Divemaster\Instructor Liability

[DevonDiver]

I originally qualified as a Divemaster purely for the diving benefits. At the time, I was a serving military officer...and I knew I would never actively 'use' the qualification. The course was a great learning experience for me.

As a 'non-working' Divemaster, I enjoyed having the skills and experience to be the 'senior' member of my circle of diving friends.... and they benefitted greatly from that.

Only after several more years was I in a position to consider working full-time in the diving industry..and having the DM certification, coupled with years of effectively 'leading' dives.... was an excellent springboard for me embark on the IDC.

 

[scuba_drum]

I learned a long time ago to only show my advanced card and/or nitrox card when diving on vacation. If no one knows you have that cert, then the bony finger of doubt will likely not get pointed your direction. I went thru DM and never really put it to use, mostly because the crappy LDS here turned me off the whole subject. Someday, just not now....
If I do not take responsibility of anyone on the boat (besides my divebuddy GF), then I simply do not accept responsibility.... period.

 

[James R]

You will be quite surprised how much you will learn about diving, yourself, and other people as you go through the DM program. I did much more than the minimum requirements and have no regrets. I would strongly suggest you do the full internship, not just practicals. You'll get much more experience helping with classes of all kinds (i.e OW, AOW, specialties, etc) which can be a real eye-opener!

My instructor was really good, and I would highly recommend him to you - pm me for info if you're interested.

 

[philmayer]

Please ignore my incorrect information.

 

[philmayer]

If the dive op wants to see your nitrox cert, you'll have to show the separate nitrox card whether you're an MSD or a DM.

Not true. The primary reason I got my MSD card was because I didn't want to pay $35 to get one the cards I already had with EANx on it. I had EANx and all the other requirements met so I paid the $35 to get my MSD/EANx card. That way if I go diving on a recreational boat I only have to show one card andor remember one number for all my diving needs. If I go on a tech dive I show my NAUI Trimix II (no numbers to remember) and that covers me there.

You are correct. What I should have said is that you may need to show proof of your nitrox cert, which is not shown by either an MSD or DM card.

 

[Steve50]

No, deep certification is not a requirement for MSD.

Deep certification is a requirement for Advanced Open Water.

Advanced Open Water is a requirement for MSD.

Thus, having an MSD cert shows that you also have deep cert.

If PADI no - only a single deep dive not a deep specialty certification..

 

[Lead_carrier]

Danny, if you're considering going on to instructor then go ahead and start considering divemaster. If you're wanting the knowledge, find a NAUI shop that teaches Master Diver. In my opinion, it is a heck of a good course. It isn't like PADI and SSI in which you get a few specialties and log the dives, it is a real course andf a LOT more indepth than what you'll get with anyone else short of going pro.

 

[DevonDiver]

No, deep certification is not a requirement for MSD.

Deep certification is a requirement for Advanced Open Water.

Advanced Open Water is a requirement for MSD.

Thus, having an MSD cert shows that you also have deep cert.

Phil, you are confusing Deep certification with a Deep Adventure Dive.

For the AOW course, you have to complete 5 Adventure Dives, one of which is the mandatory Deep Adventure Dive (max 30m).

The Deep 'certification' is a speciality course, comprised of 4 dives (max 40m). You have to be certified as an Adventure Diver or AOW to enrol on a deep speciality course.


The MSD certification recognises that the diver has completed core training up to the level of Rescue Diver (inc OW, AOW, EFR & Rescue), along with 5 speciality courses and a minimum of 50 logged dives. The 5 required speciality courses can include any of the 20+ courses available.

 

[UCFKnightDiver]

When was Padi ever stated by the op? Specifically PADI Master Diver. PADI Master Diver, and NAUI Master Diver are much different, PADI you pay for a card, NAUI theres acctually training involved.

 

[SoCalSwami]

I am also on the fence to becoming a DM, and this thread has been helpful.

Unfortunately we have not heard from any active/former DM's who have been sued.

What is less helpful is Us vs Them trolling.