PADI Divemaster Internship on Malapascua
Become a PADI Divemaster in 8 weeks at the only PADI 5 Star CDC on Malapascua Island. Train where you’ll dive with thresher sharks every morning. Walk away qualified to work in dive shops anywhere in the world.
The program at a glance
| Duration | 8 weeks (Rescue Diver entry) | 12-16 weeks (non-diver entry, see Zero to Hero) |
|---|---|
| Price | From USD 3,800 all-in (Rescue entry). USD 5,200 from non-diver. |
| Group size | Maximum 4 trainees per instructor |
| Dives | 60-80 during the program |
| Start dates | Monthly. See 2026 cohorts → |
| Outcome | PADI Divemaster certification, qualified to work worldwide |
What you’ll learn
- How to lead certified divers safely on dive sites you’ve never been to before
- How to assist instructors with student divers (pool, classroom, open water)
- Underwater navigation, search and recovery, deep diving, dive site mapping
- Dive theory: physics, physiology, decompression, equipment, environment
- Dive shop operations: gear maintenance, customer service, briefings
- Emergency response: rescue scenarios, lost diver search, oxygen administration
- How to read a dive site (currents, marine life behaviour, hazards)
Week-by-week structure (8-week version)
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation, refresher dives, divemaster theory begins, equipment workshop |
| 2 | First daily thresher dives. Skill assessments. Confined water demonstrations. |
| 3 | Dive site mapping project starts. Begin assisting on Open Water courses. |
| 4 | Rescue scenarios. Search and recovery. Dive site briefings. |
| 5 | Lead certified divers. Run pre-dive briefings independently. |
| 6 | Deep diving experience. Workshop on dive shop operations. |
| 7 | Final divemaster mapping project. Practical exam preparation. |
| 8 | Practical exam, written exam, certification, employment workshop. |
What’s included in the USD 3,800 all-in price
- All PADI Divemaster course fees and digital materials
- All training and fun dives during the program (60-80 dives)
- Daily thresher shark dives at Monad Shoal (when conditions permit)
- Full equipment rental: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, dive computer
- Accommodation at the dive house on Bounty Beach (shared room)
- Tank fills, weights, all marine park fees
- Boat transport to all dive sites
- Philippine visa extension (1 month)
- Airport pickup from Cebu
Prerequisites
- PADI Rescue Diver certification (or equivalent: SSI, TDI, NAUI all accepted)
- 40+ logged dives
- EFR Primary and Secondary Care (CPR/First Aid) within 24 months — we can run this if you don’t have it
- Dive medical statement signed by a doctor within 12 months
- 18+ years old
Don’t have all of these? Our Zero to Hero pathway includes everything you need from non-diver upward.
Why train here specifically
- Thresher sharks daily. Monad Shoal is 30 minutes by boat. We dive it most mornings. No other DM program in Asia offers this.
- 5 Star CDC. The highest PADI rating. Less than 2% of PADI shops worldwide hold it.
- 4 trainees per instructor. No conveyor belt. You’ll know your instructor’s first name and dive history.
- Master Instructor trainers. Every internship instructor has 10+ years’ teaching experience.
- Job pipeline. See where past graduates work now.
Ready to apply?
Email internships@thresherdivers.com with your name, target start month, and current diving qualifications. We’ll send you the application form and confirm a cohort placement within 24 hours.
See 2026 start dates → | See full pricing → | Read what the experience is actually like →