cost of a private divemaster?

[yankeze1]

I just returned from Coz. and Blue Angel in Dec., and we hired a private DM for each of 3 day 2 tank dives. The reason was both my sons just certified this past summer in the tropical quarries of the midwest, so both were very new. Also, the youngest is only 14, so even if I hadn't planned on a private DM, that's the only way Blue Angel would do it. I paid the cost of the dives, plus $50/day for private DM, plus $30 - $50/ day in tips. It was a little more costly, but looking back, I wouldn't do it any other way. Jose was our private DM, and he was fantastic! Very concious of the newly certified divers, but also pointing out things we would have never seen without his keen eye. One day he even pulled out a magnifying glass to show us things! Blue Angel was a great operation for our situation, and one day we had a boat to ourselves. They were very careful looking out for the boys, but didn't do so in a manner that made them feel like little children. That was most impressive to me, as a father wanting them to grow into adventures of their own. They will hopefully dive the rest of their lives, but I'm confident that they will always remember Jose and their first blue water dives! Have a great trip!

 

[underachiever]

I just returned from Coz. and Blue Angel in Dec., and we hired a private DM for each of 3 day 2 tank dives. The reason was both my sons just certified this past summer in the tropical quarries of the midwest, so both were very new. Also, the youngest is only 14, so even if I hadn't planned on a private DM, that's the only way Blue Angel would do it. I paid the cost of the dives, plus $50/day for private DM, plus $30 - $50/ day in tips. It was a little more costly, but looking back, I wouldn't do it any other way. Jose was our private DM, and he was fantastic! Very concious of the newly certified divers, but also pointing out things we would have never seen without his keen eye. One day he even pulled out a magnifying glass to show us things! Blue Angel was a great operation for our situation, and one day we had a boat to ourselves. They were very careful looking out for the boys, but didn't do so in a manner that made them feel like little children. That was most impressive to me, as a father wanting them to grow into adventures of their own. They will hopefully dive the rest of their lives, but I'm confident that they will always remember Jose and their first blue water dives! Have a great trip!

Jose is very good and I love to see him pulling out that magnifying glass. You know he found somethig cool.

 

[jlyle]

Would it be appropriate for your diver to take a class (AOW, Rescue, Boat Diver, Underwater Basket Weaving,...)? The instructor will accompany the diver for about the same cost as hiring a private DM.

 

[Torontonian]

Would it be appropriate for your diver to take a class (AOW, Rescue, Boat Diver, Underwater Basket Weaving,...)? The instructor will accompany the diver for about the same cost as hiring a private DM.

I actually did that. When we went to Hawaii several years ago, I found the cost of doing 3 dive trips, not much different than my doing AOW. In fact, the shop had a great rate for combining that with EAN. So it worked out very well for me.

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There was another trip I had in Rinco, Puerto Rico. We dove with Taino Divers going to Desecheo Island. There was one diver who was in a wheelchair. He was certified 20 years ago, then a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. He recently got recertified and went to PR. After calling several shops, others wouldn't take him but Taino did. When I found out, I told him I'll be his buddy, and followed him and took several pics of him diving. He was very happy.

It also turned out the other divers on the trip were all good divers, not needing the attention from the DM. The DM was able to pay special attention to him. At the end of the 2nd dive, the current was strong and he could not paddle back with his special glove (made bigger, to replaces using his fins). The DM basically had to hold him, while we swam back.

That was one situation, if the other divers wanted a DM that would guide them around, this diver would've required a private DM. I thought it was inspiring to see him dive again. Also credit must be given to Taino Divers for taking him.