DiveCon/Dive Master Course content

[DrSteve]

Hi Guys!

I started a thread a while back about whether to go DiveCon/DiveMaster. It was a pretty even split, with most people saying the DM was more academic and DC was more hands on. After certification you can pretty much do the same thing so that doesn't bother me (and I am doing this for experience not to teach - too many law suits in the US)

The cost of the courses are about the same in this area (in fact I think DM is slightly cheaper and includes some boat diving). What I cannot get hold of is the course content (syllabus) *anywhere* even the SSI and PADI sites do not list *what* the course consists of. Can anyone help me out please?

Thanks!

 

[eab]

What I cannot get hold of is the course content (syllabus) *anywhere* even the SSI and PADI sites do not list *what* the course consists of. Can anyone help me out please?

There's a Massachusetts shop that has great descriptions of their courses. Here's the link for divemaster.

 

[DrSteve]

Thank you!

 

[diverbrian]

but the only things that listed the precise requirements during the class were my training folder (since forwarded to SSI) and the Dive Con Instructors manual.

The gist of it is a written test, medical physical every couple of years, assist with two classes, and some skills refreshers like a fresh Stress and Rescue course. It took me personally about nine months to get all the hands on stuff done.

 

[dweeb]

Hi Guys!

I started a thread a while back about whether to go DiveCon/DiveMaster. It was a pretty even split, with most people saying the DM was more academic and DC was more hands on. After certification you can pretty much do the same thing so that doesn't bother me (and I am doing this for experience not to teach - too many law suits in the US)

Bad idea. Once you complete training on how to be responsible for other divers, the lawsuits won't care if you actually agreed to be responsible. You'll have put yourself in a class that is measured against a different standard for a "reasonably prudent person." Same boat, same day, you're a lawsuit target. If you aren't going to lead, then don't seek leadership training. The NAUI Master Diver program includes all the diving knowledge, without the "how to teach" content.

 

[diverbrian]

Actually, this is only somewhat true. I took the DC course with the same intention as Dr. Steve and found out that I enjoy working with newer divers in a professional capacity while I was doing it. There are two options available to someone who doesn't wish to work as a professional, but wishes to see what the training has to offer.


1) Don't renew and stay inactive. That is the way that you will be carried on the training agencies rolls.

2) Don't finish the course.

I wouldn't discourage anyone with the proper experience from taking the DM/DC route. All that "how to teach stuff" actually has in the water applications when you have a less experienced buddy.

 

[GrierHPharmD]

As a current DM candidate, all I can say is that the training has made me a much better diver. I'm not up to speed on the liability issues surrounding the "same day, same boat" situation, but I do know that I'm much more capable of rendering assistance to a fellow diver after taking the class.

In short, the value of the course, in my opinion, outweighs the liability. I guess I'd rather increase my chances of assisting another diver in trouble than avoid the training due to the fear of litigation.

Good luck with whatever you decide,
Grier

 

[SubMariner]

What I cannot get hold of is the course content (syllabus) *anywhere* even the SSI and PADI sites do not list *what* the course consists of. Can anyone help me out please?

Basically, a DM Candidate has to go though Academic, Open and Confined Water Training. I've pulled some of the relevant info out of my PADI Instructor Manual:

Academics cover Knowledge Development Module consists of 12 topics:
- The role and characteristics of a PADI Divemaster
- Supervising diving activities for certified divers
- Assisting with student divers in training
- Dive theory introduction
- Physics
- Physiology
- Equipment
- Decompression theory and dive tables
- Divemaster conducted programs
- Risk management
- Business of diving
- Furthering your dive career

Confined water training consists of Watermanship, Stamina, and Skills development & testing:
- 400 metre/yard swim
- 800 metre/yard mask/fins/snorkel swim
- 15 minute tread water
- 100 metre/yard tired diver tow
- Rescue Dive Scenario #7 (Recovering unconscious Diver @ surface with A/R)
- Skill Development to be able to perform all skills to demonstration quality

Mapping Project (including Emergency Assistance Plan)

Equipment Exchange (while buddy breathing)

DM Conducted Programs (snorkelling, etc.)

Internship or Practical Training Exercises

Hope this helps!

Bonne chance,

 

[DrSteve]

Thank you everyone. It seems like the PADI course is quite rigerous. I can deal with that. Just curious...is the stamina test done sequentially at one time? IThe 15 minute tread water (no equipment?) seems about the hardest. I've seen a lot of big fat dive masters that can barely walk without breaking a sweat, so swimming for that distance? I guess you only have to prove you are fit once right?

 

[pt40fathoms]

You beat me to it SubMariner.

A word of advice though, if you have the option of either the internship or practical training. Choose the internship. Working with students both in the pool and in open water will gain you experience that will really broaden your knowledge and abilities.

Good luck.