[Taiwan Diving – Dylan Chen Column] Divemasters Are Everywhere — Here's How to Stand Out from the Crowd

Master these qualities and you'll become the Divemaster everyone adores — guests will tip you generously and your boss will be scrambling to give you a raise!

I still remember a dive trip I once arranged to Bohol in the Philippines. The moment we arrived at the dive shop and started sorting our gear, an energetic Filipino came over with a beaming smile and walked us through everything — where to put our equipment, when to meet up, and what to keep in mind during the dives.

Right then I thought to myself: this guy is definitely getting a tip. His presence instantly lifted the whole group's energy. In the water, he was just as dedicated — not only watching over our safety, but also seeking out all kinds of remarkable marine life for us to see. What really surprised me was that he was also in charge of the BBQ that evening. And if that weren't impressive enough, after grilling the meat he quietly walked up onto the stage, picked up a guitar, and started singing for us. If it had been me, I would have been exhausted and sour-faced by that point — but not him. From morning to night, that smile never left his face.

After visiting so many places over the years, my mental image of the ideal Divemaster still comes back to that dive guide in Bohol. I can no longer picture his face, but I will never forget the jolt of inspiration I felt the moment he stepped up onto that stage with a guitar in hand.

The Divemaster rating is the starting point of the leadership tier — and a pivotal turning point. That's why a shift in mindset is absolutely critical. The course covers foundational theory, water skills assessment, enhanced scuba techniques, and a variety of seminars and workshops. Its primary goal is to cultivate two defining qualities in candidates: professional competence and exemplary behavior, because these qualities shape one's entire career trajectory and professional philosophy.

3 Essential "Professional Competencies" to Become a Divemaster Everyone Loves

Think about who you'd want to dive with. I'm confident the answer comes down to three things: an expert, someone who prioritizes safety, and someone who looks out for you. That's how I break it down:

1. Knowledge (make yourself the expert): A Divemaster must be able to handle anything that comes up during a dive and explain why it happened. That's why the five core theory modules are so important. Whether it's physiology, physics, equipment, general skills, or decompression theory — these subjects form the foundation of our diving knowledge base, allowing us to answer any dive-related question like a true expert. And precisely because of this, students will trust that we are capable of keeping them safe.

2. Standards (make yourself the referee): Diving is an inherently risky activity, so we should rely heavily on the rules and standards set by established protocols to keep ourselves and our divers out of danger. Every leader in this field should have a clear grasp of things like: how many students an instructor can supervise, what conditions are acceptable for entering the water, and exactly what content a course must cover. For example, a Divemaster is authorized to lead certified divers on dive travel, scuba review (ReActivate) sessions, assist instructors as a teacher's aide, and independently lead snorkeling activities. You might wonder — what about Discover Scuba Diving? The truth is, PADI (certification agency) regulations do not permit a Divemaster to independently conduct Discover Scuba Diving experiences. Yet in many places people shrug and say, "It's fine, just let the Divemaster handle it." In reality, this is both illegal and non-compliant — and if something goes wrong, the resulting liability becomes far more complicated.

3. Empathy (make yourself a friend): During the internship, candidates work with real students. I always tell them: "Do whatever it takes to make sure your students remember your name." They ask me, "How do I actually do that?" The simplest answer: go out of your way to treat them well, and make them feel that having you around is the greatest comfort. I used to joke with my colleagues: "Leading a dive is simple — just make your students feel like they're experiencing their first love." You might be more patient and attentive than their husband or boyfriend, taking care of them and staying by their side. I truly believe that when you do this, your students' sense of security underwater will improve dramatically.

Always carry in your heart the question: how can I help you? Approach your students with an appreciative eye, and meet every challenge that arises with an open and understanding heart.

3 Essential "Exemplary Behaviors" to Become a Divemaster Everyone Loves

Think about the kind of instructor you admire — then become that person, and use it to inspire other divers. The Dive Master is a Dream Model. Remember: every move we make is being observed and imitated by the divers around us.

1. Skills (first requirement: look effortless): No matter what you're doing or what happens underwater, always remember to look relaxed and at ease. This takes a great deal of practice, because the movements required for teaching are not what you'd normally perform on a recreational dive — so you need to drill them repeatedly, over and over again.

2. Attitude (top priority: make it good): People watch what you do far more than they listen to what you say. A great attitude — patience, warmth, genuine care — makes your presence feel like a comfort to everyone around you. On the flip side, bad habits like showing up late, ignoring the rules, or losing your patience can undermine everything.

3. How You Treat Others (the key ingredient: be warm): Understand what kind of support a Divemaster can offer — from logistics and dive site planning to helping students fill out their dive logs. At every stage, there's something you can do to help. At its heart, diving is about companionship.

Work Hard to Become the Dive Instructor You Envision in Your Heart

I wonder — what does the ideal Divemaster look like in your eyes? Someone who leads you on dives, shares in the fun with you, watches over your safety, and maybe even makes the whole experience feel truly joyful? I believe that Filipino dive guide, Mario, embodied everything a Divemaster should do — and went far beyond what his role required. That's exactly why I handed him a generous tip, with heartfelt gratitude for giving us such a wonderful diving memory in the Philippines.

Diving has given me so much, and I want to pass that feeling on to as many people as possible. I believe that everyone who makes it to the Divemaster level is someone who truly loves diving.

I love my work deeply — because through what we do, we help more and more people fall in love with the ocean. I am proud of what I do.

Related links:

• 【Taiwan Diving – Dylan Chen Column】Before Pursuing Your PADI Divemaster Course, Make Sure You Avoid These Three Pitfalls

• 【Taiwan Diving – Dylan Chen Column】If You Want to Become a Divemaster, You Can Start Preparing in These Three Areas Right Now

• Director Dylan Chen's Personal Facebook

• Taiwan Diving Official Website