Becoming a CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) Divemaster involves a structured training program that builds on your existing diving skills and knowledge. Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to guide you through the process:
Table of contents
Step-by-Step Roadmap to Become a CMAS Divemaster
- CMAS * (One-Star) Diver
- Objective: Learn the basics of scuba diving, including equipment usage, dive planning, and essential underwater skills.
- Components: Theory sessions, confined water (pool) dives, and open water dives.
- Duration: Typically 3-4 days.
- CMAS ** (Two-Star) Diver
- Objective: Gain advanced diving skills, including deep diving, navigation, and rescue techniques. Learn to dive independently with other qualified divers.
- Components: Theory sessions, practical skills training, and a minimum number of logged dives.
- Prerequisites: CMAS * Diver certification, a minimum of 20 logged dives.
- Duration: Varies, usually several days to weeks.
- CMAS *** (Three-Star) Diver
- Objective: Develop leadership skills, dive planning, and management capabilities. Prepare to assist instructors and guide other divers.
- Components: Advanced theory, practical leadership exercises, and additional logged dives.
- Prerequisites: CMAS ** Diver certification, a minimum of 50 logged dives.
- Duration: Varies, typically several weeks.
- Specialty Courses (Optional but Recommended)
- Objective: Gain specialized skills in areas such as deep diving, wreck diving, night diving, and more.
- Components: Theory and practical dives for each specialty.
- Duration: Varies per specialty, usually 1-2 days each.
- First Aid and CPR Certification
- Objective: Learn primary and secondary care, CPR, and first aid, which are essential skills for a dive professional.
- Components: Theory and practical sessions.
- Duration: 1 day.
- Rescue Diver Training
- Objective: Develop skills to manage and prevent diving emergencies, and perform rescue techniques for divers in distress.
- Components: Theory sessions, confined water training, and open water rescue scenarios.
- Duration: Typically 2-3 days.
Divemaster Course
- Prerequisites Check
- CMAS Diver certification.
- First Aid and CPR certification within the past 24 months.
- A minimum of 100 logged dives.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Enroll in Divemaster Course
- Choose a CMAS-affiliated dive center with experienced instructors.
- Knowledge Development
- Study dive theory, including physics, physiology, decompression theory, and dive management.
- Complete the necessary theoretical exams and assessments.
- Water Skills and Stamina
- Demonstrate advanced dive skills to a high standard.
- Complete swimming and snorkeling exercises to meet stamina requirements.
- Practical Application
- Assist in real-world diving scenarios, including helping with training courses and guiding dives.
- Lead certified divers on underwater tours and manage dive activities.
- Complete dive site mapping and emergency assistance planning.
- Final Assessment
- Pass all written exams.
- Successfully complete all water skills and practical assessments.
- Log at least 100 dives to qualify for certification.
Recommended Timeline
- Months 1-2: Complete CMAS * Diver certification.
- Months 3-4: Complete CMAS ** Diver certification.
- Months 5-6: Complete First Aid and CPR certification, and Rescue Diver training.
- Months 7-9: Gain additional diving experience and consider taking specialty courses.
- Months 10-12: Enroll in and complete CMAS *** Diver certification.
- Months 13-15: Enroll in and complete the Divemaster course.
Additional Tips for Success
- Get Plenty of Diving Experience: The more you dive, the better. Aim to dive in various environments and conditions.
- Maintain Physical Fitness: Good physical fitness will help you meet the stamina requirements and handle the physical demands of diving.
- Study Regularly: Dive theory can be challenging, so regular study sessions will help you retain information.
- Develop Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for leading dives and assisting students.
- Build a Network: Engage with instructors, fellow students, and the diving community. Networking can provide opportunities for mentorship and career advancement.
- Maintain Your Gear: Ensure your equipment is well-maintained for safety and performance.
Choosing a Dive Center
- Reputation and Experience: Select a dive center with a good reputation and experienced instructors.
- Facilities and Resources: Ensure the center has well-maintained facilities and equipment.
- Instructor-to-Student Ratio: A low ratio ensures personalized attention.
- Location: Choose a center in a location with diverse diving conditions to gain varied experience.
- Cost Transparency: The dive center should clearly outline all costs involved in the training.
By following this roadmap and dedicating time and effort to your training, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a competent and confident CMAS Divemaster.
is CMAS Divemaster certificate good for work?
Yes, a CMAS Divemaster certification is highly respected and can open up various opportunities for work in the dive industry. Here are some reasons why the CMAS Divemaster certification is valuable for employment:
1. Global Recognition
CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) is a well-established and globally recognized organization in the diving community. A CMAS certification is known and respected worldwide, making it valid for work in many countries.
2. High Standards of Training
CMAS is known for its rigorous training standards. The certification process is thorough and ensures that Divemasters are well-prepared for their roles. This high standard of training is appreciated by employers looking for competent and knowledgeable dive professionals.
3. Versatility in Roles
As a CMAS Divemaster, you can take on various roles, including:
- Leading and guiding certified divers.
- Assisting instructors with training courses.
- Conducting dive briefings and managing dive logistics.
- Working in dive centers, resorts, and on liveaboard boats.
- Engaging in underwater projects such as research, conservation, and underwater archaeology.
4. Strong Foundational Knowledge
CMAS emphasizes comprehensive dive theory, practical skills, and safety. This strong foundation equips you to handle diverse diving situations and ensures you can provide high-quality services to divers.
5. Opportunities for Advancement
The CMAS certification system is structured to allow for continuous professional development. As a Divemaster, you can advance to higher levels of professional diving certifications, such as CMAS Instructor levels, which further enhance your employability and career prospects.
6. Network and Community
Being a part of the CMAS diving community gives you access to a network of diving professionals and opportunities worldwide. This network can be invaluable for job placements, professional growth, and continuous learning.
7. Employment Sectors
With a CMAS Divemaster certification, you can find work in various sectors of the dive industry, including:
- Recreational dive centers and resorts.
- Dive shops and equipment retailers.
- Liveaboard diving operations.
- Dive tourism and travel companies.
- Marine conservation and research organizations.
- Underwater photography and videography services.
8. Potential Employers’ Preference
Many dive centers and employers recognize and appreciate the high standards of CMAS training. While some regions may predominantly follow other certification agencies like PADI or SSI, CMAS Divemasters are still highly regarded and often welcomed.
Steps to Maximize Employability
- Gain Experience: Beyond your certification, logging a high number of dives and gaining experience in different diving conditions will make you more attractive to employers.
- Develop Additional Skills: Specialize in areas such as underwater photography, marine biology, equipment maintenance, or emergency response to broaden your expertise.
- Network Actively: Join diving forums, attend industry events, and connect with professionals in the diving community.
- Pursue Further Education: Consider advancing your qualifications by becoming a CMAS Instructor or obtaining certifications in niche areas like technical diving.
- Learn Multiple Languages: Being multilingual can be a significant advantage, especially in tourist-heavy diving locations.
to Become a CMAS Divemaster Conclusion
A CMAS Divemaster certification is indeed a strong credential for work in the diving industry. It is respected globally for its rigorous training standards and comprehensive approach to dive education. By leveraging the skills, knowledge, and networks associated with this certification, you can find rewarding opportunities and build a successful career in the diving world.
