The core prerequisites required to start the training and achieve the SSI Divemaster rating include:
1. Age & Health
- Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Medical Clearance: You must provide a standard Diver Medical Statement signed and dated by a licensed physician within the last 12 months, explicitly clearing you for professional diving.
2. Prerequisite Certifications
You must hold the following certifications (from SSI or equivalent recognized training organizations):
- Open Water Diver
- Advanced Adventurer (or equivalent)
- Diver Stress & Rescue
- React Right (or an equivalent First Aid, CPR, and Oxygen Provider certification) completed within the last 24 months.
3. Experience & Logged Dives
- To Start Training: You must have a minimum of 40 logged dives to officially begin your professional training.
- To Earn Certification: You must have at least 60 verified/logged dives (totaling a minimum of 40 hours of dive time) by the time you graduate.
4. Specific Specialty Requirements
To be a professional guide, you need proven mastery in diverse environments. You must either hold official certifications in the following specialties, or provide logged, verified proof of at least 5 distinct dives in each category:
- Deep Diving
- Navigation
- Night & Limited Visibility