Dive Master... why?

[DevonDiver]

If you have no desire to get into a DM career, then there are other ways to get equal training without the risks/costs associated with having a DM cert (legal stuff like perceived level of care others could expect from you if they know that you are a DM, and it does not matter wether you have an official duty to them or not .. and insurance to cover things like the above)

It may be different in the USA, but there is no legal duty of care that come with having a DM certification. Even if that was the case in the US (the home of outrageous liability claims)...if you let your membership expire after 12 months and you are not 'renewed status', then you are no longer active or expected to function as a dm.

FOR THE OP.... another interesting option for advancement past Rescue Diver level is to consider technical diving. This training will expand your diving...and take your skill level to a whole other level. Technical diving isn't for everyone....but the training is fantastic.

 

[D_B]

I thought so to, but a DM pointed out to me that it's not what you think that counts, it's what other divers think around you ... if they do dives they would not do normally just because they think diving with/around you, it will be safe ...

now if no one knows that your a DM, then OK, but if others know then it could end up with you in court trying to convince a jury/judge that you have no responsibility in the incident


OP .. get Rescue at least, you will learn much, and it will be useful knowledge for the rest of your life

 

[Pearldiver07]

I agree with others above. DM is not the "de facto" next step in diver's education (assuming that you've completed rescue diver training), nor is it intended to be.

I haven't taken it, but from everything I've seen and read, GUE's fundie's class would be a good way to start to expand your basic understanding of diving, dive management, etc.

Also, many of the specialty classes can enhance your level of understanding as well. But be careful here. I've seen too many instructors that only know an inch or two of depth beyond what they're teaching. And they seem to teach the specialty only to the extent that they are minimally required.

I'm sorry, but finding a truly motivated instructor who knows their stuff will be somewhat hit and miss. I suggest talking with friends and other divers to get their input.

IMHO, anything a diver does to increase their knowledge, experience, and training in diving will improve their personal diving fun also. But remember, a combination of them all does it best. Knowledge and training are near useless if you don't have matching experience. Experience without understanding is lost opportunity.

You seem to be a person who likes to grow. Hope some of this advice in this thread helps.

 

[DevonDiver]

I thought so to, but a DM pointed out to me that it's not what you think that counts, it's what other divers think around you ... if they do dives they would not do normally just because they think diving with/around you, it will be safe ...
now if no one knows that your a DM, then OK, but if others know then it could end up with you in court trying to convince a jury/judge that you have no responsibility in the incident

OP .. get Rescue at least, you will learn much, and it will be useful knowledge for the rest of your life

I don't think there is any issue of liability unless you are paid for Divemaster services. It certainly wouldn't hold any weight in most countries. In the UK, even BSAC instructors do not need liability insurance - because they are not paid for services (they teach voluntarily for clubs).

Rescue is a critical step for any diver..however, it is far from the pinnacle. As previously mentioned, Divemaster and Technical (including GUE Fundies) are the 'fast-track' routes to substantially increased dive skills. IMHO.

 

[Walter]

The Divemaster course is very, very in-depth and will bring you up to an excellent level of diving ability, with an in-depth knowledge of theory and polished skills.

You obviously haven't seen a bunch of DMs I've encountered.

 

[DevonDiver]

Well....it all depends on the instructor concerned...their professionalism, motivation, diligence and breadth of experience....and the development of a real student-mentor relationship.

I've seen some very shoddy dive professionals in my time also....even instructors who I would not care to buddy with.

 

[Ben_ca]

The Divemaster course is very, very in-depth and will bring you up to an excellent level of diving ability, with an in-depth knowledge of theory and polished skills.

Now I understand that there are some outstanding instructors that go above and beyond what their agencies mandate... but how much of this is actually in the syllabus?

How much "skill" is a divemaster candidate realistically expected to demonstrate?

 

[DevonDiver]

Well...the divemaster is assessed to have 'demonstration quality' in the basic scuba skills (as taught on the OW course)...and this includes bouyancy (hover).

The knowledge is assessed through a series of quite demanding exams, which are way above what you would have previously experienced on non-professional scuba courses.

In addition, there is an assessed rescue exercise, more demanding swim tests... and some element of working with certified divers as a dive leader (briefing, supervising etc)...and this is assessed numerically on a standard scale.

 

[Suian]

I plan on taking a Dive Master (SSI Dive Controller) this year as a way of expanding my knowledge as a diver.

I have met many people in the dive industry, ranging from the average recreational diver, instructors and even a couple of the "crazy" Navy clearance divers.
Many of them have chosen there paths for different reasons, but they all love to dive.

I really enjoy diving, if I manage to complete my DM this year, then I'll be a safer and more confident diver. While DM is not a pathway to doing Tech or cave diving, I want a greater understanding of the whole descion making process behind planning dives, leading dives and keeping everyone safe and happy. This will help me in the future whether or not I do go tech diving, go instructor or just stay on land.

 

[fisheyeview]

I don't think it has much added value for a recreational diver to do the DM course.

In fact, the next step after the AOW is the Rescue Diver course (before becoming DM; not too sure if you need it for the Master Diver, but I'd hope so) - and that course is absolutely worth it!! To me, every recreational diver should do it..

For PADI it is required. The only exemption to this would be for someone that became a DM before there was a separate Rescue class. I fall into this category. Rescue was a part of all classes especially DM before it became a separate cert.