Getting paid to become a Divemaster

[jenofozz]

Hi all,

I am afraid I have no idea if this is the right place to post, but here goes...

I recently became addicted to diving, and have my open water certification. This year my job contract ends after which I am completely free. I plan to return home for half a year, then travel the world. I was thinking it's a good opportunity to get further qualified, and I really fancy the idea of working in diving in the future, I am wondering if anyone knows of/has heard of people getting sponsorship to become a dive master/instructor? I imagine if you work for the company you would get good discounts on gear too? I am also interested in that as I'd like to purchase all my own things.

Any tips, advise, suggestions much appreciated,

jen :butnhome:

 

[armyscuba]

Don't do it for the Money unless You can become the DM on Greg Normans Yacht.

 

[jenofozz]

Hehe, sorry, perhaps I should have clarified that I don't intend to become a Divemaster or instructor for the money, I have another career, but I would just like to be qualified and pay the least possible to do it.

 

[armyscuba]

Then go for it..that's what I do..it pays for new equipment..(sort of,, ha, I usually end up spending it at the Dive shop)keeps You in the water..which is great for Your hobby. Plus You get to meet really KEWL people..

 

[jenofozz]

thanks, I will

 

[voop]

There are shops every now and then who offer DM-for-free programs, with the clause that you then have to commit to working with/for them afterwards for a while. I have heard both good (lots of experience with real diving situations/students) and bad (abusive working conditions, extremely long commitment after certification) things about these options, though, so if you go this route, be prepared to do exhaustive research beforehand: track down and talk to former DM-candidates, ensure that your duties and obligations are well-defined and so on.

Also remember, that Divemaster is often just another word for "here, carry this!". I know of DM's who rarely ever get in to the water, but spend their time filling cylinders, carrying gear, checking divers in and out and other logistics. Incidentially, that does seem to be the biggest motivational factor for DM's to progress towards an IDC....

All that said, when things just work out, DMing can be way cool.....

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

There are costs involved that you should be aware of going into the program. These costs get increasingly higher as you progress from DM to instructor.

Cost of certification can be upwards of $2,000 (depending on certification level) including books, course fees, and qualification exam. Depending on the agency, certification to teach specialty classes can cost extra.

Membership dues will run from $75 to $250 per year, depending on certification level and agency.

Insurance will run between $300 and $550 per year, depending on level and insurance company.

Factor those into what it will cost you to achieve the DM or instructor level you have in mind.

Some shops will subsidize a portion of those costs if you agree to a period of indentured servitude.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[CelticRavenVA]

Bob,
If I remember you just got your instructor? or DM? Which of those options did you do for your indentured servitude?

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I just got my instructor certification (NAUI). I didn't go the indentured servitude route ... although the shop I certified through was very good to me, in terms of what the classes cost me. I did DM for that shop for over a year, but I plan to be an independent instructor.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Scottri]

Some shops may help out with the costs but as stated there is an obligation to work in the shop or help with classes. My DM class cost me about $350, it's been a while since I finished and I think the cost has gone up. If a shop needed an instructor they may offset some of the costs of IDC and IE in order to have you on board. Most people I know pay out of pocket. Making enough as a DM or Instructor to break even is not always easy. I work about 10 Open Water classes and several AOW classes a year along with Rescue and what ever else is taught and I make just enough to cover my expenses such as travel, lodging, minor equipment purchase, dues to PADI and insurance. If you can find a shop to help great but I wouldn't count on it.


Scott