Master Scuba Diver, Divemaster, Master Scuba Diver, Divemaster… sometimes it all sounds the same, doesn’t it?

You may ask, what’s the difference? While these two diving qualifications seem comprised of the same words, they are quite different.

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a PADI Master Scuba Diver (MSD) and a PADI Divemaster (DM), let us explain.

Think about the relationship between a great home cook and an apprentice chef. Both know a lot about cooking and both can make a delicious meal, but one prepares meals as a hobby, and the other is a chef in the making.

PADI Master Scuba Diver: a Recognition Rating

If someone is a Master Scuba Diver, that means he or she has significant experience and scuba training.

Fewer than 2% of divers ever achieve this rating, which makes them an elite group.

Minimum Prerequisites:

• At least 12 years old (12-14 year old earn Junior MSD)
• Padi (Junior) Open Water Course
• PADI (Junior) Advanced Open Water Diver certified
• PADI (Junior) Rescue Diver certified
• Earned five PADI Specialty Diver Certifications
• Have logged a minimum of 50 dives
• Complete application

The Padi Master Scuba Diver Certification

Join the best of the best in recreational scuba diving and live the dive life as a PADI Master Scuba Diver.

Padi Master Scuba Diver rating, places you in an elite group of respected divers who have earned this rating through both significant scuba experience and scuba training.

When you flash your Padi Master Scuba Diver card, people know that you’ve spent time underwater in a variety of environments and had your share of dive adventures.

PADI Master Scuba Diver itself is not a course, but a recognition of the hard work you have put into becoming the best scuba diver that you can be.

Ask us about the Certification for the Diver rating.

PADI Divemaster: a Professional Dive Leader

Padi Divemasters help instructors teach scuba courses and can have leadership responsibilities that result in payment. Getting paid for scuba diving means you’re a dive professional.

Prerequisites to take the course:

• At least 18 years old
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certified
• PADI Rescue Diver certified
• EFR Primary and Secondary Care completed within past two years
• Medical Statement ‘fit to dive’
• 40 logged dives before starting the course
• 60 logged dives when finishing the course