I don't see why anyone would want to waste the money on this cert. I'm about to get my PADI Divemaster cert when I send in the paperwork and that's a lot more meaningful than the "Master" Diver rating. And if you're concerned about flashing a professional card on a dive op due to liability or not wanting to get hassled with helping out, just keep your Rescue Diver cert on you. I do and its sufficient for any dive op I've ever used (and it should be).
Waste? Qualifying for the cert is certainly not a waste. Five specialties and 50 dives plus Rescue. After making that investment in time, money, and effort... is it worth a few extra bucks for the RECOGNITION certification which you have earned and for which you now qualify? I thought it was. Others may not. Different strokes. I don't really see why it is a matter of debate.
After posting an earlier reply, I see there are previous threads on this exact subject. The one referenced by the OP runs to seventy pages. SEVENTY PAGES!!! Another runs for twenty pages. Frankly folks, this is not worthy of that much attention, and I won't be bothered to wade through that much material on such a trivial subject.
BUT an important exception must be taken to the quoted reply. In a liability case, it doesn't matter what card you chose to 'show'. If you are a Divemaster, Instructor, or other professional diver rating, your professional duties cannot be absolved by simply failing to admit to your professional standing. In the event of an incident, all parties, witnesses, and passengers will routinely be examined and their certification status researched through all the major certification agencies and properly ascertained. Moreover, having failed to disclose your status, it may be argued that you have breached your duty and are guilty at least two of the necessary four elements to sustain a finding of liability.
They are: Duty, Breach of Duty, Proximate Cause, and Damages. Sure, you had absolutely no connection to this diver who happened to be on the same boat. But you failed to notice that his equipment configuration was inherently unsafe? AND you misrepresented your professional status to the dive boat operator? Friend, you are on the hook! Don't want that responsibility? Then DON"T step up to professional status. If you do, be sure you are prepared to carry the annual expense of proper liability insurance.
Else, continue on past PADI Master SD. Go for the NAUI Master Diver and get a better grasp on some of the academics. Go on for Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures. For Trimix. Diver Propulsion Vehicles and Full Face Masks. For Cavern and Cave. Wreck Penetration. Rebreathers. It's a never ending world of underwater wonder. None of it entailing the responsibility and liability of professional status.
Unless you want to teach, and share your passion! But then you must step up to the plate, protecting yourself by having insurance and by taking your professional responsibilities with the utmost seriousness.
I will be turning my attention to other diving matters. Should this thread continue for another 68 pages, I wish you - one and all - the very best of luck!
Stay wet... Avra