How to Become a Dive Professional in Bali

For many divers, what starts as a hobby quickly becomes a passion—and for some, even a career path. Bali, with its world-class dive sites, warm waters, and experienced instructors, is one of the most inspiring places to take the plunge into the professional world of scuba diving. Whether you dream of becoming a Divemaster or Instructor, here’s what the journey looks like—and why Bali Aqua is a great place to start.

Your first step is becoming a PADI Divemaster, the entry-level professional certification. This course goes far beyond recreational diving it trains you to lead certified divers, assist instructors, and handle real-world scenarios underwater and at the surface. At Bali Aqua, the Divemaster Internship is designed to be hands-on, immersive, and aligned with the highest safety and teaching standards. You’ll gain experience assisting courses, guiding guests, managing logistics, and developing your leadership and rescue skills.

To enroll in the Divemaster program, you’ll need to be a certified Rescue Diver with a minimum of 40 logged dives (though you'll need 60 to graduate), and hold a valid EFR (Emergency First Response) certification. If you're missing any of these, Bali Aqua’s training team can help you get up to speed with tailored packages.

Once you become a Divemaster, you’re officially a dive pro—and from there, you can choose to work in the industry or continue your training. Many professionals in Bali go on to complete the Instructor Development Course (IDC), which certifies you to teach PADI courses around the world. While Bali Aqua specializes in Divemaster programs, they can also recommend trusted IDC centers on the island if you want to take the next step.

Living and learning in Bali comes with its own rewards. Beyond the diving, you’ll become part of a close-knit ocean community, enjoy a tropical lifestyle, and gain exposure to unique environments—from drift dives to muck sites. It’s a place where you can not only grow your skills, but also deepen your connection to the ocean.

And the best part? You don’t have to commit right away. If you’re unsure whether becoming a dive pro is for you, Bali Aqua offers flexible internships and mentorship-style programs so you can try it out before diving all in.