Want to live in the sun, dive free every day and get paid to do so?  The PADI divemaster course is the first professional step for the diver who wants it all.  Here at Malapascua Exotic Resort we offer a comprehensive divemaster internship with plenty of time to increase your dives and improve your diving skills. Our course covers all aspects of the professional diver from understanding the physiology and physics of diving to mastering the recreational dive planner, the diving environment and administering oxygen.  Learn how to lead certified divers and map a new dive site.  Gain the confidence necessary to control a group of divers with varying experience levels.  All this and more can be learnt through our intensive yet fun course.   

We do not expect you to work from 9-5 or longer. We understand that you are still a paying customer who would also like time to relax and enjoy the island lifestyle.  If for instance you would rather go on the diving day trip to the wreck than sit your physics exam – we understand! Our course covers it all. If you wish to learn about tank filling, organizing boat schedules and dive trips and the day to day running of a dive shop then we will teach you. How much you wish to put in is entirely up to you! 

Set on a secluded section of Bounty Beach, Exotic Resort is the ideal place for conducting your divemaster course.  Our quiet tranquil setting, away from the crowds and touts of the public beach, will ensure that all our candidates can find the necessary peace and quiet required to be able to focus and enjoy the course.  As the largest and only 5* National Geographic Instructor Development Center on the island we can guarantee you a professional yet fun course, with plenty of opportunity to assist our experienced instructors and divemasters, not mention the chance to dive as often as possible. 

Our brand new custom built multimedia center was designed specifically for Instructor Development and Divemaster Courses and is the only one of its kind on the island. We guarantee a peaceful studying environment with all modern facilities and stunning panoramic views of Bounty Beach.  The classroom is available at all times for our candidates to utilize quiet facilities, internet service, dive library and PADI materials to help study throughout their course. Of course many candidates also prefer to grab a hammock or a table in our beach side restaurant and study in the relative quiet of our private beach.

As the largest dive resort on Malapascua we have a fleet of 4 large dive bankas, 2 flat boats and the only speed boat on the island. Our resort has constant dives happening throughout the day with multiple boats and multiple schedules giving you plenty of opportunity to go diving, assist and learn how a busy 5* dive center functions.

We are the only dive resort that can offer in house, budget accommodation at the best prices. Our specially designed Instructor and Divemaster rooms are situated in the middle of the resort, about 100mts from the beach, in a tranquil setting.  The rooms were built with the budget traveller in mind, simple, private, quiet, individual fan styled bungalows, with shared bath that are only available to our Exotic IDC or DM candidates. We can guarantee you will not find nicer or more economical accommodation anywhere on the island. The rooms have guaranteed 24 hour power, clean facilities, security and a wonderfully relaxing environment.

For those who want something a little bit more luxurious it is also possible to arrange special accommodation packages in any of the Exotic Resort rooms, from standard fan rooms to the super deluxe air con rooms. All Exotic Resort rooms have private bath, balcony and 24 hour power.

Tim Latimer, dive shop manager and Master Instructor has been a PADI diver since 1995 and a PADI professional since 2000.  He has worked at and managed PADI 5* IDC centers in Canada, Honduras, Nicaragua, Cyprus, Thailand and the Philippines and has a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be useful for all our divemaster candidates.  Having certified over 1000 students ranging from open water to assistant instructor Tim heads all our divemaster courses and is an excellent mentor.

Zoe Latimer, a PADI STAFF instructor and dive professional since 2000 is our divemaster liaison. She will be your initial contact and will help create the ideal divemaster package for you.  A n experienced dive instructor and hospitality manager Zoe has a lot of experience in logistics and ensuring that the needs of all candidates will be met and that all queries and concerns will be addressed prior to your arrival at Exotic.

Our divemasters are all local boys who have been working at Exotic for many years. They are the most experienced divemasters on Malapascua and can find anything!! As part of a divemaster course you will be assisting our DM’s on guiding certified divers.  The locals know it best and will teach you the tricks and skills they have mastered to enable them to find those amazing marine creatures.

We can offer it all to your here at Exotic. Our highly experienced dive team will ensure you have the best and most enjoyable divemaster course possible. Learn about the diving industry in the only 5* Instructor Development National Geographic Dive Resort on Malapascua, yet at the most economical of prices! Our customized packages cannot be beaten, and if you cannot find it advertised we can of course create it, you just need to ask.

