Freelance Divemaster...???

[Nixrsix]

If someone is a PADI Divemaster, can they start a small business and do explore local diving to other certified divers? I know a DM can escort other certified divers, but can they get paid to do it on their own?

Filed as an LLC w/ insurance and everything to cover their butts...???

TIA

 

[buddhasummer]

As long as you have the requisite certification and insurance I cannot think of any reason why not.

 

[DevonDiver]

Unless some specific local legislation prohibited it, I can't think of a reason why not.

 

[Rogersea]

If someone is a PADI Divemaster, can they start a small business and do explore local diving to other certified divers? I know a DM can escort other certified divers, but can they get paid to do it on their own?

Filed as an LLC w/ insurance and everything to cover their butts...???

TIA

The short answer is Yes!

You will be just like any other small business offering services your "qualified" to perform. If PADI, you can offer Discover Local Diving, DSD's (if qual'd), skin diver, SCUBA Review etc etc. Just be aware that it might be difficult to complete with other businesses whose staff's have higher ratings..

Good Luck.

Roger

 

[Nixrsix]

The short answer is Yes!

You will be just like any other small business offering services your "qualified" to perform. If PADI, you can offer Discover Local Diving, DSD's (if qual'd), skin diver, SCUBA Review etc etc. Just be aware that it might be difficult to complete with other businesses whose staff's have higher ratings..

Good Luck.

Roger

The plan is to just get experience doing the divemaster gig, keeping it small and unexpensive. I'm going to be working on my instructor training soon and am close to getting my captains license. In time, I'll expand with hopes of eventually getting a dive boat and then a shop. It helps to start small in other ways business wise.

As for competition, I'll be small, and I'm not quiting my deckhand job. I'll offer a cheap way for people who need a dive buddy or don't want to spend a lot on boat dives. Its more of a part time hobby and why not make a few bucks, get experience and establish my name.


Any pointers from anyone would be great! Any good or bad idea's....

 

[buddhasummer]

The plan is to just get experience doing the divemaster gig, keeping it small and unexpensive. I'm going to be working on my instructor training soon and am close to getting my captains license. In time, I'll expand with hopes of eventually getting a dive boat and then a shop. It helps to start small in other ways business wise.

As for competition, I'll be small, and I'm not quiting my deckhand job. I'll offer a cheap way for people who need a dive buddy or don't want to spend a lot on boat dives. Its more of a part time hobby and why not make a few bucks, get experience and establish my name.


Any pointers from anyone would be great! Any good or bad idea's....

Sounds like a good idea. I've often thought about getting my instructors license and try to build a reputation doing courses that offer a little more than the just the PADI standards. I have seen and read posts here on SB from some obviously very skilled and thorough instructors such as Jim Lapenta and DevonDiver and find their approach and knowledge inspiring. I would guess not being tied to a shop and their deadlines I would have the luxury of more time. Like you it would be more a hobby. I wish you the best in your endeavour. Good luck.

 

[VooDooGasMan]

Unless you have gear for them they will need a shop, so you could be limited to the divers needing your services. I have met a few in the past that get business cards made and think it was a good way. and also having a website to have your own traffic of clients.