Divemaster vs. Tech Certification

[rjack321]

I'm not sure what age you plan on retiring BUT
There are very few who can (or should) take up significant decompression diving at 65+yrs old. Most tech divers are dialing back their risks and exposures starting in their mid-60s and limiting themselves to "tech-lite" stuff, not just starting to build their experience in decompression.
The DM is the start of the path towards working with students. You could do that now or when you're 70+ yrs old.

If you are just taking AN/DP or Tech40 or Tech1 etc for fun that's fine too. They will all get your fin in the door at the tech-lite level and give you a bit more knowledge than the average recreational DM.

 

[PfcAJ]

Is there anything you want to see that's outside of rec limits?

If no, there's not a lot of sense in upping your risks and expenses. You can get plenty strong as a diver without taking technical classes.

 

[wedivebc]

I was a trimix diver before I was a DM and I believe it made me a better instructor.

 

[wedivebc]

I'm not sure what age you plan on retiring BUT
There are very few who can (or should) take up significant decompression diving at 65+yrs old. Most tech divers are dialing back their risks and exposures starting in their mid-60s and limiting themselves to "tech-lite" stuff, not just starting to build their experience in decompression.
The DM is the start of the path towards working with students. You could do that now or when you're 70+ yrs old.

If you are just taking AN/DP or Tech40 or Tech1 etc for fun that's fine too. They will all get your fin in the door at the tech-lite level and give you a bit more knowledge than the average recreational DM.

I'm not sure I entirely agree with that comment. I know a few 70 somethings diving to 300 something.

 

[TMHeimer]

I was in a similar situation, but retired from teaching 10 years before getting OW certified (due to my location). I agree with those who say tech. is best to improve diving. I enjoyed assisting OW courses, one reason being I got a toe back into education. Being a middle school teacher I'm sure you would find assisting with courses, or instructing them as an instructor a piece of cake. Probably would scoff a bit when learning how a scuba instructor must motivate and keep control of a class of 6-8 adults....
I really don't think you need any tech. to be a good DM or instructor. Maybe only half the staff where I worked had tech. cert. That would be for your own benefit as a diver. Unless of course you someday wanted to teach that.
A little off topic, but I always like to add to please don't work for for a shop in return for perks/free air as pay, and no dollars....It's like a club musician working for free beer.

 

[grf88]

Taking a course like AN/DP with a GOOD instructor is probably the fastest way to improve your skills, you might find it is the first scuba class where you are really challenged.

 

[rjack321]

I'm not sure I entirely agree with that comment. I know a few 70 somethings diving to 300 something.

I'm not saying its not done. But did they take AN/DP for the first time in their late 60s and 70s? That would be rare I think

 

[wedivebc]

I'm not saying its not done. But did they take AN/DP for the first time in their late 60s and 70s? That would be rare I think

True enough, with my new bionic knees I am hoping for another decade or so of tech diving.

 

[kensuf]

Unless you have a desire to go diving outside of recreational limits, I'd take the money you would spend on gear, training and travel and put it in a good IRA while continuing to dive at your current level. The power of compound interest, even with just 12 years, will be a better investment towards your retirement than taking a deco class today.

 

[grf88]

Unless you have a desire to go diving outside of recreational limits, I'd take the money you would spend on gear, training and travel and put it in a good IRA while continuing to dive at your current level. The power of compound interest, even with just 12 years, will be a better investment towards your retirement than taking a deco class today.

As a TDI instructor do you not believe that a AN/DP course would be of much greater help in developing diving skills than a whole bunch of PADI specialties.