If you’re dreaming of becoming a professional scuba diver, leading fun divers, or building a long-term career in the dive industry, then your journey begins with the SSI Divemaster Course—the essential first rung of the professional diving ladder. Our Divemaster Training Program on Koh Tao is designed for divers who want more than just a certification card. This is for people who want to grow, learn, and become confident, capable, responsible dive professionals.

Unlike fast, high-volume programs elsewhere, our approach focuses on high-quality Divemaster training, real-world experience, and personal development. By the time you complete your training, you won’t just hold a Divemaster certification—you’ll think like a dive professional, act like a dive professional, and lead like a dive professional.

Why Our Divemaster Program Stands Out

Our SSI Divemaster Course takes you from recreational diver to fully trained dive leader. You’ll learn how to supervise certified divers safely, support instructors, and handle the real responsibilities of life in the dive industry. You’ll sharpen your skills, deepen your theoretical knowledge, and build the confidence required to guide dives, assist courses, solve problems underwater, and ensure diver safety.

Most Divemaster candidates choose to spend 4–6 weeks with us. This gives you the full value of the program—more mentoring, more hands-on experience, more workshops, and a much stronger foundation as a future professional. Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by highly experienced instructor mentors: Fiona Anne, Martin Lindquist, and Sarah Ebertz. They’re here for one-on-one coaching, skill refinement, problem-solving sessions, and plenty of social events to make the experience unforgettable.

Divemaster Course Requirements

To start your SSI Divemaster Training, you’ll need:

• Rescue Diver certification

• First Aid & CPR (EFR/React Right within 2 years)

• 40 logged dives

• A passion for learning and improving

If you’re missing any prerequisites, don’t worry—we can help you complete everything right here at Big Blue Diving Koh Tao. And if you’re short on logged dives, you can join our reduced-rate fun dives for only 750 THB to reach the required experience level.

Professional-Quality Dive Gear

We provide all the essential scuba equipment you need to complete your Divemaster Course, except:

• Dive computer

• DSMB

• Knife

• Compass

• Whistle

These are standard requirements for all SSI Divemaster candidates, and you’ll receive a 15% pro discount on all gear at Big Blue. Many DMTs also choose to add a torch and slate for convenience throughout the program.

Technical Diving Opportunities

Big Blue is one of the only dive centers on Koh Tao with a fully operational Technical Diving Department. If you’re curious about:

• Sidemount

• Twinset Diving

• Decompression Procedures

• Deep, Wreck, Nitrox, or DPV Specialties

—you’ll get access to discounted training and dedicated Tech Days with the Big Blue Tech team.

Why Choose Big Blue Diving for Your Divemaster Training?

⭐ Worldwide Reputation for Excellence

With over 30 years of experience, Big Blue is known globally for producing knowledgeable, confident, job-ready Divemasters.

⭐ Experienced Instructor Mentors

Our professional team is passionate about helping every trainee reach their full potential.

⭐ Professional Facilities

Purpose-built dive boats, high-quality rental gear, and a well-organised dive centre make learning easy and enjoyable.

⭐ Real-World Experience

Shadow working Divemasters, assist instructors, participate in briefings, and see exactly how a professional dive operation works.

⭐ Small Training Groups

More personal attention, more coaching, and more focused development.

⭐ Incredible Koh Tao Dive Sites

Learn on some of Thailand’s most iconic reefs, pinnacles, and wrecks—perfect for Divemaster skill development.

⭐ Sustainable Diving Focus

We emphasise marine conservation and environmental responsibility in every part of the training.

⭐ A Supportive Dive Community

Join a global network of divers, friends, mentors, and future colleagues.

What You’ll Learn in the SSI Divemaster Course

Our professional program covers both core components of the SSI Divemaster pathway:

Dive Guide

Learn to plan, supervise, and lead dives safely and confidently.

Science of Diving

Master the theory behind scuba diving: physics, physiology, decompression, and the underwater environment.

Hands-On Practical Workshops Include:

• Deep Diving

• Navigation

• Night Diving

• Guiding & Dive Briefings

• Buoyancy Control

• Stress & Rescue Scenarios

• Missing Diver Search

• Skills Circuits

• Snorkeling Instructor Training

You’ll also gain experience in dive shop operations, customer service, equipment handling, tank fills, and the natural rhythm of a busy dive centre.

And with our rolling academic schedule, you can start your Divemaster Course with us any day of the year.