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PADI Discover Scuba Diving Leader
Inspire and guide new divers with confidence by becoming a PADI Discover Scuba Diving Leader at The Diving Academy. This course is designed for Divemasters who want to introduce beginners to the underwater world in a safe, structured, and enjoyable way. Through practical training and real-life experience at our centres in Reading, Swindon, Oxford, and Bristol, you’ll gain the tools and teaching skills to conduct Discover Scuba Diving sessions independently under PADI standards. Make your mark by giving first-time divers a memorable and life-changing experience.
Course Type: Professional
Course Fees From: £99 + Application free.
Application Fee : Please refer to your PADI Portal.
Booking Information: If you are unable to find a date that works or If you have any question please get in contact with us to schedule a call with our Course Directors and they will be happy to help.
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PADI Discover Scuba Diving Leader – Introduce Others to the Magic of Diving
The PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) Leader course is your chance to step up as a mentor, guide, and role model for new divers. Designed specifically for Divemasters, this certification allows you to independently conduct Discover Scuba Diving experiences, giving first-time participants their first glimpse of the underwater world—all under your care and supervision.
Why Train with The Diving Academy?
At The Diving Academy, we specialise in creating confident, capable professionals. With access to training locations in Reading, Swindon, Oxford, and Bristol, you’ll benefit from hands-on experience, mentorship from seasoned PADI professionals, and practice in real-world diving scenarios. We focus on helping you master the skills, communication techniques, and safety protocols needed to make every beginner’s first dive both unforgettable and secure.
What You Will Learn
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How to conduct the full Discover Scuba Diving program
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Mastery of confined water skills demonstrations and supervision
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How to manage groups and keep non-certified divers safe and engaged
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Briefing and debriefing techniques that build confidence in new divers
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PADI standards and paperwork related to DSD experiences
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Strategies to inspire continued education beyond Discover Scuba Diving
Course Requirements
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PADI Divemaster certification (or currently in progress)
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Demonstrated leadership ability and excellent communication skills
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A strong understanding of dive safety, risk management, and diver behaviour
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At least 16 years of age and medically fit for diving
Who Should Take This Course?
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PADI Divemasters looking to expand their professional responsibilities
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Dive professionals who enjoy working with beginners and sharing the excitement of first dives
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Those interested in leading Discover Scuba Diving sessions as part of a dive centre’s daily operations
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Ambitious divers who want to build experience before becoming a PADI Instructor
Help First-Time Divers Fall in Love with the Ocean
As a Discover Scuba Diving Leader, you’ll have the unique privilege of introducing people to the world of scuba—often for the very first time. With training from The Diving Academy, you’ll develop the confidence and professionalism to make every experience safe, smooth, and inspiring. Give others the gift of their first breath underwater and start shaping the future of diving.
Prerequisites
PADI Divemaster Course prerequisites:
- PADI Rescue Diver certification (or qualifying certification)
- Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care training (or qualifying training) within 24 months
- 40 logged dives
- Medically evaluated and cleared for diving by a physician within the past 12 months
* Divers who are younger than 18 but at least 15 may enroll in the PADI Junior Divemaster program. Junior Divemaster is a sub-set of the PADI Divemaster course. Junior Divemaster candidates may complete a significant portion of the divemaster course, but additional training is required when the Junior Divemaster turns 18.
Junior Divemaster program prerequisites:
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and PADI Rescue Diver diver certifications
- 20 logged dives
- Medical clearance to dive
Medical Requirements
Scuba diving requires a minimum level of health and fitness. Chronic health conditions, certain medications and/or recent surgery may require you to get written approval from a physician before diving.
Avoid disappointment, download and review the Diver Medical form to ensure you won’t need a physician’s approval to dive before enrolling in a scuba course. Instructors, divemasters and dive shop staff are not physicians and should not be asked for medical advice; only medical professionals can give medical clearance to dive.
If you (or your physician) have questions about medical fitness to dive, contact the experts at Divers Alert Network (DAN).
