Divemaster

[Cameronm36]

Hi all,

Apologies if this is in the wrong thread!

I'm looking at obtaining my Divemaster certification soon and would like a bit of advice on things like location, things to look out for, etc.

I have decided to pursue the divemaster in the Philippines and am looking at Sabang Beach in Puerto Galera. Does anyone have any experience with certification there? I've been told by a friend that maybe the Philippines isn't the best place to be certified as a lot of the dive shops there do not have the highest level of standards. Anyone have any knowledge on that? Does anyone have any other suggestions? I chose the Philippines based on it's quality of diving...looks like there are some amazing reef and wreck dives as well as based on the price, although after doing a price comparison with New Zealand a lot of it looks to be pretty much the same. Obviously I want to make sure the people i'm diving with are professional and will give me the best training so I can feel confident as a professional diver.

The dive shop i'm currently looking at is the Blue Ribbon Dive Resort on Sabang Beach. The reason why i'm leaning towards them is because they've suggested a 2 month course (as opposed to the 7 day/month long courses offered by other shops) and have said I would be able to stay longer at no extra charge until I find a job working as a Divemaster. It sounds great that they would like to have me on that extra time so I feel confident and comfortable, however, it could also be that i'll be used mostly to help out around the shop and won't actually get much time diving. If anyone has any thoughts on this i'd love to hear!

Also, I am NAUI Master Level Scuba certified and am a bit unclear as to which PADI certification that equivilates to. The PADI regional training consultant staff have informed me that although the NAUI Master Level Scuba cert has elements of the PADI Rescue Diver cert it is still recognized as the PADI Advanced Open Water certification. Online, however, it shows that the NAUI MLS is the equivilant of the PADI Rescue Diver cert. Does this mean i'll have to complete my PADI Rescue Diver cert as well?

Thanks for the help!

 

[outofofficebrb]

Do you plan on working as a DM back at home in NZ? If so, I think it's best you do your DM work there. It'll be easier to get a job as a DM that way because you were trained in and familiar with the local conditions, especially since it is colder water and more limited viz than the Philippines. You could also become employed by the shop you finished your DM with.

I am a fan of doing the Rescue and DM process in challenging conditions - I believe it prepares you for easier conditions.

I am not sure about the PADI equivalency questions. Sorry! I started with PADI and have stayed within.

 

[TMHeimer]

My educated guess is you wouldn't have to take PADI Rescue. Contact PADI directly.

 

[northernone]

As a NAUI master scuba diver you should meet the prerequisites to begin the PADI DM program directly.

First off, a dive master is a professional training certification, unlike the other courses you've taken. This is highly focused on customer service and skills. If you want to enjoy pretty fish and wrecks I suggest this may not be the suitable course for you. What are your goals for taking this certification? Perhaps we can work back from them to help recommend and assess if the plan you are considering.

I would recommend learning more about your instructor/instructors who will be training you at the resort. Quality isn't unique to a country and quality instructors can be found worldwide. That said, so are very poor instructors and some social climates have them in great numbers.

As a cynical side note, I assume once you become a DM they will 'allow' you to work for free for them? To me this is an insult to the profession and a red flag about their program. A properly trained dive master mentored by a quality instructor should have developed employable skills and be worthy of pay upon completing their training.

Regards,
Cameron

 

[Skulmoski]

Maybe diving in a great location, great visibility, gentle waters, etc. might not be the best and challenging learning environment. I did my DM during the monsoon season (Koh Tao) in order to dive in varying conditions, thereby challenging myself to apply my newly gained knowledge and skills. I am in agreement with what outofofficbrb above stated.

My goal is not to be a professional, rather to take care of my 13 year old daughter when we dive together.

Good luck with this course; I hope you find it as rewarding as I have.

GJS