SDI Master Scuba Diver Development Program

The SDI Master Scuba Diver is the highest rating in recreational diving before you step into the professional ranks. It's not awarded after a single weekend course. It's built on a body of work, a Rescue Diver certification, four completed specialty courses, and 50 logged dives, and it means something precisely because of that.

If you've already completed Rescue Diver and are working through your specialties, you may be closer than you think. Call us at (480) 881-4013 and we'll take a look at where you are and map out what's left.

The Three Requirements

The SDI Master Scuba Diver rating has three requirements, all three must be complete before the credential is issued.

SDI Rescue Diver Certification

You must hold a current SDI Rescue Diver certification or equivalent. If you haven't taken Rescue Diver yet, that's the next step before anything else. It's also the course most divers point to as the one that changed how they dive, so it's worth doing regardless of where you're headed after.

Four Completed SDI, TDI, or ERDI Specialty Courses

You need four full specialty certifications from the SDI, TDI, or ERDI catalog. These are complete certifications, not introductory dives. The specialties are yours to choose based on where you want to take your diving, Deep, Navigation, Underwater Photography, Drift, Boat, Intro to Tech, Search and Recovery, and many others qualify. For the full list of qualifying specialties we offer, please give us a call so we can discuss what is available.

50 Logged Dives

You need a minimum of 50 logged dives. All training dives count, including dives from your Open Water course, Advanced Adventure, Rescue Diver, and any specialty courses you've completed. If you've been diving consistently, this number builds faster than most people expect.

How to Get There from Here

The path to Master Scuba Diver looks different for every diver depending on where they're starting. A few common situations:

• If you have your Open Water card and nothing else, the path runs: Advanced Adventure, Rescue Diver, four full specialties, and 50 logged dives.
• If you've completed Advanced Adventure, each of those five specialty dives counts as one credit toward the corresponding full specialty certification. Finishing those out is one of the most efficient paths forward.
• If you already have Rescue Diver and some specialties, you may only need to finish a specialty or two and log a handful more dives.

The fastest way to figure out exactly what you need is to bring your logbook and your certification cards into the shop. We'll go through everything and tell you precisely what's left.

Who Can Pursue the SDI Master Scuba Diver Rating

The SDI Master Scuba Diver Development Program is open to certified Open Water divers who are working toward completing all three requirements. Minimum age is 15 with parental consent, 18 without. For full program standards and eligibility details, visit tdisdi.com.

Gear and Equipment

Students are required to own their own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel for this course. Dive gear rental such as BCD, regulator, computer, tanks, weights, and wetsuit is included in the course. If you'd like to purchase any of your own equipment, we carry a full selection in the shop and all students enrolled in a course receive a discount on purchases during enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SDI Master Scuba Diver program?

The SDI Master Scuba Diver Development Program is the highest non-professional rating in SDI recreational diving. It's earned by completing three requirements: the SDI Rescue Diver certification, four full SDI, TDI, or ERDI specialty courses, and 50 logged dives. For full program standards, visit tdisdi.com.

Is the SDI Master Scuba Diver the highest recreational certification?

Yes. The SDI Master Scuba Diver is the highest rating available in SDI recreational diving before entering the professional level through the SDI Divemaster course. It represents the top of the recreational diver path.

How many dives do you need for SDI Master Diver?

A minimum of 50 logged dives. All training dives count, including dives from your Open Water course, Advanced Adventure, Rescue Diver, and any specialty courses completed.

What specialties count toward SDI Master Diver?

Four full SDI, TDI, or ERDI Specialty Diver certifications are required. The specific specialties are your choice. For the complete list of qualifying courses, visit tdisdi.com.

Do I need Rescue Diver before Master Diver?

Yes. The SDI Rescue Diver certification is one of the three requirements for the SDI Master Scuba Diver rating. It cannot be substituted or waived.

What comes after SDI Master Scuba Diver?

After earning the SDI Master Scuba Diver rating, the next step is the professional level: the SDI Divemaster course. Divemaster is the first professional rating in the SDI system and opens the path to dive leadership and instruction.

Ready to Map Out Your Path?

If you want to know exactly where you stand and what's left to earn your Master Scuba Diver rating, bring your logbook and certs into the shop and we'll work through it with you. Call us at (480) 881-4013 or stop by at 18618 S 186th Way, Queen Creek, inside The Shooting Range. We're open Monday through Saturday 11am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm.

For more information and to see course standards, click here!