Dive Master... why are instructors pressing for it?

[Toadie]

This weekend I was completing my rescue course and I sort of found it odd that the three instructors I was with asked me to become a dive master. Feeling all proud that I must be a good diver I took that warm and fuzzy feeling to bed with me. The next day, I noticed that they also said that to the other two guys in my group. So this got me to thinking... why would all the instructors ask their students to become dive masters?

I know it doesn't pay well, if at all. Here in Colorado, you really don't dive in great places. What's in it for the instructors? Other than they have a grunt doing the **** work?

The second part of this debate would be... if the bonus to having me as a dive master is for them... does that mean I'm in a position to negotiate on cost of training or gear?

 

[jonnythan]

why would all the instructors ask their students to become dive masters?

...

Other than they have a grunt doing the **** work?

Asked and answered

 

[ScubaFreak]

I know it doesn't pay well, if at all...

If you're becoming a Divemaster for the money...you're not doin' it for the right reasons...it can be long hours, hard work, but all in all, probably the best time I've ever had (underwater of course )

The second part of this debate would be... if the bonus to having me as a dive master is for them... does that mean I'm in a position to negotiate on cost of training or gear?

Possibly, sometimes instead of getting paid, you can get discounts off diving trips or scuba equipment...

SF

 

[freediver]

If you're becoming a Divemaster for the money...you're not doin' it for the right reasons...

SF

Not true. Being a divemaster can pay six figures, well granted if you're an architect or a neurosurgeon on the side. By the way, contact me if anyone wants to become a divemaster!

 

[wedivebc]

Instructors need DMs for most aspects of their teaching. I, for one would not encourage someone I did not think was a competent diver to become a DM since a poor DM is worse than no DM in a teaching environment. You may have just been taking the class with some other competent divers. It would not have been fair to single you out if the others were not as suitable. I have found people, usually during rescue courses that demonstrate an ability to move to a higher level. I would then privately pass that info on if it would negatively impact the others on the course.
A desire to be a DM should not be money driven. Just ask your instructor how poor he/she is. Then you'll see where DMs stand in the pay scale.

 

[Jason B]

Better hope you can make a little bit of cash as the insurance and dues are not cheap at all. Getting my DM actually took some of the wind out of my sail. Diving wasn't as "fun" anymore. Think long and hard about this one before you do it. A good buddy of mine was a DM so that was my motivation, despites his telling me "it will change everything", I went ahead and did it. Wasn't a month later I was regretting it (that was in 92). Now I'm a plain old vanilla diver and having a blast.

Jason

 

[Bill Schindler]

Usually instructors will encourage folks to take a professional path out of a sincere belief that these folks would enjoy the position and are competent. Don't know if there's much in it for the instructor. But, as Jason B indicated, go into it with your eyes open. Not only are there costs associated with this (you'll be lucky to break even, I don't) but there's also the added burden of responsibility for others. In this litigious society anything that you say (or don't say) can be held against you as you are a "dive professional". Remember the saying: "Know how to make a small fortune in diving? Start with a large fortune.".

 

[Toadie]

good advice... I'm not trying to do it for the money though. I have a regular job and I really like to dive. I was just thinking... hmm

 

[Caver95]

I do it for the beer.

 

[Azza]

The most likely reason is the same one they encourage OW divers to do Peak Performance Bouyancy and AOW, and they convince AOW to do Rescue etc. Its called selling Continuing Education. If you do decide to become a Divemaster then you will understand.

OTOH maybe you are just a great diver with a great attitude and they would like to have you as part of the team.