I'm thinking of retaking DM.

[Eric Sedletzky]

I went through DM back in 2002 to 2004 with a private instructor who was teaching SDI but also was affiliated with PADI so my DMC training was through PADI.
The instructor lost access to the pool he was using and then decided to move away to another state so I never actually fininshed my DM. I only have about 4 things left to do.

The other day I was day dreaming and came up with this crazy thought that I would actually finish my DM (I don't know why), so I went into my local PADI affiliated LDS and inquired about it. They know the instructor I went through but they also said a lot has changed since then and too much time has passed so I would have to retake the whole thing. I thought about it and realized maybe it would be a good thing to get back into the loop and give something back. The price is somewhere around $500 plus books and materials etc. (which is neither here nor there). They said I could use whatever gear I use now is fine.
Maybe it was all the talk from the DMC on the board that was having trouble with his shop that posted about getting strung out that sparked this though in me. Maybe I'm looking for a challenge?
Am I crazy and going backwards considering such a thing?

Anyone is welcome to give me a virtual slap accross the back of my head for the mere mention of such an idea, or maybe a word of encouragement?

There's nothing wrong with the way I dive now, I just thought it would be fun. Or am I nuts?

 

[electrix]

Fun is not the word that comes to my mind? You will be a better diver when it is all said and done but about all you will have to look forward to is assisting with open water classes and herding student divers around, probably for free.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Oh, I know it's going to be for free, and I've hearded them around before.

Thanks for the slap.

 

[nimoh]

with 500+ dives, I doubt that at this point DM training will make you a better diver, other than if you have to get yourself back into shape to complete some of the endurance skills.

Having completed most of the DM course years ago, you probably have a pretty good idea of what would be expected of you as a DM, so if it is something you want to do, go for it!

I like assisting in a class as a DM and find it somewhat rewarding to see the expressions on people's faces when they first start breathing underwater. Especially when we have a bunch of kids in the class.

 

[SubMariner]

I went through DM back in 2002 to 2004 with a private instructor who was teaching SDI but also was affiliated with PADI so my DMC training was through PADI.
The instructor lost access to the pool he was using and then decided to move away to another state so I never actually fininshed my DM. I only have about 4 things left to do.

The other day I was day dreaming and came up with this crazy thought that I would actually finish my DM (I don't know why), so I went into my local PADI affiliated LDS and inquired about it. They know the instructor I went through but they also said a lot has changed since then and too much time has passed so I would have to retake the whole thing. I thought about it and realized maybe it would be a good thing to get back into the loop and give something back. The price is somewhere around $500 plus books and materials etc. (which is neither here nor there). They said I could use whatever gear I use now is fine.
Maybe it was all the talk from the DMC on the board that was having trouble with his shop that posted about getting strung out that sparked this though in me. Maybe I'm looking for a challenge?
Am I crazy and going backwards considering such a thing?

Anyone is welcome to give me a virtual slap accross the back of my head for the mere mention of such an idea, or maybe a word of encouragement?

There's nothing wrong with the way I dive now, I just thought it would be fun. Or am I nuts?

If you would enjoy getting back into the DM program & ultimately getting your cert, would you also enjoy being a DM? That's basically what you need to ask yourself.

Nowadays DMs can do more than just babysit OW students. Here's some of the things you can do as a PADI DM: Divemaster Courses - Lessons, Training, Tips & Professional Careers - PADI Scuba Diving Training Organization

Bonne chance,

 

[Kitty_Kat]

I like assisting in a class as a DM and find it somewhat rewarding to see the expressions on people's faces when they first start breathing underwater. Especially when we have a bunch of kids in the class.

I think this is one of my favorite parts of the whole thing. I'll throw in some encouragement: do it! Chances are it's going to be different from the types of diving that you routinely do so it might be a little bit of a challenge. I thought it was fun

 

[TSandM]

I don't know if you would, but I enjoy being a DM. I enjoy being able to get in the pool and be a good visual role model for students. I enjoy helping out and answering questions. I've enjoyed the scuba reviews I've done, and the Discover Scubas I've been involved with. It's a different kind of fun in diving, but if the diving you normally do is getting a bit stale, this is a great way to shake it up. And herding students in eastern Pacific waters is a challenge, to be sure!

 

[LowVizWiz]

I like assisting in a class as a DM and find it somewhat rewarding to see the expressions on people's faces when they first start breathing underwater. Especially when we have a bunch of kids in the class.

+1 I enjoy this part of being a DM

Fun is not the word that comes to my mind? You will be a better diver when it is all said and done but about all you will have to look forward to is assisting with open water classes and herding student divers around, probably for free.

I spent close to 5 years as a DM mostly guiding and working dive charters, this in turn kept me diving mostly for free which helped me save money to finally do my IDC.
I don't know how the local dive scene is around your neck of the woods ZKY, but my experience was great and would do it all over again. If this is something you think you'd enjoy give it a shot. Go make your own opportunities and don't let negative experiences or comments from others discourage you.

 

[TMHeimer]

I'm just getting started with DMing and have enjoyed internship, being a retired school teacher. It's nice to be back into education to some degree, as the rewards are significant. If talking financially, one must consider what jobs will be available and how much is the pay. My philosophy is I hope that the pay at very least means I break even (with insurance, agancy membership, gas, etc.). At best I'd like to make a few bucks. Just my philosophy. They paid me quite well when I was a teacher--different, I know by a long stretch, but both situations are rewarding and are jobs.