Many divers toy with the idea of becoming a divemaster, and each year, thousands make the leap and take this first, important step toward making a career – or at least a part time job – of scuba diving! If you’re interested in becoming a divemaster, there’s no doubt that your determination and perseverance will be tested, particularly since there are a number of theoretical assessments which will be conducted; along the way, you’ll need to provide structured, practical demonstrations of several skills. Here’s the lowdown on 21 important open water skills to master in order to become a certified divemaster.
Equipment Familiarity and Assembly Knowledge
This set of skills is vital for safe diving, not just for yourself, but for the people who will eventually dive with you as their leader. Proficiency in setting up scuba gear and familiarity with equipment are necessary skills which you will need to demonstrate.
- Check the tank o-ring
- Operate the valve while keeping the tank turned away from you; check the air supply
- Check all BC straps
- Align tank and BC so that the tank valve is at about the same level as the BC
- Secure the cylinder
- Remove the dust cap by unscrewing the yoke nut
- Orient the first stage so that the yoke nut faces you; then, affix the stage over the tank valve
- Tighten the yoke nut properly, then attach the inflator hose
- Face the SPG toward the ground and then purge the second stage valve while keeping the valve depressed to start airflow slowly. Release the valve as soon as air begins to flow
- Check for any leaks and turn on air fully to double-check
- Secure SPG as well as alternate air supply sources
Pre-dive Safety Measures and Checks
As diver safety is vital, divemasters must conduct the following pre-dive checks thoroughly. Never skip a step, and never assume divers have done these things for you. Making a habit of conducting them will help to prevent accidents.
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BC checks: Check for any bubbles and ensure that the inflator is properly connected and is in good working condition.
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Weight checks: Ensure that the release mechanism is in order and ascertain that right hand release is possible. In addition, ensure weights are balanced out evenly and are clear of any possible obstructions.
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Air checks: The divemaster must check to be certain that:
- The SPG pointer corresponds to air pressure.
- Second stage is functioning properly
- Regulator and hoses are in good condition
- Tank valve is completely open and alternate air sources are properly secured
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Release mechanism check: Ensure that the cylinder strap is securely in position.
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Final checks:
- Ensure that there is no suspended gear/ articles
- Fins are readily available and the mask is clear
Deep Water Entry Skills
Knowledge of proper entry procedures is vital – these include wading entry, giant stride, seated and back roll entry. As a divemaster, you’ll need to know how to perform and be comfortable performing all deep-water entry skills. It’s equally important that you know which techniques are to be deployed under which circumstances.
Buoyancy Check
These checks are done to ensure adequate buoyancy prior to diving; they are conducted on the surface.
- Deflate the BC completely while keeping the regulator positioned in the mouth.
- Stay calm and vertical as you float at eye-level. In case you don’t, adjust your weights, adding or removing some as necessary.
- Exhale slowly. If you are properly weighted, you’ll begin to sink as air leaves your lungs.
Five Point Descent
In order to become a divemaster, you will need to have thorough working knowledge of the standard five point descent.
- Signaling
- Orientation
- Switching over to regulator
- Time check
- Regulating exhalation properly
Underwater Weight Management
Thoroughly practice removing/ substituting weights underwater and at the water surface as this is crucial for buoyancy management and is also a skill you’ll need in th event of an emergency. As a divemaster, you will need to be able to:
- Remove weights and understand how weight affects buoyancy.
- Replace weights
- Relay the importance of weights being held close to the body
Underwater Regulator Replacement
Divemasters need to be at ease with removing and replacing their regulators while underwater.
- Do not hold your breath as you perform this crucial task. Exhale and elease small bubbles.
- Do not obstruct the front of the regulator, since this typically conceals the purge button.
Neutral Buoyancy/ Fin Pivot
Being neutrally buoyant by ascending/ descending using the natural air of the lungs is a required skill which you will need to demonstrate. While practicing, follow the pointers below:
- Start at the bottom and exhale; maintain your balance by spreading your legs apart.
- Inhale while holding your position; then, let a small quantity of air into the BC and release the inflator.
- Inhale again. At this point, your body should ascend
- When the ascent has caused your body to pivot by about 45 degrees, exhale.
- You should then descend to the bottom. Restart the process and practice several times until the motions feel effortless.
Five Point Ascent
To become a divemaster, you will need to demonstrate mastery of the five point ascent.
- Correct signaling procedures
- Appropriate time management
- Right hand is to be kept overhead while the left hand should be in a position to deflate the BC, if required.
- Inhale and begin your ascent, slowly exhaling and releasing air as necessary.
- Co-ordinate with your buddy and inflate your BC once you are at the surface.
Underwater Removal and Replacement of Scuba Unit
General guidelines for demonstrating this skill are:
- Staying low at the bottom and deflating BC
- First, remove your left arm from the BC; bringing it toward your right side
- Remove your right arm, swinging the cylinder all the way to your front
- Begin to swivel the BC back toward its original position.
- Put on the BC onto your right arm, then rotate cylinder to the back
- Put your left arm in and buckle up. Double-check to be sure the unit is secured properly.
Snorkel Exchange with Regulator
This is a basic skill with three easy steps to follow:
- Switch from snorkel to regulator; clear if needed, then inhale deeply twice
- Switch over to snorkel and blast it clear at the surface
- Follow up by two deep inhalations
Hovering
Hovering is a skill that involves attaining perfect buoyancy control. Demonstrate it by following these guidelines.
- Fin pivot to neutral buoyancy
- Maintain stationary position underwater (seated, crossed legged etc)
- Exhale a little more if you start to rise, inhale a bit more if you begin to sink; remember not to stop breathing.
Breathing Without a Mask
This skill is performed in conjunction with the standard mask removal and replacement technique which you learned when you first began diving. Keep breathing through your regulator.
Using an Alternate Air Source
This important skill is one you’ll need to master in order to become a divemaster.
- Signal to your buddy
- Attach to their alternate air source
- Maintain contact and ascend
Other Skills
Seven other skills that require demonstration and understanding by a divemaster are:
- Scuba unit replacement at the surface
- Weight replacement at the surface
- Handling out of air situations
- Breathing from and correcting a free flowing regulator
- Making a controlled emergency ascent
- Buddy / diver towing techniques
- Oral inflation of BCD
Knowledge of the tasks required and proficiency in those tasks will help you to get the best score possible and aid in propelling you toward becoming a divemaster. During testing, be sure to take your time and be deliberate as you demonstrate the skills required. To get the highest score possible, you’ll need to know exactly what you’re doing, and you will need to demonstrate all skills with ease. Practice, ask questions, and study now – later, you’ll be glad you took a little extra time to perfect all of these important open water skills.