Caribbean DM Programs?

[ccbeachlife]

Hello,

I’ve been a certified diver for 2 years now and I am ready to take the step from rescue diver to divemaster. My current reason for becoming a DM is to further my personal diving skills, learn how to better read other divers, share the experience of diving with new divers and to be qualified to lead dives or work on a dive boat. All of my diving thus far has been off the California coast. I am graduating college in June and I am interested in taking a DM program over the summer in the Caribbean.

The local dive shop that I have been doing most of my diving through recommended Utila. I noticed in my preliminary research that there are numerous dive operators that offer DM training in Utila. Any recommendations on which operation offers the best program?

I have also always wanted to go to the Virgin Islands (British or US). I had a friend recommend Low Key Watersports in the USVI. From what I have been told the cost of living is a little bit steeper in the Virgin Islands vs. the Bay Islands of Honduras.

I am looking for a program that is 4-6 weeks in length. I would prefer more of an internship program where I can learn the day to day shop and boat operations. I also would like some type of housing assistance.

Is there anything important that I should look for or ask when trying to find a DM program?

Any advice on programs in these areas or any additional advice would be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Mike Holmes

 

[fisherdvm]

Good luck finding your dream summer internship. I guess if you are going to do a long internship, see if you can get room plus perhaps a little stipend?

The decision on the shop depend on if you want to be spoon fed, or you're ready to hit the program running. Many place expect you to have completed your DM book and all of the chapter review pages. You should have read through the enclyclopedia of scuba diving at least once. They also expect you to have completed the diving knowledge workbook. You should already have got the wheel and instruction booklet read. They expect you to take the exams on day 1. If you are the spoon fed type, better look for a place that offer classes, hand holding sessions, and black boards. If you are not physically fit, look at the PADI DM requirement and be ready to hit the pool.

A stateside PADI DM program runs about $400 to $500, books about another $150. You theoretically can get it done in 1 week if you did your own study, your own learning, and simply take all 6 test right up front (essentially what I did). In order to do it in 1 week, you need a busy tourist trap with several OW courses a week, so you can get your 4 CW session, 4 or 5 OW session, and all the pool testing done. Most folks take from 2 to 6 months to complete due to the number of OW classes their dive shop offers a month.

If you did a fulltime internship, and actually help out in the shop and dive boats.... Hopefully there is fringe benefits - lots of free dives? Food? A room? Since you're paying them, make sure the experience is worthwhile, and that you get tonnes of dives in for the experience. You need to complete a minimum of 60 dives to earn your DM. I know some areas require that you also complete 5 specialties in addition to your DM requirement (not required in the US). Ask and get the total cost upfront.

Some folks feel that you should have more dive experience before earning your DM status. There is alot of truth in this. I have seen a DM candidate who has completed all requirements, except dive numbers, which appear to be lacking in navigation skill, dive skill, etc. They will eventually have it down. But it does not impress me too much.

Have fun, and I wish I were in your shoe. It might be the last freedom you'll have for a LONG TIME.

 

[BarryNL]

I’ve been a certified diver for 2 years now and I am ready to take the step from rescue diver to divemaster.

Logged Dives: 25 - 49

If your logged dives count is correct, you might consider getting some more experience first, do a few specialties, maybe get the Master Scuba Diver rating. Get some broader experience. Maybe even do some of the first level tech courses like IANTD Advanced Nitrox or GUE-F.

Perhaps your skills and knowledge are good enough with your limited dives but I think you'll get more out of DM if you start it as an experienced diver.

 

[Alex777]

No doubt about it - the Virgin Islands are a LOT more expensive than the Bay Is. of Honduras.

 

[robint]

If your logged dives count is correct, you might consider getting some more experience first, do a few specialties, maybe get the Master Scuba Diver rating. Get some broader experience. Maybe even do some of the first level tech courses like IANTD Advanced Nitrox or GUE-F.

Perhaps your skills and knowledge are good enough with your limited dives but I think you'll get more out of DM if you start it as an experienced diver.

ditto, you need to get in some more diving in different conditions... Calif diving is awesome and challenging but it isn't good training for diving warm clear water in 3mm wetsuit or less. There's alot you will need to learn. Maybe you should plan a vacation week prior to starting the course and just dive. Just a thought.

Also, the DM program is very challenging on its own. My husband started it as soon as he hit the 50 dives requirement, assisting with a local dive shop, working with students in the pool including kids in various programs. It took about 3 months as he was still working (military) fulltime. I know from helping him study, the DM program, it is all the same stuff that an instructor has to learn with the exception of paperwork. Seriously, it is a hard program with alot of skills and alot of book-learning involved.

My husband became an instructor a few years back and the years he spent as a DM and AI were invaluable. Everything he learned then is being applied now. It is a great program, don't let me discourage you, but it is ALOT of work and a huge honor to achieve!

Go with a DM Program that is going to teach you everything by the book. Don't go with a cheap, rush program that cuts corners and tells you it doesn't matter. If you can get a great quality training program in Utila, go for it. Do some research and see what other places may interest you if you aren't sure.

You said you are graduating in June, is that HS or college? Have you considered working on a liveaboard?

 

[ccbeachlife]

Thank you all for the input. I need to get in contact with the dive operators in Utila and get a better understanding of their program and teaching philosophy.

You said you are graduating in June, is that HS or college? Have you considered working on a liveaboard?

I will be graduating college in June with a BS in Industrial Technology. I've been a lifeguard for the past 6 years and have taught swimming lessons for 4 complete years. I enjoy being in or around the water and feel that a DM course is the next logical progression. Besides having a rescue diver I also have NITROX and wreck specialty. I have the summer off before I start a career so the timing is in my favor. In regard to working on a liveaboard I am actually planning on starting a career in the mega yacht industry starting in the fall. For me becoming a DM is a personal goal as I enjoy seeing other people enjoy a sport that I have come to love. Becoming a DM will also provide me the ability to work on a dive boat or better my chances of landing a job in the private yachting industry.

 

[fisherdvm]

Sounds like good sound judgement to me. Go and get your DM, and invite a few of us to go diving with you.

You need the DM certificate and insurance to take your millionaire boss for a snorkeling tour of the reef... Maybe it might be a good looking boss Just make sure you don't fool around with the bosses wife, otherwise, you'll end up the same way an acquaintance of mine did. (disappeared, no where to be found, gone for nearly 2 years!).