Become a Divemaster in Cairns with Divers Den

Start your journey as a professional diver with world-class training at Divers Den, based in Cairns – the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This PADI Divemaster course is your first step toward leading others underwater and working in the dive industry. You’ll gain essential skills like supervising dives, assisting with training, site mapping, and improving rescue techniques.

The program begins with flexible PADI eLearning, followed by hands-on pool and classroom training at Divers Den’s Career Development Centre. You’ll then spend seven days on the Outer Reef aboard OceanQuest, where you’ll shadow real PADI courses, guide certified divers, and assist with student training. With mentorship from experienced instructors and real-world experience on a liveaboard, you’ll develop the confidence, leadership, and professionalism to succeed in the dive industry.

Monthly Course commencement dates available

Compulsory Prerequisites

• Minimum age 18 years
• Current dive medical (AS4005.1 or AS2299) stating that you are fit to SCUBA dive signed by a physician within the previous 12 months
• Certified PADI Rescue diver or hold equivalent certification from another dive training organisation
• Completed an Emergency First Response (EFR) Primary and Secondary Care course (or other sanctioned first aid and CPR course) within the past 24 months
• Proof you have completed at least 40 dives. You will need 60 dives before being able to complete the Divemaster course, which can be gained during training

Inclusions

• PADI Divemaster eLearning
• PADI laptop bag including Divemaster slates, eRDPML online code, Divemaster decal, scuba tune up workbook, Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving
• Seven days at sea
• Help selecting dive gear and in-store discounts
• Lycra suits during summer months
• Air fills and heated pool access during opening hours
• Wifi and classroom access during opening hours
• Access to dive library
• All meals on board our vessels plus fresh chilled water, tea and coffee
• En suite twin cabins on board OceanQuest
• Discussion with PADI Course Directors about your dive career goals
• Pre-assessment and priority access to our Instructor Training Program internship

Extras

• PADI Application fee
• Dive equipment
• Australian Standard Dive Medical
• Digital camera hire (optional)
• Professional photos for purchase
• Soft drinks, alcohol and snacks

Important: To help us provide you with the relevant information based on your existing diving experience please complete and submit the below form. 

Divemaster Program Form

Pricing Table

Divers Den PADI Divemaster Program
Option	Cost
Divemaster Course	$3,374
Rates valid until 31st March 2026

Itinerary

The basic course schedule will follow a Wednesday to Sunday week with Monday and Tuesdays off. Flexible course schedules are available, but must coincide with our minimum course requirements – feel free to discuss this with your course directors when booking.

Pool training will include; a skills circuit and perfecting skills to a demonstration quality, water skills evaluation in the form of a 400m swim, 800m snorkel test, 15-minute treading water and tired diver tow, all for timed periods. You will also conduct all programs that you will be able to conduct as a PADI divemaster with real or simulated students.

We will also have some classroom based knowledge development sessions, including discussion of emergency plans, dive mapping and a final written exams.

During your time on the Great Barrier Reef you’ll assist with qualified PADI Instructors as they conduct Open Water courses, Snorkel guiding, Advanced Open Water course (or continuing education) on our Great Barrier Reef day trip and or liveaboard vessels.

At the reef you will also complete a dive mapping project and gain experience in search and recovery, night and deep diving. We’ll undertake various other practical assessments and workshops out at the Great Barrier Reef to help you perfect your technique and ability conducting dive briefings and being a dive leader!