Living within a 5* resort will give you the benefit of witnessing how one of the most successful dive resorts in the Philippines functions. Exotic Resort was the first dive resort to open on Malapascua and continue to be the leading dive resort. Learn from the experts as to what makes a successful business. Listen to and talk with the customers and resort staff after hours, over lunch or breakfast or just hang out on our private beach.

There is no need to carry a bag of books or your lap top, beach necessities and personal belongings around as your private room is 30 seconds from the dive shop and our multimedia classroom. The dive shop staff are always on hand and willing to help with your every query, concern or questions. Our aim is to make sure you have the most enjoyable yet educational experience possible. Whether you are here for a 4 week basic course or a 6 month internship, you will be welcomed and made to feel like one of the team.

We guarantee the best facilities on the island, the nicest private beach, dedicated boats and instructors, highly experienced divemasters and small classes to ensure the personal service that only we can offer in a 5 * establishment. We should be your first choice when considering a divemaster course on Malapascua.

COURSE OUTLINE & PRE-REQUISITES
DIVE EQUIPMENT
DIVEMASTER INTERNSHIP PACKAGES
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

The PADI divemaster course involves a number of classroom sessions covering 9 chapters of the dive master manual, 8 theory exams and a number of water skill development sessions, including assisting instructors on PADI courses, leading recreational divers, conducting divemaster programs and a water skill circuit.

The theory exams are physics, physiology, dive theory and the recreational dive planner, skills and environment, equipment, supervising certified divers, divemaster conducted programs and assisting student divers in training. There are lectures to go with each theory exam but it is also possible to self study and when you feel ready to sit the exam yourself. 

A two week course outline has been created to cover all the required lectures, theory sessions, exams, and water work. Once this has been completed the rest of the course is dedicated to gaining experience through diving and also with both leading fun divers and assisting the instructors on courses.

There are 2 options to complete the necessary assists

OPTION 1 – INTERNSHIP

Divemaster candidates must participate in at least:

1. One PADI Open Water Diver course confined water session.
2. Four additional confined water training sessions from any PADI course or program. This may include sessions from the Open Water Diver course, Discover Scuba Diving program, Peak Performance Buoyancy course and other specialty courses and PADI programs.
3. One PADI Open Water Diver course open water training dive.
4. One PADI Adventures in Diving, Rescue Diver or PADI Specialty Diver course open water training session.
5. Three additional open water training dives from any PADI course or program.
6. One supervisory situation with certified divers not in a formal course

OPTION 2 – TRAINING EXERCISES

1. Practical Training Exercise 1- Certified Divers in Open Water
   This exercise simulates the role a divemaster plays in supervising general diving activities and includes leading a dive tour.
2. Practical Training Exercise 2- Open Water Diver Students in Confined Water
   This exercise simulates the role a divemaster plays in assisting the training of entry-level divers in confined water.
3. Practical Training Exercise 3- Open Water Diver Students in Open Water
   This exercise simulates the role the divemaster plays in assisting the training of entry-level divers in open water.
4. Practical Training Exercise 4 - Continuing Education Student Divers in Open Water
   This exercise simulates the role the divemaster plays in assisting the training of divers at levels above the Open Water Diver level.

In order to enrol in a divemaster course there are a number of pre-requisites that you have to meet.

•  PADI rescue diver or equivalent
• CPR and first aid training within the past 24 months
• Minimum 18 years old
• 20 logged dives
• Medical signed by a physician within the last 12 months stating “fit to dive”

In order to be signed off as a divemaster you must pass all exams with a score of 75% or higher, meet all the necessary training requirements and have logged a minimum of 60 dives

As a diving professional it makes sense to have your own full set of personal dive equipment.  We understand that not every diver has the possibility or know how to warrant buying a full set of gear prior to their divemaster course. Our experienced dive team can advise you on dive equipment recommend different products and essentially help you pick the ideal set up for yourself and at very reasonable discounted prices.

Here is a list of the recommended dive equipment a divemaster should have, which happens to be the required equipment for any dive instructor.

