Got My DM - But I Don't Want to Dive "This Way"...

[bfw]

I even reconfigured one of my rigs so I can wear a weight belt, which I normally don't wear. It's only 4 lbs, but it meets the requirement of having something to ditch.

That's ridiculous. One of the most common errors students and beginners make is using too much weight, or assuming that everyone needs the same weight. Wearing no weight sets a positive example in numerous ways. If you're acting as victim for unconscious diver rescue practice, wear one with no weight, or use it as a teachable moment to show that they may not always encounter a weight belt.

I understand why an OW instructor might object. First of all, it could be a distraction. The class isn't there to learn about your gear or the way you dive. They also aren't there to boost your ego because of how cool you and your gear are.

You make some grand assumptions about his motives. As for the distraction, if they're that easily distracted, they need to be institutionalized.

They are the instructors or shop owner's customers, not yours. Sorry, but if you have such a problem with wearing standard recreational gear, then you shouldn't be working as a recreational DM.

No, he shouldn't be working for THAT instructor. The instructor is a jerk, but you're correct that, as the boss, it's his prerogative to be a jerk if he wishes.

 

[Peter Guy]

bfw, just for the record, "my" instructor is definitely NOT "a jerk."

Also, for the record, I am blown away this thread is still going. Somehow I must have touched the nerves of WAY too many people with what I thought was just a simple (if perhaps ill advised) tiny rant.

Off to bed soon -- up way too early to go help out with OW Dives' 3 & 4 (but I won't tell anyone what gear I'm wearing!!!).

 

[Kingpatzer]

And no, DM's do NOT demonstrate in OW -- we observe and assist.

There are a number of times in OW when the DM can properly demonstrate a skill. And a good instructor will let a DM do so, giving the DM a chance to both gain confidence in his own abilities and to further his development as a potential future instructor.

There are even times when the DM may present the lesson, not merely demonstrate while the instructor talks. The snorkeling part of the PADI OW, for example.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

There are a number of times in OW when the DM can properly demonstrate a skill. And a good instructor will let a DM do so, giving the DM a chance to both gain confidence in his own abilities and to further his development as a potential future instructor.

There are even times when the DM may present the lesson, not merely demonstrate while the instructor talks. The snorkeling part of the PADI OW, for example.

No, that is not correct ... the purpose of checkout dives is not to demonstrate skills to the student, but rather for the student to demonstrate that they've acquired and understood those skills.

If I have to demonstrate a skill to a student in OW, then that skill will not be checked off as performed satisfactorily. They will have to show me first that they are capable of doing the skill without my first having to show them how to do it.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[amascuba]

There are a number of times in OW when the DM can properly demonstrate a skill. And a good instructor will let a DM do so, giving the DM a chance to both gain confidence in his own abilities and to further his development as a potential future instructor.

There are even times when the DM may present the lesson, not merely demonstrate while the instructor talks. The snorkeling part of the PADI OW, for example.

The only demonstration that should take place should be in confined water. If you are demonstrating skills during open water check out dives then the student wasn't ready to be in open water. In open water it's as Peter states, observe and assist.

 

[caseybird]

Come on Casey, you're always welcome. The last thing I wanted to do was to hurt anyone's feelings.

Allright, I feel better already.
There's a tropical storm brewing over Belieze. I know it's the first day of hurricane season, but c'mon already.
Short, wet trip report to follow.

 

[ahava]

Open Water checkouts are about 2 things- Basic scuba and safety skills, and the safety and welfare of the student. Every thing else is just icing on the cake. The instructor (store owner) is directly responsible for this. If you dont like the procedures they have layed out to be in everyone's best interest GO TEACH FOR SOMEONE ELSE or open your own shop and do whatever you want.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

(sigh) ... either people aren't bothering to read the thread before replying, or the reading comprehension of a lot of people participating in this thread really sucks ...

Please, folks ... read the damn thread before exercising the keyboard.

The really sad part is that most of the people who INSIST on taking things completely outside the scope of what was actually said are scuba instructors.

What does that say ... really?

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[ahava]

Open Water checkouts are about 2 things- Basic scuba and safety skills, and the safety and welfare of the student. Every thing else is just icing on the cake. The instructor (store owner) is directly responsible for this. If you dont like the procedures they have layed out to be in everyone's best interest GO TEACH FOR SOMEONE ELSE or open your own shop and do whatever you want.

Have read all the DAMN replies. !! This post directly relates to the OP's question. Wear what they want you to wear or find somewhere to teach or DM ( With OW students)

 

[Peter Guy]

ahava -- The original post ended with the following statements

What do I want from y'all by writing this? I'm not at all sure. I just needed to put it out there -- just a rant and vent if you will.

My DM career may be a very short one! (However, I've already been asked to work with another instructor/another shop -- she just happens to be a cave diver.)

I don't know what this says to you, but it was intended to say the following:

a. The original post was just a rant -- a whine if you will -- and was NOT asking for any advice (although I certainly got some!); and

b. I think the second statement clearly shows that I clearly understood I had three options -- don't DM, use the gear as requested by the instructor and don't bitch about it or find another instructor for whom I could DM (as I said I had already done).

ahava (and all the rest) -- what makes any of you think I didn't (don't) understand that as a DM I have those three choices? Did I ever write anything to indicate I thought I shouldn't have to follow the "shop" (instructor's) rules ("suggestions")? Of course I think the rules should be different but that is NOT the same as saying I shouldn't have to follow those rules? Is it?

KingP -- Are you sure you are correct in your statement about what a DM can do in an OW checkout? Or are the people who wrote to the contrary correct? What say you? (And, btw, I know the qualifications of some who contradicted you -- what are your qualifications for making your statement?)

I repeat -- I am amazed at how long this "discussion" has gone on!