Recreational or Professional

Master SCUBA Diver and Divemaster sound similar but are very different.

Master SCUBA Diver is the top level recreational dive certification that you earn as a result of previous courses taken. Divemaster is a professional level certification course that gets you ready for a rewarding career in the dive industry.

Master SCUBA Diver is like having a black belt in SCUBA Diving. It is a card you earn by completing your Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver. You also need to earn five Specialty Diver certifications and have logged a minimum of 50 dives. This is the top level recreational diving certification that every diver 12+ should eventually become. When you show your Master Diver Card, shops will know you have put extensive time, training and dives into earning it. SCUBA Heroes recommends earning this level before beginning a Divemaster carer but it is not required.


Divemaster is the first step for divers looking to make a career in the world of SCUBA Diving. You will now be a leader who mentors and motivates others. Divers will look to you for guidance and as a role model. This is a difficult and rewarding course that helps those that are 18+ years old gain dive skills, dive knowledge and supervision abilities. No additional certifications beyond Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver will be needed. Your CPR and first aid must be completed within one year prior to starting the class plus have logged over 40 dives prior to starting this course and have 60 dives before certification. A medical clearance from a doctor will be needed within one year prior to starting this course.

Required Courses

Open Water

Needed for: Master SCUBA DiverDiver Master

Advanced Diver

Needed for: Master SCUBA DiverDiver Master

Rescue Diver

Needed for: Master SCUBA DiverDiver Master

5 Specialty Courses

Needed for:Master SCUBA Diver

Why PADI: PADI Divers carry the most respected and sought after scuba diving credentials in the world. No matter where you choose to dive, your PADI certification card will be recognized and accepted. In fact, on most scuba diving adventures, you’ll be surrounded by other PADI Divers who made the same certification choice you did – to train with the world’s largest and most respected scuba diving training organization.

Read: "The PADI Difference" for an in depth look as to why SCUBA Heroes has teamed up with PADI

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