DM Expectations...

[diverdowndh]

Well, I believe that is what he said. He spoke of small groups to Cozumel, he knows I've been there 6 times and he mentioned it. I'll double check that for sure..
btw, what is a msdt and owsi?

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

btw, what is a msdt and owsi?

PADI open water scuba instructors (OWSI) can pay a fee to become master scuba diver trainers (MSDT), after they have certified 25 divers (or 50?), have 5 Specialty Instructor certs, and maintain valid EFR or sum such balderdash.:14:

 

[boulderjohn]

PADI open water scuba instructors (OWSI) can pay a fee to become master scuba diver trainers (MSDT), after they have certified 25 divers (or 50?), have 5 Specialty Instructor certs, and maintain valid EFR or sum such balderdash.:14:

Correct. The only reason for the MSDT requirement for this LDS is the specialty certifications. Sometimes the trip participants want specialty instruction during the trip, and the want the trip leader to be able to provide it.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Correct. The only reason for the MSDT requirement for this LDS is the specialty certifications. Sometimes the trip participants want specialty instruction during the trip, and the want the trip leader to be able to provide it.

MSTD is not required to teach specialties. I have 9 specialty instructor ratings (or so) and I could have instructor ratings for all specialties and still not chose to pay the fee for MSDT. There are many similarities between MSD and MSDT.

 

[Colliam7]

There are many similarities between MSD and MSDT.

With one distinction being that MSD is not a prerequisite for any (higher) level of credentialing, whereas MSDT rating is a prerequisite for DSAT Tec Deep and Trimix Instructor and IDC Staff Instructor.

 

[k4man]

I've followed this thread for several days and have found it very interesting...thanks. Obviously, the ties to your LDS can be very important if you wish to be an active, working DM. Sort of like the "good-'ol-boy's" system of needing to know somebody to be able to get somewhere.

Anyway, I've just started with book work in my own PADI DM course, and am wondering if I am doing the correct thing to work with my instructor who is now a "freelance" instructor and has many connections--just not a specific shop to work from. Instructor has 30+ years of experience...I couldn't ask for more...but recently "retired" and sold store to new owners. Do you think this could, in any way, prevent me from "working" as a DM (part time, summers, etc) with a store -- even if I didn't receive training FROM the store??

 

[boulderjohn]

Do you think this could, in any way, prevent me from "working" as a DM (part time, summers, etc) with a store -- even if I didn't receive training FROM the store??

I don't know squat about your area, so Imy response assumes that your Ohio situation is similar to ours in Colorado, neither of which have immediate access to rally good diving. I also assume that places like Florida are different.

It won't "prevent" you from being employed anywhere, but it will make it a bit more difficult. Every DM, AI, and instructor hired by our shop since I started working there was trained there. A shop that has a good training program will always have a list of KNOWN candidates whenever it needs someone new. If you apply for a position there, you will come on as an unknown. That will put you at an obvious disadvantage, but it does not mean it can't happen.

 

[diverdowndh]

That is my feeling also from what I've learned here (glad you like the thread, since my original post I've learned a LOT). Here in Colorado I don't know if I'd want to not have an association with a shop, for the reasons boulderjohn points out. It just seems to be a good idea...

 

[rje634]

I recently completed the DM course. I can only comment on how things were with my LDS. After the apprenticeship requirements there are no expectations. The amount of time spent is at my discretion. Of course there is a quid pro quo. If I expect the same privliges extended other professionals affiliated with the shop, than I need to earn them. Expectations go both ways.

Jokes were made but I never felt that I was in servitude nor asked to do things that aren't expected of a DM as outlined in the DM responsibilities. When assisting with classes I'm always treated and introduced to the class professionally. I've heard the comment about DM's being slave labor many times on SB so I have to assume it's true somewhere. It is totally contrary to my personal experiences with my shop.

JR

Joe Rock
I notice that your in Jersey, would that happen to be Northern Jersey? If so what LDS did you do your DM with?

Great thread it's answered many of the questions that I had about the DM course...

 

[HydroAuto]

I just came from a LDS where I asked about their DM class and they went into the pitch they they aren't the 'typical' instruction shop. They do more of an internship, as they described it. Assisting in classes, doing bookwork, a few dive trips etc... overall a 9 month schedule. The cost of the program is $300-$500, depending (they didn't go into what it depended on). Dive trip expenses would be discounted, but not free.

Then came the bit I think is very strange. These words came out of the guys mouth. "As part of this course we require you use only equipment that our shop sells. You will not be allowed to be in front of students 'out of uniform'". I asked for clarification on what they meant by 'uniform', and he said "everything from head to toe". Of course, he went on, we'll work with you on prices, you won't pay full retail.

I'm new to the area, and I've never heard of such requirements. Just wondering if I was sheltered at my old LDS (geographically distant now) or if this is otherwise common practice?