From Passion to Profession
Pathway Overview
A clear, structured pathway to becoming a dive professional at your own pace.
There is no single “right” way to become a dive professional. Some people are ready to commit fully, others want to explore the path step by step.
That’s why we’ve designed a flexible professional pathway that allows you to start where you are, build experience and confidence, and progress toward leadership and teaching roles when the time is right.
Each level builds on the previous one — and you decide how far you want to go.
Pro Prep Week
All pre-requisites to start Divemaster Training.
Divemaster Internship
Become a dive PRO in 1, 2 or 3 months
Open Water Instructor
Teach & certify new divers
Specialty Instructor
Expand your teaching range & income
Ass. Instructor Trainer
Help train the next generation of Instructors
Not sure where to start ?
Take our Pro pathway Quiz
Answer 12 questions and discover the professional path that fits you best.
Some people want a complete career change.
Others want to test professional life before committing. And some already know they want to become instructors. There is no single “right” path — only the right path for you.
Everyone arrives at the professional level with different experience, goals, and timelines. Instead of guessing which program is right for you, we’ve created a short pathway quiz to guide you.
Professional Training Programs
Compare your options below. Dive deeper into the program that fits your goals.
Pro prep week
You are not ready yet and that's ok
Who It’s For
You’re curious about the professional dive path but not ready to commit long-term.
You want to build confidence, gain key certifications, and confirm you interest while keeping your options open without pressure.
What will you gain
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Diver Stress & Rescue + React Right
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Core specialties: Perfect buoyancy, Deep Diving, Navigation + Night & Limited Visability
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Stronger confidence and safety awareness
Training style
Our Pro Prep Week is designed as the perfect first step toward becoming a dive professional. A focused 7-day intensive training designed to help you complete the key certification required to enroll a SSI Divemaster Program.
Outcome
You finish the week fully qualified to start an SSI Divemaster program and equipped with the skills, experience, and clarity to choose your next step with confidence.
Divemaster Internship
Your first concrete step toward becoming a dive professional, without pressure or long commitments.
1-Month Divemaster Internship
You are an Experience Seeker !
Who It’s For
You already meet Divemaster prerequisites and want hands-on exposure to professional diving before committing long-term.
You’re looking for real responsibility, daily dive center life, and clarity about whether the dive professional path truly fits you.
What will you gain
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SSI Divemaster certification
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Professional-level awareness and confidence
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Experience assisting instructors and certified divers
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Insight into real dive center operations
Training style
High-intensity, hands-on immersion in daily dive operations. You train alongside instructors, assist on courses, prepare boats and equipment, and experience the true rhythm of a working dive center.
You graduate as a certified Divemaster with firsthand experience of professional dive life and the confidence to decide whether to continue toward long-term professional training.
Outcome
2 & 3 months Divemaster Internship
You are a Career Changer !
Who It’s For
For divers ready for a deeper commitment and real responsibility. Ideal if you’re considering a career change and want enough time to fully live the professional dive lifestyle.
What will you gain
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Progressive path from recreational to professional diver
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Increased confidence, leadership, and situational awareness
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Real experience in guiding, assisting, and operations
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A solid foundation for professional diving
Structured, immersive, and mentorship‑driven. You train as part of the dive team, gaining responsibility gradually and realistically.
Training style
Outcome
By the end of the program, you are prepared for professional‑level diving and leadership. You leave with the experience, confidence, and clarity to continue with the Instructor Training Course or as professional divemaster.
Marine Ecology Pro program
You are an Ocean Leader !
Who It’s For
For divers driven by conservation, leadership, and purpose. Ideal if you want to go beyond guiding dives and actively contribute through education and environmental impact.
What will you gain
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SSI Divemaster certification
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SSI Marine Ecology Instructor certification
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In-depth understanding of local and global marine ecosystems
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Leadership and teaching skills to educate divers and non-divers
Training style
Immersive, education‑focused, and impact‑driven. You combine diving, ecology training, and real teaching experience in an ocean‑first environment.
Outcome
By the end of the program, you are equipped to teach marine ecology and lead conservation‑focused initiatives. You leave as an ocean leader with purpose, credibility, and real impact.
Life as a Dive Pro
in Costa Rica
Train, dive, learn, and live by the ocean.
Professional training at Rich Coast Diving means becoming part of a working dive center in Playas del Coco, a laid-back coastal town in Guanacaste.
Your days are spent assisting instructors, preparing dive trips, guiding divers, and developing the confidence and awareness expected from a professional. Afternoons are often free, perfect for relaxing by the pool, exploring the coastline, or enjoying sunsets with your fellow trainees.
This is not a classroom-only course. It’s a lifestyle experience built around diving, learning, and community.
What happens after Divemaster
Continue building experience, leadership, and teaching credentials.
After becoming a Divemaster, most candidates continue directly into instructor-level training. At Rich Coast Diving, you can progress seamlessly into:
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Instructor Training Course (ITC)
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Specialty Instructor certifications
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Assistant Instructor Trainer level
Our in-house Instructor Trainers guide you through every step, helping you plan a professional path that fits your goals. Whether you want to teach, travel, or build a long-term career in diving.
Reviews
“See why Divemaster and Instructor candidates worldwide trust Rich Coast Diving to start their professional scuba careers in Costa Rica.”
Cal
Two weeks ago
I have nothing but good things to say about my experience becoming a dive master, and then instructor here at Rich Coast Diving. I began with their 3 month dive master program, and the instruction, mentorship, and real life experience I was given during my training was outstanding. The owners Celine and Niels, along with Instructors Federico, Stephania, and Daniel were incredibly supportive and truly want you to succeed.
As for the Instructor Training course, Niels and Celine worked tirelessly to fully prepare us for our instructor evaluation, and thanks to their constant support, feedback, and high standards, I felt confident and ready for the IE. The well structured course and their ongoing guidance left me with zero regrets about choosing Rich Coast for my instructor training.
Besides the training here the community is something special. It’s a fun, supportive group of people from all over the world, and it really feels like you are apart of a family.
Practical info
Training Location & Travel Information
Rich Coast Diving is located in Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. You can fly into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), just 40 minutes away. Airport pickup can be arranged.
Alternatively, you can fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and travel by shuttle to Playas del Coco (approximately 5 hours).
Accommodation options are available nearby. We also have a special house for our professional interns, and we’re happy to help you plan your stay.
Why Train with
Rich Coast Diving
Professional training built on experience, mentorship, and real dive center operations
Choosing the right dive center is one of the most important decisions in your professional journey. At Rich Coast Diving, we don’t just certify dive professionals, we train you to succeed in the real world.
As Costa Rica’s first and only SSI Career Center, our professional programs are led by two in-house Instructor Trainers and built around hands-on experience, small group training, and long-term career support.
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Official SSI Career Center
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32+ Years Experience
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2 In-House Instructor Trainers
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Real dive center operations & daily dive trips
