Dive Master... why?

[RikRaeder]

Personally, I see DM as just a stepping stone to Instructor...but not yet. Somewhere down the line when I have more experience and time I might go through the rigamoral, but I see no reason to do so now. I have other diving goals for the present. While the additional knowledge is attractive, I bought a copy of PADI's Encyclopedia of Diving last year and have so far been able to read that all by myself. I've got a good outfit that I train with. They happen to be PADI, so when I go for my Pro level certs, I suppose I will do so though PADI. I have no beef with that agency or any other; as I said my trainers are pretty darned strict. Why DM? Why indeed!? For me, I practice my skills on my own and read whatever I can get my hands on so until I decide that I want to work in diving, I, personally, see no need.

 

[DevonDiver]

PADI is the only agency that does not allow a direct cross-over at instructor level. Everyone has to complete IDC and IE.

For that reason alone, it is best to get your instructor ticket with PADI and then cross over to another agency if required.

 

[Thalassamania]

If you are strictly a recreational diver with no pretensions of becoming a "professional," but want the skill level and book knowledge that is supposed to go with that level, the NAUI Master Diver course was designed with you in mind.

 

[Mayor]

I have been holding back with this post but here I go. Just started the PADI DM class and had a chance to do a fun dive with the others in the group. Wrong, Had to watch others in the group. At this level we should have some sort of control in the water. Half of the group was like a yo-yo. Right now I don't want to even do the class. I know I would be better off with a few GUE classes. It just blew my mind. Even looked around to see if I got mixed into to a OW class.

Thanks I feel better.

 

[DevonDiver]

The pre-requisite to start the Divemaster course in only 20 dives and Rescue Diver. So, don't overestimate the general level of ability of DM Trainees.

However, I think some sort of general diving ability should also be present....an assessed 'check-out' dive with the instructor concerned. Even then - a good instructor can work wonders with a DM Trainee over a period of months. What counts is the final product.

I have a lot of issues with DM training - as I feel the standard varies too greatly....

1. 20 Dive minimum to start. Too low. By the time OW (4 dives), AOW (5 dives) and Rescue (4 dives) are completed, it only leaves the diver with a requirement to complete 7 fun dives. I think any diver should need to have more time in the water to develop their own interests and love for the sea, before engaging on a dive leadership program.

2. Taught by Open Water Instructors. Whilst there are some hugely experienced Open Water Scuba Instructors working in the industry, the current system allows people fresh off an IDC to conduct DM programs. I feel that professional level programs should only be taught by more experienced instructors. If PADI raised the bar on this, it would add more credibility to the MSDT rating. Or even shift up to IDC Staff level. This would be simular to SSI, who have the Dive Control Specialist Instructor rating.

3. Too little emphasis on general dive ability. Whilst the DM program does have a system of assessments, there is no specific assessment for the candidate's overall ability and aptitude in the water. Bouyancy, Trim, Risk Assessment, Dive Planning....are not covered adequately.

I wrote a distinctive speciality for an Advanced Diver, but I never got around to submitting it to PADI. It basically covered simular ground to the Fundies course, with additional skills such as DSMB deployment, Basic Line Laying, More Complete Deco Theory, More complete First Aid (especially barotrauma, DCI and marine life injuries), Strong Current Diving, Low Viz Diving, Gas Redundancy, Gas Planning, Intro to Tech, Intro to CCR.

It was designed as a stepping stone towards Tech Training and/or to develop truly capable Divemasters.

In the end, I just chose to include these elements within the normal training system - adding them as extras in existing courses and/or the DM program.

 

[D_B]

I wish you would have submitted it, I know that it would be expensive but someone who passed really would be an Advanced Diver

 

[smile47]

good,screw all that stuff.spear fish and enjoy yourself.that all that counts.

 

[DevonDiver]

good,screw all that stuff.spear fish and enjoy yourself.that all that counts.

Not safety? Air consumption? Comfort under water?

and besides... in most parts of the world...the ruthless extermination of beautiful marine creatures is frowned upon. It's just the USA that seems to actively promote spearfishing on scuba....

 

[japan-diver]

PADI is the only agency that does not allow a direct cross-over at instructor level. Everyone has to complete IDC and IE.

For that reason alone, it is best to get your instructor ticket with PADI and then cross over to another agency if required.

Check your standards again as this is a false statement and even if it was true not a good reason to go with PADI first. The crossover to PADI from other agencies is very similar in scope to going from PADI to others. Each agency is a bit different with some being as easy as sending a check and proof of good standing others have a program that most be gone through such as PADI's.

There are many reason to pick an agency to teach for- style of teaching, general education philosophy, quality of program, and many more : ease of crossing over to another agency would be very low on the list. If you pick the right agency that matches your teaching style and goals as an instructor you will not be crossing over anyway.

 

[DevonDiver]

Check your standards again as this is a false statement and even if it was true not a good reason to go with PADI first. The crossover to PADI from other agencies is very similar in scope to going from PADI to others.

I know the standards. An instructor from any other agency has to complete IDC and IE. However, they may skip the AI portion of the IDC.

I know this well, because I was a BSAC Instructor when I crossed into PADI. I still completed the AI section, because I did not want to be disadvantaged during the rest of the IDC.

When I later crossed-over to SSI, all I had to complete was a 1.5 day orientation to get the instructor rating. This would not have been possible the other way around (into PADI).

The PADI IDC and IE is expensive. A short cross-over is cheap. If you have to do ONE full instructor course.... my point is that it should be with the agency that does not allow direct cross-overs.

Each agency is a bit different with some being as easy as sending a check and proof of good standing others have a program that most be gone through such as PADI's.

And you contradict yourself with this. PADI insist on a full training program. Other agencies accept simply cross-over of qualifications. That was my point in the first place.

There are many reason to pick an agency to teach for- style of teaching, general education philosophy, quality of program, and many more : ease of crossing over to another agency would be very low on the list. If you pick the right agency that matches your teaching style and goals as an instructor you will not be crossing over anyway.

Well, in my experience (teaching for 3 different agencies), there is very little that varies when it comes to teaching someone how to dive. But, as a professional instructor, the fact that PADI dominates something like 90% of the global, recreational, diving market...seems to provide a good reason to choose them as a certifying agency. From there, it is a simple, and cheaper, process to convert to another agency in the future, should you ever desire it.