PADI DIVEMASTER COURSE

A PADI Divemaster is the first professional-level certification in the PADI system. As a certified Divemaster, you can work at dive centres and resorts as a dive guide, assist PADI Instructors during courses, lead Discover Scuba Diving experiences under indirect supervision, and conduct PADI Skin Diver courses and Scuba Review programs independently. It is also the prerequisite for the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC), making it the gateway to a full teaching career in scuba diving.

The 2026 PADI Divemaster course fee at Tioman Dive Buddy is RM 3,800. This includes the full training program, free accommodation (dormitory or in-office stay subject to availability), and certification fees. An optional full-course meal plan is available for an additional RM 1,000. Equipment rental is available on-site, though Divemaster trainees are encouraged to bring their own basic gear (mask, snorkel, fins, dive computer, and SMB).

Yes, free accommodation is included in the RM 3,800 course fee. TDB provides dormitory beds or in-office accommodation for all Divemaster trainees, subject to availability. Living on-site at the dive centre fully immerses you in the professional dive culture and daily operations, which is a key part of the internship experience.

The PADI Divemaster course at TDB requires a minimum of 1 month (approximately 4 weeks). While the bare minimum PADI standards can technically be met faster, TDB's internship-style program requires 4 weeks to ensure you graduate as a competent, safety-conscious dive professional with real working experience — not just a card holder. Some candidates choose to extend their internship beyond the minimum for additional experience.

To enroll in the PADI Divemaster course, you must hold a PADI Rescue Diver certification (or an equivalent qualifying certification from another recognised agency such as SSI or NAUI). You need a minimum of 40 logged dives to begin the course and 60 logged dives to graduate. You must have a medical clearance for diving signed by a physician within the last 12 months, and current EFR Primary and Secondary Care (First Aid and CPR) training completed within the last 24 months. You must also be at least 18 years of age.

While full equipment rental is available at TDB, Divemaster trainees are strongly encouraged to own their basic kit: mask, snorkel, fins, dive computer, and surface marker buoy (SMB). As a dive professional, familiarity with your own gear is a safety requirement and an industry expectation. Having your own equipment also helps you build consistent muscle memory with the same gear throughout your training.

The key difference is TDB's internship-based approach. Many dive centres offer express Divemaster programs that rush candidates through the minimum standards in 10–14 days. TDB requires a minimum of 1 month because we believe real competence takes time. You will assist real instructors during actual PADI courses, manage real dive logistics, guide certified divers on working fun dive trips, and map actual Tioman dive sites. TDB is a PADI 5 Star IDC Centre with over 6,000 students certified since 2010, so you are learning from experienced mentors with a proven track record.

Yes. The PADI Divemaster certification is the prerequisite for the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). Tioman Dive Buddy is a PADI 5 Star IDC Center that runs four IDC intakes per year, so you can continue your professional education on Tioman Island without needing to travel elsewhere. Many TDB Divemaster graduates go on to complete their IDC at TDB within the same season.

To enroll in the PADI Divemaster course at Tioman Dive Buddy, contact us directly via WhatsApp at +60 16-804 4562 or email hello@tiomandivebuddy.com. Our team will verify your prerequisites, help you choose a start date, and walk you through the registration process. The Divemaster program accepts rolling enrolment — you can start any time during dive season (March to November) provided space is available.