Course overview

Earn your first dive-leadership credential with the SSI Divemaster programme at Sipadan, gaining real guiding experience on the macro reefs of Mabul before progressing to the renowned Sipadan walls. SSI's modular, experience-based training builds the dive-leadership, stamina and problem-management skills needed to guide certified divers and assist instructors. It is the professional rating that opens the door to SSI instructor training.

What you’ll learn

• Guide certified divers and run dives safely in varied conditions
• Assist SSI instructors with students in the water
• Demonstrate core scuba skills to a professional standard
• Plan dives, map a local site and manage dive logistics
• Lead briefings, manage groups and respond to problems in current
• Build dive fitness and rescue readiness for professional work

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 18
• SSI Advanced Adventurer or equivalent certification
• SSI Diver Stress & Rescue certification
• Current first aid and CPR (React Right) within 24 months
• At least 40 logged dives to begin (SSI recommends building toward 60)
• Diver 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 academics

   Programme briefing and the SSI Divemaster digital knowledge modules.
2. Day2
   Water skills and stamina

   Swim, float and rescue assessments with skill demonstrations on the Mabul house reef.
3. Day3
   Practical workshops

   Search-and-recovery and dive-mapping projects around Mabul and Kapalai.
4. Day4
   Guiding internship

   Assist instructors and practise leading certified divers on local macro reefs.
5. Day5
   Leadership in current

   Guide drift and wall dives in mild current to prepare for Sipadan-style conditions.
6. Day6
   Assessment and recognition

   Final assessments, workshop sign-offs and SSI Divemaster certification.

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 Sipadan.

Frequently asked questions