Pro Dive Cairns Divemaster Course

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The PADI Divemaster Course is the first level of the PADI Professional rating, and the minimum rating for professional employment in the diving industry. It lets you supervise recreational diving activities, boat or land based, work as an instructional assistant on all PADI courses, and is one step away from a PADI Instructor rating.

Days

19 days

Age

Group size

Max 6

Start / finish

Cairns / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Twin share cabins on the two liveaboard trips
Cairns accommodation is not listed as included

Transport

Cairns accommodation transfers and liveaboard dive boat

Meals

All meals while on board

Route

Map of Pro Dive Cairns Divemaster Course

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Included experiences

Pro Dive Cairns — classroom and pool training
Outer Great Barrier Reef — two liveaboard dive trips
Up to 20 training and recreational dives
Night dives with torch and cyalume sticks

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAYS 1 TO 2: ASSISTING AN OPEN WATER COURSE

Courses start on a Monday at the Pro Dive Cairns training centre on Spence Street, in the middle of Cairns. You begin on the other side of the desk, helping an instructor run the classroom and pool sessions of an Open Water course for beginners. These two days aren't assessed. They are there so you see how students learn, and where they struggle, before it's your job to help them.

Overnight: Cairns

DAYS 3 TO 9: THEORY, STAMINA AND POOL EVALUATIONS

Divemaster theory covers supervising divers, risk management, physics, physiology, equipment, dive planning and the business of diving. You learn to demonstrate skills cleanly and run workshops such as Skin Diver and Discover Scuba Diving. The watermanship tests include an 800-metre snorkel swim, a 400-metre swim, 15 minutes of treading water and a tired diver tow. The weekend is for study, then come the first exams and two evaluated pool sessions with real students.

Overnight: Cairns

DAYS 10 TO 12: FIRST LIVEABOARD TRIP

Three days and two nights on the outer Great Barrier Reef, which stretches some 2,300 km down the Queensland coast. You're evaluated helping with open water training dives, do an Advanced navigation dive and a rescue evaluation, and start your mapping project at Gordon's Mooring on Flynn Reef, a maze of walls and swim-throughs. Sites are chosen from 19 on Flynn, Milln, Thetford and Pellowe Reefs, where giant clams can grow past a metre across. You're back in Cairns on the afternoon of day 12.

Overnight: On board the liveaboard, on the outer reef (twin share cabin)

DAYS 13 TO 16: STUDY, EXAMS AND MORE POOL WORK

Two days off to study, then the remaining exams and their review, a pool briefing and two more evaluated pool sessions. By now you are running skills in front of students yourself, with your instructor watching and coaching. It's a good time to tidy up any skills that weren't smooth the first time, and to get your log book and paperwork ready for the final trip.

Overnight: Cairns

DAYS 17 TO 19: SECOND LIVEABOARD TRIP

Back out to the reef for three more days. You're evaluated again on open water training dives, run a search and recovery scenario, finish the map of Gordon's Mooring, and guide divers on a supervised night dive, when parrotfish sleep wrapped in their own mucus and painted lobsters come out to feed. On the afternoon of the last day the boat returns to Cairns, and you step off with the first professional rating in diving.

Overnight: On board the liveaboard, on the outer reef (twin share cabin)

Map

Good to know

Minimum age: 18 years.
Suits: Compulsory prerequisites: PADI Rescue Diver certification or equivalent, a dive medical, a minimum of 40 logged dives (additional dives can be organised) and a current senior first aid certificate completed in the last 24 months.
Please note: Some medical conditions will prevent you from diving. You'll complete a statement about your current health and fitness to dive on board before any diving takes place.

What to bring

Overnight bag with comfortable clothing and toiletries
Towel, swimwear, sunscreen and hat
On day 1: your Advanced and Rescue certifications, first aid certificate and log book

What is included

PADI Instructor manual, PADI Divemaster manual, Encyclopaedia of Recreational Diving and Divemaster slates
eRDPML and embroidered carry bag
Passport photos
Polo-style t-shirt and name badge
Accommodation transfers in Cairns City and the Northern Beaches
20 dives (weather permitting)
Two 3 day, 2 night liveaboard trips to the outer reef
Twin share cabin accommodation, all meals and bed linen on board
All dive equipment including dive computer, prescription masks if needed, short wetsuits, and torch and cyalume sticks for night diving
Dive insurance while you are travelling with us

Not included

Two Environmental Management Charges ($100 each from 1 April 2026), paid to Pro Dive Cairns at check-in
Fuel surcharge of $25 per person, collected at check-in on the day of travel
Extra cost for Northern Beaches pick-up (from 1 January 2026)
Digital underwater camera hire

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.