As a qualified PADI instructor, you may want to spice things up and elevate your students to the highest purely recreational dive level in the PADI system.
The Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) rating is your ticket to doing just that. It demonstrates your dedication to continuing education and expands the dive experiences you can provide.
You might already know, but if not, let us explain why becoming a PADI MSDT is a great move:
- Getting your PADI MSDT opens up exciting opportunities and boosts your job prospects! Dive employers actively look for MSDT instructors because of their broad expertise and commitment to continuing education. It shows you’re serious about your craft - something employers really value (Trust us!). As an MSDT, you bring a wide range of courses to the table, catering to both new and experienced divers. For dive centers, being able to offer a diverse set of advanced courses is key to keeping customers engaged and growing their diving adventures.
- Ask experienced diving instructors what their favorite courses to teach are, and many will mention PADI Specialty courses. And it’s easy to see why. If underwater photography is your passion, you'll enjoy sharing that with your students. If wreck diving is your thing, teaching the PADI Wreck Diving Specialty will be right up your alley. Teaching Open Water Diver courses is great, but incorporating Specialty courses adds variety and keeps your job exciting. It not only spices up your daily routine but also challenges you in new ways and keeps your teaching skills sharp. Plus, engaging with experienced divers brings fresh challenges and keeps your work dynamic.
How to Become a PADI MSDT
- Be an active PADI instructor.
- Be a PADI Specialty Instructor for at least 5 specialty areas (excluding Peak Performance Buoyancy, Project AWARE, and Coral Reef Conservation).
- Get at least 25 divers certified through any PADI program (no more than 5 dry courses ).
Some PADI IDC Centers run internships that mix MSDT prep with hands-on experience. These programs usually include coursework, specialty training, and the chance to certify divers under supervision.
" Becoming a PADI MSDT isn't about the title its about expanding your horizons and becoming involved in the fun stuff. Diving is fun, thats why we do it, but as you begin to specialize, you’ll discover a whole new world of diving experiences and knowledge that you might not have realized was out there!"
Here are our top 3 tips for picking the right diving specialties for you:
Follow Your Passion: Choose specialties that excite you and that you’ll enjoy teaching. Your enthusiasm will shine through and make it easier to engage and inspire your students.
Play to Your Strengths: It’s not just about what interests you; consider your skills and comfort level. For example, if deep diving makes you anxious, it might be better to focus on specialties that align with your strengths and preferences.
Think About the Market: Choose specialties that make sense for your location. If you’re in a tropical paradise, a Dry Suit specialty might not be ideal. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with strong currents, the Drift Diver specialty could be a great fit. Also, think about how the specialties you offer complement your Advanced Open Water courses and how that might influence student interest.
