Divemaster Application Tips

Divemaster Applications and CPR – First Aid Training

Many Divemaster candidates have been working hard all year and the applications have been streaming in. We strive to process all applications promptly, however they are occasionally delayed due to missing documentation.

The most common issue is missing documentation when the applicant has completed a non-EFR first aid and CPR course. Non-EFR first aid/ CPR courses can meet the requirement for Divemaster; however, documentation of course completion must be included with the application.

The PADI Instructor Manual lists the qualifying certification description for EFR Primary Care as proof of current CPR training, and for EFR Secondary Care as proof of current first aid training. Most CPR/first aid courses are accepted provided they meet current emergency care guidelines. If you’re uncertain about whether your candidate’s CPR/first aid course meets the necessary requirements, please contact the Training Departmentvia email [email protected] to verify.

Please note: first aid and CPR courses taught entirely online do not meet Divemaster requirements (nor do they meet other first aid/CPR requirements for other PADI courses).

Here’s how to ensure your Divemaster candidate’s application is processed as quickly as possible:

1. Verify that all certification information is complete
2. Verify that all required signatures are there
3. Make sure that the application is completed in its entirety – including the hologram sticker
4. When submitting prerequisite certifications from other organizations, including CPR/first aid coursecompletions, make sure that copies of these are attached to the application.
5. Provide payment details is required.

Acceptable documentation includes:

• A copy of both sides of the certifying organization’s certification card.
• A copy of the certifying organization’s wall certificate.
• A letter on the certifying organization’s letterhead verifying the certification

For current DM fees, please contact the PADI Asia Pacific Membership Department via email at [email protected] .

Clarification on Dive Medicals

PADI Divemaster, (Assistant) Instructor and other PADI Pro level training clearly list the important course prerequisite that the candidate must be medically evaluated and cleared for diving by a physician within 12 months.

As this is a course prerequisite, both the PADI Instructor conducting the course and the PADI dive shop where the training is conducted are responsible to ensure that this dive medical is in place prior to starting the course – or at the very latest before conducting any in-water sessions (also if these take place in swimming pool or confined water). It is a violation of PADI Training Standards to take candidates into the water for training activities while not yet having a fit to dive medical on file.

The above also applies for any students on other PADI courses that involve dives and where they indicated “Yes” to any question(s) on the Medical Statement / Questionnaire. If their medical condition changes during the course, they must be re-evaluated and again cleared for diving by a physician prior to continuing the training. A fit to dive medical must also still be valid (less than one year old) at time of course completion.

TIPS to ensure / verify appropriate dive medical documentation is in place at the start and end of every course:

1. The dive medical must clearly state at least the following specific information:
   • Full name and details (e.g. date of birth) to identify the diver
   • Clearance for diving (e.g. “fit to dive”)
   • Full name and contact details of the physician
   • Physician’s signature and date
2. Keep a clear copy on file (the diver keeps the original of their own medical)