Course at a Glance

• Course: Open Water Diver to PADI Divemaster Internship

• Location: Cozumel, Mexico

• Duration: 8 weeks

• Program Price: $2,695 USD

• Deposit: $500 USD, applied toward the program price

• Starting Certification: PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent

• Minimum Age: 18 years

• Minimum Logged Dives to Apply: 15

• Training Includes: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Emergency First Response, DAN Emergency Oxygen, and PADI Divemaster

• Learning Materials: Included

• Scuba Equipment: Standard rental equipment included during scheduled training

• Accommodation: Not included

• Application Required: Yes, acceptance is subject to an application review

The eight-week program allows time for training, diving experience, and professional development. Completion depends on individual progress and meeting all PADI certification requirements.

Apply For Your Internship

Your Pathway from Open Water Diver to PADI Divemaster

Becoming a PADI Divemaster is an important step for divers who want to take on greater responsibility, develop leadership skills, and potentially pursue a career in scuba diving.

At Dive Boutique Cozumel, we believe successful dive professionals are developed through a combination of training, practical experience, sound judgment, and professional mentorship.

Our internship is designed for divers who already hold an Open Water Diver certification and have gained experience beyond their initial training.

Throughout the eight-week program, you will progress through advanced diving, rescue training, emergency response, and professional-level Divemaster development.

Each stage builds on the previous one, allowing you to develop your knowledge, skills, and experience before taking on the responsibilities of a dive leader.

We do not offer accelerated beginner-to-professional programs. Our emphasis is on quality training and preparing capable, confident, and responsible PADI Divemasters.

Your Eight-Week Training Program

Stage 1 – PADI Advanced Open Water Diver

Your training begins with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, designed to expand your diving experience and develop greater confidence underwater.

The course includes the required Deep and Underwater Navigation Adventure Dives, along with three additional Adventure Dives.

Training emphasizes buoyancy, dive planning, navigation, situational awareness, and safe diving practices.

Stage 2 – Emergency Response and Rescue Diver Training

The next stage focuses on developing the awareness, judgment, and emergency management skills essential to becoming a responsible dive professional.

Training includes:

• Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care

• PADI Rescue Diver

• DAN Emergency Oxygen for Scuba Diving Injuries

During Rescue Diver training, you will develop your ability to recognize potential problems, assist divers in difficulty, manage diving emergencies, and respond effectively to emergency situations.

These skills provide an important foundation for professional dive leadership.

Stage 3 – Diving Experience and Divemaster Preparation

Before beginning the PADI Divemaster course, candidates must meet all required prerequisites, including a minimum of 40 logged dives.

This stage allows candidates to continue developing their diving experience while refining essential skills such as buoyancy control, underwater navigation, dive planning, equipment management, and situational awareness.

We place particular emphasis on developing the confidence and consistency expected of a diver preparing to enter professional-level training.

Stage 4 – PADI Divemaster Training

The PADI Divemaster course is the first professional level within the PADI system.

During this stage, you will develop the knowledge and practical skills required to supervise certified divers, assist PADI Instructors, organize diving activities, and demonstrate professional-level diving skills.

Training includes academic development, waterskills exercises, practical workshops, and assessments involving student and certified divers.

You will develop your ability to:

• Plan, organize, and supervise diving activities.

• Deliver professional dive briefings.

• Assist instructors with diver training.

• Demonstrate diving skills to a professional standard.

• Recognize and manage potential risks.

• Respond appropriately to problems and emergencies.

• Support the daily activities of a professional dive operation.

Our goal is to ensure candidates understand how to apply their training in realistic diving situations, not simply complete the required assessments.

Why Choose Dive Boutique Cozumel?

Every PADI Dive Center follows the required PADI training standards, but the approach to developing future dive professionals can vary.

At Dive Boutique Cozumel, our focus is on professional development, practical training, and individual mentorship.

Our programs benefit from the experience of PADI Course Director Phillip Hetherington, who brings approximately 30 years of scuba teaching experience to diver education and professional training.

