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PADI Divemaster: Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the benefit of taking the PADI Divemaster Internship option over the 'regular' PADI Divemaster course?
Hands-on, real life experience of working in all aspects of a dive operation to put into practise all the theory that you learn on the regular ('Intensive') PADI Divemaster course.
This is hands-down the best way to train if you're seriously looking to work as a professional Divemaster - and a lot of fun even if you're not :o)
- Why should I take my Divemaster Internship with The Dive Bus?
 We are small enough to care - no 'production line' teaching here
Excellent reputation (google 'the dive bus' and see what you find) or check out the Guestbook
Small groups means hands-on, personal training and attention
Top level training in all aspects of diving makes you an extremely 'sellable' Divemaster (and we teach you how to apply for jobs too).
- What PADI courses will I actually take?
That depends on your level of certification at the start of your Divemaster Internship Program.
Click on the level of certification you currently hold in the table below for more information including Program start/end dates:
- Do I really need to be able to swim 400 meters/yards?
On your Open Water course, you'll need to swim 200 yards/meters and float for 10 minutes. It's not a timed excercise.
By the time you get to your Divemaster course, you'll need to swim 400 yards/meters within a given time.
If you're a swimmer but just not that fit right now, you've got time to get in shape once you're on the course :o)
And why do you need to be a good swimmer? For your safety and that of your buddy and/or the divers you'll be qualified to lead once you've finished your Divemaster training course.
- What about accommodation?
You need to make your own accommodation arrangements but The Dive Bus works with a few accommodation partners if you need some help.
- How much does the course cost and when do I pay?
For all 'options' of the Divemaster internship (i.e. regardless of your current level of certification) a $250 non-refundable deposit is payable by credit card when you book your course.
A second payment (also non-refundable) is payable 4 weeks in advance of Day 1 of your course.
The final balance is due at the end of Day 1 of the course once you have made your decision about equipment. (See below). This should be in cash or travelers checks; a 6% admin charge is added to payments by credit cards.
This is detailed on the Enquiry form.
- Why are my payments non-refundable?
Because we have a limited number of slots available on each Program and a minimum number of participants, we balance the number of students on each Program. If you take a slot then cancel, another student will have missed their chance to take that slot and it may well affect the training program for the remaining candidates.
This also ensures that we have committed students signing up to the Dive Bus Divemaster Internship Program.
- What if I don't complete the course?
There is no refund for non-completion of the course.
Students not meeting the required performance standards can request additional training charged at a daily rate.
- Can I also take my PADI Instructor course with The Dive Bus?
Not with The Dive Bus but with a Course Director with whom we work closely. More information will be provided during your Divemaster course.
- What about getting work after I'm certified as a Divemaster?
You can be the best Divemaster in the world but unless you know how to sell yourself, you won't find work easily. That's why we teach you how to apply for work in the dive industry, as part of The Dive Bus Divemaster training course.
- What dive equipment would I be using?
The price of your course includes the use of excellent quality, professional dive equipment for the duration of your training.
The typical professional-standard dive equipment provided to Dive Bus Divemaster Interns has a total retail price of approx $2,500 and includes:
- TUSA Liberator (men's) or Selene (women's) weight integrated BCD
- TUSA RS110 reg set
- TUSA Liberator booty fins
- TUSA low dive boots
- CRESSI 2mm shory wetsuit
- One of a selection of TUSA, Cressi and Seac Sub masks
- TUSA snorkel
- SUUNTO Gekko dive computer
- Princeton Tec 400 dive flashlight
- TUSA mini dive knife
- SUUNTO SK7 wrist compass
- Mesh dive equipment bag
- Divers reel
- SMB
- Dive slate
- Why should I buy my own dive equipment?
Besides the obvious benefits of diving with equipment with which you are familiar and comfortable, owning your own dive equipment is a requirement for many dive shops should you go on to become a professional Divemaster (including The Dive Bus).
Should you choose instead to continue diving recreationally, in addition to the above benefits, you'll save $$$s by not having to rent equipment whenever you dive.
And your equipment will last you years once you've learnt how to take proper care of it and basic servicing and maintenance, on your Divemaster Internship.
- How much would the above set of equipment cost me to buy?
Full details will be sent once we've received your booking form but Dive Bus Divemaster Interns receive significant discounts.
- I already have some of my own dive equipment - do I get a discount?
Since the dive equipment rental prices are heavily discounted for Divemaster Interns, it depends what / how much of your own equipment you already own. We'll advise you at your time of booking.
- What does 'all aspects of a dive operation' mean?
Customer relations, scheduling, gear prep, gear maintenance, tank fills, photo processing, customer billing and invoicing, understanding and handling paperwork, assisting real courses and real guided dives, painting, general fixing up, running errands, cleaning the bathroon: you name it.
- What's the cost of living like in Curacao?
Check out www.liveincuracao.com
- What's the weather like? What is there to do in the evenings or my days off?
Check out www.curacao.com and www.k-pasa.com.
Average water temperature is 78F in the 'winter' up to 84F in the summer.
- What's the Dive Bus Divemaster course really like?
Go here to read a Dive Bus DM intern's thoughts...
Please complete and email the Enquiry form as this will provide us with the information we need to answer your questions as helpfully as possible. (The enquiry form is NOT a commitment on your part!)
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