Becoming a PADI professional diver is an exciting journey, allowing you to share your love of the underwater world with others, work and travel, and emerge as a leader in the global community of divers. Let's explore how you can achieve this dream:
PADI Divemaster: The First Step
The Divemaster qualification is your initial step toward becoming a PADI Pro. As a Divemaster, you can lead certified divers on "fun dives" and assist instructors with training new divers. Here's what you need to know:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Hold a rescue diver certification
- Have completed at least 40 logged dives.
- Maintain CPR and First Aid training (within the past 24 months).
- Obtain medical clearance to dive.
Training Process
Enroll in the PADI Divemaster Course to expand your dive knowledge and hone your skills. It would be best to consider participating in a Divemaster internship, which provides hands-on experience while working alongside professionals at a reputable dive center. These internships typically last from a month upwards and offer valuable mentorship.
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)
Once you've gained experience as a Divemaster, you can take the next step by becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI). The requirements are:
- Hold the Divemaster qualification.
- Have completed at least 100 dives.
- Invest in your scuba equipment (if you haven't already).
- Complete the Instructor Development Course (IDC), which includes both the Assistant Instructor (AI) course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program.
- Pass the final step: the Instructor Examination (IE).
Additional Considerations
Look for centers that offer an IDC "prep" course to refresh your dive theory knowledge before taking the IE. Consider pursuing PADI Instructor Specialties to enhance your versatility as an instructor. Remember that time spent in the water is invaluable for gaining experience. Rushing through certifications may need to provide more information for a successful career as a professional diver.
Invest
Invest in quality training, mentorship, and hands-on experience to build a solid foundation for your scuba career. Whether you aspire to lead dives, teach scuba courses, or contribute to ocean conservation, becoming a PADI Pro opens up exciting opportunities in the underwater world! For an experienced PADI Dive Master who knows the ends and outs of diving or to book a group excursion, contact Kevin Alexander at By the Shore SCUBA Instruction.
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