renew dive master licence

Question
my brother was a dive master here in the philippines but he did not renew it for almost 3 years now, where can he renew his licence and how much, thank you !!!!

Answer
Hi Owen,

You didn't mention the scuba agency under which your brother was certified.  The various certification agencies have different renewal requirements and prices so I cannot give you an exact answer to your question.  However, I can give you some estimates and suggestions.

Generally speaking, annual dues to the certifying agency will run around $150 and will require that the divemaster maintain a separate liability insurance policy.  Sometimes this policy is provided by a dive shop or charter boat that the divemaster works for.  If the divemaster has to provide his own policy, expect to pay about $400 per year for it.  As you probably know, your brother's divemaster rating does not expire but in order to perform the supervisory duties of a divemaster, he will have to maintain his membership dues and liability insurance.  We call it "being current".

Depending on the requirements of his certifying agency, he may not need to do any remedial work or prove competancy since he's only been out of the system for three years.

Finally, I suggest that your brother contact his certifying agency (shown on his certification card) and see what their specific requirements are.  All of the major agencies are represented on the internet and an e-mail inquiry should provide detailed information to fit your brothers situation.

Owen, I hope this provides the information you were looking for.  A good divemaster in the Phillipines should have good job security so I hope he renews his credentials.  Who knows, he may lead me on a dive in the Phillipines some day!!

Mike Giles
Mike's Dive Center
mikescuba.com