SDI Divemaster
Why Anilao?
Train in One of the Philippines’ Best All-Around Dive Destinations
Anilao gives you everything a Divemaster candidate needs—reefs, walls, muck sites, currents, deep sites, and night diving—all within minutes of the resort.
Perfect for Weekend Candidates from Manila
Only 2–3 hours from Manila, you can complete your Divemaster internship over a series of weekends without taking long periods off work.
Ideal for Long-Stay Internships
For candidates staying longer, we can help arrange affordable local accommodation so you can log lots of dives, assist real courses, and gain genuine guiding experience.
WHY CHOOSE BLUE RIBBON?
Experienced mentors invested in your success
You’ll be trained directly by our in-house SDI/TDI instructors — not freelancers — giving you consistent coaching, real mentorship, and guidance shaped by thousands of dives in Anilao’s conditions.
Hands-on leadership training in a real working dive resort
You won’t just tick boxes. You’ll assist real students, help plan dives, manage logistics, and build genuine confidence as a dive professional — the kind of experience that makes job placement easier.Purpose-built 3-meter pool, controlled class sizes, and step-by-step skill progression so you never feel rushed.Your skills start in our purpose-built 3-meter pool, giving you a smooth, stress-free foundation before heading into the ocean.
A supportive environment built for professional growth
From our 3-meter training pool to structured skill development and small-group mentoring, we give you space to improve, learn from mistakes, ask questions, and grow into a competent, reliable Divemaster.
What You Learn
Dive Leadership & Management
Plan, brief, and lead dives for certified divers — from shore dives to boat dives, night dives, or varied conditions.
Communication, Briefings & Diver Supervision
Conduct clear briefings and debriefings; handle logistics, paperwork, waivers, risk management — ensuring smooth, professional dive operations.
Dive Environment & Equipment Knowledge
Understand diving physics/physiology, dive environment differences, and properly maintain and manage equipment for group dives.
Professionalism & Dive-Guide Skills
Learn standards & procedures, leadership ethics, risk management, group control and diver care — building confidence, trust, and reliability as a dive-guide.
Course Structure
Before you arrive – SDI eLearning
Complete the academic theory online at your own pace. This lets you spend your time in Anilao doing the practical training rather than classroom work.
Skill Development & Pool Training
Refresh core skills, practice rescue scenarios, and master demonstration-quality skills in our 3-meter training pool before applying them in open water.
Practical Training & Ocean Workshops
Work through the SDI Divemaster checklist across real dives: guiding skills, site management, navigation, problem-solving, emergency response, dive briefings, equipment handling, and environmental awareness.
Internship-Style Experience
Assist instructors with real students, learn how a working dive resort operates, and gain hands-on leadership experience — from pool sessions to boat dives.
Flexible Training Options
You can complete the program in 2–4 weeks of full-time training, or spread it out over weekend visits from Manila, ticking off each requirement and workshop at your own pace.
For longer stays, we can also help arrange affordable local accommodation nearby.
Course Prerequisites
To enrol in the divemaster course you need to be 18 years old
Must hold a certification equivalent to SDI Advanced Adventure Diver (or equivalent), with verified dives including deep, navigation, night, and limited-visibility specialties.
Must hold a current SDI Rescue Diver (or equivalent).
Must provide proof of valid CPR / First Aid / Oxygen-provider certification (or equivalent), where local regulations allow.
Ability to swim 200 meters (any stroke) and float/tread water for 10 minutes.
Must have at least 40 logged dives documented prior to the start of course.
You need to complete a Medical Form (signed by a licensed physician)
Meet Your Instructors
Jonathan Venn
Jon is the founder of Blue Ribbon Dive Resort in Anilao, Batangas, established in 2010. With over two decades of diving experience, he specializes in technical diving instruction and professional-level SDI/TDI courses.
A passionate explorer and dive educator, Jon is known for discovering new dive sites around Anilao and beyond. He enjoys deep-water exploration and the challenge of spotting elusive pelagic species rarely seen by recreational divers. Whether teaching advanced courses or leading technical expeditions, Jon’s focus is always on safety, precision, and adventure beneath the surface
Ronel “Dang” Federico
Ronel, known to most as Dang, began his diving journey at Blue Ribbon Dive Resort and earned his Divemaster certification in 2016. With years of experience guiding both recreational and macro photographers around Anilao’s famous dive sites, Dang has developed a reputation for his incredible eagle eyes—spotting the tiniest frogfish, pygmy seahorses, and nudibranchs that others might miss.
In 2022, he became a certified SDI Instructor, sharing his deep knowledge and passion for marine life with new divers. Whether leading fun dives or teaching students, Dang’s calm, friendly nature and unmatched spotting skills make every dive both educational and unforgettable.
Jeff Zapata
Jeff has been part of the Blue Ribbon Dive Resort family since the early days, starting his professional journey as a Divemaster in 2011. With over a decade of experience exploring the reefs and slopes of Anilao, Jeff is renowned for his sharp spotting skills and calm, confident guidance underwater.
In 2023, Jeff achieved his Instructor certification, expanding his passion for diving into teaching. Known for his patience and detailed approach, he loves helping divers improve their skills while introducing them to Anilao’s incredible macro marine life—from colourful nudibranchs to rare frogfish. Whether guiding or teaching, Jeff ensures every dive is safe, relaxed, and full of discoveries.