Divemasters lead and organize groups of divers, with common jobs including instruction, tours, and rescue operations. PADI and NAUI are the main certification options, with paid and unpaid internships available. Volunteer work is also an option, with seasonal changes less significant in tropical regions. Internships can serve as career breaks or a way to start a career as a divemaster.
A divemaster is a professional diver who leads other divers. The divemaster is responsible for organizing the other divers and is responsible for the group as a whole. Most people in this field are certified by practical divemaster internships.
Common jobs for divemasters include dive instruction, major dive tours, rescue operations and rescue diving. Rescue operations involve major groups of divers to retrieve lost equipment or cargo. Rescue divers often accompany other groups of divers and help in case of a problem or after someone is already in trouble.
The two main types of certification for divemasters are PADI and NUAI. While there is some difference between the two in terms of what skills are tested and when those tests are taken, the certifications are roughly equivalent. Both PADI and NAUI are recognized by employers around the world. There are other certifications, but they are not as widely recognized as PADI and NAUI. If you plan to work in a specific location or at a specific company, you can find out what certifications the employer accepts before investing time in your internship.
Whichever certification you choose, your next consideration will likely be monetary. Paid and partially paid divemaster internships are available in many locations. These internships provide extensive real-life training plus some money to offset travel and living expenses. Other divemaster internships are unpaid but may offer other benefits such as more extensive training or experience, free housing or subsidized travel, or a shorter internship period for the same certification. The decision to participate in a paid or unpaid internship should depend on your current financial needs and what you want to get out of your internship.
Volunteer work is another way to participate in divemaster internships. Volunteers in these programs receive free or reduced-cost training and divemaster certification and spend a specified period using their new skills for volunteer work. Many work with environmental researchers. This can be an attractive option if you are interested in conservation.
Time is an important factor to consider when choosing an internship. If you are a current student, a summer internship may be the most appropriate option for you. For those with more flexible schedules, it can be more economical to travel in the winter when airfare is cheaper. Seasonal changes are less significant in tropical regions, and divemaster internships occur year-round.
There are several reasons to enroll in divemaster internships. Internships longer than six months, especially voluntary internships, can serve as career breaks for professionals. Students can take three- or four-month internships as an exciting way to spend their summer vacation, or earn a useful certification and start a career as a divemaster.
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