Becoming a PADI Divemaster (DM) is the first step into the world of professional scuba diving. Achieving this prestigious certification qualifies divers to supervise recreational diving activities, assist instructors and most importantly — act as role models for other divers. While the core training sets a universal standard for divers, how each Divemaster applies this in action can vary greatly.
A PADI Divemaster wears many hats: gear-wrangler, underwater guide, photographer and sometimes even counselor. Over time, each Divemaster develops a personal style, specializing in their own interests, be it fish identification or perhaps local history.
Here are some of the types of Divemaster you may encounter or even become yourself.
1. The Comedian
The Comedian Divemaster delivers a dive briefing full of one-liners with the timing of a standup comic. The jokes aren’t always funny, but what they lack in quality, they make up for in quantity.
2. The Navigator
Even when visibility is so bad you can’t see your own fins, The Navigator somehow manages to bring the group back within a few meters of the exit point. At dive sites with a near-featureless bottom, The Navigator always finds the rocky outcropping full of life in a literal sea of nothingness.
3. The Prankster
If you’ve ever found yourself watching a sinking piece of gear, only to realize it’s attached to the Divemaster by a small piece of fishing line, you’ve met The Prankster. Other signature moves include Kool-Aid powder in the dive bootie and talc powder handprints in inappropriate places.
4. The Scout
The Scout was a shark in a previous life. This Divemaster can spot the faintest flicker of a big animal in the blue and ably steers your dive group away from herds of others.
5. The Documentarian
The Documentarian Divemaster has one eye on the group and the other behind the camera. This type of Divemaster ensures every guest has a photo or video to post on social media after the dive, and challenges The Fish Whisperer as the most popular type of DM.
6. The Most Fascinating Divemaster in the Ocean
The Most Fascinating DM has “been there, dove that.” This Divemaster learned to dive before boats were invented, and Conservation International insisted they start a digital logbook to preserve the world’s forests. This DM was there when Bikini Atoll was a one-piece and once met a Cousteau.
7. The Fish Whisperer
When The Fish Whisperer Divemaster is around, all the bucket-list animals come out to say hello. This type of DM can coax an eel out of its hole, speak fluent whale and spot the tiniest nudibranchs.
8. The Cat Herder
You’re always in good hands when diving with The Cat Herder. This Divemasters has developed an eerie prescience: the ability to predict when a diver is going to chase a fish into the depths or linger too long photographing a coral head. The Cat Herder is always ready to wake a diver from their trance and bring them safely back to the group.
9. The Critter Nerd
The Critter Nerd knows the difference between a nudibranch and a flatworm and can identify their favorite marine gastropod mollusk – in Latin. They’re typically good friends with The Fish Whisperer who helps unite The Critter Nerd with the Nembrotha lineolata.
10. The Storyteller
The Storyteller Divemaster knows the backstory of every shipwreck, and the origins of every dive site name. Their stories are so entertaining, you won’t want to know whether they’re true or not.
11. The Medic
Whether you have an ear ache, a scrape or a stingy spot, The Medic Divemaster is always prepared with a kind word and something to soothe the pain.
12. The Concierge
More valuable above water than below, The Concierge knows the best place to fuel up before a morning dive or unwind after a long day at the beach.
13. The Mechanic
The Q of kit, the MacGyver of maritime activities, The Mechanic once made a rebreather from an old microwave and some surgical tubing. Whenever The Mechanic is around, no one misses a dive due to a gear problem.
What Type of Divemaster Are You?
No matter what “type” of Divemaster you are, there’s always more to learn. Build on your strengths, explore new specialties and grow into the leader divers will always remember. Start your next adventure with these popular PADI continuing education courses:
- PADI Fish Identification or Underwater Naturalist
- Digital Underwater Photographer
- Equipment Specialist
- DAN First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries
Alternatively, explore all PADI Specialty courses using the button below and find the path that fits your Divemaster style.
