More Than a Certification: Inside our Divemaster In Training Internship Program

If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about trading your desk job for a life underwater, or if you’re good and ready to turn your passion for diving into a profession, you might be the perfect fit for our Divemaster in Training (DMT) Internship at Sail Fish Scuba in Key Largo, Florida.

This isn’t just another certification program. It’s an immersive, hands-on experience that combines dive mastery with real-world, small-business know-how. Whether you’re fresh out of an Open Water course or already halfway down the professional track, our internship meets you where you are - and helps you grow far beyond where you imagined. 

Finding the Right Fit 

There are many ways to get certified as a Divemaster: dive academies, private instruction, short-term programs. It’s important to understand the goals and priorities of a program before committing to it. Many internships prioritize speed above all else. Other operations require tank filling and gear cleaning at such a large volume that those tasks make up the majority of your on-land responsibilities.

There is not one type of program that is better than the others, it is all about finding the right fit. At Sail Fish Scuba, we don’t just teach you the scuba skills needed to safely lead groups of divers underwater, we also give you a front-row seat to the inner workings of a small dive shop. From customer service and inventory, to trip planning and marketing, you’ll gain invaluable experience in what it really takes to work in the dive industry day to day.

Our program is intentionally spread out, giving you the space and time to absorb information, practice skills, and build confidence. Instead of rushing through checklists, you get the opportunity to apply what you’re learning in real time, ensuring it becomes second nature, not just something you memorized for a test.

Plus, the Divemaster Internship is a valuable opportunity to build your network amongst the close-knit Florida Keys professional diver community. The owners and instructors at the shop make an intentional effort to introduce you to those they know who can help take your career to higher places. Throughout your time in the program, you’ll find mentors, teachers, and friends! 

A Dive Internship Designed for You

Our DMT program is flexible and personalized. Your journey will depend on your current level, goals, and availability. We’ll sit down together to design a timeline that works, whether you’re with us for a few months full-time, or spreading out your training alongside other commitments.

Tuition? That’s covered. In exchange for working at the shop and supporting day-to-day operations, we guide you - free of charge - through the certifications, skill development, and mentorship you need to become a confident, capable PADI Divemaster.

A Day in the Life

No two days at Sail Fish Scuba are exactly the same, but that’s part of the fun! Here's a snapshot of what a typical day might include:

7 - 8 am: Start your day prepping gear, checking weather and dive conditions, and syncing up with the team

Shop time: Answer calls, assist guests, post to social media, clean and organize inventory, or contribute to the blog

Boat time: Clean the vessel, load tanks, help guests gear up, and serve as deckhand

Diver shadowing: Watch and support instructors during certification courses and guided dives

Special projects: Got a background in photography? Writing? We’ll find meaningful ways to integrate your strengths.

Every week is a mix of physical work, mental engagement, teamwork, and (of course) time spent in the water. You’ll be challenged and supported, every step of the way.

What We’re Looking For

This internship isn’t for someone who just wants a quick certification to add to their logbook. We’re looking for individuals who:

• Are curious and committed to learning - not just the skills, but the why behind them
  
  

• Are flexible, proactive, and able to roll with last-minute schedule changes (they happen!)
  
  

• Bring a can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed
  
  

• Have goals that align with the dive industry - this is a stepping stone, not a side hobby
  
  

• Can interact with guests with confidence, maturity, and professionalism
  
  

If that sounds like you, we’d love to meet you.

More Than Just a Certification

At its heart, this program is about helping you grow into a dive professional - not just someone who can lead a dive, but someone who understands the full picture: customer experience, business operations, marine stewardship, and leadership.

By the end of your time with us, you’ll have more than a card, you’ll have hands-on experience, lasting mentorship, and the confidence to step into the dive industry with clarity and capability.

Meet Some of Our Current Interns

Dave “Groovy” Grover
Dave’s path into diving started on the technical side, not recreational. In 1990, he earned a commercial diving certification from the Diver’s Institute of Technology in Seattle, where he trained in surface-supplied underwater construction, hyperbaric chamber operations, and underwater welding. That early experience planted the seed for a lifelong curiosity about what humans can do beneath the surface.

Though he didn’t immediately pursue diving as a career, Dave continued to build a diverse professional life - working in construction, becoming a drug counselor, earning a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science Management, and even serving as a City Councilor in Trinidad, California.

Now, Dave is diving back into the field (literally and figuratively!) through Sail Fish Scuba’s internship. His goal is to merge his technical background with his passion for the environment to contribute to coral reef restoration and marine conservation projects here in the Florida Keys. With his hands-on skillset and thoughtful, systems-minded perspective, Dave is a great example of how diverse experiences can come together to support meaningful work in the diving world.

Sasha Harrison

Sasha comes to Sail Fish Scuba with a background rooted in communications, community building, and mission-driven work. After earning her BA in Strategic Communications from American University, she built her career in the nonprofit world, working on campaigns and programs within the queer justice and climate action movements.

Though she was raised in the mountains of Colorado, Sasha discovered her love for the ocean at a young age, and diving has remained a personal passion ever since. What drew her specifically to Sail Fish Scuba’s internship was the unique opportunity to experience how dive shops operate at the intersection of tourism, community, and environmental stewardship.

Sasha is using this internship to build practical small business experience before starting her MBA this fall, where she plans to focus on applying business strategy to nonprofit and socially-driven organizations. Here in the Keys, she’s learning everything from guest logistics to gear maintenance, all while exploring the marine ecosystems she cares deeply about. Thoughtful, driven, and curious, Sasha brings a spirit of intention and service to every part of the program.

Ready to take the Plunge?

If you're ready for a challenge, a change of pace, and a community that genuinely cares about your growth, we invite you to apply. If you’re able, come into the shop, introduce yourself and get a vibe-check. Spend a day diving with us! We’re always excited to hear from curious, passionate individuals who see diving as more than a hobby.