Dive Master tricks of the trade

[TexasMike]

In my SDI Divemaster class yesterday, we had a good discussion about what divemasters do during the pool and o/w instruction dives.

What I'd like to hear from the experienced DM's out there is some of the things that you do to ensure that the class goes off safely and the students max out their enjoyment. Some topics might be:

-- managaing the student "herd" (high student/staff ratio)

-- keeping the "last in line" student from becoming bored while he waits to perform his skill

-- the little things that seem to make all the differerence to the student.


And for the instructors out there, what would you like to see your DM's do that would help make a difference for the students?

 

[DivingGal]

It's perhaps a minor detail, but get to know the students. Sure as DMs we're not the focus of the student's attention (nor should we be), but I've found that the fact that I know their name, and a bit of their history (from the student files, and just talking to them) makes them feel that they are important to me.

I also encourage questions - sometimes just by asking do you have any questions, sometimes by asking a pointed question to them. e.g. When a student does a skill well, they should be "applauded" on a job well done. Well we can't exactly applaude, nor can we give a thumbs up (else we might have them ascending....) So I might ask them why is it that we (the instructors/dms) don't give the thumbs ups as a job well done?

If u/w, I'll have them responding to "are you cold?" or "Ok" or "what's your SPG reading". At one site where we do the OW cert dives, it's sort of an old garbage dump (from the 1800's) and you can find old coal or china bits and pieces, I'll pick these up and show them to the students. All of these activities are done keeping aware of what the instructor is doing, so not to interfere with the evaluations.

Just a few of things, but I figure I must be doing something right, as I've had many students compliment me, and have said that I've made the course that much more enjoyable.

 

[The Chairman]

Have whatever the instructor needs before they know they need it. Pockets full of weights on the first pool and first OW dive. Write down ALL of the times you go in/out... Get them a drink when you first get out of the water... and their notebook/etc. Carry their tanks out while they are debriefing the students. Swap gear out in a moments notice. Last summer I had an instructor's guage swivel start to leak. I intercepted him on his way to the surface with my BC, and I took his out and repaired it for the next dive. As soon as I finished, I was back in the water with HIS BC watching for more signs of trouble. The class needed the instructor with MY BC, more than they needed me to watch them while the instructor sorted things out on the surface. Yes, I always bring my tool kit to the pool/dive site.

Find out what your instructor expects of YOU. This is not always as easy as it sounds. You are a question mark in their eyes, and their reliance on you increases only with the time spent with you. Some instructors want you silent and ever watchful. Some want you in the thick of things helping out students with skills. Some want you first in and last out, some want that reversed. Make sure you share YOUR assessment of the class with them... noting those students that seem to be lost, and those who are excelling. Your instructor will take you seriously if they see you are "working" and evaluating the class and not just a bump on a log.

 

[Dee]

I agree with DG, making an effort to know the students goes a long way in making them feel comfortable with you. If at all possible, I'll attend at least one of their academic classes. This probably helps me more than them because it gives me an idea of how well they understand everything. And gives me a heads up as to who will more likely need extra help.

Managing everyone out of the water is easy if you keep them occupied. Talk to them. Some, if not most, students hesitate to ask questions, so you initiate the question/answers first. Make sure everyone understands the hand signals you will be using. Nothing confuses them more u/w than for them not to understand what you want. I use the hand signals on land as well as in the water. For instance, anytime I need to know how much air they have, I'll use the hand signal for checking your gauge, etc. When they get in the water, the practice pays off with little confusion.

Lighten up! If the whole thing isn't fun, no one is gonna have a good time. You can be funny, entertaining and putting the student at ease while at the same time watching everything they do. Then they will feel more comfortable mentioning those things they are wondering about. I make sure I let them know how good they are doing. Find anything they've have done well and tell them so. In pool sessions, everytime a student successfully completes a skill, I clap like a zoo seal! Hey...it gets the point across.

While students are on the platform waiting their 'turn' for skills, after checking OK's, air, cold, reminding them to watch the Instrucotr, etc. the main thing is to watch them for signs. After being with them in the classroom, in the pool and listening to them talk, you'll have a very good idea on which ones need the most attention. Just a touch on the shoulder will do wonders for those that are getting freaky. The fidgety ones are usually the bored ones. If all is going well, I'll play rock/paper/scissors with the ones at the end of the line. Or get out the Magna-Doodle™ and let them play tic-tac-toe. Just keep one buddy from sucking air from the others octo! Of course you're keeping an eye on the Instructor for signs from him as well as checking the rest of the students.

