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Professional Programs

Divemaster | ISO 24801-3

Intent

The SSI Divemaster program provides candidates with the knowledge and training required to guide certified divers and act as a certified assistant for some recreational scuba training programs.
The certification may also be issued as an upgrade to qualified SSI Dive Guides.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status Dive Guide Instructor may conduct the Divemaster program.

Candidate Prerequisites

  • Minimum age | 18 years old.
  • Have logged at least 60 open water dives totaling 40 hours or more.
Have the following SSI certifications or equivalent from a recognized training agency:
  • Diver Stress & Rescue
Have the following SSI certifications, an equivalent from a recognized training agency, or provide proof of experience by showing at least five (5) logged experience dives in each of the following areas:
  • Deep Diving | Deeper than 30 meters
  • Navigation
  • Night & Limited Visibility

Note | The candidate is not required to be certified in the applicable specialty if they provide proof of the experience dives and the instructor can verify the candidate’s ability to exhibit mastery of the skills required by the specialty.

Duration

  • Recommended hours for completion | 35–45.

Depth Limitations

  • Maximum open water depth limit | 40 meters.

Minimum Supervision

  • An active status SSI Dive Guide Instructor must directly supervise all academic, pool/confined water, and open water activities.

Requirements For Completion

  • Pass all requirements and evaluations listed in the instructor manual for Divemaster.
  • Complete the program’s final exam.
  • Complete the Science of Diving final exam.
  • Complete the active status requirements for an SSI Professional.

Upgrade | Dive Guide to Divemaster

Qualified SSI Dive Guides may upgrade to SSI Divemaster. They must:
  • Meet the Divemaster prerequisites.
  • Meet all requirements for maintaining active status with SSI as outlined in the General Training Standards > SSI Professional Duties > SSI Professional Status.
  • Complete the Science of Diving final exam.

Certification

  • Upon completion of training, upload the candidate’s training record with all required documentation into the MySSI System.
  • Upon completion of this program and meeting the requirements for maintaining active status with SSI, candidates receive the Divemaster certification.

Active Status Qualifications

Active status Divemasters may:
  • Act as a certified assistant for all SSI recreational scuba programs.
  • 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.
  • Enroll in an SSI Instructor Training Course.

Certifying Professionals from Other Training Agencies (Onboarding)

Candidates from other training agencies must complete the entire SSI Divemaster program to earn the certification.

SSI materials are written in English and follow U.S. spelling and punctuation.

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