I’ve been diving for over 10 years, exploring incredible dive sites in the Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Red Sea. For years, the thought of becoming a PADI Divemaster lingered in my mind. Every time I dived with professionals, I admired their underwater skills and their ability to answer any question that came up during a dive day. I often wondered: How do they do it? Could I become one of them? Do I have what it takes?
Taking the First Step Toward Becoming a PADI Divemaster
For me, this dream started becoming a reality in October 2024. By then, I had logged around 350 dives, and I finally felt ready for the challenge. You can start the Divemaster course with 40 logged dives and be certified with 60, but I personally needed more experience to feel confident about taking on the responsibility.
The first question I had to answer was: Where should I do my Divemaster training? I wanted a place where I could gain the necessary skills, learn to guide fun divers, and truly understand what it means to be a dive professional. Choosing the right dive center is crucial, so I did my homework—talking to divers who had completed the course, reaching out to dive centers, and asking about their programs. Some places advertise a two-week Divemaster course, but in my opinion, that’s too short to fully grasp all the necessary skills. For me, the course took six weeks, which allowed enough time to learn, practice, and even take breaks when needed.
Why I Chose Fast Manta Diving Krabi
In November 2024, I started talking to Fast Manta Diving Krabi, and by December, I had everything settled—including a plane ticket to Thailand and Ao Nang. As my dream started taking shape, I could feel the butterflies in my stomach.
Even before stepping on the plane, I had a detailed course schedule from Fast Manta. This gave me a clear idea of what to expect and reassured me that the course was well-structured. At the same time, the team emphasized flexibility, ensuring that we could spend extra time on areas that needed more attention. I completed my eLearning before arriving, which helped me get familiar with the theory. Some topics were easy, while others required more focus, but the instructors were always there to help.
One of the things I appreciated most was that Fast Manta assigned me a personal mentor (or as I called him, my tutor) in December—before I even arrived. We got in touch beforehand, which made the transition into training much smoother. By the time I arrived in Thailand on January 2nd, I already felt like I belonged.
The Training Experience at Fast Manta Diving Krabi
From day one, the team at Fast Manta made me feel like part of their family. With nine experienced instructors, I had the chance to work with eight of them, learning different techniques and approaches to professional diving. Observing how they conducted fun dives, Open Water courses, and Rescue training helped me develop my own style as a future dive leader. After each dive, we had informal debriefs, discussing what went well, what stood out, and what could be improved. This hands-on learning experience was invaluable.
My mentor was always available, whether in person or by phone, and the entire team supported me through the long days and challenging tasks. The learning curve was steep, but every single dive, pool session, and workshop helped me grow as a diver and as a future professional.
What You Learn in the PADI Divemaster Course
Many people assume that having hundreds of dives means you’re ready to be a Divemaster, but what I realized is that the real learning begins when you start the course. The Divemaster program is comprehensive, covering essential skills like:
- Assisting instructors with training dives, up to the PADI Rescue Diver level
- Conducting boat and dive briefings
- Learning how to guide certified divers
- Equipment maintenance—fixing minor gear issues and spotting potential problems before they arise
- Developing situational awareness and the ability to prevent and solve problems before they escalate
The instructors at Fast Manta encouraged independent thinking—they didn’t just hand out answers. Instead, they challenged us to figure things out before discussing the solutions, reinforcing real-world decision-making skills.
Was It Worth It? Absolutely!
If you’re considering a career in diving, the PADI Divemaster course is your first big step. It lays the foundation for becoming a dive professional and opens the door to more advanced certifications like PADI Instructor. For me, it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
By the end of my training, I had completed 395 dives and felt like a significantly better diver. I gained more knowledge, confidence, and responsibility—not just for myself but for the divers I will be leading in the future. Along the way, I made lifelong friends, witnessed stunning sunsets over the Andaman Sea, and built skills that will serve me for a lifetime.
So, if you’re thinking about becoming a PADI Divemaster, my advice is simple: Go for it! You won’t regret it. I finished my course just a few weeks ago, and I’m still processing everything I’ve learned. But one thing is certain:
My name is Stinde Mäkinen, and I am a PADI Divemaster.
Continue Your Journey to Becoming a PADI Pro
Becoming a PADI Divemaster is just the beginning! If you’re interested in taking the next step in your professional diving career, check out our other blog posts:
- Learn more about our Sustainable Divemaster Course and how you can make a difference.
- Explore the different paths to Becoming a Dive Professional and what it takes to succeed.
Each stage of your journey brings new challenges, experiences, and opportunities to grow as a dive professional. Start your adventure today!
