SDI Zero to Hero: Beginner to Divemaster in Goa

  • SDI Certified
  • 60-90 Days
  • 40m max
₹89,100per person, GST extra
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Duration
60-90 Days
Max depth
40m max
Certification
SDI
Category
Professional

Highlights

  • Beginner to SDI Divemaster in 60 to 90 days
  • A job at FlyingFish when you finish: ₹33,000 a month
  • Every course, dive and certification in one price
  • 30 to 60 day internship with real guests

From non-diver to paid Divemaster in 60 to 90 days

Programme fee
₹99,000 + GST
Duration
60 to 90 days
You finish as
SDI Divemaster
Job offer
₹33,000 / month

You arrive in Goa with no diving experience. You leave as a certified SDI Divemaster with a job at FlyingFish, paid ₹33,000 a month. Every course, every certification, all your equipment and a 30 to 60 day internship are in one price: ₹99,000 plus GST.

Divemaster is the first professional level in scuba diving. A Divemaster guides certified divers underwater, helps instructors run courses, briefs groups on the boat and handles safety at the dive site. It is a real job, and dive centres in India and abroad need people who can do it well.

How the programme works

1
Learn to dive
SDI Open Water Scuba Diver. Pool skills first, then 4 open water dives at Grande Island. You can now dive to 18m.
2
Go deeper
SDI Advanced Adventure Diver and Computer Nitrox Diver. Deep dives to 30m, navigation, and longer dives on nitrox.
3
Learn to rescue
First Response first aid (CPR, oxygen, AED) and SDI Rescue Diver. You learn to help a diver in trouble.
4
Build your log book
You dive almost every day with our team until you reach the 60 logged dives a Divemaster needs.
5
Train as a professional
SDI Divemaster theory and skills, then a 30 to 60 day internship on our boats with real guests.
6
Start work
Pass your Divemaster assessment and join FlyingFish as a Divemaster at ₹33,000 a month.
Who this is for: graduates who want a career outdoors instead of at a desk, people changing careers, and anyone who wants to turn a love of the sea into paid work. You do not need any diving experience. You do need to be a good swimmer, hold a degree and speak English with confidence.

Who can join

We take a small number of trainees each season, because every one of them is a future member of our crew. This is what we ask for:

A good swimmer. You can swim 200m without stopping and float or tread water for 10 minutes.
A graduate. You have completed a degree in any subject.
Good spoken English. You will brief guests from India and abroad, so you must speak clearly and confidently.
18 years or older on the day you start.
Medically fit to dive. You fill in a medical form on day 1. Some conditions need a doctor's note first.
No diving experience needed. The programme starts from zero.
60 to 90 days in Goa. You need to live near Candolim for the full programme.
Before you book: we have a short call with every applicant to check these points and answer your questions. Message us on WhatsApp to arrange it. We help you find a room near Novotel Candolim for your stay.

The full course pathway

SDI Open Water Scuba Diver (3–4 Days)The foundation certification: theory, pool sessions, 4 open water dives. You emerge able to dive independently to 18m.
SDI Computer Nitrox Diver (1 Day)Longer dives on enriched air, useful because professional divers dive several times a day.
SDI Advanced Adventure Diver (2–3 Days)5 adventure dives to 30m: mandatory deep and navigation dives plus 3 electives. Opens up Sail Rock and deeper sites.
First Response First Aid (1 Day)CPR, AED, first aid, oxygen administration. Required for Divemaster. Life-saving skills beyond diving.
SDI Rescue Diver (3–4 Days)Rescue skills for self and other divers. The most practically important course before Divemaster. Hard DM prerequisite.
Logged Dive Accumulation60 logged dives required for Divemaster. During the prerequisite courses and internship, you build the dive log. Fun dives included.
Divemaster Academic TrainingAdvanced theory to instructor-equivalent level. Physics, physiology, equipment, dive site management, emergency procedures.
30–60 Day Divemaster InternshipWorking as a DM intern at FlyingFish: guiding certified divers, assisting instructors, running briefings. Real professional experience.

