Depth
0m
PRO PATHWAY  ·  SSI DIVE GUIDE / DM

Become an SSI
Dive Guide
and Divemaster

The SSI Dive Guide and Divemaster programme runs as two stages in a single pathway. Lead certified divers, assist instructors, and build the professional foundation for a career in scuba diving. Trained at diveshack Malta, an SSI Diamond Training Centre.

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Certified by SSI
Course Fee
€1,152
€850 course fee + €302 SSI eLearning · SSI pro registration fee not included
✓Two-stage professional programme
✓Dive Guide and Divemaster certifications
✓SSI Diamond Training Centre mentorship
✓Small groups, personalised training
✓Internationally recognised qualification
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Missing prerequisites? diveshack can complete required specialties before or during the programme. Contact us to discuss your current certifications.
Call +356 9999 3483 to discuss your pathway
40+
Dives (Dive Guide)
60+
Dives (Divemaster)
AOW
Required
2
Stages
OW
Min dive depth
Malta
Location
Course Overview

Your first step into professional diving

SSI structures its professional diver programme as two progressive stages. Dive Guide is the first professional rating, allowing you to lead certified divers and assist instructors. Divemaster is the full professional rating, adding supervisory and teaching-assistance privileges accepted at SSI centres globally.

Both stages are completed in a single programme at diveshack Malta. You enter as a Dive Guide once you meet the entry requirements, then progress to full Divemaster status when your logged dives and course requirements are met.

  • Lead certified divers on guided dives in open water
  • Assist SSI instructors during training dives and courses
  • Conduct Try Scuba and Try Dive experiences for beginners
  • Plan dive logistics, conduct briefings, and manage safety procedures
  • Supervise and assist with teaching as a full Divemaster
  • Work professionally at any SSI dive centre worldwide
  • Build the foundation for progression to Open Water Instructor

Pricing is provided on enquiry, as it depends on your current certification level and the package chosen. If you are missing any prerequisite specialties, diveshack can incorporate these into your programme. Contact us with your current certifications and logged dives to receive a tailored quote.

Marine Life

What You Might See

A sample of the species you might actually see at this course's depth. Click any card to read the full species guide.

Programme Structure

Two stages, one pathway

The programme is designed to take you from advanced recreational diver to fully qualified Divemaster in a single continuous training experience. Each stage builds on the last.

Stage 1

Dive Guide

Entry-level SSI professional certification

  • SSI Advanced Open Water Diver certification
  • Deep Diver specialty
  • Navigation Diver specialty
  • Night and Limited Visibility Diver specialty
  • Diver Stress and Rescue certification
  • Minimum 40 logged dives
  • Lead certified divers on guided dives
  • Assist instructors during training sessions
  • Plan and conduct dive activities
Entry point · 40+ logged dives required
Stage 2

Divemaster

Full SSI professional rating

  • Dive Guide certification (Stage 1 complete)
  • 60 or more logged dives
  • SSI Science of Diving course
  • Digital Final Exam
  • Full supervisory and teaching-assistance privileges
  • Lead independent dive excursions
  • Work professionally at any SSI dive centre globally
  • Direct route to the SSI Instructor Training Course
Upgrade from Dive Guide · 60+ logged dives required
Professional Role

What you can do as a qualified Divemaster

A Divemaster qualification opens the door to professional work at dive centres, liveaboards, and resorts worldwide. These are the core responsibilities of the role.

Lead Guided Dives

Take certified divers on guided dives in open water. Plan the dive, conduct the briefing, lead underwater, and debrief the group. This is the daily work of a dive guide at any active dive centre.

Certified divers

Assist Instructors

Support SSI instructors during Open Water and specialty courses. Supervise students in confined water, assist with gear checks, and monitor safety during open water training dives.

Training support

Try Scuba Experiences

Conduct Try Scuba and Try Dive sessions for non-certified participants. Introduce beginners to scuba in confined or supervised open water environments under SSI protocols.

Beginner introductions

Dive Logistics and Safety

Plan dive schedules, manage equipment checks, coordinate boat briefings, and act as the first point of contact for diver safety. Core operational skill in any professional dive operation.

