Divemaster Toolkit: Learning Practical Skills

Divemaster Dive Leader Skills

Beginning your journey to become a professional scuba diver can be a transformative and exciting experience, but for some it could be overwhelming.

The first step in every professional PADI divers journey is the PADI Divemaster course. Divemaster roles in and around the dive shop can range from guiding others around the world’s best dive sites, to assisting a diving instructor with a PADI diving course.

Role of a PADI Divemaster

As a Divemaster you not only work within a professional capacity, but also as a role model within the diving community.

You will be entrusted with arranging dive trip logistics, briefing customers on dive plans which you will then lead and, using your fresh knowledge provide customer support to assist with furthering other divers development in the water.

You may think that becoming a PADI Divemaster is the next step for you in your scuba diving journey but, what practical training does PADI offer to Divemaster candidates and what can you expect to learn?

Dive Site Set Up, Management and Briefings

You may have been diving with a dive centre before and experienced a smooth, efficient work environment, whether that was on a boat, beach or remote location.

The fluidity and efficiency of a dive operation can leave a long lasting impression on ourselves and other customers. But what goes on behind the scenes to achieve such effective dive standards?

As a Divemaster candidate you will learn how to conduct a dive operation both on and off a dive vessel, how to take charge of assigning areas for divers to prepare equipment, how to prepare first aid and emergency equipment.

You will also learn how to conduct and manage boat roll calls whilst being approachable and sociable and representing the core values of your chosen dive centre.

Divemaster Dive Briefings

Delivering a clear and coherent dive briefing to customers is also an important skill Divemasters need to learn.

Dive briefings can bring the whole group clarity about the plan for the dive, dive procedures, what the dive site is like, marine life expected at the site, buddy checks, hand signals and emergency procedures.

Some divers may be experiencing small amounts of anxiety or a lack of confidence from being out of the water for a long time. Delivering a detailed and clear briefing can put any uncertainties they may have at ease, and give them more confidence in your knowledge and abilities whilst providing you the opportunity to answer any questions they may have.

Deliver Clear Briefings

Putting your divers at ease and making your divers more assured and relaxed will improve their air consumption, dive experience and allow them to have a safer overall experience.

Dive briefings can take some time to learn and perfect, and may vary between different dive sites too. The more of these you practice the better you will get.

It is an important skill that takes time to work on and develop. As you learn what your local dive sites look like and what they have to offer, the better your dive briefings will become.

Neutrally Buoyant Skill Demonstrations

As a Divemaster you will learn how to demonstrate skills to students whilst neutrally buoyant.

Demonstrating skills with this level of control is important not only for your own proficiency but also to set an example for students and other certified divers, reinforcing the idea of becoming a role model for others.

Performing skills while neutrally buoyant also plays a significant role in ensuring diver safety, developing underwater performance, and a higher level of protection and awareness for the marine environment.

Others will be observing you in the water; demonstrating these skills in-front of them with a high level of control reinforces the standards we should all be following within the scuba diving industry.

Neutral Buoyancy

The underwater world is a breathtaking but fragile place, with just a single fin kick we can damage years worth of coral growth, leaving scarring across the most important marine ecosystems in the ocean.

Being able to perform skills neutrally buoyant reduces the risk of us harming marine life or stirring up sediment – unfortunately, a Divemaster who touches the bottom frequently can unintentionally encourage others to do the same thus developing bad diving habits.

PADI Divemaster Skills

But what are the skills? Many of the skills that our PADI Divemaster candidates perform are neutrally buoyant:

1. Equipment assembly, adjustment, preparation, donning and disassembly.
2. Pre-dive safety check (BWRAF).
3. Deep-water entry.
4. Buoyancy check at surface.
5. Snorkel-regulator/regulator-snorkel exchange.
6. Five-point descent, using buoyancy control to stop descent without contacting the bottom.
7. Regulator recovery and clearing*.
8. Mask removal, replacement and clearing*.
9. Air depletion exercise and alternate air source use (stationary).
10. Alternate air source-assisted ascent.
11. Free flowing regulator breathing.
12. Neutral buoyancy, rise and fall – using low pressure inflation.
13. Five-point ascent.
14. Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent.
15. Orally inflate BCD to hover for at least 60 seconds.
16. Underwater swim without a mask.
17. Remove and replace weight system underwater.
18. Remove and replace scuba unit underwater.
19. Remove and replace scuba unit on the surface.
20. Remove and replace weight system on the surface.
21. Surface dive while skin diving and clear snorkel using blast method upon surfacing.
22. Disconnect low-pressure inflator.
23. Re-secure a loose cylinder band.
24. Perform an emergency weight drop.

Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) Workshops

The Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) experience is, for many, the first introduction to the underwater world. It allows individuals to experience the sensation of breathing underwater without the need to enrol in an Open Water Course whilst providing a taster of the dive experience. .

It is essential for you as a Divemaster to learn how to assist with a DSD experience as part of your training.

