Be part of the Thresher Shark Divers team! Train with us and our customers to become a PADI Divemaster.
The PADI Divemaster (DM) programme is the first step into dive leadership and the foundation of a professional career in diving. As a Divemaster, you’ll be qualified to assist instructors, lead certified divers, and work as a dive professional at dive centres worldwide. Training with Thresher Shark Divers on Malapascua means building your skills in one of the Philippines’ best dive environments.
Learn to dive in paradise
Programme Overview
An intensive, practical programme spanning several weeks. You’ll develop leadership skills, refine your own diving to an exceptionally high standard, and gain real experience assisting with courses and guiding divers.
- Duration: 6–8 weeks (full programme)
- PADI Divemaster certification upon completion
- Hands-on experience assisting courses and leading dives
- Internship diving included throughout the programme
Course Overview
The Divemaster programme covers three main areas:
Knowledge Development
Dive theory to Divemaster level: physics, physiology, equipment, environment, and skills. PADI Standards and Procedures, risk management, and the responsibilities of a dive professional. Written exams and presentations throughout the programme.
Watermanship and Skill Development
Watermanship evaluations, timed swims, tired-diver tows, and demanding skill circuits. You’ll refine your own diving — buoyancy, navigation, rescue skills — to a standard well above recreational level. Many DM candidates say this is the most challenging and rewarding phase.
Practical Training and Internship
Assisting with Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and specialty courses. Leading dives, conducting dive briefings, and managing groups of certified divers independently. Real-world experience at a working dive centre on Malapascua.
Study Materials
The programme uses the PADI Divemaster manual and the PADI Standards and Procedures manual. Both are included in the programme fee.
Candidates are encouraged to complete PADI’s online Divemaster self-study before arriving to cover theory in advance and maximise in-water time during the programme.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
PADI Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver certifications (both required). Current Emergency First Response (EFR) certification required. Minimum age is 18. Minimum 40 logged dives to enrol; 60 dives recommended. A current PADI Medical Statement signed by a physician is required.
Download medical exam formYour Instructors
Our IDC Staff Instructors have mentored Divemaster candidates who are now working across Southeast Asia and beyond. Training on Malapascua exposes you to thresher sharks, technical diving, and a genuine working dive operation from day one.
Ready to Become an Instructor?
The Divemaster certification is the direct prerequisite for the PADI IDC (Instructor Development Course). If you’re serious about a career in diving, ask about the Divemaster-to-IDC pathway and what it takes to teach on Malapascua.
Ask about employment opportunities at Thresher Shark Divers after you complete your Divemaster certification.
Combine with the IDC
Many of our Divemaster graduates progress directly to the PADI IDC. Ask about the combined Divemaster + IDC package for the most efficient route to becoming a qualified PADI Instructor on Malapascua.
Inquire about this course
Inquire about this course
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