Start your Professional Diving Journey
Bored with the 9–5 and dreaming of a career change in the dive industry? Want to turn your passion for diving into something more meaningful?
The PADI Divemaster Course is the first step toward a professional diving career. It is suitable for everyone, regardless of background, or nationality.
Whether you’re looking for a career change or want to become a more confident diver, this training will reinforce your diving skills and your understanding of the underwater world.
If you want to combine professional training with active ocean conservation, explore our Eco Divemaster Program, designed for divers who want to make a positive impact through conservation-focused training and responsible diving.
Become a PADI Divemaster with Fast Manta
What will I learn during my divemaster training? Is it only theory, or will I build lifelong skills? Will I work with real customers?
These may be some of the questions you’re asking yourself.
When taking your divemaster training with us, you will become part of the Fast Manta family. You’ll be learning from a team of experienced full-time instructors, who don’t only focus on you passing your exams, but especially on training you into a high quality divemaster equipped for real-life situations of the future. You’ll learn to:
Become a better diver
Becoming a divemaster starts with improving your own diving skills. You will combine theory and practice through PADI e-learnings to expand your knowledge, alongside hands-on workshops, such as buoyancy, dive planning, site mapping, rescue, search and recovery exercises, and deep dive scenarios.
Guide certified divers
As a divemaster, your role will be to guide fun divers, certified divers who may be unfamiliar with the local dive sites. You will learn how to brief and guide certified divers in a professional and safe manner. You will first practice with your mentor, and gradually progress to briefing and guiding real customers under the supervision of your mentor.
Assist instructors during courses
As a divemaster, you can also assist instructors with specific courses. You will learn how to demonstrate skills clearly and effectively, such as air depletion and mask removal. This strengthens your own skills and provides valuable insight into the life of an instructor – in case you’re already considering taking the next step!
Conduct divemaster-led programs
During your training, you’ll learn how to conduct Divemaster-led activities such as PADI ReActivate and Discover Scuba Diving in confined water.
Act and think like a professional
You’ll train as part of the Fast Manta team, diving with real customers and working alongside instructors from around the world. Their experience will help you develop a professional mindset and guide you toward the next steps in your diving career.
Dive in an eco-friendly way
At Fast Manta, environmental responsibility is at the core of everything we do. From reducing single-use plastics on our boats to teaching neutrally buoyant (no kneeling on the sand) and following Green Fins practices, you’ll learn to dive responsibly. You’ll also take part in some of our conservation initiatives, such as Dive Against Debris or beach cleanups.
Life as a Divemaster Trainee at Fast Manta
What can you expect from life as a divemaster trainee at Fast Manta in Ao Nang? We’ve written a blog post to give you a clear picture: from accommodation, transportation, and budget to administrative steps and what to bring with you. Most of your questions will be answered there, and if anything is still unclear, you’re always welcome to contact us.
Course Requirements
Certification
PADI (or other equivalent) Advanced Open Water Diver and
PADI (or other equivalent) Rescue Diver and
EFR Primary and Secondary Care training completed within 24 months.
Logged dives
40 logged scuba dives are required to start the divemaster course.
Age
18 years or older.
Health requirements
You must be medically evaluated and cleared for diving by a physician within the past 12 months using the standard medical form. This can be done in advance in your home country or at one of the medical centres in Ao Nang.
Equipment
You must have your own dive gear.
Minimum required dive gear includes:
- Fins, mask, and snorkel
- BCD with low-pressure inflator
- Regulator with alternate air source and SPG
- Weight belt
- Rash guard or wetsuit
- DSMB and whistle
- Dive computer and compass
- Knife or diver’s tool
Optional dive gear includes:
- Torch
Weights and tanks are provided by Fast Manta. We use yoke tanks; some of them are compatible with DIN regulators. You may also bring a yoke-to-DIN adaptor.
Course Duration
The Divemaster Course usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the season, weather conditions, and your personal preferences.
Each week includes approximately 5 days of diving and land-based activities, with 2 days off dedicated to self-study, independent reviews, personal diving log updates, and well-deserved rest. Dive days generally start around 7AM and finish early, usually between 2PM and 3PM, leaving your afternoons free for other activities.
While the schedule remains flexible, you can view a typical 6-week schedule. The course wraps up with the famous snorkel test (we’ll keep the surprise for now!).
Typical 6-week schedule
| Week | Suggested program |
|---|---|
| 1 | – Course orientation & logistics – Dive theory introduction – Peak performance buoyancy workshop – Beach clean-up or dive against debris |
| 2 | – Assist Open Water Diver course – Dive site setup & management workshop – Dive briefing workshop – Water skills exercises – Skills circuit practice – Coral observation & monitoring dive |
| 3 | – Assist Discover Scuba Diving sessions – Dive site mapping workshop – Rescue scenario workshop – Dive briefing & guiding practice – Fish ID in dive briefings |
| 4 | – Assist Advanced Open Water course – Search & recovery workshop – Skills circuit practice – Dive briefing & guiding practice – Theory Exam 1 |
| 5 | – Deep dive workshop – Emergency assistant plan – Conduct emergency scenario drills – Dive briefing & guiding practice – Theory Exam 2 |
| 6 | – Final skills circuit – Final dive briefing & guiding under supervision – Final knowledge reviews – Snorkel test! |
Price
49,000 THB
What's included?
