PADI Requirements for Dive Master and Master Scuba Diver Designations

Montgomery, Texas, resident Bill Starkey oversaw operations at Starkey Construction from 1978 to 2015 as the CEO of the company. Outside of his professional endeavors, Bill Starkey has a range of personal interests, including diving. He is a Master Scuba Diver.

A designation granted by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Master Scuba Diver is the highest level that a recreational diver can earn through the organization. Applying for the Master Scuba Diver designation requires being at least 12 years of age and having a Rescue Diver certification. Applicants must also have completed a minimum of five PADI specialties and performed at least 50 dives.

Divemaster, meanwhile, is the initial training level required to become a paid professional diver or scuba diving instructor and is offered through PADI and other organizations, including Scuba Schools International (SSI) and the Rebreather Association of International Divers (RAID) that provide diver training.

To apply to become a Divemaster, PADI requires applicants to be at least age 18 and to have completed the Rescue Diver Certification and Emergency First Response (EFR) Training. Divemaster applicants must complete 60 logged dives, practical assessments, and an exam before becoming certified.