DIVEMASTER COURSE QUICK INFO
- DURATION
- 14–28 days
- MINIMUM AGE
- 18 years
- MAXIMUM DIVE DEPTH
- 40 m
- Rescue certified
- Proof of current O2 Provider, First Aid and CPR training within the past two (2) years
- Proof of Deep Diving, Night Diving and Navigation Diving experience
PRICE
$950
Includes all digital learning and materials, plus the SSI Professional Application Fee
Download brochureOVERVIEW
Why not consider taking your Divemaster Course in Kenya? The SSI Divemaster course is the first professional level in the SSI Diver System. When it comes to scuba diving coral reefs, Kenya is up there with the best of them.
The SSI Divemaster course consists of a mix of specialty courses, dive theory, workshops, stamina tests, practical skills assessments, and practical experience.
Ocean Tribe’s dive base in Diani Beach is located on one of the world’s top 10 rated beaches and consistently rated the best in Africa. The palm tree-lined white powder sands run down to azure waters where the fringing coral reefs can be found only 100m off shore.
SSI Divemaster Course Requirements
Duration
Choose between an intensive 14-day course and our preferred one-month programme.
The express course meets the minimum requirements for becoming a Divemaster. We recommend the longer programme because it gives you more time to develop your skills, gain experience and become the best Divemaster you can be.
Who Is It For?
The SSI Divemaster course is open to certified Diver Stress & Rescue divers and above, or those with an equivalent certification from a recognised training agency. You must also hold a current first aid and CPR provider certification.
Medical Information
You must meet the diver medical questionnaire requirements. Some medical conditions or medications may prevent you from diving. Please take the RSTC Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire to a doctor and submit the completed medical clearance to SSI.
Divemaster Course Inclusions
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Professional Training Courses
Dive Guide Course, Science of Diving Course and Computer Diving Course.
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Buddy Team and Briefing Slate
A Buddy Team and Briefing Slate for planning and delivering dive briefings.
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SSI Professional Mask Strap
An SSI Professional Mask Strap for your professional diving equipment.
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Blue Oceans Collection Bag
A Blue Oceans Collection Bag to support cleaner and healthier oceans.
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Divemaster Digital Learning
Includes Dive Guide, Science of Diving, Computer Diving and Marine Ecology courses.
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Professional Registration
SSI Professional Registration plus the initial year’s renewal.
SSI DIVEMASTER COURSE
KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT
Develop the theory, leadership knowledge and practical understanding you will use throughout your professional diving career.
YOUR PROFESSIONAL THEORY
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
Begin with the SSI Dive Guide Digital Learning , completing each chapter and knowledge review. Your SSI Instructor will review the material with you and fill any gaps in your knowledge.
You will also complete the SSI Science of Diving Specialty and SSI Computer Diver Specialty before completing your final exam.
This knowledge supports your Divemaster role and provides a foundation for future professional training, including the SSI Instructor Training Course .
Use the Ocean Tribe ITC Online Learning Centre for additional videos, quizzes and explanations.
- Dive planning and environmental considerations
- Dive physics, buoyancy, pressure and gas laws
- Dive physiology, decompression sickness and narcosis
- Dive equipment and computer use
- Decompression theory and dive planning
- Emergency procedures and rescue techniques
- Leadership skills and diver management
- The role, conduct, skills and duties of an SSI Divemaster
14-DAY TRAINING PROGRAM
DIVEMASTER COURSE SCHEDULE
This schedule represents the minimum timeline for a prepared and committed candidate. When possible, we recommend spreading your training over a longer period to gain more practice and real-world leadership experience.
You must have at least 60 logged dives before certification. If you need more dives, plan additional diving days, learn more about logging dives , or explore our Divemaster career internships .
