SSI Divemaster Program Overview
The SSI Divemaster program provides candidates with the knowledge, skills, and training necessary to supervise and guide certified divers on recreational scuba dives. The SSI Divemaster rating also recognizes candidates who have achieved the competency required to perform the duties of a Certified Assistant. These duties include assisting SSI Instructors with conducting both entry‑level and continuing‑education scuba training programs.
Program Schedule
Divers’ Supply Indy offers Divemaster programs twice a year—once in the spring (mid‑March to early April) and once in the fall (August). Each program runs for six days over two consecutive weekends (Friday–Saturday–Sunday).
Classes run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day and include a combination of classroom sessions, confined water training, and open water diving instruction.
We also allow flexibility in the time it takes to complete the full professional pathway. Candidates are often encouraged to take additional time to practice and refine their skills before progressing to the next step of the program.
Travel Requirements
Please note: The Divemaster course requires travel to an open water site during the second weekend of training.
Typical locations include:
• Vortex Spring, Florida (spring session)
• Gilboa Quarry, Pennyroyal, or Mermet Springs (fall session)
All travel expenses are the responsibility of each individual candidate and are not included in the course price. We make every effort to carpool or travel as a group to help reduce costs whenever possible.
Divemaster Candidate Prerequisites
• Minimum age: 18 years old
• Experience: At least 60 logged open water dives totaling 40 hours or more
Required SSI Certifications:
• Science of Diving
• Diver Stress & Rescue
Candidates must also hold the following SSI certifications, an equivalent from a recognized training agency, or provide proof of experience with at least five (5) logged dives in each area:
• Deep Diving
• Navigation
• Night & Limited Visibility
Active‑Status Divemasters May:
• Act as a Certified Assistant for all SSI recreational scuba courses
• Assist during open water training dives by supervising up to two (2) students on excursion dives
• Qualify as a Training Specialist for SSI Ecology Specialty programs
• Enroll in an SSI Instructor Training Course to continue the professional pathway