Dive Masters The Good The Bad And The Ugly

[cdiver2]

A two part question.
1/
We all know that there certain country's / resorts that require that you dive with a dive master ( DM ), I know that the majority of divers prefer to dive without a DM but, how would you like the DM to conduct the dive when it is required that you dive with one ?.

I have had dives where the DM has led the way from the front with the rest of the divers strung out behind. Dives where the DM has been behind and just above the group. and dives where the DM has been so busy doing there own thing, zig zaging all over the place, so that if you take your eyes of them for a second you dont know where the DM is.

2/
Do the training agencies teach a specific way to lead a dive, the dive operator decides or it is left up to the DM to decide how they wish to conduct the dive ?.

 

[wreckchick]

So far, the best DM I had in the water on a regular dive (didn't need to be shown anything in particular) had the float and just followed the group around on a drift dive. If you looked he was there, but there was no shepherding or leading. This particular DM got chilled and signalled that he was going up and left a couple of us behind to finish the dive. It more felt like he was just around "in case" and that's fine.

Rachel

 

[DiveMistress2]

Hey Cdiver,

From my experiences as both a divemaster and a diver on holiday:

1/
When diving in a new location I appreciate what a divemaster can bring to the dive. I expect a dive briefing which will include marine life, bottom composition & all exciting aspects that you can see on the dive & a good dm will deliver it with some enthusiasm.

As to their position in the water in relation to us divers it would completely depend on the type of dive. E.g. if doing a reef dive I would prefer that they hover somewhat above the other divers to make sure no one wanders too far off from the anchor line. If doing a wall dive I would prefer them at the deepest recreational limit to ensure that no one goes beyond their own limits (safety in mind).

No matter where they are you should always be briefed on where they will locate themselves in the briefing and they should have something on their equipment that makes them stand out so that you can easily identify them.

2/
Leading dives is like being the social director & throwing a benefit party. It's a skill that is natural in most cases but I've also seen introverts learn & master the art.

I think the best dive leaders I've seen have had a well rounded diving career. When I had done my ow cert I had no idea but as my skills and experienced advanced so did my expectations.

I believe that operators have guidelines they want followed by their dm's b/c there is liability involved. Remember, most dm's will go above & beyond b/c their main compensation is through tipping.

 

[cdiver2]

Hey Cdiver,

From my experiences as both a divemaster and a diver on holiday:

1/
When diving in a new location I appreciate what a divemaster can bring to the dive. I expect a dive briefing which will include marine life, bottom composition & all exciting aspects that you can see on the dive & a good dm will deliver it with some enthusiasm.

As to their position in the water in relation to us divers it would completely depend on the type of dive. E.g. if doing a reef dive I would prefer that they hover somewhat above the other divers to make sure no one wanders too far off from the anchor line. If doing a wall dive I would prefer them at the deepest recreational limit to ensure that no one goes beyond their own limits (safety in mind).

No matter where they are you should always be briefed on where they will locate themselves in the briefing and they should have something on their equipment that makes them stand out so that you can easily identify them.

2/
Leading dives is like being the social director & throwing a benefit party. It's a skill that is natural in most cases but I've also seen introverts learn & master the art.

I think the best dive leaders I've seen have had a well rounded diving career. When I had done my ow cert I had no idea but as my skills and experienced advanced so did my expectations.

I believe that operators have guidelines they want followed by their dm's b/c there is liability involved. Remember, most dm's will go above & beyond b/c their main compensation is through tipping.

I basically agree with you but have found myself in the position where most of the divers in the group have had less experience than myself and buddy but have had to go along and follow like a lamb. It may be my imagination but it seems when this has been the case we have always been put at the back of the group ?.
I also like to take photographs and have been told by a DM " I dont mind you taking photos but you must keep up with the group" ( going a hundred miles ph ).
Do you think a dive op should split up the divers into groups of a like intrest/experience level. I do feel I have been robbed when doing a lower level dive than I am capable of because the majority of the divers are less experienced.

 

[DiveMistress2]

I basically agree with you but have found myself in the position where most of the divers in the group have had less experience than myself and buddy but have had to go along and follow like a lamb. It may be my imagination but it seems when this has been the case we have always been put at the back of the group ?.
I also like to take photographs and have been told by a DM " I dont mind you taking photos but you must keep up with the group" ( going a hundred miles ph ).
Do you think a dive op should split up the divers into groups of a like intrest/experience level. I do feel I have been robbed when doing a lower level dive than I am capable of because the majority of the divers are less experienced.

When booking a dive trip I normally inquire as to what dives & experience levels I'll be diving. If they fail to meet those requirements I go elsewhere. Your DM should have gone at a slower pace so that you could get some pics, and they should have been pointing out what you'd want to take pics of.

Most operators have more than one leader on any given charter. They should be splitting the group up appropriately so that you get what you are paying for.

This is of course an ideal scenario and I know it isn't always possible. But as a diver you should be able to choose the skill level of your dive.

 

[Walter]

"We all know that there certain country's / resorts that require that you dive with a dive master"

We do? Which countries? I'll dive elsewhere.

 

[MikeFerrara]

I don't know which contries we're talking about but I have a feeling that I can make it through the rest of my dive career without them.

 

[cdiver2]

"We all know that there certain country's / resorts that require that you dive with a dive master"

We do? Which countries? I'll dive elsewhere.

Of the top of my head for a start Cozumel, St Lucia

 

[Walter]

I've dived Cozumel without a DM.

 

[cdiver2]

I've dived Cozumel without a DM.

Good for you walter thousands havent