DAY 1 · WELCOME & ORIENTATION ACADEMIC DAY
Meet, welcome and course introduction
Academic Session 1: What is a Divemaster? Lessons 1.1–1.4
Lunch
Continue Academic Session 1
DAY 2 · SKILLS & FITNESS POOL & ACADEMICS
Candidate water-fitness evaluation and pool skills
Lunch
Academic Session 2: Preparing for the Dive, Lessons 2.1–2.3
DAY 3 · FIRST LEADERSHIP DIVES BOAT DIVING & ACADEMICS
Assist and lead dives: first leadership dive day
Lunch
Continue Academic Session 2, Lessons 2.4–2.6
DAY 4 · DIVE CENTRE OPERATIONS PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS
Dive Centre Operations module
Lunch
Retail skills, rental gear and weighting workshops
DAY 5 · SECOND LEADERSHIP DIVES BOAT DIVING & ACADEMICS
Assist and lead dives: second leadership dive day
Lunch
Academic Session 3: Conducting the Dive, Lessons 3.1–3.3
DAY 6 · EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP & ACADEMICS
Troubleshoot and repair equipment workshop
Lunch
Continue Academic Session 3, Lessons 3.4–3.5
DAY 7 · THIRD LEADERSHIP DIVES BOAT DIVING & EVALUATION
Assist and lead dives: third leadership dive day
Lunch
Dive-briefing evaluation
DAY 8 · REST DAY RECOVERY
Day off to rest and recharge
DAY 9 · DIVE EMERGENCIES ACADEMICS & RESCUE
Academic Session 4: Dive Emergencies, Lessons 4.1–4.3
Lunch
Rescue workshops: panicked diver and stress recognition
DAY 10 · FOURTH LEADERSHIP DIVES BOAT DIVING & DEEP PLANNING
Assist and lead dives: fourth leadership dive day
Lunch
Dive-guiding evaluation preparation for deep diving
DAY 11 · SCIENCE OF DIVING I THEORY
Diving physics and diving physiology
Lunch
Decompression theory and dive-equipment systems
DAY 12 · SCIENCE OF DIVING II THEORY & EXAM
Aquatic environment
Lunch
Science of Diving exam and review
DAY 13 · FINAL GUIDING EVALUATIONS OPEN WATER & NIGHT DIVING
Dive-guiding evaluation: open-water dive
Lunch
Night-dive planning and pre-briefing
Dive-guiding evaluation: night dive
DAY 14 · COMPUTER DIVING & GRADUATION FINAL COURSE DAY
Computer Diving Course, Academic Sessions 1–3
Lunch
Computer Diving Course, Academic Sessions 4–5
Dive-log finalisation and graduation ceremony
Quality experience matters. Take the time you need to refine your skills and become a confident dive professional.
SSI DIVEMASTER COURSE
ASSISTING IN TRAINING
One of an SSI Divemaster’s main responsibilities is assisting an SSI Instructor during diver training. Throughout your Divemaster course, you will regularly assist Ocean Tribe Instructors during real SSI courses. When a suitable course is not running, realistic simulations will be used instead.
CONTROL
A Divemaster helps the SSI Instructor control and supervise the dive group. When the Instructor works with one student on a mobile exercise, the Divemaster watches the rest of the group.
This additional professional support helps maintain safety, organisation and effective training, particularly in larger classes.
DEMONSTRATION ASSISTANCE
Skills such as air sharing are easier to demonstrate with a Divemaster assisting. Every student receives a clear view of the skill, reducing the need for repeated demonstrations and making training more efficient.
COURSE LOGISTICS
A Divemaster helps ensure everything is ready before training begins. This may include packing the spare-parts box, helping students gear up and preparing an emergency swimming ascent line or descent line.
Divemasters also help ensure cylinders are filled, ready and loaded onto the boat. Staying alert and anticipating what the course needs is essential.
DIVE GUIDING
A Divemaster may lead the tour section of an SSI course while the Instructor observes the students and assesses their performance requirements.
Dive guiding certified divers is also one of the roles frequently performed by qualified SSI Divemasters.
EQUIPMENT TROUBLESHOOTING
A malfunctioning piece of equipment can worry a new diver or cause a dive to be cancelled. An SSI Divemaster should have the practical knowledge and suitable spares to resolve minor equipment problems and adjustments.
Good preparation helps reassure students, supports the Instructor and keeps training running safely and smoothly.
Stay observant. Anticipate what is needed. Help every student feel safe, supported and confident.
Go Pro with Ocean Tribe
CHOOSE YOUR PROFESSIONAL DIVING INTERNSHIP
Start from beginner level or build on the certifications you already hold. Train in Diani Beach, gain experience in a working dive centre and follow a structured pathway to the professional level that matches your career goals.
Professional leadership pathway
Divemaster Internship
Develop the knowledge, confidence and real-world experience to guide certified divers and work as an SSI dive professional.
Your pathway includes
- Training from your current certification level through SSI Divemaster
- Unlimited diving throughout the internship
- Experience assisting courses and leading real dive trips
- Professional workshops in dive logistics, equipment and guest care
- One-year Ocean Tribe Dive Club membership
Professional teaching pathway
Dive Instructor Internship
Progress from your current level to SSI Open Water Instructor and prepare to teach, lead and work in dive centres around the world.
Your pathway includes
- Core diver courses, rescue training and the complete Divemaster pathway
- SSI Instructor Training Course and Instructor Evaluation preparation
- Hands-on teaching practice alongside Ocean Tribe professionals
- Unlimited diving plus SSI learning materials and certification fees
- Packages with a brand-new personal scuba equipment set to keep
Already certified? Your internship can be tailored to the qualifications and experience you already have, so you can join the pathway at the right stage.