What your ₹99,000 includes

SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course
SDI Computer Nitrox Diver specialty
SDI Advanced Adventure Diver course
First Response first aid, CPR and oxygen
SDI Rescue Diver course
SDI Divemaster training (theory and practical)
30 to 60 day Divemaster internship
All dives needed to reach 60 logged dives
Full ScubaPro equipment for the whole programme
All course materials
All SDI certification fees
Boat trips to Grande Island for every training dive
A Divemaster job at FlyingFish on completion, paid ₹33,000 a month

Not included

  • GST (18%)
  • Accommodation and food in Goa (we suggest places to stay)
  • Travel to and from Goa
  • Personal expenses
  • Extra specialty courses you choose to add
How payment works: pay ₹30,000 online to hold your place. You pay the balance plus GST at our centre when you start. The full fee with GST is ₹1,16,820.

Your job after the programme

When you pass your SDI Divemaster assessment, you join FlyingFish as a Divemaster in Goa at ₹33,000 a month. You already know our boats, our dive sites and our team, so you start work on day one.

What a Divemaster does at FlyingFish

Guide certified divers at Grande Island and our other dive sites
Help instructors in the pool and in open water
Look after first-time divers on try dives
Give dive briefings on the boat
Set up, check and care for dive equipment
Handle safety and first aid at the dive site

Where it can take you

Your SDI Divemaster card is recognised at dive centres around the world
With experience, train as an SDI Instructor and teach your own courses
Work seasons in the Andamans, Lakshadweep, Thailand or the Maldives
Why we hire our own trainees: we train you for 60 to 90 days on the way we work. It makes sense for us to keep the people we have trained.

60–90 Days of Diving at Grandé Island, Goa

Every single dive during the Zero to Hero program takes place at Grandé Island, 30 minutes by speedboat from Novotel Candolim. By the end, you know every dive site on the island in every condition.

Grandé Island Reef
5–18m · All levels

Coral gardens, moray eels, snappers, parrotfish. The primary training reef, with gentle conditions and rich marine life.

Suzy's Wreck
12–18m · OW+

British-era wreck covered in soft coral, with resident groupers, blue-spotted stingrays and moray eels.

Sail Rock
14–24m · Advanced recommended

Rocky pinnacle with currents and open-water fish. Eagle rays and drift diving.

Shelter Cove
6–14m · All levels

Protected bay, very gentle. Nudibranchs, pipefish, seahorses. A good place to practise skills away from the current.

Bounty Bay
5–12m · All levels

Shallow reef for long bottom times. Macro life: nudibranchs, ornate ghost pipefish. Great for photography and hover practice.

Diving volume: Zero to Hero graduates typically log 80–120+ dives at Grandé Island during the program, across all five sites, in conditions ranging from flat-calm to mild current. By the time you start working as a Divemaster, you know these sites well.

Why take your course with FlyingFish in Goa

What is different about training with us.

ScubaPro Equipment, Serviced on Schedule

Pro-grade gear serviced every 100 dives or 6 months, not when it fails. MK25/S620 regulator, Hydros Pro BCD, Aladin Sport dive computer. You train on the same equipment working instructors use.

Maximum 4:1 Diver-to-Instructor Ratio

Your instructor knows where you are underwater at all times. No crowded groups. If a skill needs more practice, you get the time, not the time left over after 8 other students.

SSI, PADI and SDI at One Centre

We teach all three agencies at the same location. You choose which certification fits your future dive plans. We give you honest advice, not a push toward whichever we sell more of.

Professional Base at 5-Star Novotel Candolim

Proper briefing rooms, clean equipment rinsing stations, structured course schedule. The difference between a dive school and a beach shack matters when you are doing a multi-day certification course.

