Know more. Lead better.
Build the professional-level dive knowledge you need to plan dives, manage divers, solve problems and explain the science behind safe scuba diving.
Learn to think like a dive professional
Divemaster knowledge development takes everything you learned as a recreational diver and connects it to real professional decisions. You will study why things happen underwater, how to plan around them and how to communicate that information clearly to other divers.
Your training combines SSI Digital Learning, knowledge reviews, instructor-led workshops and practical application. Your instructor will review difficult concepts with you, correct misunderstandings and show you how the theory applies to actual dive-centre operations.
This is knowledge you will use while giving briefings, planning dives, assisting students, handling problems and progressing toward your SSI Instructor Training Course.
The goal is understanding
A professional should be able to do more than select the correct exam answer. You should be able to explain the idea, apply it to a dive and use it to make a safe decision.
Digital learning backed by real instructor support
Work through the theory in manageable stages, then turn that information into practical professional knowledge.
Study
Complete the assigned SSI Digital Learning modules using the MySSI app or online learning platform.
Review
Complete knowledge reviews that help identify the subjects you understand and the areas that need more work.
Workshop
Discuss the topics with your SSI Instructor and work through examples based on genuine diving situations.
Apply
Use the knowledge during dive planning, briefings, diver supervision, training assistance and final assessments.
What will you study?
You will go beyond recreational-level knowledge and learn how each subject affects the divers under your supervision.
Dive Physics
Pressure, buoyancy, gas behaviour and the physical principles that affect divers and equipment underwater.
Dive Physiology
How pressure and breathing gases affect the body, including decompression illness, narcosis and oxygen exposure.
Dive Equipment
Equipment function, appropriate configuration, common problems and how equipment choices affect the dive plan.
Decompression Theory
Inert-gas loading, ascent planning, repetitive diving and the principles behind dive tables and computers.
Dive Planning
Evaluate depth, time, gas, conditions, diver ability, environmental factors and emergency options.
Diver Management
Organise groups, assess ability, set expectations, prevent problems and supervise certified divers effectively.
Emergency Procedures
Recognise developing problems, respond to incidents and build practical emergency plans for different dive environments.
Aquatic Environment
Understand conditions, entries, currents, visibility, marine life and environmental considerations when planning dives.
Three connected parts of your professional theory
Your Divemaster knowledge is developed through the Dive Guide material, Science of Diving and computer-based dive planning.
SSI Dive Guide
Learn professional conduct, dive preparation, briefings, guiding, diver supervision, site assessment and leadership responsibilities.
Explore the Divemaster course →Science of Diving
Develop a detailed understanding of physics, physiology, decompression theory, equipment and the aquatic environment.
View Science of Diving →Computer Diving
Understand how dive computers calculate exposure, manage repetitive dives and support better dive-planning decisions.
View Computer Diving →
This theory stays with you long after the exam
Strong dive theory gives you the confidence to answer questions, recognise problems early and explain the reasoning behind safe diving practices.
- Plan and supervise dives more confidently
- Deliver clearer professional dive briefings
- Assist instructors and student divers more effectively
- Explain concepts rather than simply repeating rules
- Prepare for the SSI Instructor Training Course
- Build the foundation for future instructor-level exams
Divemaster course entry requirements
Ocean Tribe will review your certifications and logged experience before your professional training begins.
Dive experience
You should have at least 40 logged open-water dives totalling 25 hours to enter the training.
To earn the SSI Divemaster certification, you must have at least 60 logged open-water dives totalling 40 hours and complete all course requirements.
Choose the package that matches your current experience
Knowledge development forms part of the complete Ocean Tribe SSI Divemaster program.
Divemaster Basic Package
- SSI Dive Guide and Divemaster training
- Divemaster digital learning
- Science of Diving
- Computer Diving and Marine Ecology learning
- Divemaster professional package
- SSI professional registration and initial renewal
Divemaster Deluxe Package
- Everything included in the Basic Package
- Diver Stress & Rescue
- React Right: CPR, First Aid and Oxygen Provider
- Deep Diving
- Night & Limited Visibility
- Navigation
Two-or-more-diver rates may be available for candidates booking together. Course suitability and any required preparatory training will be confirmed before enrolment.
Explore the rest of the Divemaster journey
Questions before you begin?
Can I complete the digital learning before arriving in Diani?
Yes. Completing assigned digital learning before your practical training gives you more time to ask questions and apply the theory during your course. Ocean Tribe will explain which sections should be completed before arrival.
Is Science of Diving required for SSI Divemaster?
Yes. Science of Diving is a core part of the SSI Divemaster pathway. You must demonstrate the required professional-level knowledge and successfully complete the applicable assessments.
What happens if I struggle with physics or decompression theory?
Your instructor will review the subject with you using workshops, examples and practical diving situations. The aim is to help you genuinely understand and apply the material.
Is the knowledge development only useful for the final exam?
No. You will use it when planning dives, giving briefings, supervising divers, assisting students and preparing for future professional training such as the SSI Instructor Training Course.
Do I need Deep, Navigation and Night certifications?
SSI standards allow recognised certifications or verified experience in these areas, subject to the current training standards and your instructor confirming that you demonstrate the required ability. Ocean Tribe will check your dive history before the course.
Which Divemaster package should I choose?
The Basic Package is designed for divers who already satisfy the required training and experience. The Deluxe Package includes important prerequisite courses for candidates who still need to complete them. Send Ocean Tribe your certifications and logged-dive information for an individual recommendation.
Ready to turn dive experience into professional knowledge?
Speak directly with the Ocean Tribe professional training team in Diani. We will review your experience, explain the course and help you plan the right route to SSI Divemaster.