While Divemasters are not certified to teach a DSD experience on their own, they can assist diving instructors, particularly those with larger groups or individuals who may feel less confident in the water.

A trained Divemaster who helps to teach a DSD experience can help to improve the quality of teaching by giving students more one on one time with an experienced diver.

Discover Scuba Diving Experience

Joining dive instructors on a DSD experience is also a great way for Divemasters to improve their leadership skills, supervision skills and problem-solving abilities.

Any Divemaster looking to pursue their diving instructor qualification will also benefit from assisting on a DSD experience, to gain valuable teaching experience that will aid In their transition to instructor-level training.

Whether you plan to move onto higher level training or simply wish to guide divers through some of the world’s best dive sites, DSD course will ensure you become a well-rounded diver and allow you to play a part in inspiring the next generation of divers.

Divemaster Dive Site Mapping Project

One of the many key abilities in the Divemaster skill set is the mastery of underwater navigation.

You will be tasked with guiding divers around dive sites safely and efficiently, and to do this you will need to have a solid and in-depth understanding of your local dive sites.

Key landmarks, topography, entry and exit points, and possible hazards are all things to consider whilst leading your scuba divers through the underwater world.

This is why dive site mapping is an important skill for you to learn, even practicing on dive sites that are already mapped can help increase your understanding and deliver a more enjoyable dive for customers.

Mapping dive sites also involves a large degree of compass usage. Moving through the underwater world with limited visibility can be challenging and disorienting but, by learning how to use our compass effectively we can improve the accuracy of our underwater maps and gain valuable experience in compass and navigation practice.

Sometimes the visibility on dive sites can also leave a lot to be desired and, when our vision goes we rely heavily on our compasses making knowing how to use one an imperative skill to practice and master.

Divemaster Search and Recovery Scenario

With the amount of dive kit we carry and have to keep track of, combined with the amount of time we spend on and under the water, divers are guaranteed to lose something at some point in their careers.

The frustration we experience when losing vital or expensive new kit can be significant, and knowing where to start to recover these lost items can be overwhelming especially on larger dive sites. That’s where our search and recovery scenarios come in.

As a PADI Divemaster you will learn multiple search patterns, which are appropriate to use in specific scenarios and, for larger bits of kit that have been lost, utilise lift bags in teams to retrieve and safely bring these to the surface.

Customers who have lost equipment on dives that you have guided may want to recover lost items too, and may look to you to help find it.

Search & Recovery Skills

Divemasters interested in becoming actively involved with conservation work will benefit hugely from these skill workshops too.

Abandoned fishing nets, fishing line, rubbish and plastics are all issues that plague our oceans today. Becoming an excellent conservation diver also involves knowing where and how to look for all of these fragmented pockets of debris.

Using search and recovery skills we can efficiently find and remove these whilst being mindful of the time constraints we have with air consumption.

Without proper training, searching for lost items underwater can be time consuming, inefficient and potentially hazardous. Learning these types of skills will make you a well-rounded diver ready to tackle real-world scenarios when qualified.

Divemaster Knot Tying Skills

In certain situations search and recovery scenarios may become a little more complicated.  As divers we know that overexerting ourselves, particularly at depth, is best avoided.

Having a good understanding of knots, and how they can be of effective use in a multitude of scenarios will be vital. Knots can be utilised in many scenarios underwater and can broaden our scope in how we approach problem solving at depth.

From large nets that are awkward to attach to lift bags, to re-securing mooring lines and aiding in conservation projects, there is a knot for every scenario and this knowledge is invaluable to scuba divers.

Our PADI Divemaster candidates will be taught how to tie several knots that can be put to use when in the water and on the surface. The bowline, sheet bend and two-half hitch are by far the most practical, and all three can be used in a variety of different circumstances.

By mastering these knots a Divemaster can become a valuable addition to any dive team. Any further additional knot knowledge that a diver is able glean can also help, making knot tying a worthwhile skill to practice and perfect.

Divemaster Deep Dive Scenario

For some of us, the allure of deep diving is hugely appealing. Deep reef walls, ship wrecks or the idea of visiting a place very few people have seen before can be a tantalising and rewarding experience if conducted safely and effectively.

Working as a Divemaster you may meet individuals that share the same passion of adrenaline fuelled exploration into the deep fathoms of our ocean. It will be your responsibility to plan these dives accordingly and make sure customers enjoy this experience in a risk-less and professional manner.

You will learn to understand the physiological effects of deep diving on the human body such as nitrogen narcosis, increased air consumption and decompression considerations.

These factors that accompany deep diving can affect dive time, air management and also judgment and coordination. The more we train in these scenarios the easier and smoother a dive we can deliver in the future, being ready for any circumstance that may occur.

Divemaster Deep Diving

PADI Divemaster training covers a broad spectrum of practical skills and builds on our confidence in the water, problem solving abilities, all whilst improving our leadership skills.

