PADI Divemaster Program
– Dive Like a Pro –
The Divemaster course is PADI’s first professional-level certification, and sets the foundation for everything that follows. Gain dive knowledge, supervision abilities and become a role model to divers around the world
Deciding to take the plunge into life as a dive professional is an exciting time. The PADI Divemaster course is a great opportunity for those seeking a personal challenge as well as for divers who want to turn their passion into a career.
There is a huge variation in Divemaster courses, and its important to choose the right course to fit your needs. Read on to see why choosing The Go Pro Family for your Divemaster course in Mexico could be one of the best decisions you make.
The Go Pro Family’s PADI Divemaster Course
Our Flexi-Pro Divemaster program can be completed as a full-time program over 4 weeks, or a longer part-time program where you can fit your Divemaster training around work or other commitments. You will get to experience how a smaller, busy dive operation in the Riviera Maya works.
Under the mentorship of our experienced PADI Instructors, you will have fun and learn lots through assisting courses; guided dives; ocean; cenotes and Cozumel trips.
Our PADI 5-Star IDC center is equipped with two large classrooms, training pool with shallow and deep water, Wi-Fi and on-site accommodation in private rooms for ultimate convenience.
You will be able to complete most of the knowledge development portion of the course via eLearning at a time that suits you, so that more time with us is in the water.
During your training you can complete your PADI Freediver course, and will get involved in our Dives Against Debris and other community and ocean protection initiatives.
What is a typical day on our PADI Divemaster course?
The great thing is there is no typical day because a Divemaster’s job is so varied.
The PADI Divemaster Course curriculum includes knowledge development sessions covering topics such as your role as a Divemaster; decompression theory; and environmental awareness. You will complete in-water workshops with your instructor to develop your demonstration quality skills, as well as well to keep your rescue skills sharp.
You will also conduct practical applications covering all aspects of divemaster duties. These include giving dive briefings, dive site management, and undertaking PADI Programs such as Reactivate and Skin Diver course. Plus you will be working under the supervision of PADI Instructors to assist them teaching different courses and guiding certified divers.
You will also get involved in other aspects of daily life at your dive shop. That will vary from dive shop to dive shop but can include customer service, tank filling and equipment maintenance.
FAQs
Here’s some answers to our most frequently asked questions.
This is not a “free” or “work in exchange for training” program, but is a training-focused program where you pay for expert guidance and hands-on experience. We limit the number of Divemaster candidates to maximum 4, to ensure that each intern gets necessary training and experience.
No accommodation is not included in the price, but our Divemaster candidates can choose to stay in one of our private rooms at the dive center and will benefit from a great Go-Pro rate. Check out our Dive Facilities page for more information about our rooms and sustainability efforts.
No. As a Divemaster candidate, you’ll be actively involved in all aspects of a Divemaster’s role, but you are not paying to work for us. Throughout your training, you’ll always be supported and supervised by one of our experienced Instructors. Each day includes constructive feedback sessions to help you reflect, improve, and build confidence in your skills. This ensures that when you qualify, you’ll not only meet the PADI standards but also be fully prepared to step into the dive industry as a capable, confident role model.
We cannot guarantee employment after your training, as job opportunities for Divemasters in the Playa del Carmen area are limited—especially for non-Mexicans. In fact, many dive centers worldwide prefer to hire PADI Instructors, even for roles that include Divemaster-level duties, because it allows them greater flexibility and sales potential.
That said, there are still possibilities to find work as a Divemaster, both locally and internationally, and we’ll support you in making the most of them. As part of your course, we’ll provide guidance on building a strong diving CV, share insider tips on how to approach dive centers, and offer realistic career advice based on our own years of industry experience.
What we can guarantee is that you’ll receive high-quality, hands-on training, combined with mentorship and realistic career advice from professionals who have years of experience in the dive industry.
If your goal is to work in the Riviera Maya or increase your chances of finding work worldwide, we recommend considering the next step after your Divemaster Course: becoming a PADI Instructor at one of our IDCs.
What are the pre-requisites?
This is what you need to start the PADI Divemaster course:
- Aged 18 or over
- Certified Advanced and Rescue Diver
- 40 logged scuba dives
- CPR and First Aid certification within 24 months
- Medical clearance to dive.
If you are missing any of these requirements just let us know and we can adjust your package to include them
What are PADI Divemasters allowed to do?
Divemasters are primarily dive leaders. Their duties are to plan dives, help with logistics, guide certified divers underwater and assist PADI Instructors.
After certification, a Divemaster’s duties include:
- Guiding certified divers on fun dives
- Assisting PADI Instructors with training activities
- Leading Discover Local Diving programs
- Conducting ReActivate programs
- Assisting with Discover Scuba Diving programs
- Teaching PADI Advanced Snorkeler (Skin Diver) courses
- Organizing and leading conservation activities
Try it. For FREE!
Your PADI Divemaster course includes access to a digital Divemaster Crewpack were you will find study aids, eLearning chapters and other helpful reference material. If you want to preview what it means to be a PADI Divemaster candidate, and sample some selected interactive topics from the eLearning, click on the link below for access to your FREE Introduction to Divemaster.
Are you already a Divemaster and looking for the next step? Check out our IDC page for information about becoming a PADI Instructor



Sustainable Dive Travel: The Go Pro Family’s Efforts to Protect the Ocean
The Go Pro Family is PADI Platinum Course Directors Angel Navarro (from Spain) and Jo Armitage (from the UK), and their team of pros. Together, they have personally trained over 900 PADI Instructors, and have issued over 4000 professional-level certifications. Based in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, The Go Pro Family offers professional-level scuba training as well as technical, cave diving and freediving.