Goal Setting--
Planning, setting, achieving.
I understand all posters who have shared their opinions about the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating or "pay for a card" as some have stated. True, perhaps, but it does go further than that for some...and having a certificate, license, award, recognition or, yes, even an "over-priced" plastic card is worth it to some.
But it's a goal, whether you purchase the card or not.
Why are we not all still open water divers? Because our agencies offered more. Yes, it came with more requirements and needed skill and experience. But it was the goal for some to move up the ladder to adventures in diving, to advanced open water, to rescue, to master scuba diver (PADI system).
On the professional side of things--now as an instructor myself--why not just have one certification instead of master scuba diver trainer, IDC staff, course director....etc? Goals and drive for those who wish to accomplish more--card or not. But for some (as I was one of them, too), the pretty card sets you above-at least recognition wise, and that's what many like.
While all systems are built on some sort of a "pyramid scheme", how do you think our agencies--BUSINESSES--stay
IN business? By placing one goal after another, after another, in attainable distances away from each other, people continue to dive, yes--to spend money, and to become better divers.
If I was told all the things I would have to do to move from open water diver to open water instructor and NOT have the various baby steps in between to perch upon, I would have never made it--and probably never tried. But like many when I started diving, I had no intention to go on to become an instructor. Heck, I never even planned to take rescue (or divemaster, or instructor...)
So, at least in my mind--pocket book involved or not--all the various levels of accomplishment are just that. Accomplishments and achievements to be recognized for. Believe me, after passing through my instructor development course and the examinations, I want the recognition of my achievement--and it cost me a lot more
than $45-50 for the card!