• BCD with Low Pressure Inflator
• Regulator with Alternate Air Source
• Fins, mask & snorkel
• Air gauge
• Depth gauge
• Timing device
• Compass
• Exposure suit
• Diving tool/knife
• 2 surface signals, 1 visual & 1 audible

It is also recommended to have either your own personal dive computer or RDP, blank slate and fish identification slate or book

For those candidates who do not wish to purchase their own private set of personal dive equipment we can arrange for a rental package rate for the duration of your Divemaster course at a reasonable cost. We do however strongly recommend that you purchase the basics such as mask and fins and also a dive computer. As a divemaster you will be doing a lot of diving so being safe and comfortable are very important.

At Exotic we offer 4 different pre-arranged divemaster internship packages, each to suit the needs of different candidates. We also understand that not everyone fits nicely into a certain niche, therefore we are also able to create custom made DM packages to suit individual needs. Please email us if the following packages do not suit your requirements and our experienced team will help create a unique package just for you.

All of our Divemaster Packages come with a complimentary exclusive PADI Exotic Thresher Shark Specialty Course; giving each candidate their first distinctive specialty certification. 

Divemaster Crew Pack                      Instructor Manual with hologram    

DIVEMASTER BASIC

We offer a basic divemaster course that can be completed in a minimum of 3 weeks maximum of 4 weeks for those who have a time limit and do not wish to do an internship.

INCLUDED EXTRAS:

• Unlimited diving
• Sanctuary fee
• Help with accommodation, either at our own resort or a local resort at special discounted rates.
• Help with purchasing your own dive equipment at discounted rate and use of shop equipment until your own set arrives.
• FREE wi-fi
• FREE tea and coffee
• FREE Exotic DM t-shirt
• FREE Exotic Log Book
• FREE Exotic Thresher Shark Specialty Course and PADI specialty certification

EXOTIC GO PRO - ZERO TO HERO

This package is designed for the non diver, who wishes to become a professional as soon as possible. The internship can be completed in a minimum of 6 weeks and maximum 12weeks

INCLUDED EXTRAS:

• Use of all required diving equipment throughout the open water to rescue course
• All PADI certifications
• Unlimited diving
• Sanctuary fee for 12 weeks
• Help with accommodation, either at our own resort or a local resort at special discounted rates.
• Help with purchasing your own dive equipment at discounted rate and use of shop equipment until your own set arrives.
• FREE wifi
• FREE tea and coffee
• FREE Exotic DM t-shirt
• FREE Exotic Log Book
• FREE Exotic Thresher Shark Specialty Course and PADI specialty certification

EXOTIC GO PRO – GOLD

This package is aimed at the already certified advanced diver who wants to take the next step. This internship can be completed in a minimum of 4 weeks and maximum 6 weeks.

INCLUDED EXTRAS:

• All PADI certifications for EFR and Rescue
• Unlimited diving
• Sanctuary fee  
• Help with accommodation, either at our own resort or a local resort at special discounted rates.
• Help with purchasing your own dive equipment at discounted rate and use of shop equipment until your own set arrives.
• FREE wi-fi
• FREE tea and coffee
• FREE Exotic DM t-shirt
• FREE Exotic Log Book
• FREE Exotic Thresher Shark Specialty Course and PADI specialty certification

EXOTIC GO PRO – PLATINUM

This is aimed at those who wish to have a competitive edge in the divemaster market. This internship can be completed in a minimum of 5 weeks and maximum 8 weeks.

INCLUDED EXTRAS:

• All PADI specialty certifications
• Unlimited diving
• Master Scuba Diver rating
• Sanctuary fee
• Help with accommodation, either at our own resort or a local resort at special discounted rates.
• Help with purchasing your own dive equipment at discounted rate and use of shop equipment until your own set arrives.
• FREE wi-fi
• FREE tea and coffee
• FREE Exotic DM t-shirt
• FREE Exotic Log Book
• FREE Exotic Thresher Shark Specialty Course and PADI specialty certification

ADDITIONAL WEEKS

If you would like to extend your internship to gain further experience, log more dives and live in paradise that little bit longer then please do.

Additional weeks on top of packages are only Php5000 excluding accommodation. Email us for more details.

EXOTIC PLATINUM UPGRADE

We also offer discounted specialty packages for our divemaster candidates who have opted for internship 1,2 or 3 to give you that little bit extra. You can either opt for a single specialty of your choice such as Enriched Air Nitrox, or go for the Master Scuba Diver rating which involves gathering 5 specialty courses.

Here at Exotic we can offer you specialty courses in any of the following, simply pick the courses you are interested in completing and we will create the best package for you.

