Divemaster Program

Question
Jesse,
I am 4 dives away from obtaining a Master Scuba Diver rating and am thinking about going into the Divemaster Program through my local 5 star PADI dive center. However, I have heard the physical requirements to qualify are pretty tough. I'm not a kid anymore and at 42 not in the best shape. Can you give me an idea of what would be expected of me physically and any exercises I could do  specifically targeted toward getting into this program?
I would eventually like to be an instructor but feel like I am getting ready to hit the wall. Any ideas you could give me would be appreciated.

Answer
Glad to hear that you are considering the PADI Divemaster rating.  The physical requirements are challenging but reasonable.  I was 45 when I passed them and in reasonable condition.  You will be required by the end of the Divemaster training to get a total of 12 points in the following skill areas:

400 yard swim      
Time      Points
under 6 min   5
6-8 min      4
8-10 min   3
10-12 min   2
12  min      1

15 minute tread      
tread water or float any method 15 min, hands out of water for last 2 min      
finishes   5
hands not out   3
use side/bottom twice   1

800 yard snorkel/mask/fins      
under 13 min   5
13-15      4
15-17      3
17-19      2
19       1

100 yard tired diver tow/push in gear      
under 2      5
2-3 min      4
3-4 min      3
4-5 min      2
5       1

You can take the tests as many times as necessary to pass.

I would suggest that you be able to get the 12 points as soon as you are ready to start training.  Here is what I recommend to prepare:

- aerobic conditioning through walking, treadmill, jogging, etc
- since there is a lot of swimming involved, get in the pool a few times per week and practice.  If you are not an accomplished swimmer or have never had swimming instruction you may want to consider it to improve your technique.
- practice with another diver the tows and pushes
- pratcice the mask fins snorkel swim a few times
- treading water 9especially with hands above head) is a matter of getting comfortable in the water.  Just practice it a few times till it gets easy.

Don't worry if you don't pass it all at first.  You can keep practicing while you are doing your DM training.  Go out to the pool and try these tests now to see how you do; you may already be able to get the minimum 12 points.

These skills are good to have since you are expected as a Divemaster to set an example to other divers and could be called upon to assist a student diver in a crisis scenario.

Good luck!