PADI’s Divemaster Certification and Becoming a Dive Leader
After owning Impact Technologies, LLC, in Rochester, NY, which was successfully acquired by Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin Company, Carl Byington became the President of PHM Design, LLC. As an avid adventurer, who climbs mountains and has completed marathons on all seven continents, Carl Byington also earned his SCUBA Divemaster professional certification in 2015. Moreover, Carl Byington achieved his Discover SCUBA Diving (DSD) Leader certification during his Divemaster training in Cozumel, Mexico.
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Divemaster Program is for those interested in taking a leadership role in SCUBA diving. The professional course includes a variety of knowledge sessions and tests, water and swim skills demonstration, and practical instruction to guide participants in developing the knowledge, experience, and demonstrable characteristics of a dive leader. As summarized on the PADI Divemaster course website, these topics and skills include:
- Demonstrating the role and characteristics of the PADI Divemaster
- Supervising dive activities and assisting with student divers
- Ensuring diver safety and risk management
- Conducting Divemaster programs and specialized skills
- Understanding the business of diving and your career
- Being aware of the dive environment and its conservation
- Managing the dive setup and equipment
- Mapping an open water site
- Conducting dive briefings
- Organizing a search and recovery project and a deep dive
- Conducting a SCUBA review and skin diver course
- Assisting with Discover Scuba Diving and leading Discover Local Diving programs
Divers planning on completing PADI Divemaster certification should preferably have their own wetsuit and SCUBA equipment, good fitness and swimming skills, and a positive, customer-focused attitude. PADI eligibility requirements include completion of the Rescue Diver course, CPR and first aid certification completed within the last 2 years, and a minimum of 40 logged dives.