We emphasize:

• Professional Mentorship: Individual guidance throughout your training and development.

• Practical Experience: Opportunities to develop your skills through realistic training scenarios and scheduled dive activities.

• Leadership Development: Building the awareness, judgment, and decision-making skills required of a professional dive leader.

• Professional Standards: Developing a strong understanding of safe diving practices, risk management, customer service, and teamwork.

• Future Development: Establishing a solid foundation for continued professional training, including the PADI Instructor Development Course.

Our objective is not simply to help you earn a Divemaster certification. We want you to develop the confidence, competence, and professionalism to take on the responsibilities that come with it.

What to Expect During Your Divemaster Internship

Your eight-week program combines structured instruction, practical training, diving experience, workshops, and professional development.

As your training progresses, you will participate in activities designed to develop both your diving ability and your understanding of professional dive operations.

These activities include:

• Academic knowledge development and dive theory

• Waterskills and professional-level skill demonstrations

• Dive planning and underwater navigation

• Dive site organization and management

• Supervised dive briefings and dive activities

• Divemaster practical workshops

• Opportunities to assist with scheduled courses

• Practical assessments involving student and certified divers

• Discussions on risk management, professionalism, and dive center operations

Practical training and course-assistance opportunities are scheduled according to candidate progress and available dive center activities.

Candidates are expected to participate actively, prepare for training sessions, and demonstrate the reliability and professionalism appropriate to someone preparing to enter the diving industry.

PADI Divemaster Practical Training

The Divemaster portion of your internship incorporates the required PADI practical skills, workshops, and assessments.

Practical Skills

• Dive Site Setup and Management

• Mapping Project

• Dive Briefing

• Search and Recovery Scenario

• Deep Dive Scenario

Divemaster-Conducted Program Workshops

• ReActivate Program

• Advanced Snorkeler/Skin Diver and Snorkeling Supervision

• Discover Scuba Diving in Confined Water

• Discover Scuba Diving – Additional Open Water Dive

• Discover Local Diving in Open Water

Practical Assessments

• Open Water Diver Students in Confined Water

• Open Water Diver Students in Open Water

• Continuing Education Student Divers in Open Water

• Certified Divers in Open Water

Beyond the Required Curriculum

Our professional training also incorporates discussions and practical development in areas such as risk management, missing-diver procedures, customer service, dive operation logistics, environmental awareness, and professional decision-making.

These additional areas of development help candidates understand the responsibilities of working as part of a professional dive team.

Accommodation in Cozumel

Flexible Accommodation Options to Suit Your Budget

Accommodation is not included in our Divemaster Internship programs, allowing candidates the freedom to choose where they stay and how much they spend.

Cozumel offers a wide selection of economical accommodation options, including furnished rooms, shared apartments, private studios, and longer-term vacation rentals.

Many properties offer extended-stay arrangements, making them particularly suitable for an eight-week training program.

Whether you prefer budget-friendly shared accommodation, the privacy of your own apartment, or accommodation suitable for traveling with a partner, there are options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Our team is happy to provide local guidance and suggestions to help you identify accommodation conveniently located for your training.

What's Included in Your Internship?

Your eight-week internship includes:

• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course

• PADI Rescue Diver course

• Emergency First Response CPR and First Aid training

• DAN Emergency Oxygen for Scuba Diving Injuries training

• PADI Divemaster course

• Required course learning materials

• Structured professional training and mentorship

• Standard scuba rental equipment during scheduled training activities

• Divemaster Internship program T-shirt

• Discounts on additional courses

• Student discounts at Dive Boutique Cozumel

• Career guidance and job placement assistance when opportunities are available

Required Personal Equipment

Standard scuba rental equipment is provided during scheduled training activities. However, Divemaster candidates must supply certain personal safety equipment before beginning professional-level training.

