Master Scuba Diver Requirements?

[Sas]

If you thought the cert I was doing was a waste of money, I would welcome feedback actually.

Even if you are not addressing me in particular, I have not noticed anyone make fun of the OP's goals. You seemed quite upset about this possibility in a previous post and I am trying to point out that there is no reason to be.

I will not address your last comment as I have no idea what you are talking about. Cheers.

 

[Joe-Diver]

.... make people pay a large amount of money for just a plastic card.

Just how much are they charging for the card down under????

It's only $44 here....hardly a large amount of money....

 

[Sas]

For a piece of coloured plastic $44 is a bit of cash I could get almost nine fills for that!

I think it is $60 here from memory.

 

[scubadada]

Please quote me exactly where I said the goal to achieve Master Diver is dumb? I looked but cannot see it. I think the requirements that make up Master Diver are a good aim for new divers but you do not need to buy the card to get these. I think if the Master Diver card is to exist, it really should be provided for free rather than make people pay a large amount of money for just a plastic card. The NAUI Master Diver course might be more worthwhile for the OP to do, as I have heard that you need to do a course in order to obtain this. As they have stated, their aim is to learn more. Buying a plastic card will not teach them about diving and the money spent on the card could be spent on other training.

Also what is a lead diver cert? Have not heard of it so do not understand your example.



Please quote exactly where someone has said working towards the qualifications that make up Master Diver will not teach one anything? I could not see it here myself.

Hi Saspotato,

Difficult predominately being in a defensive positon. Whether you meant it or not, that's how you were perceived. Take a step back and think about it. Flexibility and tolerance would go a long way.

Good diving, Craig

 

[Sas]

Well if that is how I came across I apologise though if people have gotten offended at my posts they should be more specific and that way I can have a better time understanding why they have taken issue with them. It was definitely not my intent to offend anybody and I am still yet to see quotes where I have been misinterpreted so it is difficult for me to understand why certain people have had problems with what I have said.

Take a step back and think about it. Flexibility and tolerance would go a long way.

As it would from posters like DOkie as well... I think given some of their posts I have been pretty civil.

 

[DOkie]

Okay... I'll go through this slooowly.... Original post. How many dives... Not should I.... Next few posts from the original diver state that this is getting too complicated, trying to explain/justify how this is on their list of things they want to do, etc. etc. etc. Obviously this is something that this diver is taking pride in. Several posters have pointed out to this diver that it means nothing, is worth nothing and that there is nothing learned from this cert.

The following items are what I disagree on: Telling a diver that ANY cert, class, lesson, etc. is a waste of their time and money if it is something that they want to do (example: you can get this cert in a puddle in your backyard). I disagree that obtaining this cert does not teach you anything as you must complete numerous courses to get there. I understand the concept of some of the specialty classes being (for lack of better words) a little questionable, but one does have to complete the Rescue course to obtain this level and in remembering my Rescue Class, this was not a walk in the park (or a dive in a puddle).

In my original post, I did not directly confront you on any topic. Nor did I in my second. If you think I was, you give yourself too much credit. We are bound to run into each other on a thread occassionally and as I was once told, you either need to grow a thick skin because not everyone is going to agree with you or simply not post on such controversial topics...

 

[Sas]

Okay... I'll go through this slooowly.... Original post. How many dives... Not should I.... Next few posts from the original diver state that this is getting too complicated, trying to explain/justify how this is on their list of things they want to do, etc. etc. etc.

I still fail to see how this is offensive. Most topics do not stay completely on track, other issues come up, they get discussed.

Several posters have pointed out to this diver that it means nothing, is worth nothing and that there is nothing learned from this cert.

And I agree with their assessment. I have an opinion on it, as do you. We disagree. There is nothing wrong with that.

The following items are what I disagree on: Telling a diver that ANY cert, class, lesson, etc. is a waste of their time and money if it is something that they want to do (example: you can get this cert in a puddle in your backyard).

