Becoming a divemaster

[ChrisA]

I have been diving now for almost two years...

I notice in your profile you have no more than 50 dives logged. In two years that is only a couple a month.

Maybe what you should do depends on the anser to the question "Why are you not diving more?" If it is do to a lack of time being a DM will not buy you more time to dive, just to oposite and not what you want. If it is because you don't know many other divers and are not "hooked up" with the local diving scene then being a DM will solve that. But then getting involved with some local dive clubs would solve that issue too. Many people do the DM class just to hone their skills. Other classes will do this too. Intro to Tech or DIR or a cave intro.

Bottom line is you have to think clearly about a goal. try and write the goal on paper, this will force you to be clear. With a clear goal it will be easier to know if a DM class will be the best option

That said, I'm undecided what my next class will be. My current class ends in October. Either instructor, tech or scientific diving. Most likly the science route. There are some projects I want to get involved with

 

[scuba-charters]

Dude... tell me about the science route, if you do it. My friend runs the science diving department for the Smithsonian here in Panama and told me about it. It's 40+ hours??? He makes it sound really interesting... course he would... Would probably be my next class and teaching cert. He keeps asking me to provide victims... I mean volunteers to help out...

 

[NorthernShrinkage]

My reason for gaining my Dm card was at the time I had desires of becoming an instructor . After working PT as a Dm for 2 years I know longer have any desire of becoming an Instructor and have completely changed my diving goals towards the technical side with the hopes of becoming cave certified in the next year. My opinion is if you love diving look toward the more technical or advanced side of diving. If you enjoy dealing with people spending time on the surface and dealing with panicked students become a DM. Dont get me wrong I enjoy Working with students and Instructors and opening someone eyes to diving and the rewards ( non financial) that go with the job .

 

[dl348]

I notice in your profile you have no more than 50 dives logged. In two years that is only a couple a month.

Maybe what you should do depends on the anser to the question "Why are you not diving more?" If it is do to a lack of time being a DM will not buy you more time to dive, just to oposite and not what you want. If it is because you don't know many other divers and are not "hooked up" with the local diving scene then being a DM will solve that. But then getting involved with some local dive clubs would solve that issue too. Many people do the DM class just to hone their skills. Other classes will do this too. Intro to Tech or DIR or a cave intro.

Bottom line is you have to think clearly about a goal. try and write the goal on paper, this will force you to be clear. With a clear goal it will be easier to know if a DM class will be the best option

That said, I'm undecided what my next class will be. My current class ends in October. Either instructor, tech or scientific diving. Most likly the science route. There are some projects I want to get involved with

Maybe he didn't update his profile recently, it's not very uncommon. Who knows?

 

[RJP]

Maybe he didn't update his profile recently, it's not very uncommon. Who knows?

In fact - it's not been possible to update your dive profile for MONTHS.

 

[k4man]

I just finished the DM course(Yesterday to be exact) and I did it for my future. I will be retiring in 2 or 3 years. My wife and I want to move some place warm(ie Cayman, Bahamas, Hawaii...etc). My wife is good with being retired, she likes the garden, reading....etc. I need something to do, and am going on to the IDC so I'll be somewhat employable when I retire. My other option would be to sit on the Beach and become an alcoholic.

*********************************************

I'm not looking to make a living at it, just to have a little fun and have something to do. If I make a little spending money, that would be OK too.


I'm with you. I am just getting ready to start the DM course, so it is unsettling to hear so many comments about what a waste of time it was. I hope--still 10 years away--to retire by 52 (30 years of service in education) and still be able to enjoy myself working as either DM or OWSI somewhere warm!!!

Am I really just getting ready to throw my $$ away? Us poor teachers can't afford that--who can?:no

 

[Paco]

I'm a DM. I was fortunate in that my LDS paid for my training. They ask me to help with various classes from time to time with no pressure and if I can't or don't want to, they're fine with it. I really like helping to teach new divers and help other divers advance their training and though I don't get paid to do so, I also don't have the responsiblities that the instructors do. At some point, I may take the IDC, but for now it is not what I want to do. I do not think I am useless, nor was my DM training. It really depends what you want. Don't do it if you think it is the next logical step after rescue to advance your training, because as others have pointed out, GUE, DIR, cavern, cave, and many other areas can make you a better diver than the DM course. It's all about having fun working with divers less experienced than you. You don't have to go on to instructor, but you need DM if you think that is what you may eventually like to do. I'm glad I did it and am having fun and will continue to advance my personal training in other areas. Just my opinion.

 

[drtheo]

It is true about the not being able to update the dive profile I have tried several times
It does seem however that if your desire is not to teach or introduce others to the underwater world that the DM is not the course to take. Although that may be a somewhat selfish attitude as someone had to give us our certification and be our DM at one point or another. It also seems that from these answers, so far, that the pro DM comments come from those recently certified and the so so comments come from those that have been vertified for more time. Could it be that experience is gained through more couses and dives and it is not the DM course itself?

 

[TheRedHead]

I don't think it is selfish because some people are not cut out to teach and wouldn't enjoy it. There are different paths to continuing education depending on your goals. If your desire is for more challenging dives, then I don't think the DM course will provide that.

 

[crosing]

I just completed my DM with an LDS in Hershey PA. www.diversdescentscuba.com . I did it because I like to help out with classes. I enjoy assisting new divers learn how to dive. I also really enjoy leading the tour portions of the OW dives. I like working with the Instructors and helping out. I don't have plans to become an instructor yet. I also took DIR-F and may go on for more tech classes next year.