- Divemaster course with a personal mentor
- All required PADI eLearning materials
- PADI divemaster slates
- Fast Manta T-shirt, scuba mask, and mask strap
- Dive insurance up to 1 million THB
- Lunch on board during open water dive days
- Special rates on PADI Specialty and PADI Freediver course
- Guidance on dive equipment purchases and career development
What's not included?
- National park fees
- PADI divemaster application fee, around $275 AUD to be paid directly to PADI
- Annual PADI Pro membership fee
- Daily expenses such as accommodation, transport, and food
Read our blog post to get a better idea of the cost of daily life in Ao Nang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements
I don’t have my Rescue Diver and/or EFR certification yet, can I complete them with Fast Manta?
Yes. Just contact us and we’ll arrange your Rescue Diver and/or EFR certification. Please plan for an additional week to complete these courses.
I don’t have 40 logged dives, can I complete them with Fast Manta?
Yes. Contact us and we’ll schedule fun dives before your divemaster course begins. It’s also a perfect way to build experience while getting to know our dive sites and local marine life.
I don’t have my own dive gear, should I buy it in advance or in Ao Nang?
We recommend buying your equipment in advance. Based on years of experience, we’ve put together a complete gear package available at retail price. You can contact us for more information about the package. While there are a few dive shops in Ao Nang, their selection is limited. Our preferred suppliers are in Phuket. To avoid delays, either purchase your own gear at home and bring it with you, or order it through our shop ahead of time so it’s ready when you arrive in Ao Nang. We don’t recommend waiting until arrival to buy your equipment.
Course
Can I combine the Divemaster Course with other specialties?
Yes. We offer special package prices on selected PADI Specialty courses as well as PADI Freediving courses. Contact us for more details.
Will I have one mentor during the program?
Yes. Upon arrival, you’ll be assigned a mentor who will be your personal coach throughout your divemaster training. They’ll be your main point of contact, guiding you and sharing their experience and knowledge. To broaden your skills, you’ll also shadow and assist different instructors from our team, giving you the opportunity to discover a variety of teaching and guiding styles. Our international team comes from diverse backgrounds, united by the same passion for the ocean.
How many dives will I complete during the program?
To complete the program, you must have a minimum of 60 logged dives (starting from the required 40). In practice, most divemaster trainees log well beyond these additional 20 dives. We typically run 2 to 3 dives per day, so you’ll quickly see your logbook fill up.
I read about “skill circuit”, what does that mean?
The skill circuit is an important part of the divemaster program and refers to the dive skills you’ll learn to demonstrate. These include skills such as mask removal, air depletion, and snorkel-to-regulator exchange. You’ll practice each skill several times in the pool before your final evaluation. Curious to see what’s involved? We’ve recorded every skill in a dedicated YouTube series for a sneak peek.
Will I work with real customers during my internship?
Yes, and no. You’ll be part of our daily dive operations, joining our boats and assisting with everything from equipment preparation and briefings to underwater guiding. As you progress, you’ll gradually take on more responsibilities, such as delivering briefings, giving you real-life practice.
That said, you’ll never be on your own with customers. An instructor will always be present and remain fully responsible for the day. Your focus is on learning and gaining experience, not on carrying full operational responsibility.
Can I take photos and/or videos during the dives?
During training dives, taking photos or videos is not allowed. The focus is on learning, observing your surroundings and the dive operation rather than using a camera. On fun dives, you’re welcome to bring your camera and capture your experiences.
Divemaster
Can I work as a divemaster trainee?
No. Working legally in Thailand requires a valid visa and a work permit. You must also complete your divemaster course before you can work in a professional role.
What career options are available after the divemaster program?
The diving industry extends far beyond Thailand and offers opportunities worldwide. If you choose to stay in Thailand, be sure to review the legal requirements for working as a divemaster. You may also decide to continue your professional path with an Instructor Development Course (IDC), a 2-week program that prepares you for the Instructor Examination (IE) and the next step to become a PADI Instructor.
What is the difference between PADI Master Scuba Diver and PADI Divemaster?
PADI Master Scuba Diver is the highest non-professional certification in the PADI system, while PADI divemaster is the first step into the professional diving world. The main difference lies in the type and depth of training. To become a PADI Master Scuba Diver, you complete 5 specialty courses (such as Enriched Air (Nitrox) or Dive Against Debris), expanding your knowledge through themed skills and experiences. This certification highlights your confidence, experience, and commitment as a recreational diver. If this path interests you, we also offer a dedicated Master Scuba Diver package. PADI divemaster training, on the other hand, is more intensive and goes beyond personal diving skills. It focuses on leadership, guiding certified divers, and assisting instructors during courses, qualifying you as a professional diver.
I don’t plan to work as a divemaster, but want to become a better diver. Is this course right for me?
That’s an excellent question to ask from the start. Not planning to work as a divemaster doesn’t mean the course isn’t for you. Divemaster training builds lifelong skills, increases your awareness, and helps you become a more confident and capable dive buddy. However, keep in mind that the focus is more on guiding, supervising, and assisting other divers than on fun diving. If your main goal is purely recreational diving, you may want to consider alternatives such as the PADI Master Scuba Diver certification.