Your Medical Statement must be signed by a physician within the last 12 months or full HSE Medical. Under the Diving at Work Regulations 1997, all divers at work must have a valid certificate of HSE fitness to dive issued by an Approved Medical Examiner of Divers (AMED), please Contact Us for more information.
Next Steps
Study
Step 1 – PADI eLearning
PADI eLearning makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule. Complete the independent study part of your course whenever, wherever it’s convenient for you.
Work at your own pace, online or offline, using a computer or mobile device. Connect with your instructor for inwater training, or whenever you have a question.
- eLearning time commitment: 10-16 hours
At The Diving Academy
Step 2 – With Your Instructor
Gain practical experience giving dive briefings, assisting with classes and leading underwater tours. Learn how to anticipate problems and provide assistance, create an Emergency Assistance Plan and improve your navigation and problem-solving skills through practical workshops.
Why Become a Divemaster?
Here are a few reasons to why you should become a PADI Divemaster:
- Sharing the Beauty of the Underwater World: There’s a certain joy in introducing people to the stunning marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and the sense of weightlessness you experience while scuba diving. It’s a privilege to be the one who opens their eyes to this incredible world.
- Helping People Overcome Fears: Many people have apprehensions about diving, but as a Divemaster, you can help them conquer their fears and build confidence. Witnessing someone overcome their anxieties and experience the magic of the deep is truly gratifying.
- Environmental Stewardship: Scuba divers often become passionate advocates for marine conservation. As a Divemaster, you can educate divers about the importance of preserving our oceans, marine life, and coral reefs, helping to create a new generation of environmental stewards.
- Continuous Learning: Scuba diving is a lifelong learning experience. As a Divemaster, you’ll continually enhance your skills, knowledge, and experience. You’ll have the opportunity to pursue advanced certifications and dive in various locations, each with its unique underwater ecosystem.
- Building a Diving Community: Scuba diving is not just a sport; it’s a community of like-minded individuals who share a love for the sea. As a PADI Divemaster, you’ll be a part of this global community, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, all bonded by their passion for the ocean.
What Can I Do As a Divemaster?
After becoming a qualified Divemaster there are so many aspects of diving you can teach, including the following:
- Supervise both training and non-training-related activities by planning, organising and directing dives.
- Assist a PADI instructor during the training sessions for any PADI diver course
- Conduct the PADI Skin Diver course and PADI Discover Snorkelling programme.
- Conduct the PADI Discover Local Diving experience.
- Conduct the PADI Reactivate Course.
- If qualified as a Discover Scuba Diving Leader, independently conduct the PADI Discover Scuba Diving
- Earn the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty Instructor rating to be able to teach the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer speciality.
- Independently guide Open Water Diver course students on the tour portion of Open Water Diver course Training Divers 2, 3 and 4 at a ratio of two student divers per certified divemaster.
- Accompany Open Water Diver students under the indirect supervision of a PADI instructor during surface swims and ascents or descents.
- Accompany student divers during Adventure Dives or specialty training dives under the indirect supervision of a PADI Instructor.
- Conduct the PADI Seal Team Skin Diver Specialist AquaMission.
- Conduct subsequent dives under an instructor’s indirect supervision for Discover Scuba Diving participants after participants have satisfactorily completed the first dive with a PADI Instructor.
- Teach Emergency First Response courses after successfully completing an Emergency First Response Instructor course.
Course Locations
Dive Centre
Diving Academy – Dive Centre, Sunfield Business Park, New Mill Road, Wokingham, RG40 4QT
Pool Training Sites
Wokingham – The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane, Winnersh, Wokingham, RG41 5NE
Yateley – Yateley School, School Lane, GU46 6NW
Hagbourne – Hagbourne School Pool, Main Road, East Hagbourne, OX11 9LR
Swindon – Halo Highworth Recreation Centre, The Elms, Highworth, Swindon SN6 7DD
Open Water Training Sites:
London – Wraysbury Diving Lake, Station Road, Wraysbury, Berkshire, TW19 5ND
Radstock – Vobster Quay, Upper Vobster, Radstock, BA3 5SD
Leicester – Stoney Cove, Sapcote Road, Stoney Stanton, Leicester, LE9 4DW
