Becoming a DM in the UK

[ARJohnson93]

Hi Scuba Board!

I'm looking to become a DM this year, have been diving for circa 12 years now. (currently PADI rescue/MSD).

My question is: Can you make enough money as a part time DM in the UK, to cover the cost of occasional diving and kit purchases etc.

I'm currently on the 40% tax bracket, so I'm thinking I'm not going to make a lot of the little do earn? Interested to see other UK DMs opinions, and if there's a tax efficient way to do it?

 

[DiveLikeAMuppet]

Hi Scuba Board!

I'm looking to become a DM this year, have been diving for circa 12 years now. (currently PADI rescue/MSD).

My question is: Can you make enough money as a part time DM in the UK, to cover the cost of occasional diving and kit purchases etc.

I'm currently on the 40% tax bracket, so I'm thinking I'm not going to make a lot of the little do earn? Interested to see other UK DMs opinions, and if there's a tax efficient way to do it?

It will help if you include your location. If you live next to a very active shop or close to a training lake, you could make it work. If you commute long distance, probably not.

From what I know, you might be able to cover your immediate costs (fuel, entrance, air fill but not gear) and maybe some pocket money (think enough to buy a tea and a bacon bap) with one of the London PADI mills that train in Wraysbury. Not sure that would be worth your weekends and evenings if you are in the 40% tax bracket.

Sometimes instructors need a second diver underwater or shore cover when teaching to fulfil HSE requirements but you need to be "known" to them. Going rate for shore cover used to be around 20-30 pounds and the second diver is frequently just someone who needs to test their gear, diving for free.

You could join BSAC and go for dive leader - probably cheaper in the end and you don't need to be a dive shop slave.

 

[ARJohnson93]

It will help if you include your location. If you live next to a very active shop or close to a training lake, you could make it work. If you commute long distance, probably not.

From what I know, you might be able to cover your immediate costs (fuel, entrance, air fill but not gear) and maybe some pocket money (think enough to buy a tea and a bacon bap) with one of the London PADI mills that train in Wraysbury. Not sure that would be worth your weekends and evenings if you are in the 40% tax bracket.

Sometimes instructors need a second diver underwater or shore cover when teaching to fulfil HSE requirements but you need to be "known" to them. Going rate for shore cover used to be around 20-30 pounds and the second diver is frequently just someone who needs to test their gear, diving for free.

You could join BSAC and go for dive leader - probably cheaper in the end and you don't need to be a dive shop slave.

Thanks, I appreciate that response. I'm based in the South of the UK near Sevenoaks. Currently diving with Oyster and looking to do the DM with them.

 

[DiveLikeAMuppet]

Thanks, I appreciate that response. I'm based in the South of the UK near Sevenoaks. Currently diving with Oyster and looking to do the DM with them.

I sent you a DM with some info, enjoy .

 

[ARJohnson93]

Thank you Kindly!