• AWARE Fish ID
• Boat
• Deep
• Digial Underwater Photography
• Drift
• Drysuit
• Enriched Air Nitrox
• Multilevel
• National Geographic Diver
• Naturalist
• Night
• Search and Recovery
• Wreck

:: Malapascua is a gem of an island that is relatively unknown.  For this reason the diving community is small, the dive sites plentiful and the standards generally very high. Exotic was the first dive shop to open on Malapascua. We were the first to dive with the thresher sharks and discovered most of the popular dive sites around the island. Over the years Exotic has grown in size from a small PADI dive shop to an award winning 5* National Geographic Instructor Development Resort. We are proud to offer the best service and facilities on the best beach at the best prices.

:: Malapascua Island is not like Koh Tao, Puerta Gallera or Roatan. It is a small island with a small social scene. If it is the partying atmosphere that you are after then maybe this is not the right place for you. There is always something happening somewhere, but the island is not overrun by Irish Pubs, beach front bars or full moon parties!! Because of this it is a great place to complete your Instructor Development Course. Guaranteed small classes will give you the study and social group you need to help you through the course without being side tracked by all those parties.

:: As a dive professional it is important to have your own personal set of full diving equipment, as outlined in our equipment section.  As Malapascua is a small island, there are not many boutique dive shops offering an array of dive gear.  We can of course help you purchase you own personal set of dive gear at discounted prices.  We have a limited product range and may not always have your exact size, which means ordering from Cebu City which could take time. If you know what you want, or would like a copy of our product list email well in advance so that we can pre-order all the items for you, reducing the chance of disappointment.

:: It is possible to acquire all PADI materials in any language. If you would like for us to order you IDC materials in a different language than English, please give us plenty of notice. All our PADI materials are ordered from Cebu City, where in turn they are ordered from Australia. It takes a minimum of 12 days to receive materials from Australia but who knows how long to clear customs in Manila. The earlier you order your PADI materials the better.

:: There is not a plethora of shops on the island, so for all those specialized pieces of equipment, parts, computer batteries, camera accessories or personal items it would make a lot of sense to bring a couple of spares with you so you are not frantically trying to replace that computer battery a day or two before your 3 dive day trip to Camotes!! You can of course make the 4 hour bus journey to Cebu and if you get the early bus a roundtrip is possible in one day!!!!

:: Upon arrival into the Philippines you are automatically granted a 21 day tourist visa. If you plan on staying over this time you will need to get a visa extension. We can of course help arrange this for you when you are here at Exotic, or if you prefer you can organize this before you arrive. It is possible to get a Visa extension at any time during your initial 21 days, you do not have to wait till your time has expired. If you decide you would like us to organize your Visa extension for you, please make sure we have your passport at least a week prior to the expiration date.

:: Malapascua is a small island, with a large local population but not much in the way of development. At this time there is no doctor or hospital on the island. You will need to have a current medical certificate for your instructor course, we advise you to acquire this prior to your arrival on the island. If you are in need of medical attention during your stay, the closest doctor is in Daan Bantayan, 45minutes from Exotic Resort. Being a remote location it is advisable to stock up on a basic medical kit before you arrive. It is possible to buy certain medications on the island and of course Exotic has a large medical supply, however stocking up on sea sickness tablets, basic antibiotics, antibiotic ear drops, iodine and hydrocortisone or bactroban cream is recommended. Also do not forget your medical insurance. As a dive professional the best insurance you can get is through Divers Alert Network (DAN) www.diversalertnetwork.org We can also help you arrange this when you are here.

:: Tourist visas are required by Philippine law for all foreigners entering the country. You will need proof of onward travel before being allowed to enter the country. Upon arrival you will be automatically granted a 21 day tourist visa. When you arrive at Exotic resort we will send your passport with the relevant form to a trusted visa agency who we use in Cebu city. The first visa extension granted is for 38 days and costs (at this time) Php3730 plus Php500 processing fee. The second visa extension is for 60 days and costs Php5500 plus Php500 processing fee. At this time it is also now required by Philippine law for all tourists remaining in the country longer than 2months to purchase an official ICard, which is a temporary form of official Philippine ID that lasts for 1 year and costs $50US. This ICard is mandatory for all foreigners staying in the Philippines and be used as an official form of ID.