Science of Diving program
Divemaster Training Program
SSI Professional · Pro Training
The first level of professional diving. Eight weeks, three phases, under the guidance of one of Koh Tao’s most experienced pro training mentors.
Packages from6-12 weeks • 5-6 days/week
฿37,000
Packages from6-12 weeks • 5-6 days/week
฿37,000
Who is this course for?
Overview
Career Track Divers
You want to work in the dive industry — as a divemaster, eventually as an instructor, or somewhere else in the professional world. The program is designed to get you industry-ready, not just certified. You'll leave knowing how to lead divers, manage a dive operation, and carry yourself as a professional.
Serious Recreational Divers
You're not planning to work as a dive pro — but you want to be a significantly better, more knowledgeable diver. The DM program covers the science of diving at a level recreational courses don't reach. Many candidates choose this path to become more comfortable in the water and more aware of what's happening around them.
Beyond the SSI curriculum
The Goodtime approach
Goodtime takes the standard SSI Divemaster curriculum and expands it through areas of real professional diving that prepare a new candidate for the reality of the industry — not just the exam. That means more time in the water, more exposure to actual dive operations, and a closer relationship with the professionals running them.
The program runs under the guidance of Katie, Goodtime’s head instructor and pro training mentor. With almost a decade of dive industry experience on Koh Tao — across recreational and professional teaching, underwater videography, equipment service, and dive operations management — Katie’s focus has always been on building divers who are genuinely confident and capable in the water.
Goodtime believes that being part of a close-knit community of like-minded dive professionals who take their duty of care seriously gives new professionals the best possible start. By the end of your training you’ll be industry ready and part of that community.
The three phases of development
program structure
Phase 1
3 weeks
Foundations
Phase 2
2 weeks
Industry Experience
Phase 3
3 weeks
Mastering the Craft
Three packages, one program
SSI professional active status fees are ฿16,900 and are paid directly to SSI. These are not included in any of Goodtime’s tuition packages. They cover your SSI membership and first year of active professional status.
TUITION PACKAGES
Starter Package
Intro
฿37,000
8 weeks
Industry Ready
Most Popular
฿62,000
10 weeks
Career Builder
premium
฿125,000
12 weeks
The onboarding process
BEFORE YOU ENROLL
Before signing anyone up for the program, Goodtime schedules a meeting — in person or remotely — with our head instructor to talk through your intentions, goals, and current experience level.
Not every candidate has the same goals. Some are career-track, some are looking to become better recreational divers. The onboarding conversation lets Goodtime tailor the program focus accordingly.
During the meeting you’ll also be assigned pre-program homework — reading materials, profile requirements, and guidance on equipment purchases before you arrive.
Book a call
In person on Koh Tao or remotely — whichever works for you.
Talk through your goals
Career-track, personal development, or somewhere in between.
Get your homework
Reading materials, SSI profile setup, and equipment guidance.
Choose your package
Our team will help you pick the right package for your goals and timeline.
Experience needed before you start
Prerequisites
Personal Prerequisites
Course Prerequisites
What you need to own for the course
required equipment
Dive computer with nitrox capability
Surface Marker Buoy
30m spool
Cutting device
Compass
Audible signalling device
Underwater writing tool
Underwater torch
Common Questions about the Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Goodtime recommends at least 8 weeks for the Starter package. While the SSI program can be completed faster, the difference extra time makes to a new professional is significant — you need space to absorb the information and practice the skills properly. The Industry Ready and Career Builder packages run to 10 and 12 weeks respectively.
No. Roughly half of Goodtime’s DM candidates don’t plan to work actively in the industry. The program works equally well as a path to becoming a more capable, knowledgeable recreational diver. The onboarding meeting is specifically designed to understand your goals and shape the program accordingly.
SSI professional active status fees are ฿16,900 and are paid directly to SSI. These are not included in any of Goodtime’s tuition packages. They cover your SSI membership and first year of active professional status.
You can begin portions of the program from 40 logged dives. Goodtime offers discounted fun diving packages for candidates who need to build up their logged numbers before the professional aspects begin — 2 dives at ฿1,700, 6 dives at ฿5,000, or 10 dives at ฿8,000.
Yes — the onboarding meeting can be done in person or remotely. Many candidates who are still planning their trip do the call from home so they arrive prepared and ready to begin.
Book an onboarding call
The first step is a conversation — in person or remotely. Talk through your goals with our team and find the right package for where you’re headed.
READY TO GO PRO?
Book a Call →