Did you know you can keep pushing yourself, growing, and achieving new heights in diving, even without going pro?
PADI Master Scuba Diver, or just MSD, is a rating that fewer than 2% of all PADI divers accomplish. The MSD rating is a fun and challenging way to become a better diver, open up more diving opportunities, and right now until December 31st, you can win a trip to dive the Maldives!
Divers always confuse MSD with Divemaster, but Divemaster is for those that want to work as a scuba diver, while MSD is for those that want to be recognized for their knowledge and experience as recreational divers.
The Master Scuba Diver rating is for those who have a love for and dedication to diving, but aren’t interested in making it their profession. Many divers think that the only way to get a title that represents their experience and expertise is to become a divemaster, only to find out that it’s actually more about logistics and the back end of the dive operation.
In this case, it would be better to invest your money and time in completing PADI Specialties, where you will learn new skills, expand your knowledge and gain more experience in different types of diving.
Recreational divers can work towards the requirements for the Master Scuba Diver certification as they continue diving and learning. Here’s what it takes to obtain this prestigious title:
Have at least 50 logged dives under your belt
Become Rescue Diver certified
Complete 5 PADI specialty courses for certification
Fill out and submit the PADI Master Scuba Diver application
Details of the PADI MSD Challenge can be found at the bottom of this article, but first we’d like to outline some of the most useful and fun specialties that you can use towards your Master Scuba Diver rating.
Here are our top recommended specialties and what it takes to complete them!
Peak Performance Buoyancy (PPB)
Duration: 1 day
Number of dives: 1
Prerequisites: Open Water or Junior Open Water
Peak Performance Buoyancy, often referred to as “PPB,” is our absolutely favorite specialty! It is the specialty that can provide the greatest benefit for new and seasoned divers alike. For many people, the Peak Performance Buoyancy specialty is the first time they get direct attention and feedback on their buoyancy since leaving the Open Water or Advanced Open Water courses.
Enriched Air Nitrox
Duration: 1 day
Number of dives: 0
Prerequisites: Open Water or Junior Open Water
The Nitrox specialty helps you understand better the relationship of pressure and volume, understand the gas you are using, and will allow you longer bottom times at moderately deep sites like the wrecks we have at 100'. This specialty does not require any dives because the way Enriched Air Nitrox is used in the water is identical to the way air is used, and the parts of the dive experience that are different, such as analyzing your tank and setting your computer, are done on land.
O2 Provider
Duration: 1 day
Number of dives: 0
Prerequisites: Open Water or Junior Open Water
The Oxygen Provider specialty increases your confidence in case there is ever an emergency, and helps you understand best practices. You could save a life! This hands-on specialty teaches you about the different types of oxygen delivery systems and how and when to use them. This specialty will serve you as a diver and far beyond!
Deep
Duration: 2 days
Number of dives: 4
Prerequisites: Advanced Open Water
Deep opens more dive sites and forces you to practice "thinking like a diver". You will be able to dive as deep as 40 meters (135 ft) by time you complete the specialty. You’ll also learn more about deco stops, setting up and using emergency air supplies, and decompression sickness. This specialty opens the door to more dive sites and experiences, adding a new level of adventure even in sites you’ve dove before.
Navigation
Duration: 2 days
Number of dives: 3
Prerequisites: Open Water or Junior Open Water
Navigation is a basic safety skill but many divers admit that they simply don’t feel comfortable navigating on their own, especially if it has been a while since your last formal PADI course. Mastering navigation will boost your confidence in the water, and make you a more aware, safer diver. Confidence in navigation is a must if you plan on visiting areas where guided dives are not offered or come with an extra cost.
Wreck
Duration: 2 days
Number of dives: 4
Prerequisites: Advanced Open Water
Wreck diving is often cited as a favorite diving activity, and it is easy to understand why! Wreck diving is like walking through history while completing an obstacle course. In the Wreck Diver specialty you will learn how to safely penetrate wrecks. You will fine tune your buoyancy and practice "thinking like a diver" as you learn to identify risks and avoid them. You’ll also learn how to use reels, and the value of always carrying a flashlight.
Sidemount
Duration: 2 days
Number of dives: 4
Prerequisites: Advanced Open Water
Sidemount is increasingly popular among recreational divers. Some like the harness and redundancy, while others simply find the setup to be more comfortable. The Sidemount specialty is an amazing way to reconnect with the basics as you learn a whole new methodology for gear setup, buoyancy control, sharing air, and finning techniques. This specialty is a gateway to technical diving for those interested in TecRec, cave, or cavern diving.
Completing the Master Scuba Diver Challenge at Roatan Divers:
Roatan Divers offers all required courses for the MSD Challenge, including these specialties and a bunch more! You can learn more about the specialties available at Roatan Divers on our Specialties page. Our boutique dive center has four dive boats, so we are able to provide the best dive sites and experiences based on YOUR course needs. You’ll love learning exciting new skills in our pristine tropical waters!
Divers who are already at or near the required 50 dives may be able to complete the PADI Master Scuba Diver Challenge during their Roatan dive vacation before Dec. 31, 2024 and be entered to win a dive trip for 2 to Maldives!
All you have to do to enter is visit the PADI MSD Challenge Entry page here and submit a 1-2 paragraph statement about why you’re becoming a Master Scuba Diver, and then earn entries!
After filling in the form and securing your initial entry, you can earn more entries to the contest by completing qualifying PADI courses or joining PADI Club. Here’s how you can boost your chances:
PADI Master Scuba Diver rating – 10 extra entries
PADI Rescue Diver certification – 5 extra entries
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification – 3 extra entries
PADI Specialty Diver certification – 2 extra entries
PADI Open Water Diver certification – 1 extra entry
PADI ClubTM member – 5 extra entries
