Course overview

Step into your first professional certification with the SSI Divemaster programme in Key Largo, the launch point for Florida Keys diving and John Pennekamp's marine park. Mentored on daily reef, wreck and drift charters, you develop the dive-guiding, supervision and risk-management skills to lead certified divers and support instructors. You graduate as a recognised SSI dive professional ready to work internationally.

What you’ll learn

• Guide and supervise certified divers safely on local reefs and wrecks
• Deliver thorough briefings and assess site and group conditions
• Demonstrate core scuba skills to a professional standard
• Support an SSI Instructor during training programmes
• Manage dive logistics, emergencies and diver risk
• Apply the SSI dive-science modules in real planning

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 18
• SSI Advanced Adventurer or equivalent experience certification
• SSI Diver Stress & Rescue (or equivalent) certification
• Current first aid and CPR training
• At least 40 logged dives to begin (60 recommended to certify)
• Medical clearance signed by a physician

What's included · What's not

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1
   Orientation and digital theory

   Programme overview and the SSI Dive Guide and Divemaster online modules.
2. Day2
   Watermanship assessment

   Swim, float and stamina evaluations plus a review of rescue readiness.
3. Day3
   Leadership workshops

   Skill demonstration, site mapping and dive-flow practice on Pennekamp reefs.
4. Day4
   Internship begins

   Assist an SSI Instructor with students in confined water and on shallow reef sites.
5. Day5
   Guiding divers

   Brief and lead certified divers on Molasses and Elbow Reef under mentor evaluation.
6. Day6
   Logistics and emergencies

   Run boat supervision and emergency-management scenarios on local charters.
7. Day7
   Assessment and certification

   Final knowledge reviews and processing of your SSI Divemaster rating.

Verified through iDive

Every partner school in the iDive network is vetted on safety, instructor credentials, equipment standards and student feedback. Talk to a iDive dive pro on WhatsApp for current availability and reviews specific to Key Largo.

Frequently asked questions