Operations

Independent Dive Excursions

As a full Divemaster, lead independent dive excursions at SSI centres worldwide without requiring a supervising instructor present. A key privilege separating Divemaster from Dive Guide.

Worldwide recognition

Gateway to Instructor

Divemaster is the required certification for entry to the SSI Instructor Training Course. Once qualified, you can join the ITC at diveshack and progress to SSI Open Water Instructor status.

Route to OWI
Training Content

Four career stages across the full programme

The programme follows the SSI curriculum, progressing from advanced recreational qualifications through knowledge development, practical diver leadership, and full Divemaster privileges.

Module 01

AOW Foundation

Advanced Open Water Diver plus the four required specialties: Deep Diver, Navigation Diver, Night and Limited Visibility Diver, and Diver Stress and Rescue. If you already hold these, this module is complete.

  • Advanced Open Water Diver (if not already certified)
  • Deep Diver specialty (to 40m)
  • Navigation Diver specialty
  • Night and Limited Visibility Diver specialty
  • Diver Stress and Rescue certification
Prerequisite qualifications · Can be completed at diveshack
Module 02

Dive Guide Programme

Core professional training: knowledge development, watermanship skills, diver assessment, and dive leadership in open water. Completion earns the Dive Guide rating.

  • Dive Guide knowledge development and standards
  • Watermanship and in-water proficiency skills
  • Diver assessment and performance evaluation
  • Dive leadership: briefings, supervision, debriefs
  • Assisting instructors during confined and open water sessions
Stage 1 certification · 40+ logged dives required
Module 03

Divemaster Upgrade

Builds on Dive Guide certification to achieve full Divemaster status. Requires completion of SSI Science of Diving and the Digital Final Exam, plus reaching 60 logged dives.

  • SSI Science of Diving course
  • Digital Final Exam
  • Full Divemaster privileges activated
  • Supervisory and teaching-assistance authorisation
  • Lead independent dive excursions as a full Divemaster
Stage 2 certification · 60+ logged dives required
Module 04

Career Pathways

Your next steps as a qualified Divemaster: progression to SSI Assistant Instructor and the Open Water Instructor Training Course. How to build experience and log the dives needed for the ITC.

  • Route from Divemaster to Assistant Instructor
  • SSI Instructor Training Course prerequisites
  • Building a professional dive portfolio
  • Working at SSI centres internationally
  • Continuing education and specialty pathways
Professional development · Post-DM pathway planning
Training Environment

Why Malta for professional diver training

Professional diver training in Malta's clear Mediterranean water
25m+
Visibility
300+
Dive days/yr
Diamond
SSI rating

Malta provides the conditions, sites, and facility standard that professional diver training demands. You train on the same wrecks and reefs used for daily guided dives, building the real-world experience that matters in a professional role.

  • Year-round diving. Malta's climate allows training in any month. Water temperature ranges from 15°C in winter to 27°C in summer. No seasonal shutdown, no forced gaps in your dive log.
  • World-class training wrecks. HMS Maori in Valletta Grand Harbour, Um El Faroud off Wied iz-Zurrieq, and MV Karwela off Ghajnsielem bay provide exceptional wreck diving for Divemaster training dives across a range of depths.
  • SSI Diamond Training Centre. The highest SSI facility rating. Small groups, personalised mentorship under SSI Instructor Trainers, and full access to the SSI programme library from day one.
  • Internationally recognised qualification. SSI is one of the world's largest scuba certification agencies. Your Divemaster is accepted at SSI centres and liveaboards globally, from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia.
Requirements

What you need before you start

Prerequisites are checked at Stage 1 (Dive Guide entry). Stage 2 (Divemaster upgrade) has additional requirements that you build toward during the programme.

