Join the World’s Leading Dive Professionals to Inspire Others
Turn Your Passion into a Career
Take the next step toward being a leader in the dive community and a rewarding dive career. These courses are designed for advanced divers, to elevate your skills and inspire others. From guiding dives to teaching courses, we’ll help you master the knowledge and expertise needed to lead with confidence.
PADI Divemaster (DM)
Assist instructors, lead dives, and become a role model for other divers. Focusing on leadership developing your dive skills, this is the first step in your professional scuba journey.
Minimum Requirements: PADI Rescue Diver certification; 40 logged dives to start and 60 dives to complete.
(Booking a course will take you to SS Scuba for payment)
PADI Assistant Instructor (AI)
Start teaching scuba diving under the supervision of an instructor. Build your teaching skills and assist in the classroom, pool, and open water.
Minimum Requirements: Minimum 18 years old; PADI Divemaster certification; CPR and First Aid certification within the last 24 months.
(Booking a course will take you to SS Scuba for payment)
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)
Share your passion and teach independently. Combining classroom, confined water, and open water sessions, you will learn effective teaching methods to conduct a range of PADI courses. A gateway to an exciting career.
Minimum Requirements: PADI Divemaster certification; CPR and First Aid certification within the last 24 months.
(Booking a course will take you to SS Scuba for payment)
PADI Specialty Instructor
Enhance your teaching skills with certifications to offer a range of specialties like Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, and more. Tailor your career and inspire students.
Some Popular Specialties: Night Diver, Digital Underwater Photography, Wreck Diver, Enriched Air (Nitrox).
Minimum Requirements: PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) certification.
(Booking a course will take you to SS Scuba for payment)
PADI Master Scuba Dive Trainer (MSDT)
Stand out as an elite instructor. This certification demonstrates your ability to teach multiple specialty courses and mentor advanced divers. A mark of experience and dedication.
Minimum Requirements: Certified PADI OWSI; at least five Specialty Instructor ratings; certified at least 25 PADI divers.
(Booking a course will take you to SS Scuba for payment)
These professional courses are not just about earning a certification—they're about transforming your passion into a lifestyle. You will refine your diving expertise, develop leadership skills, and learn to teach others.
Whether you're leading dives, assisting instructors, or teaching courses yourself, our seasoned instructors will guide you towards PADI Professional certifications, opening doors to exciting opportunities worldwide.
PADI Professional Courses FAQ
The PADI Professional Courses are for those looking to take their passion for diving to the next level. Whether you’re interested in becoming a Divemaster or a Scuba Instructor, The Submersibles offers a range of PADI professional courses that will help you achieve your goals. Explore our FAQ section to find out more about the benefits of becoming a PADI professional and how to start your journey.
General Questions on PADI Professional Courses
Recreational divers dive for personal enjoyment and exploration, often within the limits of their training. Certifications like Open Water Diver (OWD) and Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) equip them with the skills to dive safely and confidently. See beginner courses here.
A specialty-certified diver has expanded their skills in specific areas, such as underwater photography, wreck diving, or deep diving, through additional courses. While they remain recreational divers, their certifications allow them to explore unique environments and enhance their diving experiences. See advanced courses here.
Professional divers, such as PADI Divemasters (DM) or Instructors (OWSI), go a step further by completing leadership and teaching-focused training. They are qualified to supervise dive activities, lead groups, and teach others to dive.
Unlike recreational divers, professional divers work in formal settings like dive centres or liveaboards (LOB), guiding and educating others while promoting safe diving practices. See professional courses here.
We offer a range of PADI Professional courses designed to help you grow as a diver and a leader. Our professional courses include:
- PADI Divemaster (DM): Become a dive leader and help divers improve their skills.
- PADI Assistant Instructor (AI): Gain teaching experience and learn to assist PADI Instructors in training courses.
- PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI): Take the next step and start teaching others to dive.
- PADI Specialty Instructor: Gain the ability to teach specialty diving courses, such as Deep Diver, Night Diver, and Digital Underwater Photography, expanding your teaching portfolio and divers’ experiences.
- PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT): Stand out as an elite instructor qualified to teach multiple specialty courses while mentoring advanced divers and advancing your professional career.
Each course is designed to provide both practical experience and a deeper understanding of diving, ensuring you're ready to work as a professional in the dive industry.
Starting your professional diver journey with The Submersibles is simple! If you're already a certified diver, begin with the PADI Divemaster (DM) course, which builds leadership skills and prepares you to assist instructors.
If you're new to diving, you can start with the PADI Open Water Diver (OWD) course, then progress through to DM and beyond.
