To DM or not to DM...

[Cacia]

If you want to do it, just do it. It opens doors. Some people progress really fast. I was one of those people that needed a lot of experience before taking it on because I spent many years in play mode not really working on anything. Honestly, I do see young smart physically fit guys getting it together pretty fast. If you are working, knowing the sites and navigation the biggest hurdle.

 

[ItsBruce]

I guess that as the Prophet of Doom (and Liability), I'll check in here...

I'm not going to let liability concerns deter me from going after my DM certification. I realize there are risks. I'll manage them just as I will any other risks inherent in diving. I don't expect to make a livelihood in diving. I'm not even sure I'll actually lead dives. I want the knowledge, training and skill, and it seems the card comes as a result.

Incidentally, when I lived in San Diego, I took a color photography class at City College. We started with 50 people. The instructor, the production manager, for a large photo lab, starte the class by saying it was a professional level class and only for working professionals. He signed drop cards for 40 people that night. Since he didn't say it was for working professional *photographers*, I decided to stick it out. It was a great, rewarding class in I learned a lot and made some of my closest friends. I never worked as a professional photographer. I assume DM training will be the same and am going for it this summer.

(As far as liability issues, my article on liability will be posted someday.)

 

[Bubble Junky]

Nitrox, Dry Suit and Wreck. The one dive covers all three.......

That's why it's "so hard to understand" !! Try putting the word trip in there !!

 

[duncan1958]

before you go into open water you have to do a confined water training dive in your dry suit if you have never used one before .this is a padi standard.

 

[victor]

Quote She has a bad back. I mean, a really bad back. Two herniated disks End Quote

I have been through this with a buddy. Put the gear on in the water. Enter the water with wetsuit, if necessary, fins and mask. Put on BC and tank floating and weightless, then add weight belt. Easy with a little practise. On return just reverse the order.
Re the seasickness. Try Sanddollar in Bonaire. Everything can be done from the pier. Steps down to the water, gear up in the water, and away you go. No current, no surge, fantastic diving. p.s. I am not involved with them. Other dive shops might be as good but I know that one is.

 

[CompuDude]

Quote She has a bad back. I mean, a really bad back. Two herniated disks End Quote

I have been through this with a buddy. Put the gear on in the water. Enter the water with wetsuit, if necessary, fins and mask. Put on BC and tank floating and weightless, then add weight belt. Easy with a little practise. On return just reverse the order.
Re the seasickness. Try Sanddollar in Bonaire. Everything can be done from the pier. Steps down to the water, gear up in the water, and away you go. No current, no surge, fantastic diving. p.s. I am not involved with them. Other dive shops might be as good but I know that one is.

Yes, that's pretty much the plan... don and doff all gear while floating and all should be well. Doesn't mean she's not slightly leery all the same. *sigh* It's partly my fault for pushing too hard when I first got the bug back. She'll come around, just on her own terms and timing.

Re Bonaire, yes, I've heard it's fantastic diving and something like 90% beach accessible (and without any significant surf to negate the benefits). An excellent place for her! Once I get her certified, that is...

Thanks for the suggestions, though!

 

[Divesherpa]

How did your plans work out? Was everything what it seemed?

 

[CompuDude]

How did your plans work out? Was everything what it seemed?

Old thread!

Yes, I've been a DM for a few years now.

I only work when I feel like it, though... I mostly dive for me.

Or were you referring to my wife's dive plans? That ultimately worked out as well. She can only dive when the stars align with good conditions, good back day, and free time, but she did at least get certified.