You Graduate Knowing FlyingFish's Team, Sites, and Standards

After 90 days at one centre you have more than a card. You know the instructors, you know every dive site at Grandé Island in every condition, and you have the FlyingFish team's reference. Future employers value that far more than a card from a centre you left after 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

The programme fee is ₹99,000 plus 18% GST, so ₹1,16,820 in total. This covers every course, all certification fees, your equipment, all training dives and the internship. You pay ₹30,000 online to hold your place and the balance at our centre.

Yes. When you pass your SDI Divemaster assessment, FlyingFish hires you as a Divemaster in Goa at a salary of ₹33,000 a month.

You need to be a good swimmer, a graduate with a completed degree, confident in spoken English, 18 or older and medically fit to dive. You do not need any diving experience.

Yes. The programme starts with the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver course, where you take your first breaths underwater in the pool. Most of our trainees have never dived before they start.

Most trainees finish in 60 to 90 days. The courses take about 2 to 3 weeks. The rest of the time you build up to 60 logged dives and complete your Divemaster internship. Weather and your own pace decide the exact length.

A Divemaster gives safety briefings and guides guests from all over India and the world. Clear English keeps divers safe and is the main language of the dive industry.

Accommodation is not included. Rooms near Candolim cost about ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 a month. Many trainees share a flat to keep costs down. We send you a list of places we recommend.

Yes. SDI is one of the major international training agencies and its Divemaster card is recognised by dive centres around the world. Some resorts hire only their own agency's professionals, so check before you apply to a specific one.

The Goa dive season runs from October to May, which is the best time to start. Message us on WhatsApp with your preferred start date and we will confirm a place.
A FlyingFish divemaster checking coral on an underwater cleanup dive
Trash-Free Thursday

Dive with a purpose

Every Thursday our team heads out and clears whatever rubbish we can find on the reef and in the water.

Want to help? Ask us about joining a cleanup dive.

Ask about cleanup dives
Dive Club

Keep diving all year

Certified divers get 12 months of unlimited dives at Grande Island for ₹19,800 + GST.

See Dive Club
What Our Divers Say

Real Reviews from Real Divers

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what our guests say on Google and TripAdvisor.

