What is The Difference Between Divemaster & Master Scuba Diver? (Because We Are All Confused)

​I get asked this at least once a week, and to be fair it is a valid question. I remember I was also once confused. The titles sound pretty much the same and are comprised of the same words.

So you’re sitting there wondering…What is the difference between the two? Which one is higher in the diving world and why does it all have to be so complicated? In the diving world, there is actually a significant and distinct difference between the two.

So if you feel too silly to ask someone, I’ve got you covered.

First, let’s start with Master Scuba Diver. A common misconception is that there is a specific course to become a Master Scuba Diver, however it is actually not a course in itself. It is a set of requirements that need to be met before one can apply in order to get the special Master Scuba Diver status.

The requirements as per PADI are:

1. You must be 12 years old or older.
   
2. You must have completed the PADI Rescue Diver or Junior Recuse Diver Course.
3. Completed a minimum of 5 PADI Specialty Diver Courses
4. Minimum of 50 Logged Dives.

So once you meet the requirements and apply, you are essentially a Master Scuba Diver! Not as hard as you thought, right? There are so many awesome specialty courses that PADI offers, from Underwater Videographer to Ice Diving, all the way to Fish Identification (yup, that’s right, naming fish).

Now, becoming a Divemaster is a bit different. It is essentially an entry-level professional certification.
During your PADI Open Water, you may have noticed divers helping out you and your instructor – They were Divemasters! A Divemaster leads dives and assists dive instructors and they are a respected and important part of any dive shop or diving team.

The requirements as per PADI are:

1. You must be 18 years or older.
2. You must have completed the PADI Rescue Diver
3. At least 40 logged dives to begin the course and 60 dives to earn certification.
4. Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (CPR and First Aid) training within the past 24 months.

The Divemaster course is not an easy course to pass, one must meet a long list of requirements and the course itself takes a significant length of time to finish with multiple components. Once you are a Divemaster, you can pursue a career in the dive industry and work just about anywhere in the world. The Divemaster course is a stepping stone to moving up in the professional diving world as you can then apply for the PADI Open Water Instructor Course!

So there you have it folks, now you know the difference between the two similar sounding PADI diving qualifications! Remember to thank your hard working Divemasters who often volunteer their time purely for the love of the sport! Go Divemasters, we love you!

If you are interested in getting your Divemaster or Master Scuba Diver qualifications, feel free to contact us with any questions or enquiries. Now that you know the difference, you are well on your way to choosing the next adventure that suits you best!

Happy Diving,

Dana Lenahan