DM or Alternative

[captainbligh]

Hi

I have passed my rescue dive and done a few specialities and am now considering taking some time out to do the Divemaster.
Two parts/questions really..
1/ I was going to do DM as I'm still not fully confident in the water and want to practice the skills.
The only problem is that I dont really fancy going Pro and dont want to be paying dues every year (I have enough bills).
Is there an alternative?

I have done nitrox but am also interested in the tech area.
2/ I am going to take some time off and the DM courses look great especially the unlimited diving. The only hesitation is choosing the right place and getting a balance between helping/learning and being a slave
I suppose alot of the answer 2/ is dependant on the answer to 1/

Thanks for any input

 

[jeckyll]

So, why do you want to be a DM? Not to discourage progress, but maybe it's time to just dive for a while, and get really good at it, without worrying about what the next certification is.

 

[firstdive2005]

Hi Cap-Congrats on the rescue card. It's a lot of work. Now go out and practice these skills and the other cards for a few trips.
As I collected the cards, I was consistant in needing to be ready to DO another class. I wonder if that is a normal phase in divers that are critically biten by the dive bug. You know when I had my advanced handed to me I realized I could go out diving with just my buddy. But the funny thing was I had the ability to do that before with my OW card. Thats funny to me. I was fortunate, I told my instructor at home this and he pretty much made me go diving before he would put me through any more paces. Thats when I really grew, for me I would be the best diver I could be. I started having fun with the skills I had at the time and honed some on my own. I have a master diver card now and I'm doing deco courses with TDI instead of padi. I think about how I thought what diving was about when I first started and how it has evolved all the time. The metamorphosis has been so invaluable to me, even how it affects my civil life. I dont think I will ever teach but I will always be available for a new diver should one be on the boat with me. Over the years I have been greatly gifted with sage advice with regards to safety and skills in my diving, I wont keep it unless I give some back. I dont need to be paid for that. I hope you just go diving for a while. kev

 

[BeenThereDoveThat]

The only hesitation is choosing the right place and getting a balance between helping/learning and being a slave

A lot of DM's are into it.

 

[The Kraken]

"I was going to do DM as I'm still not fully confident in the water and want to practice the skills."

Based upon your own observation of your diving skills and in my personal opinion, I don't think you're at the point where you should be actively pursuing a divemaster rating.

One needs to be experienced and confident of one's abilities before taking on such a task.

the K

 

[Pearldiver07]

"I was going to do DM as I'm still not fully confident in the water and want to practice the skills."

Based upon your own observation of your diving skills and in my personal opinion, I don't think you're at the point where you should be actively pursuing a divemaster rating.

One needs to be experienced and confident of one's abilities before taking on such a task.

the K

100% Agree. But that doesn't mean you can't be working on skill performance and learning all that you can in the meantime.

Lot's of people get their OW card, and that's enough for them for the next 3,000 dives. Some people, and I'm guessing you're one of them, like the challenge of going after the next goal.

This is not a place to rush it though. The more capable you are in the water, the more experiences you can tie future training to, the more of a fundamental understanding of diving tenets (i.e., gas management, tissue compartment theory, impact of gases on the body, etc.), the better off you will be when you do decide to take the next step. The more you know before the course, the more you'll be refining techniques instead of struggling.

You'll thank yourself many times if you slow down, enjoy the trip, and REALLY learn diving before you take on the responsibilities of DM. And your instructor and students will appreciate it too.

Either way - get out there and Dive, Dive, Dive!!!!

 

[pwl]

Hi.
1/ I was going to do DM as I'm still not fully confident in the water and want to practice the skills.
The only problem is that I dont really fancy going Pro and dont want to be paying dues every year (I have enough bills).
Is there an alternative?

I have done nitrox but am also interested in the tech area.

you could do worse than having a look at GUE fundamentals, especially if there's an instructor nearby.

GUE-F includes intensive training on trim, streamlining, balance & stability in the water, and is an introduction into some of the considerations for tech. GUE Fundamentals | Global Underwater Explorers

i did this course last year after diving a fair amount over the past 7 years (including 3 as a DM) & learned a lot, especially about how it feels to be a learner

 

[Peter Guy]

I wondered if someone would bring up DIR-F -- or the UTD equivalent, Essentials. As someone who has taken both, I can assure you they will introduce a different level of skill development than is normally found in a recreational class.

I've come to believe that anyone who wants to go on to become a "diving professional" should be able to complete either those classes or Cavern or Intro to Tech -- that is, classes that are focused on buoyancy/trim and being able to do skills while maintaining one's buoyancy & trim.

 

[captainbligh]

Well, I need to build up alot of dives and quite rightly spend time in the water. All of the feedback is great and many thanks to all!
I was also wondering if later on I do the DM is it possible to just pass and let the subs lapse. Or do you have to do it all again if you allow it to lapse?

 

[The Kraken]

Can't speak for the other agencies, but with PADI the divemaster certification is like any other certification, once achieved, it's a permanent status.

One needs to be a current PADI member with valid insurance only if one wants to instruct in a PADI course.

the K