Becoming a PADI Professional is not just about mastering dive skills—it’s about developing qualities that inspire others and create memorable, safe underwater experiences. Here are some traits that make for an excellent dive professional, and ways you can cultivate them in your journey:
- Patience: Teaching others to dive requires understanding that everyone learns at their own pace. Patience helps you guide students through challenges and celebrate their progress. How to develop: Practise active listening and focus on supporting others in everyday interactions.
- Confidence: As a leader underwater, confidence reassures your students and fellow divers that they’re in capable hands. How to develop: Build confidence through experience—whether it’s practicing skills, taking leadership roles, or completing advanced certifications.
- Adaptability: Diving conditions and student needs can change quickly. Being flexible and solution-focused is key. How to develop: Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and try new dive environments to expand your comfort zone.
- Communication Skills: Explaining concepts clearly and motivating students are essential to building trust and understanding. How to develop: Practise clear and positive communication in everyday life and seek feedback to refine your teaching style.
- Passion for the Ocean: A genuine love for diving and marine life inspires others and fosters a deeper connection to the underwater world. How to develop: Share your passion by participating in marine conservation projects or telling stories about your favourite dive experiences.
- Leadership and Responsibility: As a PADI Professional, you’ll be responsible for others' safety and enjoyment, making strong leadership skills essential. How to develop: Take on leadership roles in group activities or volunteer opportunities to build decision-making and teamwork skills.
Becoming a PADI Professional is a transformative journey that helps you not only become a better diver but also develop valuable life skills. If you’re ready to grow as a leader, inspire others, and make a positive impact on the diving world, this could be the perfect path for you!
For our Divemaster (DM) course, you'll need to have at least 40 logged dives to start and 60 dives to finish. For the Assistant Instructor (AI) and Instructor (OWSI) courses, you'll need to be a certified DM and meet additional requirements such as specific courses and dive experience.
Don't worry if you're not quite there—our team will guide you through the necessary steps to meet the prerequisites.
Yes! At The Submersibles, we offer PADI eLearning, which allows you to complete the theory portions of your PADI Professional courses online, at your own pace, and from anywhere in the world.
Once you've completed the theory, you'll join us in the water for practical training to refine your skills.
The PADI AI course focuses on assisting certified instructors, while the PADI OWSI course allows you to teach and certify students independently.
We offer a supportive and hands-on learning environment, helping you develop skills in real-world diving conditions. In addition, our experienced instructors, passionate about ocean conservation, will provide personalised guidance to equip you to play an active role in protecting the ocean.
Whether you’re aiming to work as a dive professional, a recreational diver wanting to enhance your skills, or an ocean lover who wishes to give back, we’re here to help you achieve your goals confidently.
You’ll receive ongoing support from our expert instructors throughout your course. Whether you need extra practice, advice, or simply have questions, we’re always available to assist you. Our aim is to ensure that you graduate as a confident and capable professional diver, ready to inspire others and contribute to ocean conservation.
Ready to begin your PADI Professional journey? Whether you're aiming to become a PADI DM, AI, or full Instructor, we have the courses and support to help you achieve your diving career goals. Contact us to find out how you can take your diving to the next level.
PADI Divemaster (DM) FAQ
The PADI DM course is your first step into the professional diving world. It’s designed to build your leadership skills, deepen your diving expertise, and prepare you to assist instructors and guide certified divers. This FAQ answers the most common questions about becoming a PADI DM, helping you take the leap into an exciting career in diving.
You must be at least 18 years old, hold a Rescue Diver certification, and have logged 40 dives to start (60 to complete).
The PADI DM course covers dive leadership, assisting instructors, dive site management, and problem-solving skills.
Yes, certified PADI DMs can lead dives, assist instructors, and work at dive centres worldwide.
PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) FAQ
The PADI AI course bridges the gap between DM and OWSI. It’s ideal for divers looking to gain teaching experience while supporting instructors in training. This FAQ explores what it takes to become a PADI AI and how it sets the stage for advancing to full instructor certification.
Unlike PADI DMs, PADI AIs can teach specific skills, such as skin diving, and assist with confined water and open water training sessions.
A PADI AI supports instructors in teaching, conducts some sessions independently, and helps manage courses.
Yes, completing the PADI AI course is the first step in the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC), which will equip you to be a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI).
The PADI IDC is a comprehensive training programme that combines the PADI AI course and the PADI OWSI course into one streamlined programme. It equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to teach PADI courses and independently certify divers.
These are the benefits of doing the PADI IDC instead of separate PADI AI and PADI OWSI courses:
- Efficiency: Completing the IDC saves time and allows for a seamless progression from AI to OWSI, reducing the need for separate training schedules.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Bundling the courses into one programme is often more economical than enrolling in them separately.
