Looking to take DM

[JKSteger]

I'm looking at taking the PADI DM and was looking for any tips and advice that any of you current DM's or AI's and Instructors could pass along. I have a very well paying job in Information Technology so I am not looking to be compensated in any way by DM. As a matter of fact I probably will not be a "working" DM but rather pay my dues to keep my status just in case things change.

Anyway safe dives and keep the tips & advice comming my way.

J:

 

[The Kraken]

JKS,

Having dived with you numerous times, I think you are perfectly prepared for the D/M program.

Your diving skills are excellent and your attitude and approach to your dives are enviable.

My tip? Enjoy your class !!!

You will do well.

If you are the only student in your class, I'd be honored to partner up with you in the skills that require a buddy.

the K

 

[Garrobo]

I sort of did the same thing with flying in the early 70's. SIgned up with a local outfit for pilot training and 40 hours to get licensed and spent about another year and a half getting an instructor's rating. Never taught one person and quit flying completely in '74. Got bored with it and it was too expensive.

 

[MaconBubbles]

I think you would be a great DM too. I say go for it.

 

[deepdiver4]

i would say if you are not worken dont do it pay the cash get some tech classes i did my dm i helped out with some classes and it sucks

 

[WVDiver]

JKS,

Having dived with you numerous times, I think you are perfectly prepared for the D/M program.

Your diving skills are excellent and your attitude and approach to your dives are enviable.

My tip? Enjoy your class !!!

You will do well.

If you are the only student in your class, I'd be honored to partner up with you in the skills that require a buddy.

the K

Well, there you go. Can't get any more direct than that. Good luck and have fun with it.

 

[Don Wray]

i would say if you are not worken dont do it pay the cash get some tech classes i did my dm i helped out with some classes and it sucks

First of all, not everyone is interested in tech classes, and secondly, that what a DM does, help out with classes. I love working with new students and watching them take their first breaths underwater. To the OP, if working with students is what you're looking for, go for it. It (the training, or at least mine) was alot of fun and the book work intoxicating.

 

[rawls]

JK,
It has been a tough road, but it has also been very rewarding. It requires dedication. I have heard there exist some "quickie" DM classes. Mine wasn't quickie at all. My instructor required alot, but I learned alot too. You are looking at alot of physics, advancing dive theory knowledge, physiology, demonstration quality dive skills, time learning to teach classes...even if you don't plan on teaching... Among all of the skill requirements, I also had 200 questions in my syllabus to answer, type and turn in. These questions were not one or 2 sentence answers either. As I said...It requires alot of dedication. I don't know what other instructors require. I just know my instructor put me through the ringer. After the DM cert, the IDC and IE were cake.

i would say if you are not worken dont do it pay the cash get some tech classes i did my dm i helped out with some classes and it sucks

During the time I was doing my DM, I also got my certs in advanced nitrox and deco. The knowledge I developed with my DM training really helped during these tech courses.

You have a couple of posters that have alot of confidence in your skills. If you are willing to put in the work required then I can say without a doubt that it was a very rewarding...hard...but rewarding experience....I vote yes for you to take the step...

 

[MaconBubbles]

I would like to say thank you for all of you who like to help other people learn to dive. I couldn't have done it without help from other people who get that satisfaction from helping others.

 

[rawls]

Stephi...

I cannot tell you how rewarding it is to see a student getting certified and seeing the sense of accomplishment in their eyes, along with a great big s**t eating grin on their faces It is even better, once they are certified, to see them diving frequently...