SSI Divemaster Course Koh Tao
Professional Dive Training
Take your Divemaster course on Koh tao
If you’re passionate about the ocean and ready to turn that passion into a professional career, the SSI Divemaster Course at Chalok Reef Divers is your gateway into the global scuba diving industry.
The SSI Divemaster Course at Chalok Reef Divers is one of the most comprehensive options for Divemaster training in Koh Tao.
Our program focuses on real-world dive centre experience, helping you develop the leadership, confidence, and diving skills required to become a professional Dive Guide.
Why Train as a Divemaster in Koh Tao?
Koh Tao is one of the world’s most popular destinations for Divemaster training. The island offers warm tropical water year-round, excellent visibility, and a large variety of dive sites.
Training here allows Divemaster candidates to gain real experience guiding certified divers and assisting instructors in a busy professional dive centre.
Why Choose Chalok Reef Divers?
At Chalok Reef Divers, one of Koh Tao’s most trusted dive centres, you’ll receive comprehensive Divemaster training led by highly experienced SSI Instructors dedicated to your success.
Located near Chalok Bay, our friendly dive shop offers a complete professional diver training program that includes classroom sessions, dive briefings, boat dives, and real-world experience assisting instructors and guiding certified divers aboard our fully equipped dive boat.
We offer a rolling training schedule, allowing you to begin the course whenever it suits your travel plans. Most candidates complete the Divemaster program in around 4–6 weeks, depending on experience and the number of dives required for certification.
While some dive centres advertise “unlimited diving,” we focus on high-quality training that develops strong professional skills, leadership ability, and dive safety awareness.
What’s Included in the SSI Divemaster Course?
The SSI Divemaster course combines advanced scuba diving theory, confined water skill development, and real-world leadership training to prepare you for a career in the recreational dive industry.
Academic & Knowledge Development
- Dive theory, including decompression theory, physics, and physiology
- Knowledge development sessions and theory reviews
- Understanding the business of diving and customer service within the dive industry
- Professional conduct, diver safety, and leadership responsibilities
Practical Skills & Training
- Confined water training sessions to refine core scuba skills
- Advanced buoyancy control and underwater awareness
- Rescue skills and emergency management techniques
- Surface stamina assessments including a 15-minute float
- Real dive centre experience assisting with training courses, fun dives, and dive briefings
Workshops & Specialty Experience
- Buoyancy workshops and dive control techniques
- Customer service skills and diver management
- Dive site mapping project and dive planning exercises
- Optional conservation workshops and marine awareness sessions
- Exposure to daily operations within a professional dive centre on Koh Tao
Real Scuba Diving Experience During Your Divemaster Course on Koh Tao
You’ll dive at a wide range of popular dive destinations around Koh Tao, including:
Koh Tao is known for its excellent diving conditions, great visibility (especially during the warmer months), and diverse marine life across thriving coral reef ecosystems. During your training you’ll gain practical experience diving in a variety of conditions, including currents, deeper dive sites, and changing underwater visibility.
This real-world experience helps build the confidence, awareness, and leadership skills needed for a professional role within the scuba diving industry.
Career Opportunities After Your Divemaster Course
Completing the SSI Divemaster Course at Chalok Reef Divers opens the door to exciting opportunities within the global scuba diving industry. As a certified dive professional, you’ll gain the experience and leadership skills needed to guide divers, assist instructors, and work in dive centres around the world.
- Lead fun dives with certified divers and assist with Discover Local Diving experiences
- Work in dive centres, dive schools, or aboard dive boats and liveaboards
- Continue your professional path by progressing to an SSI Instructor Training Course
During your Divemaster internship you’ll also gain practical insight into how professional dive centres operate, including:
- Dive training and daily diving operations
- Equipment rental, dive gear sales, and professional discount structures
- Handling rental equipment and maintaining professional scuba gear
Many Divemasters earn commission per customer and receive tips from divers, making this not just a career path but an exciting lifestyle built around travel, adventure, and the ocean.
Note: While many divers complete their Divemaster training on Koh Tao, Thai labour regulations restrict foreign nationals from working as dive guides in Thailand. Many graduates choose to continue their professional careers internationally or progress to instructor-level training.
Things to Consider Before Starting Your Divemaster Course
Start Your Diving Career Today
The Koh Tao Divemaster program at Chalok Reef Divers isn’t just training — it’s your launchpad into an exciting lifestyle built around the ocean, travel, and professional diving. Our experienced team, highly rated dive school, and access to some of the island’s best dive sites will help you develop the skills and confidence needed to become a capable dive professional.
🔎 Ready to begin your diving career? Contact us now to join the next Koh Tao Divemaster program or ask any questions about the course.
Your future as a scuba diving professional starts here.