I disagree. I will point out if I think someone is wasting their money on a certification. They are free to disagree with me, of course. I wish someone had done the same to me with some of my certifications...

I disagree that obtaining this cert does not teach you anything as you must complete numerous courses to get there.

Master Diver cert teaches nothing. The courses that are required for the card are a different story and their use depends on a number of things such as the instructor, the student's willingness to learn, etc.

I understand the concept of some of the specialty classes being (for lack of better words) a little questionable, but one does have to complete the Rescue course to obtain this level and in remembering my Rescue Class, this was not a walk in the park (or a dive in a puddle).

Rescue is a great class, I agree

In my original post, I did not directly confront you on any topic. Nor did I in my second. If you think I was, you give yourself too much credit.

You were confronting some of my ideas. Whether or not you disagree with them in general or just my phrasing of them, I will respond if I think someone has missed the point of others' or my own posts.

We are bound to run into each other on a thread occassionally and as I was once told, you either need to grow a thick skin because not everyone is going to agree with you or simply not post on such controversial topics...

I do not care if people disagree or agree with me. I have not at all been upset by the things you have posted and in general disagreement does not bother me. You on the other hand seem to have been upset, for example, this rant:

What exactly is the point of bashing on someone who simply wants to continue their diving. So WHAT if they want to earn their Master Diver Cert! First this board will B***H at people for not wanting to learn and then they B***H because they do! How freakin insane. How exactly is this diver hurting anyone on this board by getting the Master Diver Card? I have met many people who made this a goal and because of the course that they went through are d**m good divers now. How can anyone say that obtaining the cert does not teach you anything and why make someone feel like S**T for wanting to get it???? I simply do not understand!

Your language is indicative of someone who is very annoyed. Therefore I think it is you that needs to grow a thicker skin. You really should not get upset by what some random person like me posts. Have you heard the expression "disagree agreeably"? Cheers.

 

[simmonsjr]

DOkie, Saspotato,

Can't we all just get along? Seriously though, I think that the OP's question has now been answered in full, and regardless of of who exactly said what nothing further of value seems to be coming out of this back and forth. The horse has been dead for a while now; what say we bury it and move on before more feelings get hurt. For the record you both had valid points, but let's not belabor the point anymore. If you feel the need to continue this argument please do the rest of us the courtesy of utilizing PMs. Thanks.

Jason

 

[k4man]

Goal Setting--

Planning, setting, achieving.

I understand all posters who have shared their opinions about the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating or "pay for a card" as some have stated. True, perhaps, but it does go further than that for some...and having a certificate, license, award, recognition or, yes, even an "over-priced" plastic card is worth it to some.

But it's a goal, whether you purchase the card or not.

Why are we not all still open water divers? Because our agencies offered more. Yes, it came with more requirements and needed skill and experience. But it was the goal for some to move up the ladder to adventures in diving, to advanced open water, to rescue, to master scuba diver (PADI system).

On the professional side of things--now as an instructor myself--why not just have one certification instead of master scuba diver trainer, IDC staff, course director....etc? Goals and drive for those who wish to accomplish more--card or not. But for some (as I was one of them, too), the pretty card sets you above-at least recognition wise, and that's what many like.

While all systems are built on some sort of a "pyramid scheme", how do you think our agencies--BUSINESSES--stay IN business? By placing one goal after another, after another, in attainable distances away from each other, people continue to dive, yes--to spend money, and to become better divers.

If I was told all the things I would have to do to move from open water diver to open water instructor and NOT have the various baby steps in between to perch upon, I would have never made it--and probably never tried. But like many when I started diving, I had no intention to go on to become an instructor. Heck, I never even planned to take rescue (or divemaster, or instructor...)

So, at least in my mind--pocket book involved or not--all the various levels of accomplishment are just that. Accomplishments and achievements to be recognized for. Believe me, after passing through my instructor development course and the examinations, I want the recognition of my achievement--and it cost me a lot more than $45-50 for the card!

 

[DOkie]

That was very nicely put k4man. Thank you.