The PADI Divemaster and unqualified divers!

[Koh Samui]

Lazlo,

As Rod already pointed out, a DM who's DSD certified, can only go to 6m depth in confined open water with a ratio of 2:1.

If you want to atke for the 12m option, a PADI instructor has to be involved in all parts of the experience and 12m is he max depth allowed with a ratio of 4:1.

What the OP describes is breaking PADI standards.

[Houseplant]

Originally Posted by TonyG

I think we have all been on holiday and have witnessed AOW Rescue Diver/ BSAC Sport/Ocean Diver students running taking dives along the house reef with the promise that they will be divemasters at the end of the season.

Yes, I once saw an ad for an 'AOW diver' wanted by a Turkish dive school, slightly concerning.

[Terrible_Ivan]

Originally Posted by jamie

....
Are PADI Divemasters allowed to take unqualified divers diving? If so what are the requirements/rules?

As a organised PADI event, this is in breach of the PADI rules. If this was not intended as a "PADI discover scuba", but rather a "dive shop on the corner taking him for a quick dive", then there may be nothing wrong with that.

In many countries around the world, there is no legal requirement of being a certified scuba diver to go diving. Anyone can go.

There is thus a difference between the rules imposed by PADI as an organisation on companies and individuals working for/affiliated with PADI, and the legal requirements of the individual country.

As I understand it, there are no legal requirements in UK regarding non-commercial diving. Nothing stops you and your mate from going into a shop, buy a full kit and go diving in the ocean by yourself - with no training whatsoever. BSAC, PADI etc. won't let you come along on their trips without certification, of course.

If your friend's trip was organised as a padi dive, then it's in breach of padi's rules, and he can complain to padi.

-Ivan

[JamesW]

This includes conducting four separate PADI Discover Scuba Diving
programs in a pool or confined open water environment under the direct
supervision of a PADI Instructor. PADI Divemasters who complete the internship
submit an authorization form to their PADI Office signed by the supervising
instructor.
Supervision and Ratios
The PADI Member conducting the Discover Scuba Diving program
must be in the water directly supervising.
Pool — Ratios
Participant-to-instructor/assistant instructor – 8:1
Participant-to-divemaster – 4:1
Confined open water environment — Ratios
Participant-to-instructor/assistant instructor – 4:1
Participant-to-instructor/assistant instructor with certified
assistant(s) – 6:1
or Participant-to-divemaster – 2:1
I hope this is clear
Thanks
Winker