Over the course of four weeks you will become more professional in the water, having practiced dive site set ups to mapping projects and deep dive scenarios, and you will learn that each aspect of your training is designed to shape Divemaster candidates into competent and dependable individuals.

Learning and training with the aforementioned practical skills prepares you with the necessary tools to work within the diving industry, and implement them when guiding others under the surface.

You will become more of an advocate for sustainable dive practices and conservation as the Divemaster course will broaden your outlook and subsea environmental awareness.

Becoming a PADI divemaster won’t only be about ticking off another certification. It’s about expanding your experience as an ocean explorer, becoming a marine protector and working alongside like-minded individuals who share the same passion as you.

Become a PADI Divemaster on Koh Tao

Koh Tao holds the title of the world’s most popular location for certifying scuba divers.

Koh Tao Dominance in PADI Scuba Diving Certifications

Quantity: It’s a fact that more scuba diving certifications are issued on Koh Tao than anywhere else globally. This is a significant claim, and Koh Tao backs it up with safety, numbers and popularity.

Reasons for Koh Tao’s Popularity

• Affordability of Koh Tao
• Koh Tao offers some of the most competitive scuba diving course prices in the world.
• This makes it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers.
• Accommodation and living expenses on the island are generally lower compared to other popular diving destinations.

Ideal Scuba Diving Conditions

• Koh Tao boasts calm, warm waters with excellent visibility, making it perfect for beginners.
• The island offers a variety of dive sites suitable for all skill levels, from shallow reefs to deeper wrecks.
• The year-round tropical climate ensures consistent diving conditions.

Easy Access to Koh Tao

While it requires a ferry journey, Koh Tao is relatively accessible from Bangkok and other major cities in Thailand.

The well-established tourist infrastructure makes it easy for travelers to reach the island.

Vibrant Social Scene

Koh Tao has a lively social scene, attracting young travelers and backpackers.

This creates a fun and social atmosphere, making it easy to meet other divers and travelers.

Although diving course prices are low, many dive schools maintain high standards of training. Many of the instructors are very experienced, and the competition drives them to provide quality services.

In essence, Koh Tao’s combination of affordability, ideal diving conditions, all year round good weather and a vibrant social scene has made it the undisputed king of scuba diving certifications worldwide.

How to Get to Koh Tao from Bangkok

Getting from Bangkok to Koh Tao involves a combination of land and sea travel, as Koh Tao is an island. Here is a list of routes to Koh Tao:

Flight & Ferry

• Fly from Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport – DMK or Suvarnabhumi Airport – BKK) to:
• Koh Samui (USM): This is the closest airport to Koh Tao. Bangkok Airways operates frequent flights.
• Chumphon (CHT): Thai AirAsia and Nok Air offer flights to Chumphon.
• Surat Thani (URT): Thai AirAsia and Nok Air also fly to Surat Thani.

From these airports, take a ferry to Koh Tao. Things to Consider:

This is the fastest, but generally most expensive option.

• Check ferry schedules to align with your flight arrival.
• Koh Samui flights are usually more expensive than Chumphon or Surat Thani.
• Be mindful of baggage allowances, especially with budget airlines.
• Allow ample time between flight arrival and ferry departure.

Bus & Ferry

Take a bus from Bangkok (usually from near Khao San Road) to:

• Chumphon
• Surat Thani.

From these locations, take a ferry to Koh Tao. Things to Consider:

• This is a popular and budget-friendly option.
• Overnight buses are available, saving on accommodation costs.
• Lomprayah High Speed Ferries are often recommended for their speed and comfort.
• Busses can be long journeys, so prepare for that.
• Book combined bus and ferry tickets for convenience.

Train & Ferry

Take a train from Bangkok’s Train Station to Chumphon.

From Chumphon, take a ferry to Koh Tao. Things to Consider:

• This is a more relaxed and scenic option.
• Sleeper trains are available for overnight travel.
• Book train tickets in advance, especially for sleeper berths.

This is a good option for those that want to see more of the countryside.

Like the bus, then train plus ferry is a long journey.

Car & Ferry

Drive from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani.

Park your car at the pier and take a ferry to Koh Tao. Things to Consider

• This offers flexibility, but driving in Thailand can be challenging.
• Long driving distances.
• Parking fees at the pier.
• Ferry companies may have limitations on vehicle transport (if you were thinking of taking your car to the island itself, which is not commonly done).

Key Planning Considerations

• Time of Year: The weather in the Gulf of Thailand can vary. Check the forecast before you travel.
• Booking in Advance: Especially during peak season, book flights, trains, and ferries in advance.
• Ferry Companies: Research ferry companies (Lomprayah and Songserm are common) and their schedules.
• Travel Time: Factor in travel time, including transfers between modes of transport.
• Budget: Compare the costs of different travel options.
• Travel Insurance: Ensure you have adequate travel insurance.

Contact us for more information about diving course prices at Black Turtle Dive and learn why we are rated so highly for customer service, training safety, quality, comfort and lots of fun!

We look forward to welcoming you to Koh Tao!