The Diveboat master course is presented at 3 levels and is designed to bridge the gap between current masters and divemasters, ie give divemasters some nautical knowledge and an internationally recognised (MCA) command qualification and give Masters an international qualification and an introduction to the dive industry and safety on board a dive boat.

Level 1 is an entry level course and is appropriate for all crew on a diveboat, particularly if they have not had any prior experience.

Dive Boat Master Level I

Operational area: Within sight of land

Limitations: Command endorsement of dive boats up to 24 meters

Certificate endorsement:
  • MCA Small Powerboat and RIB Master
  • MCA VHF Radio Operators Certificate
  • IYT Diveboat Master Level 1
Entry Level Requirements:
  • No sea time required
  • Completion of 5 day STCW Basic Safety Training course
Course duration: 80 hours

Course content:
  • 40 hours of nautical science, navigation etc.
  • 20 hows of dive boat safety and operations
  • 20 hours of general engineering knowledge
Course objective: The objective of the course is for the student to obtain a Certificate of Competency for safely operating dive boats up to 24 meters within sight of land. The program is an extensive theory and practical based course designed to provide the highest standards of maritime education for both the professional and recreational dive boat operator.

Dive Boat Master Level 2

Operational area: Up to 24 miles offshore*

Limitations: Command endorsement of dive boats up to 24 meters

Certificate endorsement:
  • MCA Master of Yachts Coastal (MCA
  • IYT Diveboat Master Level 2
Entry Level Requirements:
  • Logged sea time of 60 days or 120 half days as an active member of a crew
  • Must hold DBM Level 1 certificate
Course duration: 40 hours

Course content: 40 hours of nautical science, navigation and diveboat safety etc.

Course objective: The objective of the course is for the student to obtain a Certificate of Competency for safely operating dive boats up to 24 meters and up to 24 miles offshore. The program is an extensive theory and practical based course designed to provide the highest standards of maritime education for both the professional and recreational dive boat operator.

Dive Boat Master Level 3

Operational area: Up to 150 miles offshore**

Limitations: Command endorsement of dive boats up to 200 gross tons & 12 paying passengers***

Certificate endorsement:
  • MCA Master of Yachts Offshore
  • IYT Diveboat Master Level 3
Entry Level Requirements:
  • Logged sea time of 180 days or 360 half days as an active member of a crew
  • Must hold DBM Level 2 certificate
Course duration: 80 hours

Course content:
  • 40 hours of nautical science, navigation and diveboat safety etc.
  • 40 hours of practical boat handling, navigation and command experience
Course objective: The objective of the course is for the student to obtain a Certificate of Competency for safely operating dive boats up to 200 gross tons and up to 150 miles offshore. The program is an extensive theory and practical based course designed to provide the highest standards of maritime education for both the professional and recreational dive boat operator.

*Under the International Law of the Sea,24 miles offshore is known as the Contiguous Zone over which a Flag State may exercise limited jurisdiction for the enforcement of customs, fiscal, immigration and sanitary regulations. ** According to the MCA Large Yacht Code regulations, 150 miles offshore is considered a near coastal voyage yet within helicopter range for the compliance with the Safety of Life at Sea convention. *** According to the International Maritime Organisation, (STCW convention), any more than 12 paying guests is considered a passenger ship and therefore all merchant navy rules apply for the construction, manning and safe operation of passenger vessels.

Click here to book a course.