Divemaster Course Water Skill Exercises

What are the water skill exercises for the Divemaster course?

Candidates must complete four water skills exercises and achieve a minimum combined exercise score of 12. Candidates must achieve at least a 2 in the 750-metre snorkel swim.

Water Skills Exercise 1: 375 metres Swim

The candidate must swim for a distance of 375 meters without stopping or using any swimming aids. 

Any swimming stroke or combination of strokes can be used.

Water Skills Exercise 2: 750 metres Snorkel Swim

The candidate must swim 750 meters without stopping, using only a mask, snorkel, and fins. The candidate cannot use any flotation devices or their arms to swim.

If a candidate has a physical impairment that makes it hard or impossible to use their legs and usually swims using their arms, they are allowed to use their arms during the assessment.

Water Skills Exercise 3: 15 Minute Tread

The candidate must stay afloat in the water for 15 minutes without assistance and wear only a swimsuit. They must keep their hands out of the water during the last two minutes. They may tread water, bob, or float to accomplish this.

If a candidate has a physical impairment that makes it hard or impossible to hold their hands out of the water, they will not be required to do that portion of the exercise. This exemption will not impact their score.

Water Skills Exercise 4: 100 metres Tired Diver Tow

While both divers are wearing full scuba equipment, the candidate must perform a push or tow of a tired diver for 100 metres.