How to Make the PADI Divemaster Program Work for Your Life

Deciding to go through the PADI Divemaster program is a big decision. People from all over the world choose to do so for various reasons. Whatever those reasons are, becoming a divemaster is a life-changing moment that can set people on a new path in life.

However, it’s not an easy decision. The divemaster program is a big commitment that requires a big investment of time and money. There are also other factors to consider, like moving to a new country. So how can you be sure that becoming a divemaster is the right choice for you?

People often think that becoming a divemaster doesn't make sense unless they want to work as one. This is a common misconception. Divemaster skills can be used across different industries and in everyday life.

One thing is certain. When a person completes the PADI Divemaster program at Blue Corner Dive, they never regret it. Divemaster candidates spend a month living in paradise and scuba diving in Indonesian waters every day. If that's not enough, they also learn and grow as a person.

Last year, we did a blog post about some of our old divemaster graduates to share their diverse stories. We’ve had a new batch of divemasters complete the program since then, so it’s time for an update!

The PADI Divemaster program is beneficial in so many ways, but don’t take our word for it. Read on to hear the stories from some of our recent graduates and where the certification took them.

What is the PADI Divemaster program?

First things first: potential divemaster candidates want to know what they’re signing up for.

The divemaster course differs from place to place. The dive shop, location, and other factors make a difference. The divemaster course at Blue Corner Dive takes place over four weeks in a tropical paradise known as Nusa Lembongan.

Divemaster candidates learn dive leadership skills through classroom theory, independent study, and of course, in the ocean! Our beachfront pool serves as the training ground for water skills and stamina exercises, while the ocean around us is there for practice guiding, assisting, and diving.

With colourful reefs and lively marine life, scuba diving around Bali isn’t a bad place to learn. Between the laidback island vibes, rich marine life, and enthusiastic people, you’ll forget you’re in school!

Divemaster Taco

Some people become a divemaster to improve their diving for personal reasons.

Taco came to us from Sweden after taking a hiatus from his job in IT to cross off an item on his bucket list – becoming a divemaster. After diving for 10 years and introducing his children to the sport, he wanted to become a divemaster to be more confident in the ocean and to become a better diver.

“The interesting part is that I see it from a different angle now. Before, I just followed my guide. Now I have become aware of what it means to plan my dive and how to look at my dive profile. I’ve learned a lot about diving and feel much more confident in the ocean.”

What’s next for Taco? It’s back to work, for now. It's safe to say that his company needs its IT expert back! Their gain is our loss, and we’ll miss his smiling face and positive attitude here.

Although he’s not using scuba diving toward his career, diving will continue to be part of Taco’s life. He wants to continue his education and expand his skillset, so he’s planning to try cold water diving in Sweden. The PADI Dry Suit Diver specialty is the next certification on his list. He’s also interested in working as an assistant for courses at one of the dive clubs in Stockholm in his spare time.

It’s true what they say…once you start diving, you can’t give it up!

Blue Corner’s scientific divemaster program gives people the tools to pursue marine science and conservation jobs.

Divemaster Dani

Dani completed the Scientific Divemaster program, a special course that Blue Corner offers. Our marine biologist takes divemaster candidates through a tailored program that gives them valuable tools for marine science and conservation work.

Dani was a marine biologist before coming to Blue Corner, so her goal was to develop her skills to continue her scientific work. The Scientific Divemaster program was perfect for her because she was able to get first-hand experience participating in marine research with Blue Corner.

She’s currently running projects with The Tropical Research and Conservation Centre (TRACC) in Borneo, Malaysia. She works on reef surveys for fish and coral, which is something she learned with Blue Corner. She is also putting together a catalogue to be used as a fish ID reference in that region.

“I am basically working as a Scientific Divemaster so I'm using everything I learned at Blue Corner. I'm so thankful for the good education I got!”

After she finishes her project in Malaysia, Dani is planning to go to the Seychelles or Greece to continue working. Her scientific diving career is continuing to take her on adventure after adventure!

Divemaster Lena

Lena joined our PADI Divemaster program knowing that she wanted to work in the dive industry. Becoming a divemaster was the first step to achieve that goal.

Some people change their mind or veer into a different path, but Lena knew what she wanted. Completing the divemaster program at Blue Corner made her even more passionate and enthusiastic about diving and cemented her plans to become an instructor. Lena went on to do the Instructor Development Course and now works as a dive instructor.

Since she’s working in the dive industry, Lena uses the skills she learned at Blue Corner on a daily basis. Of course, the skills to assist courses and guide dives are crucial, but also time management, organization, and exercising good judgment. Introducing people to diving and instilling a love for the ocean is the most important thing to Lena.

“My favourite thing is to educate divers and make them appreciate the ocean and aquatic life, especially by showing good role model behavior and sharing my passion for diving.”

Divemaster Maiko

People join the PADI Divemaster program from all backgrounds and industries. Maiko worked as an ER Nurse in Hamburg, Germany. While diving and nursing might not seem related, Maiko was able to use his medical background to become a better diver, especially with Emergency First Response and rescue situations. Let’s just say that he’s a professional at Rescue Exercise 7 – a skill most divemaster candidates dread!

“I learned a lot in the Divemaster Course. Yes, it was challenging at times, but that’s the point! Through that, I learned to face my fears and that everything gets easier the more I try.”

While he went back to Germany to continue working in the medical field, Maiko still has his sights set on diving. This year, he’s planning to head back to the tropics and complete his IDC in Thailand. He already has a job offer working in the dive industry on a little island in the Baltic Sea.

Joining Blue Corner’s Divemaster Program

If you’re not sure if the PADI Divemaster program is right for you, think again! From marine biologists to IT executives, the people who come to Blue Corner and leave as professional divers come from all over the world from every background imaginable.

The skills our divemaster candidates learn are necessary for jobs in the dive industry, but it goes beyond that. Problem solving, using best judgment under pressure, and facing fears of public speaking are just a few of the many life skills our divemasters practice.

Plus, divemaster candidates spend the entirety of the course living in paradise, surrounded by enthusiastic people, and diving every day. And who would regret that?