Dive Master tricks of the trade

[Drew Sailbum]

Some students will pay more attention to the DM than the instructor. I've seen it when I was the DM, and I've seen it when I was the instructor. I think it comes from when some folks think that the DM is more approachable since it the is instructor doing the evaluating.

The result is that anything you do will be closely watched and repeated by students. And repeated again. The :bonk: more profoundly stupid the things you do, the greater the number of students will be watching and imitating. Remember that the next time you giant stride in with no air in your BC, ten pounds of extra lead you brought to donate as needed, and your snorkle in your mouth. That's not to say that any DM has ever done that before :angel:

 

[TexasMike]

Thanks for these good tips....keep them coming!

And I understand about the "students will watch, imitate, and amplify" what you do. Though not a DM yet, I've heard stories about students doing the "broken chicken wing" style ascent with their BC inflators when the instructor was in a dry suit, and the students wearing their masks backwards because the instructor forgot where he was and fell back on an old habit.


Hey Dee....In addition to your "diploma" idea, how about bringing along your u/w camera during the last dive for a "graduation" photo?

 

[BIGJC]

You could always perform the coveted skill "swim suit remove and replace" to liven up the crowd.....

 

[Dee]

Originally posted by TexasMike
Thanks for these good tips....keep them coming!

And I understand about the "students will watch, imitate, and amplify" what you do. Though not a DM yet, I've heard stories about students doing the "broken chicken wing" style ascent with their BC inflators when the instructor was in a dry suit, and the students wearing their masks backwards because the instructor forgot where he was and fell back on an old habit.


Hey Dee....In addition to your "diploma" idea, how about bringing along your u/w camera during the last dive for a "graduation" photo?

Well...the viz in Blue Lagoon usually puts the kibash on underwater photos! And I'm usually too busy with compass runs and leading the last tour to worry about a camera.

 

[The Chairman]

from the pool sessions would be cool to add to the diploma. I like the idea!!!

 

[Dee]

Originally posted by NetDoc
from the pool sessions would be cool to add to the diploma. I like the idea!!!

We had a student bring one of those 15ft disposable cameras to a pool session one time. The instructor let her take it into the pool after the last skill session while they were swimming around burning air...all the students had a blast!

I had forgotten about that. Maybe I'll do that....the viz would sure be better!

 

[TexasMike]

Originally posted by BIGJC
You could always perform the coveted skill "swim suit remove and replace

But I wanted to keep them interested, not scare them out of the lake!

 

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by TexasMike
... Hey Dee....In addition to your "diploma" idea, how about bringing along your u/w camera during the last dive for a "graduation" photo?

Pictures are great - however a word of caution if you plan to take u/w ones, remember you're there supposed to be watching the students, hard to do if you're trying to take pictures. I make sure the instructor gives permission first.

I'll see about posting a few of the pics I've taken. I've share them with the instructors and the LDS, and many have been posted on their web sites (look Ma, I'm famous).

 

[The Chairman]

you would plan it ahead with your instructor and do it after everyone is finished at the end of the pool instruction. A quick close up of the face and you're done.

 

[DivingGal]

I'll clarify my self a bit.

you would plan it ahead with your instructor and do it after everyone is finished at the end of the pool instruction. A quick close up of the face and you're done.

yup no problem here... I was thinking of some of the stuff I've done for friends (yes I have a few), when they've been instructing I've floated around being the photographer not the DM. Getting those "action" shots. Both student and instructor enjoy them, but I can't do them and be the DM.

But having the gang pose for a class shot... great idea.