If you were going to start over what would you do differnt?

[Octopusprime]

Remember back in the days where you were just an AOW diver and thought to yourself..."wouldn't it be nice to make a little diving instead of it just costing you money..." Is there anything you would do different, is there a common pitfall new DM or instructors make along the way?

I am starting my DM and would like to become an instructor. While trying to keep the cost down and do it efficiently to best use my time because we all know sometimes it is hard to get time away in the water.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba 2]

I would have picked a different instructor for my DM and a different course director for my instructor. While both courses worked out just fine at the end of the day, I could have saved a great deal of hassle and time by being a little more methodical in my selection of mentors. Finding a mentor that you "jive" with could make for a better experience and a higher level of quality training and experience. In the end it is key to interview potential instructors/course directors for find the best fit.

 

[They call me Tater]

Married someone rich!

 

[Octopusprime]

From your experiance what would you look for in a DM instructor or IDC?

I would have picked a different instructor for my DM and a different course director for my instructor. While both courses worked out just fine at the end of the day, I could have saved a great deal of hassle and time by being a little more methodical in my selection of mentors. Finding a mentor that you "jive" with could make for a better experience and a higher level of quality training and experience. In the end it is key to interview potential instructors/course directors for find the best fit.

 

[TMHeimer]

An instructor who concentrates on the practical side. My DM instructor did that well. A guy who was in my DM course is now an instructor whom I just DMd for. Have to say it was the best OW course I've seen yet. The weekend course didn't seem rushed, as most of these weekend courses seem to me. Felt like he went over everything many times, yet we were only "late" exiting the pool once by 20 mins. As for my own diving as an OW diver, I would've seeked experienced buddies right away. Not that the fellow newbie I buddied with for several years wasn't good, but neither of us had any rescue training. When I look back on that it's a little scary.

 

[DiversSupplyPDC]

Many times Instructors or shops want you to be a "Card Collector" and they love you up through DM but at that point the love dies off.

Find a facility that offers more that just one or two instructors for you to work with.

Even as a DM you're prepping yourself to be an Instructor. Don't fall into the shop tank filler or slave pitfall.

In the DM course you should mentally be moving to what we call the other side of the mask. Begin seeing things as a Professional and not just as an experienced diver.

Your DM course should challenge you to be thinking Before, During and After diving with students.

 

[Octopusprime]

Great at point Bob. I have been evaluating shops and instructors since I planned on going pro. I have built relationship with multiple dive shops while helping my brother in law on the business side negotiating deals, web marketing, pricing, and equipment whole sale deals since I have a business sales and retail background. Makes us a great team.

I have buddied up with an open water student and already seeing things from a different perspective. When I was a student I did not even notice another student but know with in the first 10 ft I can tell if someone is comfortable in the water.

So far I have had 2 instructors. My open water instructor was useless always late if he showed up at all and took 3 months to get Ccard. My 2nd instructor is an Independant and great. However, he does not do a ton of classes and not looking to grow. So I started talking to dive shops about me enrolling in DM with them. I have seen prices from $400 to $1400. One says you have to participate in x number of pool, discover scuba, open waters and another says when you can demonstrate the skills your good.

im not looking for the quick simulated intern but want to get quality training, and not sure which way to go.

Many times Instructors or shops want you to be a "Card Collector" and they love you up through DM but at that point the love dies off.

Find a facility that offers more that just one or two instructors for you to work with.

Even as a DM you're prepping yourself to be an Instructor. Don't fall into the shop tank filler or slave pitfall.

In the DM course you should mentally be moving to what we call the other side of the mask. Begin seeing things as a Professional and not just as an experienced diver.

Your DM course should challenge you to be thinking Before, During and After diving with students.

 

[KeithG]

scuba is a hobby.

very, very few people make money from their hobby.

Most are destitute hobby bums.

As a paying client I have seen ski bums, scuba bums, penguin bums, even wine bums. They all seemed happy, but not exceptionally clean...

 

[Oldbear]

When I took up diving it was NOT with the intention of becoming an instructor. But if I could go back in time I would learn each courses materials thoroughly; not just enough to pass a course. At some point I needed to play catch up. That was when I decided I enjoyed diving so much I wanted to teach. I am like a sponge now and I search out additional knowledge in all sorts of media forms...including SB.

Never quit learning, never stop setting goals.

 

[DiversSupplyPDC]

Not sure why but there seems to be a school of thought that says you must go through a DM internship to "really" be a DiveMaster.

Hummm, not so positive I totally agree with that. Read to the end please.

The short DM courses are what they are. "Here's what being a DM is about, here's the book stuff and let's work skills plus role play a bit". Now go out and find an Instructor who you can work with and appreciate your efforts.

Just don't leave a short course and think you're "Da Man"........ because most likely you're not.

Many shops and Instructors treat their DMs as I said above.

For me a card carrying DM that comes to me and says, "I know the basics, please help me really apply what I know", is not a bad situation. Happens all the time here.

If a Doctor needs Medical School BEFORE becoming an Intern at a hospital, why would diving be any different >>>