Posted on Google Google
Rajneesh Kumar profile picture
Rajneesh Kumar
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Professional staff with all safety measures and excellent service and support...!!
Posted on Google Google
MarvelouSiddharth profile picture
MarvelouSiddharth
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Best scuba school in goa highly recommended! My wife and I had an amazing experience with Flying Fish Scuba School and instructor Sunny. Despite her never having been in a swimming pool, my wife completed her dive course successfully thanks to their incredible support and professionalism. If you want quality instruction and genuine care—not scams—this is the place. 100% worth it!
Posted on Google Google
Mahesh g.warrier profile picture
Mahesh g.warrier
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Had a great experience.
Posted on Google Google
Manna Singh profile picture
Manna Singh
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It was priceless movement...i must recommend this as they are very professional....i was scared before start but dinesh the instructor he make me very comfortable and then i came back for and turn ....it was grt grt time i spent at the sea bed ....and really thanks amitab sir i really appreciate for last min call for second time...and u accepted....lots of love....
Posted on Google Google
Pranav Jagtap profile picture
Pranav Jagtap
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
you are looking for scuba diving in Goa, you’ve likely noticed dozens of operators offering "5-in-1" water sports combos at low prices. As a tourist, I was skeptical of these "scammy" setups. I decided to go with FlyingFish Scuba School (based at the Novotel Resort) based on the review It was definitely the right call and I can easily say it's the BEST scuba diving experience in Goa. ​The Training & Team The experience started with a thorough pool session, which was incredibly helpful for getting comfortable with the gear and breathing techniques before heading into open water. A huge shoutout to Mr. Dinesh and Ms. Maitri, they were phenomenal. Both were professional, friendly, and reliable, which is exactly what you want when you’re 10-12 meters underwater. ​The Dive (Scuba 40) I opted for the 40-minute dive. The marine life was beautiful; I saw a variety of fish and healthy coral reefs. They also provided video footage from an action camera, which was a great bonus. Note on visibility: While the shipwreck is a major draw, we couldn't see it during my session due to visibility issues. It’s worth keeping in mind that nature doesn't always cooperate, but the rest of the dive more than made up for it. ​Facilities & Logistics The logistics were handled very well: ​Changing Rooms: Clean and accessible facilities to change out of wet clothes both after the pool session and after returning from the jetty. ​Refreshments: Proper snacks were provided, which were much appreciated after the energy-intensive dive. ​Safety: The 1:1 instructor-to-student ratio during the dive made the whole experience feel very secure. ​Verdict If you want a "real" diving experience rather than a rushed tourist activity, this is a solid choice. It felt safe, organized, and honest. FlyingFish scuba surely made th diving experience memorable!
Posted on Google Google
Gurkirpal Bedi profile picture
Gurkirpal Bedi
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Really great experience, Unique concept of 40 plus 40 min dives, Very good dive sites and the whole team is so good and helpful...A big thank you to Anirudh and Dinesh Bhai, enjoyed a lot and will come back for the course...And Thank you Amitabh Sir too...
Posted on Google Google
Joseph Durfey profile picture
Joseph Durfey
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Highly recommend! Dive master was super knowledgeable and professional. Took good care of us. Thank you
Posted on Google Google
Abdul Waheed profile picture
Abdul Waheed
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Best experience we ever had
Posted on Google Google
Anshul Tembhurne profile picture
Anshul Tembhurne
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
- Did an Open Water DiverScuba course with flying fish scuba in goa. This course stands out because at the same course price across India you get 4+2 speciality course dives, which can hugely improve your performance. As there base is at novotel candolim, you get better convenience if you decide to stay at the resort. - Our instructor was Anirudh. He was amazing, supportive and clarified all our doubts. You can trust him and his experience. You will learn a lot over the duration of course. - Dive sites are amazing both the wreck and coral colony. Happy Diving!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Road50855370209 profile picture
Road50855370209
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
First scuba experience It was my first diving experience. I chose flying fish scuba school and was very happy to have chosen this center. They guided me properly. I had an amazing dive and a great experience.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Freedom58686498324 profile picture
Freedom58686498324
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Scuba Very good experience to much friendly staff members they help you
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Travel25055630721 profile picture
Travel25055630721
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40+40 scuba diving It’s spell bounding experience, I can’t express my happiness. I took 40+40 min long scuba diving . That was intensive and tedious though. I was very eager to see corals and under water 🗺️ world. My instructor Dinesh who truly genuine, with lot of patience listened to me because I was very very anxious once dived into sea!!! I almost gave up, but I asked him 5 mins and repeated the same pool training, eventually I made it😍❣️!! I dived deep equalising my ears often as I have sinusitis problem that caused sharp pain in my ears. My instructor was really helpful and cooperative. Thank you flyingfish scuba for making my dive easier and possible 🪸💖💙
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Dwarkesh profile picture
Dwarkesh
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Scuba Nitrox Great experience with Ashish & Dinesh! Will come back here next time as well!
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Curiosity20059827591 profile picture
Curiosity20059827591
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Scuba Staff members are excellent!
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Sunshine49195324825 profile picture
Sunshine49195324825
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Scuba Ashish was an excellent scuba diving trainer and made the whole experience very comfortable. He explained everything clearly and was very patient, especially with beginners. I felt completely safe and confident under his guidance. His calm nature and professionalism made the dive even more enjoyable. Highly recommend Ashish to anyone trying scuba diving for the first time!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Voyager55147331857 profile picture
Voyager55147331857
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Scuba Excellent experience with team of the Novotel 👍
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Excursion31003926877 profile picture
Excursion31003926877
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Scuba diving Best service provider best experience of life very well trained and professional staff
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FarAway38541753570 profile picture
FarAway38541753570
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Scuba diving Very good experience and had a nice time
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OnAir49110026021 profile picture
OnAir49110026021
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Scuba It was fun and comfortable around them first scuba diving totally worth each penny

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SDI Zero to Hero: Beginner to Divemaster in Goa