Is it an internship, a course, program or what?! Searching for the right dive center to complete your Divemaster Certification Course can be overwhelming. There are SO MANY dive centers around the world. All telling you why they are the best and why you should complete a course with them. Why their marine life is the best – Blah blah blah. The reality is, we are really the best place to do your Divemasters course because well, we’re awesome! OK, OK, enough bragging. In all seriousness while you are shopping around for a dive center you may come across a few different terms for how the course/internship/program is referred to. It’s pretty common in the dive industry to interchange these words, but sometimes this can cause a bit of confusion. So here we lay out how we refer to our certifications at Crystal Divers, common misconceptions, and just a general overview of what earning your DM Certification is like.
What is a Divemaster Internship?
Probably the biggest misconception is that a dive internship is free. This is possible in other countries, but typically will come with some caveats. Due to Indonesian law it’s not even possible to do free internships in Bali or work in return for training.We will get into that more shortly. Â
Historically at Crystal we referred to our courses as internships because of how expansive the course is but found that it just caused confusion for people. So although our course is not referred to as a divemaster internship it still has all the benefits. All three of our divemaster courses offer real world experience where you have the opportunity to be a part of the team and understand what it means to be a divemaster.
Benefits of the Crystal Divers DM Course
During your DM Course you’ll be a part of our team. That includes getting to spend time with our diving staff and working with real customers – this is a huge benefit of our courses. You’ll see real-life situations that are entirely unscripted. During your Divemaster course you are expected to do what our own PADI Divemasters do, and once in a while, you might carry a tank or help a guest with their gear. Unlike in some regions, we have a team of staff for loading tanks, carrying equipment, and heavy lifting – this is not your job or part of your course.
Completing your course in Bali also gives you access to all the best diving sites in Bali. In Sanur we are just a boat ride away from some of the most beautiful dive spots in the world. If you complete your DM with us you have a chance to dive those sites daily!Â
On top of the breathtaking dive sites, and the amazing species you get direct access to two of the most well experienced PADI IDC course directors. Positioned to provide you with insight, knowhow, and connections that you’re not likely to find elsewhere. It pays to be mentored by GOATs of the industry!Â
How Does the Term ‘Internship’ Differ in Bali?
The word internship tends to imply two things. One, that you are gaining real world experience, and two, that the offering is free. One of these things is beneficial, the other well, isn’t as beneficial as you think.Â
There are many ‘free’ divemaster internships in the diving market and we at crystal feel that these never quite work out as either party intends. Quite often the intern is required to work for free before, during or after the course and works way beyond what would be reasonable. Alternatively, because the course is free, the training of the candidate does not live up to expectations. So you are just used as a transporter, carrying tanks for the guests, and very little teaching of how to be a DM is included. In some cases dive centres will offer these free internships so that they can cut the price of another course or dive, either undercutting the market or maximising profit! In some cases dive centres will use uncertified DM to lead dives with no other in-water supervision. While this does not directly break diving standards it’s certainly a grey area. One that could easily open up the dive centre and DM trainee to liability should there be an accident! It’s not to say that all free internships are this way but it is common.Â
In Bali the laws are also different. So a free internship isn’t even possible. Indonesian immigration laws do not allow work in return for training or free internships.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Whether you want to become a PADI Divemaster and start working in the dive industry, become a PADI Instructor, or if you’re going to experience what it’s really like behind the scenes and to be a part of a professional dive team, then our PADI Divemaster courses are explicitly designed for you!
If you’ve decided that a PADI Divemaster Course is the right fit for you, we have a number of options to choose from. Everyone is different and we’ve tailor-made a selection of options to take into account any special interests you might have!
Complete Divemaster Course
Our complete Divemaster Course includes the PADI Divemaster Crew Pack, 6 weeks accommodation, all extra workshops, unlimited diving and mentoring by our Platinum PADI Course Directors. You’ll experience ‘real life’ as a PADI Divemaster, and you’ll become a part of our team!
Conservation Divemaster
Our conservation courses at Crystal Divers Bali focuses on two key areas: Coral reefs and reef restoration, and (of course) Mola! Combine learning about corals, coral ID, and reef restoration with the latest studies about the oceanic sunfish!
Master DM
Our Complete Divemaster Course (above) PLUS ANY 5 PADI Specialty diver certifications and the PADI Master Scuba Diver certification. Thinking about becoming a PADI Instructor? Some instructor specialty ratings require you to have taken the corresponding specialty course, so this is a great way to get started on your Instructor preparation before the IDC.
Adaptive Divemaster
All the great features of our Complete Divemaster course plus the PADI Adaptive Diver Specialty, Disabled Divers International Divemaster certification. This is an extremely rewarding option to take your diving to another level.
Tec Divemaster
All the great features of our Complete Divemaster course plus PADI Deep Diver, Enriched Air Diver, PADI Sidemount recreational level. PADI TEC 40, 45 & 50 Diver.
How Do I Get Started?
To start PADI Divemaster training (internship and course requirements) you must:
• Be 18 years old at the start of Divemaster training
• Have logged 20 dives
• Have completed EFR Primary and Secondary Care training within the last 24 months
• Be medically evaluated and cleared for diving by a physician within the previous 12 months
• Be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and PADI Rescue Diver or have an equivalent rating through another organization.
If you do not meet some (or any) of the requirements above, do not worry!! Contact us, and we will structure a program around where you are now. To get started on your journey to becoming a PADI Divemaster in Bali, fill in our online contact form or email us at info@crystal-divers.com, and we will get right back to you.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Crystal Divers soon!
