Is there a membership option for those of us who are not yet certified divers? Although I am signed up for my OW class in October, I wanted to see if I could just get a jump on things and get my DD cert ahead of time. Maybe a DD probationary membership?
Actually, I think the explanation of pre-certification Dork Diver membership was lost in the Great Burn, so I'll just start from scratch. :biggrin:
There are three levels of Dork Diver membership:
- Dork Diving Associate
- Provisional Dork Diver
- Dork Diver
Associate membership is granted to anyone who adheres to the spirit of Dork Diving but neither dives nor currently intends to pursue diving. For example, a non-diving spouse or friend-with-a-boat could have an associate membership even though they may have no intention to dive.
Provisional membership is granted to anyone who adheres to the spirit of Dork Diving and intends to become a diver. You don't need to have officially started your class, either. The decision to take the class, learn to dive, and have safe fun is enough.
Full membership is granted to anyone who adheres to the spirit of Dork Diving and is a certified or experienced diver. Those old salts who know how to dive but never got their little card-y thing are by no means excluded, although it is highly recommended that all new divers become certified -- they should learn something in their training, and having a card to show can prevent mellow-harshing by dive sites or boat crews.
(Note that there is also the "Honarary Dork Diver" status which can be bestowed on occasion, but that is not technically DD membership. One receiving honorary status can, of course, become a full member simply by so choosing.)
Any DD advice for the OW class?
Have fun, listen well, and don't settle for "passing". The more you put into the class (and require of your instructor), the more of a head start you'll have into "real" diving (as opposed to "class" diving). Don't go overboard (figuratively, that is -- literally, *definitely* go overboard
), but if you don't feel like an experienced diver would approve of how you did a skill, do it again. (All but the most cynical of instructors will be more than happy to see a diver who actually wants to *learn* and not just pass.)
Oh, and once you have your card, *DIVE*!
I really hope I am or will soon be worthy of being a true Dork Diver!
You're true already, albeit provisional. Enjoy yourself, and learn a lot. Then come dive with us.
(Oh, one final note: When you get to the point where you think, "Okay, I've got it all down now; I can relax", that is the time to redouble your effort and attention. That may be in your class or in the dives thereafter, but many, if not most, divers get to a point where they become complacent, and *that's* when Murphy strikes. Murphy is *NOT* a Dork Diver.
)
