As a DiveMaster Candidate I was wanting to know the test breakdown so I would know about what my goals should be. I hope this is helpful for someone else as it was for me.

400 yard swim
no aids such as fins, snorkel or mask using any stroke or combo of strokes)

6 minutes or less = 5 pts
6 - 8 minutes = 4 pts
8 - 10 minutes = 3 pts
10 - 12 minutes = 2 pts
12 minutes = 1 pt

15 minute water tread
(using no aids, hands must be out of water for last 2 minutes)

Perform satisfactorily = 5 pts
Stayed afloat but hands not out of water for 2 mins = 3 pts
Used side or bottom but no more than twice = 1 pt

800 yard timed snorkel swim
(using mask, fin, and snorkel but no BC/floatation aid, face in water without using arms to swim, nonstop)

13 minutes or less = 5 pts
13 - 15 minutes = 4 pts
15 - 17 minutes = 3 pts
17 - 19 minutes = 2 pts
Over 19 minutes = 1 pt

100 yard rescue diver tow
(wearing full scuba, push or tow diver 100 yards nonstop)

2 minutes or less = 5 pts
2 - 3 minutes = 4 pts
3 - 4 minutes = 3 pts
4 - 5 minutes = 2 pts
Over 5 minutes = 1 pt

You must score 12 out of possible 20 points to pass these tests

Comments

jeff98208 - 4/21/2007 12:00 AM deal! than-x for the info.

dd_diver - 4/09/2007 12:00 AM I recently had to do a 900 yd surface swim w/ mask, fins, snorkel for instructor certification. I had to do it in 18 minutes and several trial swims were very close.... so I switched to full foot fins and cut over a minute off of my time. It`s easier to push your fott down through the water w/o the buoyant bootie. Good luck to all of you on your DM tests!

PegLeg - 3/28/2007 12:00 AM Thanks for the info. I`ve just started my DM training, so it gives me some idea of what to expect.

Dorkfish - 3/24/2007 12:00 AM I certainly remember those! It definately caused me to reconsider my gear typologies. I finally broke down and purchased a set of Twin Jets to replace my 2x4 fins.

Greg - 3/23/2007 12:00 AM During our tread, we only had to do hands out of the water for last 2 minutes.