Overly Dramatic Title: The Curse of The Most Experienced Diver

[Wookie]

Wow. I am usually the most experienced diver anywhere I go, with the exception of my buddy. I have over 6,000 dives, and about 7500 hours in the water. I have never been asked to lead, follow, instabuddy with a less experienced diver, or any of the things you said. I rarely tell any operator my number of dives, I present a nitrox card, and when asked the number of dives, always answer ">100", and when asked how many in the past year, answer ">25", and check yes to the past 30 days question.

In my opinion, if you tell folks that you are a DM/Instructor/leadership level diver, you are asking for a leadership position. As an operator, I never pay attention to certification level, although we do ask for the information. I'm much more interested in watching you set up your gear....

And I will never ask a customer to accept a leadership role.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

The only time someone asked me to assume a leadership role on a trip I paid for I said "sure, if you'll comp me the trip" ... they got over it real fast.

There's a local operator who, a couple years ago, decided that if you're a dive pro you need to put him on a rider in your insurance policy. I used to dive with him regularly ... I don't anymore.

Money talks ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[darushin]

I routinely get asked to babysit inexperienced divers or to be an instabuddy. I have found the best way to avoid it is two fold. First I show my solo diver card and ask permission if I can solo dive. If that fails, then I will show my dpv card and bring my scooter. I have found having some piece of equipment with you that makes it impossible for you to render assistance or for anyone else to really partner up with you makes sure you don't get stuck babysitting.

Daru

 

[Superlyte27]

...and I tell them I have to be paid to dive with an unknown person, oh and my rate $75. per dive and that I expect my trip to be free,

Wow, you're cheap. I'm $250

 

[goflyplanes]

I've been put in some pretty crappy situations due to my instructor certification, but honestly I tend to roll over and take it. Because of this I usually only show my AOW card when I dive. Sure, most of the dives I do I have friends who work for the dive op and are fully aware that I am and instructor and I'll get the occasional "hey can you do me a favor, I'll buy you a beer tonight" but if it's a new op I tend to avoid flashing it around. That being said I do usually travel solo and have to find a buddy and I'll pull the I'm an instructor card to talk the op into letting me dive as group of 3. Honestly in my case it's usually just whatever is more convenient, but as I have no ability to say no to anyone, I do try to protect myself upfront by only offering my AOW card.

 

[Doc]

Buy split fins and stitch a Master Diver patch to your hat.

Even better? Get it as a tattoo.

You'll be fine.

 

[Laurie S.]

My fiance and I just say we're diving on our own away from the group and have had no problems doing that. He's an MSDT and I'm a DM. When I've been alone on a boat, I don't mind helping and consider it valuable experience for me as I'm working toward the instructor level.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I try to dive solo whenever possible.

If the boat does not allow it, but has a guide, I take them aside and tell them I may hold back for some pictures and not to worry about me. I point out that I have redundant gas and experience and there is no need to look for me if I am out of sight, most give me the wink and let me go. I need to be sure we are clear so they don't waste time searching for me.

If none of the above work, sometimes I can find a same ocean same day buddy, usually a photographer and we agree to ignore each other.

Failing that I find a female (low gas consumption) or a fellow old fart (which tend to swim less and conserve gas). I avoid the guys struggling to assemble gear or bragging about their dive skills.

I am not an instructor / DM, if I was I would never ever tell anyone. The quickest way to not dive is become a boat captain. The quickest way to have short dives is become an instructor.

 

[Tigerman]

Problem with diving solo is that in some locations its actually illegal to solo dive

 

[oly5050user]

Wow, you're cheap. I'm $250

I don't know about that...lest see..$75. x 2= $150. (typical boat trip has 2 dives), + $160. (comp trip for myself and wife, when average trip is $80. per person) + share of tips comes up to a minimum of $310. plus the share of tips,oh and I do not have to tip the crew as I would be part of the crew!..Sooo looks like Superlyte27 is the cheap one!