My Path to Becoming a PADI Divemaster

Choosing where to complete my PADI Divemaster training was one of the most important decisions I made at the start of my professional diving career. I wanted a centre that offered not only exceptional training, but also real-world experience and long-term career opportunities. That is exactly what I found with Ocean Turtle Diving, a PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre.

Before beginning my Divemaster course, I had already developed a strong passion for diving, but I was eager to take the next step and transform that passion into a profession. From the very first day of training, the Ocean Turtle team made it clear that their focus was on producing highly skilled, confident, and professional dive leaders. The course structure was comprehensive and well organised, combining classroom-based knowledge development with extensive practical training both in the pool and in open water.

I had been hoping to complete my Divemaster course somewhere warm, and after visiting the dive centre in Basingstoke and having a friendly, informative conversation, I decided to complete the course at Ocean Turtle’s new dive centre in La Herradura. Set amidst the stunning Costa Tropical, the experience surpassed all my expectations.

Throughout my Divemaster training, I gained valuable experience assisting instructors with a wide range of PADI courses, including Discover Scuba Diving sessions, Open Water Diver courses, and continuing education programmes. This hands-on approach allowed me to develop strong leadership skills, refine my personal dive techniques, and learn how to manage groups of divers safely and effectively. I was also trained in guiding certified divers, conducting dive briefings, organising equipment, and supporting daily dive centre operations — all essential skills for a professional working in the dive industry.

What truly sets Ocean Turtle Diving apart is the quality of instruction and the supportive learning environment they provide. As a PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre, the emphasis is not simply on completing the required performance requirements, but on developing well-rounded dive professionals who meet the highest standards of safety, customer care, and environmental awareness. The instructors invested time in mentoring me throughout my training, ensuring I fully understood not only how to perform skills, but why those standards exist and how to apply them in real-life diving scenarios.

Upon completion of my Divemaster training, I was given the opportunity to remain with Ocean Turtle Diving as part of the professional team. Making the transition from trainee to staff member has been an extremely rewarding experience. I now work alongside experienced instructors and Divemasters, assisting with courses and guiding qualified divers on a regular basis. Being able to support new divers as they take their first steps into the underwater world is both challenging and fulfilling, and it has strengthened my confidence and competence as a dive professional.

Working at Ocean Turtle Diving has also given me further insight into the operational side of the dive industry, including customer service, equipment management, and daily dive logistics. This practical experience has been invaluable in preparing me for the next stage of my professional development and has reinforced my ambition to become a PADI Instructor.

In September this year, I will be continuing my training by completing my PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) with Ocean Turtle Diving in Barbados. This represents an exciting milestone in my career and an opportunity to further enhance my teaching and leadership abilities under the guidance of the same professional team who supported me throughout my Divemaster training. Training with Ocean Turtle in a world-class dive destination such as Barbados provides the perfect environment to refine both practical and theoretical skills while gaining international experience.

Reflecting on my journey so far, it is clear that choosing Ocean Turtle Diving for my Divemaster training was the right decision. The combination of structured training, real-world experience, and professional mentorship has given me the confidence to pursue a long-term career in diving. Ocean Turtle Diving does not simply train divers; they develop capable, motivated, and professional individuals who are prepared to work within the global dive industry.

For anyone considering taking the first step towards becoming a dive professional, I would strongly recommend completing your Divemaster training with Ocean Turtle Diving. Their commitment to high training standards, safety, and individual development creates an environment where students can truly achieve their potential.

From beginning my Divemaster training to now working as part of the Ocean Turtle Diving team and preparing for my Instructor Development Course in Barbados, this journey has been both challenging and rewarding. I am proud to be part of Ocean Turtle Diving and look forward to continuing my professional development with them as I progress towards becoming a PADI Instructor.