real-life scenarios with certified divers.
• Internship or Practical Evaluation: Often you’ll “shadow” or work alongside instructors in a real dive shop.
• Time: Can be done intensively in 2–4 weeks, or spread out over a season if combined with work experience.

What You Can Do as SSI Divemaster

• Guide certified divers on fun dives (shore, boat, drift, night, etc.).
• Conduct Scuba Skills Updates and Try Scuba (pool) programs.
• Work in dive shops, resorts, and liveaboards worldwide.
• Act as an assistant to SSI Instructors in classes.
• Step into the Instructor Training Course (ITC) → next level toward becoming an Open Water Instructor.

Why It’s Worth It

• First professional recognition in diving.
• Creates global employment opportunities.
• Deepens your own dive knowledge and safety awareness.
• Builds leadership, confidence, and teaching assistance skills.