vcblklion
Contributor
I will agree with the above posts that if you have 5 specialties and Rescue Diver, getting the Master Diver Card doesn't add anything. I paid the $40 for the card, and considering I have spent more money, on much more frivolous things many times, I don't regret it.
I think Master Scuba Diver is a more personal thing, it doesn't do anything to indicate your diving competency that your specialty cards and Rescue Diver cards don't already do, but you can feel good about wrapping your accomplishments under the title.
No offense....but this response sounds like a justification for spending the money on the card. Most of the PADI courses are just to suck more money out of you. After Rescue if you are not going pro the only thing you need to do is.....DIVE....you will learn all those things from your buddies, dive masters, dive instructors, boat captains and anyone else you come in to contact with in the dive world. If the instructor is worth their salt, I'd suggest the photographer specialty..but I can't see any of the other courses being of much value or worth. You can feel just as accomplished once you've achieved your 50th dive or 100th dive and still have money in your pocket for equipment you'll find that you need and want later on. Just dive!!
I will add this...if you have trouble getting yourself out to dive and/or finding dive buddies....then the Master Diver course is a good way to force you to get out there....other than that...well.....nuff said...