Almost a Divemaster!

[Scottri]

I'm finally comming to the end of my Divemaster training. I passed 6 tests and only have 2 to go. I also have to do one more openwater weekend and I will be done! What a great class it's been. I love helping the students learn and the skills I've gained are incredible. I'm also doing my Assistant Instructor class at the same time so in a few weeks I will be a DM and an AI. I don't think I'll go for instructor for a year or so. I suggest anyone that is considering the DM program to go for it if you have been diving for a while and want to move on. I took the class because I wanted to stay more involved in SCUBA and it really has done that.


Scott

 

[CaymanCowboys]

Scott a little advice for you mate, do your instructor exam as soon as you finish your DM, why? well the divemaster course is just like the instructor course, you do nearly the same stuff. The exams are also the same, different questions of course but the same. So while you have this fresh in your head go for it, you'll be glad you did.

 

[Ari]

Looks like you're really enjoyong this thing.

Good luck with your last 2 tests.

Ari

 

[UKPhil]

Good stuff Scott. Wife and I just finished our DM also in Egypt, quite an experience! Can't wait to get back in the water.
Phil

 

[DivingGal]

Congrats on your (almost)achievement. Which exams do you have left? (I'll send you the answers via my telepathic powers hehehehe)

Although I believe CaymanCowboys is correct with the notion that doing the Instructor's course is an continuation of the information of DM - you'll be missing an important factor EXPERIENCE.

So far in my short career as a DM, I've worked with new instructors who basically went rescue-dm-instructor, and other new instructors who went rescue - dm + 1 to 2 yr experience - instructor. My preference the latter! Not only are they a better instructor (IMHO) for the students for that experience, but they're also more appreciative for the work that DMs do.

 

[Manogr]

Keep up your training and don't forget the experience !!


Manogr

 

[TwoBitTxn]

I look forward to being in your shoes. My DM class more or less just started so I have a long way to go.

Congrats on your accomplishment and I hope you enjoy it.

Tom

 

[chiara]

Way to go!

My Dive Master card just got in on Wednesday, diploma and all!

I think I'll wait for another three years before I take my IDC, I want it to be a special thing and possibly do it in Australia, where I took my first intro dives little more than three years ago, if I carry my dream all the way through (knowing my tendency to keep strictly to the craziest :bonk: dreams I wouldn't doubt too much on the outcome) it will be finished in order to celebrate both successful IE and 40th birthday, January, 30th, 2006.:balloon:

IDC is not cheap, and Australia is not next door, so I suppose I have some time to fatten up my bank account, too!

Even if I had time and money to do it now, I'm not sure I would appreciate it as much as waiting a few years, a couple hundred dives and some more experience.

OK, I'm off:box:

 

[Paul168341]

Congrats! And Good Luck on the last 2 tests.

Gotta go with DivingGal here. Never forget the importance of the Mentor relationship! Take your time. The LDS that I teach for had to "release" an OWSI not too long ago. Why? He was a "90 day wonder" had no people skills. These can't be taught, only learned through experience. Getting your AI rating will reduce ANY future IDC by at least 1/3. You don't have to go straight into it. Find some instructors that you like and admire, and help them out for awhile. You'll know when you're ready for the IDC.

 

[Ron Brandt]

I gotta agree with Paul. I was the only student at the IDC with practical , on the job , skills. Hell, we still had students doing open water dives at night just to make up the 100 dive requirement to write the IE.

I was the only one with a Master Scuba Diver Rating. I was the only one with nitrox. The only one with Ice Diver.

I just finished training a guy last year who is aspiring to DM and go to instruct right a way. Thinks he knows it all and has not been certified for a year. No past experience to relate to.

He is personable, will probably make a great instructor, but still has equipment questions.

However, I have been diving for over 20 years. Got my DM 5 years ago and started teaching 2 years ago. Lots of past experience to relate to ? You bet.