Objective: Prepare experienced NOAA Divers to supervise and direct NOAA diving operations.

Photo:

Greg McFall/NOAA

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A Divesmaster candidate practices performing a neurological exam during a rescue drill. 

Overview

The NOAA Divemaster course is an intensive two-week program designed to help students develop the leadership skills necessary to safely and effectively plan and supervise NOAA diving activities. During the course students receive substantial theoretical and practical instruction aimed at exposing them to a variety of equipment, tasks, situations, and environments typically encountered as NOAA Divemasters. Students are evaluated on their management of diving operations and response to emergency situations and must pass a final written examination in order to receive certification.

This class is taught concurrently with the last two weeks of the NOAA Diver course in order for the Divemaster candidates to gain practical experience in directing actual diving operations. 

Topics Covered

• Setting up a diving station
• Pre-dive safety checks
• Pre-dive procedures and forms
• Troubleshooting equipment problems
• NOAA scientific and OSHA commercial diving regulations
• Decompression theory and physiology
• Problem management and counseling
• Line tending procedures for line tended standby divers
• Hazardous aquatic animals
• Extraction of injured divers and emergency assistance
• Neurological exams    
• Accident causation and risk management
• Nitrox (optional)

Duration

2 weeks

Certification

NOAA Divemaster

Prerequisites

• Curent NOAA Diver certification
• Current CPR, AED and first aid certificates

Equipment Requirements

• Laptop or tablet to access student materials and exams online
• Wrist watch or other timing device
• Cutting device
• Closed-toe shoes
• Outdoor clothing for various weather conditions

Application Materials

All application materials must be RECEIVED by the NOAA Diving Center 30 days prior to the course start date. They can be e-mailed to the Diving Center at Support.NDC@NOAA.gov.

• NF 57-03-38, Training Request and Authorization Form
• Copies of your CPR, AED & first aid certificates (these should be current through the end of class)

Registered Divemaster Students

Preparing for your NOAA divemaster Class (downloadable .pdf tip sheet)