Course at a Glance

• Course: Advanced Open Water Diver to PADI Divemaster Internship

• Location: Cozumel, Mexico

• Duration: 6 weeks

• Program Price: $2,295 USD

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

• Starting Certification: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent

• Minimum Age: 18 years

• Minimum Logged Dives to Apply: 25

• Training Includes: PADI 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 six-week program allows time for training, diving experience, and professional development. Completion depends on individual progress and meeting all PADI certification requirements.

Your Pathway from Advanced Open Water Diver to PADI Divemaster

Becoming a PADI Divemaster requires more than strong diving skills. It involves developing the awareness, judgment, communication, and leadership abilities necessary to take responsibility for other divers.

At Dive Boutique Cozumel, we believe professional dive leaders are developed through a combination of training, practical experience, and individual mentorship.

Our six-week internship is designed for Advanced Open Water Divers who already have practical diving experience and are ready to develop their skills beyond recreational diving.

The program begins with rescue and emergency response training before progressing into Divemaster preparation and professional-level training.

Throughout your internship, you will develop your ability to recognize potential problems, manage diving activities, support other divers, and make informed decisions in a professional diving environment.

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

Your Six-Week Training Program

Stage 1 – Emergency Response and Rescue Diver Training

Your training begins with the development of emergency response and rescue skills that are 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 learn to recognize potential problems before they develop into emergencies, assist divers in difficulty, respond to emergency situations, and manage rescue scenarios.

Particular emphasis is placed on situational awareness, problem-solving, teamwork, and taking responsibility for your own actions and the safety of others.

These skills provide an important foundation for the leadership responsibilities you will develop during Divemaster training.

Stage 2 – Diving Experience and Divemaster Preparation

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

This stage of the internship allows you to continue developing your diving experience while refining the skills expected of a candidate preparing for professional training.

Training and diving activities emphasize:

• Buoyancy control and underwater positioning

• Underwater navigation and dive planning

• Equipment preparation and management

• Diver awareness and communication

• Safe diving procedures

• Environmental awareness

• Confidence and consistency underwater

Our objective is to strengthen your diving abilities and prepare you for the responsibilities and performance requirements of the Divemaster course.

Stage 3 – 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 necessary to supervise certified divers, assist PADI Instructors, organize diving activities, and demonstrate diving skills to a professional standard.

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.

• Prepare and deliver professional dive briefings.

• Assist instructors with student diver training.

• Demonstrate diving skills to a professional standard.

• Organize dive sites and support dive center operations.

• Recognize and manage potential risks.

• Respond effectively to problems and emergencies.

• Apply sound judgment and professional decision-making.

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 six-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 a six-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 six-week internship includes:

• 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 Advanced Open Water Diver to Divemaster Internship, candidates must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Hold a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.

• Have a minimum of 25 logged dives.

• Meet the applicable medical fitness requirements.

• Be prepared to commit to the six-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.

Candidates must have DAN dive accident insurance or equivalent coverage before participating in training dives.

Program Price and Enrollment

Six-Week Advanced Open Water Diver to PADI Divemaster Internship

Program Price: $2,295 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 $1,795 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 Advanced Open Water Diver certification?

Yes. Candidates who hold a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent and have at least 25 logged dives may apply. Applications are reviewed individually to determine whether the candidate has suitable experience and is ready for this training pathway.

How long is the Advanced Open Water to Divemaster Internship?

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

Do I need to be a Rescue Diver before applying?

No. The PADI Rescue Diver course and emergency response training are included in this pathway. These qualifications must be completed before beginning the Divemaster portion of the program.

Do I need 40 logged dives before starting the internship?

No. A minimum of 25 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 Advanced 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 six-week program is the right training pathway for you.

Apply for Your Divemaster Internship