While volunteering on the Shark Conservation Project, you can earn your qualification as a PADI Divemaster. This is your required certification if you want to turn your love of diving into a career.


This is a comprehensive course which includes both wet and dry class sessions. You’ll learn about the science of diving, how to conduct your own Divemaster lead programs, gain skills to run a professional dive boat, and receive career guidance in the dive industry.


Throughout your project, you’ll work closely with our PADI licensed instructors, a personal mentor and Projects Abroad staff. You’ll learn how to manage dive groups, conduct dive briefings, map dive sites, and protect fragile marine environments. You’ll also pick up useful logistical skills, like how to conduct scuba review courses.


After this program you will be ready to work in the diving industry as a Divemaster or sign up for the Instructor Development Course to further your career in SCUBA diving.

What costs are involved in becoming a divemaster?

Costs of the Divemaster course depend on your experience and current dive certification level. The more skills and experience you already have, the bigger the discount. There are three price options as follows:


  • EFR and Rescue Divers with 40+ logged dives pay a discounted price of $695
  • Advanced Open Water Divers (or higher) with 30+ logged dives pay a slightly discounted price of $1,870
  • All others pay the standard price of $2,670


This is an Add-on to our Fiji Shark Conservation Project. It is not possible to do just the Divemaster course – you must also volunteer on the Shark Conservation Project and pay that program fee too.


These prices include the Divemaster “Crew pack” and the required PADI courses. Please bring your own Divemaster specific gear (or buy it when you arrive, at a cost of about $150). You will need to pay your own PADI Divemaster Membership fees (about $150) separately.

Timeline for becoming a Divemaster

Depending on your previous experience, you can do your Divemaster course in as little as 8 weeks:


  • EFR and Rescue Divers with 40+ logged dives: 8 weeks
  • Advanced Open Water Divers (or higher) with 30+ logged dives: 12 weeks
  • All others: 16 weeks

Our accreditations