Dive Master
Dive Control Specialist
SSI Dive Control Specialist (DiveCon) - This is our initial dive leadership level.
In 1978, SSI introduced the original Dive Control Specialist course with an ambitious goal: to combine assistant instructor and divemaster training. At that time, those were the two main courses offered, and SSI felt that both were important to the development of a good dive leader and instructor candidate.
In 1985, SSI introduced the Dive Control Specialist handbook, which was part of a complete teaching system featuring candidate and instructor materials. Over the years, the handbook served DiveCon candidates well, providing a reference that was supported with extensive handouts from the DiveCon Instructor. The eventual development of the Open Water Diver, Diver Stress & Rescue, and Specialty Diver materials outshined the handbook, however, and it became apparent that candidates deserved upgraded materials.
The revised DiveCon manual is true to the original concept—a program combining assistant instructor and divemaster training—yet it goes even further. The new manual incorporates diving physics and physiology, decompression theory, and leader stress and rescue. Training for conducting SSI programs, such as Scuba Skills Update and Snorkeling, is also included. This thorough training makes the SSI DiveCon a well-prepared, well-educated, versatile and marketable dive leader.
Devoted divers who are motivated to pass along their love of recreational scuba diving to others will find the Dive Control Specialist course a challenging but satisfying experience that will add a new, rewarding dimension to the sport. Much as the Open Water Diver course opened the door to scuba, the DiveCon course will open the door to leadership, which allows the DiveCon to enjoy diving on an entirely different level and to earn the respect of other divers. Also, the advanced education provides the DiveCon with a deeper understanding of all aspects of diving, from DCS to specialty dives, as well as a new perspective on equipment and rescues.
The training also makes excellent background for the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC), should the DiveCon decide to proceed to the next level. The DiveCon course was designed so the ITC candidate could pass the General Diving Knowledge Review by studying the DiveCon manual. The manual can also be used as an exceptional reference during the Instructor Training Course.
As a certified SSI Dive Control Specialist (DiveCon) you can:
- Work on Dive Boats, in Facilities and Resorts.
- Take people diving, lead trips and tours
- Assist SSI Instructors in the pool and open water
- Teach skills in the pool under the supervision of an instructor
- Teach independently Scuba Skills Update, Snorkeling, Try Scuba Diving and selected SSI Specialty Courses like Equipment Techniques, Navigation, Boat Diving, Photography & Digital Underwater Photography and Shark Diver. With additional training a DiveCon can also become SCUBA RANGERS Instructor.
Your adventure into the professional levels of recreational diving begins with the PADI Divemaster program. Working closely with a PADI Instructor, in this program you expand your dive knowledge and hone your skills to the professional level. PADI Divemaster training develops your leadership abilities, qualifying you to supervise dive activities and assist instructors with student divers.
During the PADI Divemaster program, you learn dive leadership skills through both classroom and independent study. You complete water skills and stamina exercises, as well as training exercises that stretch your ability to organize and solve problems. You put this knowledge into action through an internship or series of practical training exercises.
- Knowledge Development: 12 topics ranging from dive theory to assisting student divers in training
- Prerequisites: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification from another training organization), PADI Rescue Diver (or qualifying certification from another training organization), 20 logged dives, 18 years old.
- Minimum Number of Logged Dives: 60 for certification as PADI Divemaster
Materials You’ll Need:
- PADI Divemaster Manual
- Recreational Dive Planner (RDP) – all three versions (Table, Wheel and eRDP including associated Instructions for Use booklets)
- The Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving
- Diving Knowledge Workbook
- Divemaster Slates
- PADI Divemaster Video
- Instructor Guides for the programs that may be conducted by PADI Divemasters. You may purchase these guides from your PADI Dive Center/Resort or you may download PDF versions by clicking on the links below.
1. Discover Scuba Diving
2. Discover Snorkeling/Skin Diver Course
3. Scuba Review/Discover Local Diving