Dive Leader Course in Frankfurt
Lead diving groups safely, even under challenging conditions
Are you a Master Diver looking to take on more responsibility underwater? The Dive Leader certification qualifies you to organize, lead, and debrief dives in challenging conditions—including night dives, deep dives, and group dives.
The course covers advanced group leadership, deep-water emergency management, and practical rescue drills. The certification is internationally recognized and serves as the foundation for future instructor training.
Dive Leader ≠ Diving Instructor
The Dive Leader is the highest level in recreational diving for active divers—it authorizes the independent leadership of dive groups consisting of equally qualified dive partners. It is not an instructor certification and does not authorize the holder to teach others to dive. To train others, separate instructor training is required.
In a nutshell
Diving depth 20–40 meters
Minimum age 18 years
Requirements Master Diver / Diver **
Required dives 60 dives total, 40 of which must be after the Master Diver certification
Exam 5 exam dives (20–40 meters, min. 15 min.)
Required Specialty Courses Rescue Diver + Night Diver
Certification S.U.B. International Dive Leader certification card (ISO 24801-3)
Why become a dive leader at the Frankfurt Dive Center?
01
Personalized instruction — intensive one-on-one work at this advanced level
02
A clear training path from OWD to Dive Leader, all in one place
March
: Hands-on emergency medical training in realistic scenarios
04
S.U.B. International Certification — internationally recognized (ISO 24801-3)
May
: Open-water dives in lakes around Frankfurt
June
: A direct stepping stone to future instructor assistant training
Requirements
Master Diver ** or equivalent certification
Minimum age: 18
Fitness for diving
At least 60 dives, including 40 as a Master Diver
At least 30 dives in a wide range of environmental conditions
Rescue Diver Specialty Course completed (required)
Night Diving Specialty Course completed (required)
Recommended: Dry suit, drift diving, wreck diving, cavern diver
Practical training — 5 certification dives
All dives take place in open water at depths of 20–40 meters, with at least two divers and an instructor. As a Dive Leader, you will take charge of the group from the very beginning. The exam covers the following topics:
Group leadership and buoyancy control for all divers at varying depths
Controlled ascent without fins from 20 meters — 1-minute stop at 6 meters, 3-minute stop at 3 meters
Alternative air supply for fellow divers at a depth of 20 meters, controlled group ascent, deploying a buoy
Equipment check and functional test for the entire group before the dive
Deploying a dive buoy at a depth of 20 meters, retrieving it at the end of the dive
Planning, conducting, and debriefing a full night dive (6–15 meters)
Rescue of an injured diver from a depth of 15 meters to the shore (at least 100 meters) with the entire group
Demonstration of the two-rescuer method, recovery position, shock position
Developing an emergency plan for the dive site and briefing the group
20 minutes of snorkeling with full gear as a group leader
Diving experience — 60 dives
To earn the Dive Leader certification, you must document at least 60 dives, at least 40 of which must have been completed after you earned your Master Diver certification. At least 30 of these dives should have taken place under as varied environmental conditions as possible—different visibility levels, currents, depths, and temperatures.
What is included in the course?
5 open-water certification dives (lake fees included)
Dive Leader Certification Card — digital + physical
Personal Logbook
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
Master Diver ** or equivalent certification
Minimum age: 18
Certificate of Medical Fitness for Diving
60 dives (including 40 after Master Diver)
Rescue Diver and Night Diving Specialty Courses Completed
Proof of swimming ability: Swim 50 meters, float for 10 minutes
Already certified by PADI, SSI, or another organization? We generally recognize comparable certifications. We’ll assess your current level during a personal consultation.