It's the simple things that will make a big difference. Always be helpful with a smile on your face. Tables! Know them inside and out and be there to explain it again. Some Instructors gloss over the logbook. 'Course ya'll know that's a 'thing' for me so I'll sit down and show them how to fill theirs out. I ask every student to sign my logbook at some point during their checkouts. I keep small gold stars and stamps handy for their logbooks. You'd be surprised how many men enjoy that gold star!

I always have a graduation 'ceremony'. Even though PADI makes certificates, I make my own that goes something like this...

Let it be known all ye mermaids, bucaneers
and creatures of the low viz swamp, that
John/Jane Student
having endured wetsuits that smell, fireants from hell,
wrinkly toes, a sunburned nose,
dry matty hair and damp underwear,
successfully became a
SCUBA DIVER
while at Blue Lagoon
Huntsville, Texas​

Always remember that they see and hear EVERYTHING you do and say!

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Learn the flow and structure of how the instructor presents the class. Are skills taught in a specific sequence in every class, or does the instructor mix things up? Knowing this will help you anticipate the instrutor's needs.

Some instructors don't mind if you continue to review previous skills as the students wait their turn. Others want the students to focus on the skill at hand. Find out how your instructor wants you to handle this waiting time, but remember that you shouldn't introduce new skills - only review previous ones.

High staff to student ratios largely present logistics difficulties. Having extra equipment on hand will help, since more gear equals more chances for something to go wrong. Prepare for open water dives by stashing several extra weights at the bottom of the descent line.

And finally, be flexible. There is more than one way to accomplish a skill. Remember that standards might require mask clearing, but don't specify an exact procedure to be used. If it works for the student and meets the standard, its ok.

 

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by Dee
Lighten up! If the whole thing isn't fun, no one is gonna have a good time. You can be funny, entertaining and putting the student at ease while at the same time watching everything they do. Then they will feel more comfortable mentioning those things they are wondering about. I make sure I let them know how good they are doing. Find anything they've have done well and tell them so. In pool sessions, everytime a student successfully completes a skill, I clap like a zoo seal! Hey...it gets the point across.

hmmm must be trait we all learn 'cause I do it too

Just a touch on the shoulder will do wonders for those that are getting freaky. The fidgety ones are usually the bored ones. If all is going well, I'll play rock/paper/scissors with the ones at the end of the line.

though with some you have to explain the game, some of them don't know what you're doing.... egads!

Let it be known all ye mermaids, bucaneers
and creatures of the low viz swamp, that
John/Jane Student
having endured wetsuits that smell, fireants from hell,
wrinkly toes, a sunburned nose,
dry matty hair and damp underwear,
successfully became a
SCUBA DIVER
while at Blue Lagoon
Huntsville, Texas

What a great idea - can I use it? With adaptation to my location of course... no fireants up here...

Always remember that they see and hear EVERYTHING you do and say!

Boy is that one true!

 

[The Chairman]

in all sorts of situations, I do find that I have to be sensitive to the "teach". :tease: I do try to not let my humor become a distraction, and THAT is probably my biggest challenge. AFTER they get through their skills I will cut up some, but until that point I usually find my "insights" and other jokes highly unappreciated by most instructors.

You are an example to the class and you will find that there are always a few who will key in you from beginning to end. They will not only key in on you, but also AMPLIFY anything you do. If you kid a little they will kid a lot. So be careful... Glib NetDoc usually bites his tongue more than not until the last dive or so.

 

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by NetDoc
... You are an example to the class and you will find that there are always a few who will key in you from beginning to end. They will not only key in on you, but also AMPLIFY anything you do. ...

us an example to the class -- now that might be a scary thought

Drew Sailbum provides excellent ideas of what you should (and shouldn't do). Many are things I do and follow.

 

[Dee]

DG...feel free to use it, I can't take the credit cuz I got it from someone myself!

As Drew mentioned, learning your instructors methods will make everything easier. Find out what they expect you to do. It has evolved that I work with two Instructors the most who are quite different. One is a very quiet mannered man who appreciates the lightheartedness I bring to the class, the fun, the jokes, etc. I know what he expects from me in the water and we have signals worked out for what he needs. The more help and interaction I give the class, the better he likes it. Whereas the other wants to be in complete control with everything and I'm used more as a safety diver than anything else. Both very good instructors, just different methodology and I adjust accordingly. My main job is to make their job easier, whatever that may be.

 

[Scottri]

In my Divemaster class the divemasters re-demonstrate skills, work with students that having problems one on one, demonstrate out of water skills like putting together the gear, entries and exits from the water, we also take students on the tour portion of training dives (with an insured AI or DM). The class I'm in is DM as well as AI so we do a little more than "babysit" and haul gear around.


Scott