The SDI Junior Divemaster program is designed as a leadership development pathway for experienced youth divers ages 15–17 who want to deepen their dive knowledge, refine their skills, and begin learning what it means to support instructors and students in a training environment. Modeled closely after the SDI Divemaster course, the Junior Divemaster follows the same educational structure and performance expectations—while clearly defining age-appropriate limits. It is important to note that this is not a professional rating; Junior Divemasters may not supervise dives, increase ratios, or act as certified assistants, but instead operate under the direct supervision of an active SDI Instructor.

Academically, the course mirrors the Divemaster curriculum, covering dive theory, physics and physiology, equipment, dive planning, risk management, emergency procedures, leadership principles, and SDI standards and professionalism. Candidates use the SDI Divemaster manual or eLearning, reinforcing that this program is built on the same foundation as the professional track. Junior Divemasters also learn the administrative and logistical side of dive operations—briefings, debriefings, site planning, emergency action plans, and environmental awareness—giving them a holistic understanding of how safe dive programs are run.

In the water, expectations are high. Junior Divemaster candidates must demonstrate Divemaster-quality skills, including watermanship tests, rescue scenarios, group control, problem recognition, and precise buoyancy and equipment handling—both in confined and open water. The course requires a minimum of 40 hours, with at least 30 hours under direct instructor supervision, and includes extensive real-world practice such as leading briefings, assisting with training activities, preparing site maps, deploying SMBs, and completing open water dives across varied environments (to a maximum of 30 meters / 100 feet).

Graduates of the SDI Junior Divemaster program gain meaningful responsibilities within clear boundaries. They may demonstrate skills, act as a dive buddy for students, assist with briefings, and deliver presentations on the underwater environment—all while working directly alongside an instructor. When the Junior Divemaster turns 18, the program provides a defined and streamlined pathway to upgrade to full SDI Divemaster, requiring additional dives, evaluations, and administrative steps rather than starting over from scratch.

In short, the SDI Junior Divemaster is best viewed as a mentored leadership apprenticeship—one that prepares young, motivated divers for future professional training while emphasizing judgment, responsibility, and excellence in diving from the very beginning.

·  Minimum Age:

• 15 years old at the time of registration.
• Must be 16 years old to participate in confined/open water leadership activities that involve assisting independently (always under instructor supervision).

·  Certification Requirements:

• SDI Advanced Diver (or equivalent from another training agency).
• SDI Rescue Diver (or equivalent) 

·  Medical Clearance:

• A current diving medical evaluation signed by a physician within the last 12 months.

·  Emergency Training:

• CPR and First Aid certification (from SDI/ERDI, PADI, NAUI, or other recognized provider) completed within the last 24 months. We offer these courses monthly here.

·  Experience Requirements:

• A minimum of 30 logged dives to begin the course
• Demonstrated comfort in varied water conditions (e.g., buoyancy control, navigation, dive site entries and exits).

·  Basic Dive Skills:

• Competent in basic dive skills including mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, and underwater problem-solving appropriate for the age group.

·  Gear Requirements:

• Personal dive gear that fits well and is appropriate for leadership-level activity (BCD, regulator, computer, exposure protection, signaling devices, etc.).