Professional Courses
Professional training pathways for divers ready to lead, teach, and go pro
Professional Training: Should you go pro?
The majority of certified scuba divers worldwide never venture further in their dive education beyond the entry-level certification (Open Water Diver or similar). There are still quite a few divers that continue their training to more advanced levels. If you keep at it long enough, at one point you might find yourself asking the question: “Should I go pro?”
Taking the plunge to learn to teach diving is rewarding in many ways. Water comfort, water skills, and situational awareness are all increased many times over by the training and drills you go through to reach the professional levels.
Finding yourself in charge of the safety and learning of prospective scuba divers—many of whom are new to the underwater world, and a few of them perhaps somewhat nervous about it—is a great chance to step up and take responsibility. It’s on you to make sure they’re safe, that they learn the skills needed to make them good divers, and that they have fun doing so. And that definitely helps you grow as a person and as a diver.
Are you ready for the challenge?
PADI Divemaster
The PADI Divemaster Course is designed to train qualified Rescue Divers in how to control, manage, and supervise groups of divers. This 3-module course provides extensive development of your diving skills, stamina, and theoretical diving knowledge.
Swim & stamina evaluations
The swim test involves time-based evaluation of:
- 400 yd swim
- 800 yd mask, fin, snorkel swim
- 100 yd tired diver tow in full equipment
- 15 min tread
Knowledge development & exams
There are also extensive written exams covering:
- Physics
- Physiology
- Equipment
- Dive management
- Supervision
- Skills & environment
- Dive tables
Certification outcome
Upon successful completion of the course, the student is certified as a PADI Divemaster and qualifies for PADI Membership and attendance at a PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC).
Divemaster course prerequisites
- PADI Rescue Diver certification (or equivalent)
- Proof of 40 logged dives prior to start of course, with 60 at end of course
- 18 years of age
- Medical exam for diving within the past 12 months
- PADI EFR (or equivalent) within the past 2 years (CPR)
NAUI FIT
Get Started: What is NAUI FIT?
Minimum age is 18 years for this program.
Required certifications:
- NAUI Scuba Diver
- NAUI Rescue Scuba Diver
- NAUI Nitrox Diver
- NAUI Master Scuba Diver
- NAUI First Aid for the Diving Professional
- NAUI Oxygen Provider (or equivalent)
Experience requirements:
- Minimum of 25 logged open water scuba dives
- Minimum of 12.5 hours bottom time
To enroll, find a NAUI Training Center or instructor near you by visiting the NAUI Dive Center and Professional Locator. You can also check for upcoming courses on the NAUI Calendar of Events page.
What’s Next?
Upon completion of the NAUI FIT Program—provided all other leadership prerequisites are met—graduates who are registered with NAUI may attend a NAUI Assistant Instructor, Divemaster, or Instructor Crossover course.
NAUI FIT graduates are encouraged to attend their anticipated leadership course within the one-year timeframe of completing their respective courses when possible.
NAUI Assistant Instructor (AI)
As an Assistant Instructor, you will be authorized to teach all aspects of skin and scuba diving under the supervision of a NAUI Instructor. This is the best possible way to develop your instructional skills. The rating can be a step toward full Instructor, or an end in itself.
Match your time, talent, and interests with the NAUI programs near you, and enjoy the adventure of personal and professional enhancement as a NAUI leader.
Overview
The NAUI Assistant Instructor rating is a NAUI leadership-level certification. The program is designed to introduce students to diving instruction basics. It also tests individuals in fundamental water skills needed to be capable assistants. Certification authorizes individuals to assist active-status NAUI Instructors in the conduct of dive training. NAUI Assistant Instructor certification is a highly recommended step in the progression to NAUI Instructor.
Instructor Development (IDC / OWSI Instructor)
Scuba Network values and respects the knowledge, skills, and abilities of its instructors. Our instructors are authorized and can be approved to teach every level of diving in which they possess the training, knowledge, and experience. Scuba Network also allows its instructors to develop their own “instructor specified” specialty courses.
If you are someone who seeks even more adventure and specialization, an OWSI provides pathways to gaining Public Safety Diver, Technical, and Freediving Instructor ratings.
Overview (ITC)
The OWSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) is designed to train and qualify SCUBA Instructor member applicants. During the course, candidate instructors learn effective methods to teach skin and scuba diving in compliance with diving course standards.
The course assures the membership that candidates who receive certification as SCUBA Instructors have the knowledge, skills, fitness, and proper attitude to do so.
Qualifications of graduates
Certified OWSI Instructor course graduates are qualified to apply for Instructor membership in any one of the major SCUBA agencies after completion of an Instructor Examination (IE).
An active-status SCUBA Instructor may:
- Independently teach RSTC sanctioned courses and authorize scuba certification for graduates
- Independently conduct recognition and experience programs and authorize formal recognition for graduates
An active-status Instructor who completes a DAN First Aid Instructor orientation, has completed all required DAN orientation modules, and is using the DAN training and support materials, may teach the DAN First Aid programs.
Go Pro: Questions or ready to start?
Call (516) 997-4864 to discuss your professional training path and next steps.