- Comprehensive Training: The IDC offers a more integrated approach, ensuring consistency in your learning and preparation for the Instructor Examination (IE).
- Immediate Certification Opportunities: By completing the IDC, you can move directly to the IE and begin teaching sooner.
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) FAQ
The PADI OWSI course is where passion meets profession. It equips you with the skills and knowledge to teach diving independently, helping others begin their underwater adventures. This FAQ covers the essentials of becoming a PADI OWSI, paving the way for a fulfilling career in the dive industry.
The PADI OWSI programme includes academic modules, confined water training, open water scenarios, and evaluation.
You must be a certified Divemaster (DM) or Assistant Instructor (AI), have at least 100 logged dives, and complete the Instructor Development Course (IDC).
The PADI IDC is a comprehensive training programme that combines the PADI AI course and the PADI OWSI course into one streamlined programme. It equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to teach PADI courses and independently certify divers.
These are the benefits of doing the PADI IDC instead of separate PADI AI and PADI OWSI courses:
- Efficiency: Completing the IDC saves time and allows for a seamless progression from AI to OWSI, reducing the need for separate training schedules.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Bundling the courses into one programme is often more economical than enrolling in them separately.
- Comprehensive Training: The IDC offers a more integrated approach, ensuring consistency in your learning and preparation for the Instructor Examination (IE).
- Immediate Certification Opportunities: By completing the IDC, you can move directly to the IE and begin teaching sooner.
A PADI OWSI can teach all PADI core courses, including PADI Open Water Diver (OWD), PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD), and Rescue Diver.
PADI Specialty Instructor FAQ
The PADI Specialty Instructor certification allows you to expand your expertise and teach specialty diving courses. From Deep Diver to Underwater Photography, these certifications let you share your passion and provide unique underwater experiences to your students. This FAQ answers key questions about becoming a PADI Specialty Instructor and how it can enhance your career in professional diving.
A PADI Specialty Instructor is certified to teach specialty diving courses, such as Deep Diver, Night Diver, Wreck Diver, and more. This qualification allows you to share your expertise and passion for specific types of diving.
You must be a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) or higher to enrol in the Specialty Instructor training.
You can choose from over 20 specialties, including:
- Enriched Air (Nitrox) Specialty (non-diving):
Extend your dive time and reduce surface intervals by learning to dive with Nitrox, a blend of oxygen and nitrogen that increases dive efficiency. - Emergency Oxygen Provider Specialty (non-diving):
Equip yourself with the skills to administer emergency oxygen to injured divers, ensuring safety in any dive environment. - AWARE - Dive Against Debris Specialty (non-diving option available):
Take action to protect marine life by removing underwater debris, making a direct impact on the health of our oceans. - AWARE - Coral Conservation Specialty (non-diving option available):
Become an advocate for coral reefs, learning how to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations. - Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty:
Master buoyancy control for better dive performance, greater comfort, and a safer underwater experience. - Digital Underwater Photography Specialty:
Capture the beauty of the underwater world with professional techniques, allowing you to preserve memories and share your underwater adventures. - Underwater Navigation Specialty:
Develop the skills to navigate underwater using both compass and natural navigation techniques, expanding your dive site options. - Night Diver Specialty:
Discover the wonders of the underwater world after dark with a night diving course that teaches you how to safely dive in low visibility. - Deep Diver Specialty:
Learn the skills and techniques needed to safely explore deeper dive sites up to recreational limits. - Wreck Diver Specialty:
Explore sunken wrecks safely while learning the best practices for wreck diving, from navigation to safety procedures. - Side Mount Specialty:
Master side mount diving for greater comfort and flexibility in confined spaces and technical diving environments. - Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Specialty:
Learn how to use a diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) to cover larger distances underwater with minimal effort.
Specialty ratings are obtained through training with a PADI Course Director, which includes workshops and open water dives specific to the chosen specialty.
Specialty ratings enhance your teaching portfolio, making you more versatile and appealing to dive centres. They also allow you to attract students interested in advanced or niche diving experiences.
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) FAQ
The PADI MSDT is the next step for instructors who want to stand out. It certifies you to teach multiple specialty courses and mentor advanced divers, opening doors to exciting career opportunities. This FAQ answers your questions about how to achieve this elite certification and expand your professional diving capabilities.
PADI MSDTs stand out as elite instructors qualified to teach multiple specialty courses, making them highly sought-after by dive centres.
You need to be an PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) with at least five Specialty Instructor ratings and have certified 25 divers.
This certification increases teaching opportunities and provides access to advanced career paths, such as IDC Staff Instructor.