Course Fee and What’s Included
💰 40,000 THB includes:
The SSI Divemaster Course on Koh Tao at Chalok Reef Divers is priced at 40,000 THB and includes everything you need to begin your professional journey in the scuba diving industry.
- Two-month Divemaster internship with hands-on training
- Full use of professional dive training facilities
- SSI Divemaster e-Learning and academic materials
- Mentorship from experienced SSI Dive Instructors throughout the course
- Support with finding long-term accommodation and helpful accommodation options on Koh Tao
We also offer professional discounts on dive equipment purchases and help you choose from major scuba brands suited to your future diving career.
Ready to start your Divemaster journey? Contact us to check upcoming course dates or ask any questions about training on Koh Tao.
PRICES, PREREQUISITES, AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFO
Price: 40,000 THB
The full SSI Divemaster Course on Koh Tao at Chalok Reef Divers costs 40,000 THB. This price includes your professional training, SSI Divemaster e-Learning materials, mentorship from experienced instructors, and access to all dive training facilities during your internship.
The Divemaster program is designed as a two-month internship, allowing you to gain real experience assisting instructors, guiding certified divers, and learning how a professional dive centre operates.
The minimum age to enroll in the SSI Divemaster Course is 18 years old.
Before starting your Divemaster training you must also:
- Be certified as a Rescue Diver (SSI or equivalent)
- Have logged at least 40 dives to begin training
- Have at least 60 logged dives before certification
Please download and complete the SSI Diver Medical Form before starting your training.
Download the medical form here.
If any questions are answered “Yes”, you may need a doctor’s approval before participating in diving activities.
- You must hold certifications equivalent to:
• Advanced Open Water Diver (or SSI Advanced Adventurer)
• Rescue DiverYou must also have at least 40 logged dives to begin training and 60 dives to complete the certification.
Nitrox and Deep Diving specialties are recommended but not required.
- A completed Diver Medical Statement is required before starting the course.
- The course duration is typically 6–8 weeks. Please allow an additional couple of weeks at the end for final assessments and certification requirements.
- Expect a combination of theory sessions, practical assessments, and extensive real dive experience as part of your Divemaster training.
- You will need your own personal diving equipment such as a dive knife, mask, rash guard or wetsuit, torch, and DSMB.
- BCDs and regulators can be provided from our rental equipment at no additional cost if required.
Divemaster Internship Program
The Koh Tao Divemaster internship at Chalok Reef Divers is designed to give you real experience working in a professional dive centre.
During the program you will assist instructors during training courses, guide certified divers on fun dives, and learn how a successful dive centre operates day to day.
- Assist instructors with training courses
- Guide certified divers on fun dives
- Gain experience managing dive groups
- Learn dive shop operations and logistics
- Build confidence as a dive professional
Career Progression After Divemaster
After completing your SSI Divemaster certification, many divers choose to continue their professional development by becoming a scuba instructor.
The next step is the SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC), which allows you to teach and certify new divers around the world.
- SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC)
- Assistant Instructor certification
- Specialty Instructor ratings
- Opportunities to work in dive centres worldwide
SSI Divemaster Course FAQs
How long does the SSI Divemaster Course take?
The SSI Divemaster Course typically takes around 6–8 weeks depending on your experience level, number of logged dives, and how quickly you complete the required training exercises and practical assessments. Some candidates progress faster, while others choose a longer internship-style program to gain more real-world experience in a professional dive centre.
How many dives do you need to become a Divemaster?
You must have at least 40 logged dives to begin the SSI Divemaster program and a minimum of 60 logged dives to be certified. During the course you will complete additional training dives, workshops, and practical exercises that help build your confidence and professional-level diving skills.
Do I need to be a Rescue Diver before starting Divemaster training?
Yes. To start the SSI Divemaster Course you must hold certifications equivalent to Advanced Open Water Diver and Stress & Rescue Diver. These courses ensure you have the necessary diving experience and safety training before progressing to professional-level leadership training.
Can foreigners work as dive professionals in Thailand?
Thai labour regulations generally restrict foreign nationals from working as dive guides within Thailand. However, many divers complete their Divemaster training on Koh Tao and then continue their professional diving careers internationally or progress to instructor-level training.
What can you do after completing the Divemaster Course?
After becoming a Divemaster you can guide certified divers, assist instructors with training courses, and work in dive centres around the world. Many divers continue their professional development by enrolling in an SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) to become a certified scuba diving instructor.
Is Divemaster the first professional scuba diving certification?
Yes. The SSI Divemaster certification is the first professional level in recreational scuba diving. As a Divemaster you learn to supervise certified divers, assist instructors during training courses, and gain real experience working in a professional dive centre. Many divers use Divemaster training as the first step toward becoming a scuba diving instructor.