  • Stage 1SSI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent)
  • Stage 1Deep Diver specialty, or 5 logged deep dives
  • Stage 1Navigation Diver specialty, or 5 logged navigation dives
  • Stage 1Night and Limited Visibility Diver specialty, or 5 logged dives
  • Stage 1Diver Stress and Rescue certification
  • Stage 1Minimum 40 logged dives
  • Stage 2Dive Guide certification (Stage 1 complete)
  • Stage 260 or more logged dives
  • Stage 2SSI Science of Diving course completion
  • Stage 2Digital Final Exam passed
  • NoteEquivalent certifications from other agencies are assessed individually; contact diveshack to confirm

Missing one or more prerequisites?

diveshack can complete your missing specialties before or during the programme. If you need Diver Stress and Rescue, Navigation Diver, or other specialties, contact us with your current certifications and logged dive count. We will confirm the most efficient pathway to get you into the Dive Guide programme.

Prerequisites checklist

  • CheckAOW cert card
  • CheckDeep, Navigation, Night & LV, Diver Stress & Rescue cert cards
  • CheckDive log with 40+ dives
  • PlanBuild log to 60 dives for Divemaster upgrade
Fees

€1,152

Course fee
€1,152 · €850 course fee + €302 SSI eLearning

The Divemaster course fee is €1,152, which includes the €850 course fee and €302 SSI eLearning programme. SSI professional registration fees are not included and are paid directly to SSI. This assumes you already hold all prerequisites: Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Deep Diver, Navigation Diver, Night Diver, and a minimum of 40 logged dives. If you need additional specialties first, contact us and we will provide a clear, itemised quote for your full pathway to Divemaster.

Request a Quote via WhatsApp Email info@divemalta.com
Certification Standard

SSI: one of the world's largest dive training agencies

FAQ

Common questions

What is the difference between Dive Guide and Divemaster? ▼

Dive Guide is the first SSI professional rating. It allows you to lead certified divers on guided dives and assist instructors during training. Divemaster is the full professional rating, adding supervisory and teaching-assistance privileges. Both are achieved in the same programme; Divemaster is the upgrade once you have 60 logged dives and complete Science of Diving.

How long does the programme take? ▼

It depends on your starting point. If you already hold AOW and all required specialties, the Dive Guide stage typically takes 1-2 weeks of concentrated training. The Divemaster upgrade follows once you meet the dive count and complete Science of Diving. Contact diveshack with your current level for a realistic timeline.

Do I need all four specialties before I start? ▼

You need AOW plus Deep Diver, Navigation Diver, Night and Limited Visibility Diver, and Diver Stress and Rescue. If you are missing any, diveshack can complete them before or during the programme. Contact us to discuss your current qualifications and we will confirm the most direct route to getting you started.

Is the SSI Divemaster recognised worldwide? ▼

Yes. SSI is one of the world's largest scuba certification agencies. Your Divemaster qualification is accepted at SSI dive centres, liveaboards, and resorts globally. The certification carries full professional standing wherever SSI operates.

Can I continue to Open Water Instructor after Divemaster? ▼

Yes. Divemaster is the gateway to the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC). Once qualified, you can join the ITC at diveshack and sit the Instructor Evaluation to become an SSI Open Water Instructor. diveshack runs ITC cohorts regularly in Malta, so your progression stays on one site.

Related Courses

Build your pathway to Divemaster

Prerequisite

SSI Diver Stress and Rescue

Required for entry to the Dive Guide programme. Teaches you to recognise, manage, and respond to diver stress situations. Builds the safety skills that underpin all professional diver work.

View Diver Stress and Rescue →
Prerequisite

SSI Navigation Diver

One of the four required specialties for Dive Guide entry. Learn natural and compass navigation underwater. Essential for leading dives and returning groups safely to the exit point.

View Navigation Diver →
Pro pathway

SSI Open Water Instructor

The next step after Divemaster. The 12-day SSI Instructor Training Course at diveshack prepares you to teach recreational diving. Leave with your OWI certification and five specialty instructor ratings.

View Open Water Instructor →

Book or enquire

Ready to dive?

Fill in the form and we will get back to you with availability, pricing confirmation, and everything you need to know before arrival.

Usually within a few hours. We confirm your dates, answer questions, and send full joining instructions.

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+356 9999 3483  ·  WhatsApp

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