Getting paid to become a Divemaster

[jenofozz]

Aha, all very interesting information, I will take those things into consideration. I read on one of the diving webpages in my home town where I plan on taking the course that a DM can help out on boats etc.. as I will be travelling around the world I kinda fancied doing some of this work on the side like this. As I said, I don't plan on making a full time career out of it, i have something else in mind, but I thought I could always teach in summer holidays or something once settled, and am just looking into possibilities. As I speak Japanese french and Italian and am from Australia I could have a bit of a niche... we'll see.

 

[mech]

I've attended a really good lecture and seen some video on diving in Japan.
To say that it is different than what we are used to in the states is an understatement.
What I got out of my lecture was that Japans recreational diving is for the most part a large group activity...meaning that for the most part most they don't dive in small unescorted groups but rather almost always with DM's and clubs formed out of the local shops.
That being said I'm thinking that being a DM in Japan might have better rewards than in the states.

Please note; One 2 hour leacture/presentation hardly qualify's me to know anything about Japan so your milage may vary.
Good luck to you.

 

[jenofozz]

thank you all for your great responses, I think I will pay my way back home in Oz...

 

[Gary D.]

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:

A fast way to kill an addiction is make it an occupation.

I have seen a lot of people love sport diving then turn it into a means of making a living or just some extra cash. I'll bet 90%+ get turned off of the sport when they do that.

Just something to think of.

Gary D.

 

[sgtmnstr]

I am currently enrolled in the PADI DM program. The shop here lets you forgo the $400 or so cost and work thru the 15 dives w/ students which you need, without pay, until your cert is complete. I think it is a real good deal. Helps them and helps me. After you get your cert they pay you for every dive. I am sure this is probably not the case elsewhere put these guys are great, and to them its all about the diving and spreading the knowledge needed to enhance the dive community.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

After 1500 dives I decided I wanted to become an instructor. I have ruined hobbies in the past by making them a business.

So I work for an SSI shop and love it. I have more dive experience than all the other instructors combined and get used a lot.

The pay is lousy although I get gear for a great price and at times free. There are even free trips to exotic places every so often. One thing to remember is when you start out, they expect you to have "professional" style gear, gear that the shop sells themselves.

Paying for your certs is no guarantee you'll work.

 

[jenofozz]

Sorry, actually I clarified this post on the first page saying I don't want to do this for a career, just on my world travels and perhaps a bit casual. Thanks for the tips, but don't worry, I know it kills the hobby to make it an occupation so I certainly don't plan to do that. Sgmnstr seems to have given me the advice I was interested in so cheers for that.

 

[sgtmnstr]

After 1500 dives I decided I wanted to become an instructor. I have ruined hobbies in the past by making them a business.

So I work for an SSI shop and love it. I have more dive experience than all the other instructors combined and get used a lot.

The pay is lousy although I get gear for a great price and at times free. There are even free trips to exotic places every so often. One thing to remember is when you start out, they expect you to have "professional" style gear, gear that the shop sells themselves.

Paying for your certs is no guarantee you'll work.

Al I was just curious on how your pay structure was set up. I do not mean to pry but I am curious???? At $200.00- $400.00 for an open water cert say for what 4-6 students that is a nice chunk of change depending on what your shop's cut is, Yes? or am I way off base? PM me if you'd like if it's a touchy subject but again I am just Curios. Thanks Rich

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Al I was just curious on how your pay structure was set up. I do not mean to pry but I am curious???? At $200.00- $400.00 for an open water cert say for what 4-6 students that is a nice chunk of change depending on what your shop's cut is, Yes? or am I way off base? PM me if you'd like if it's a touchy subject but again I am just Curios. Thanks Rich

I'll pm you with details but trust me, the shop gets the lions share. The only time I do well with money is when I teach a specialty with a large class.

 

[Amy B]

I would also like to do my DM course (Rescue Diver at the end of next month, after which I will be an MSD!).

I would LOVE to travel after I finish university (in 2 years time), and I know you can get casual work in a lot of places round the world as a DM.

Considering the potential costs of travelling, and my love of SCUBA diving, getting a bit of extra cash on my way, and getting paid to do soemthing I love in some of the best diving locations around the world, is certainly an attractive possibility!

So, that's my plan anyway. I'm pretty sure that's what jen is planning on doing too?

The dive centre I normally go to either lets you pay for your course and you go ahead and do it, or they take you on as an intern and you work for them for free.

They're pretty good, but then that might be because I'm friends with my instructor...