Required items include:

• Dive computer

• Surface marker buoy or delayed surface marker buoy (SMB/DSMB)

• Reel or spool

• Appropriate cutting device

Candidates will receive a detailed equipment list before training begins.

What's Not Included?

• Accommodation

• Transportation to and from Cozumel

• Local transportation in Cozumel

• Dive accident insurance

• PADI Divemaster application fee

• Required personal Divemaster equipment

• Visas, if applicable

• Meals and personal expenses

Program Prerequisites

To apply for the Open Water Diver to Divemaster Internship, candidates must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.

• Have a minimum of 15 logged dives.

• Meet the applicable medical fitness requirements.

• Be prepared to commit to the eight-week training program.

• Demonstrate appropriate diving experience, motivation, and readiness for professional development.

Each application is reviewed individually.

PADI Divemaster Entry and Certification Requirements

Candidates must complete the required qualifications before beginning the PADI Divemaster portion of their training.

These include Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, qualifying CPR and First Aid training within the previous 24 months, medical clearance, and a minimum of 40 logged dives.

A minimum of 60 logged dives and successful completion of all required training and assessments are necessary for Divemaster certification.

Program Price and Enrollment

Eight-Week Open Water Diver to PADI Divemaster Internship

Program Price: $2,695 USD

A non-refundable deposit of $500 USD is required upon acceptance into the program to secure your place.

The deposit is applied toward the total program price.

The remaining balance of $2,195 USD is due at the start of training in Cozumel.

Because this is a professional development program, all candidates must complete an application before enrollment.

We review your current certifications, logged dives, training history, and professional goals to determine whether the program is suitable for you.

Apply for Your Divemaster Internship

Continue Your Professional Development

Thinking About Becoming a PADI Instructor?

For candidates considering a career in scuba instruction, the PADI Divemaster certification provides an important foundation for continued professional development.

Dive Boutique Cozumel also offers the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC), allowing qualified Divemasters to continue their training toward becoming PADI Instructors.

The skills and experience developed during your Divemaster Internship—including leadership, professionalism, risk management, and assisting with diver training—provide valuable preparation for future instructor development.

Explore Our PADI Instructor Development Course

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join the internship with an Open Water Diver certification?

Yes. Candidates who hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent and have at least 15 logged dives may apply. All applications are reviewed to determine whether the candidate has suitable experience and is ready to begin this training pathway.

How long is the Open Water Diver to Divemaster Internship?

The program is designed to be completed over eight weeks. Completion depends on individual progress, diving experience, required assessments, weather conditions, and training opportunities.

Do I need 40 logged dives before starting the internship?

No. A minimum of 15 logged dives is required to apply for this combined training pathway. However, candidates must have at least 40 logged dives and meet all other PADI prerequisites before beginning the Divemaster course itself. At least 60 logged dives are required for Divemaster certification.

Is accommodation included in the price?

No. Candidates arrange their own accommodation, allowing them to choose from Cozumel's variety of economical rooms, shared apartments, studios, and longer-term rentals. Our team can provide local guidance.

Is scuba equipment included?

Standard scuba rental equipment is included during scheduled training activities. Candidates must provide certain personal safety equipment before beginning the Divemaster portion of their training.

Will I have opportunities to assist with actual scuba courses?

Yes. Opportunities to assist with scheduled training activities are incorporated when suitable courses and practical assessment opportunities are available.

Can I continue into the PADI Instructor Development Course?

Yes. After earning your PADI Divemaster certification and meeting the applicable IDC prerequisites, you may continue your professional development through Dive Boutique Cozumel's PADI Instructor Development Course.

Apply for Your Divemaster Internship

Take the Next Step Toward Becoming a PADI Professional

If you are an experienced Open Water Diver who is serious about improving your diving skills and developing the knowledge, judgment, and leadership abilities required of a dive professional, we invite you to apply.

Tell us about your diving experience, certifications, logged dives, and professional goals.

We will review your application and help determine whether this eight-week program is the right training pathway for you.

Apply for Your Divemaster Internship