MSD cost

[k4man]

Ha ha ha! What a tool....the "yuk-yuk" never happens in person, only on Scuba Board. Divers that are actually experienced don't care what someone else has for dive certifications. The MSD is a great step for advancing your dive education and experience. All certifications are learners permit's to acquire more experience.

--Matt

ahhhh,
the voice of reason, Matt, thank you. I think you have a political career ahead of you.

Seriously, Matt, thanks for attempting to "calm" a few of the members.....I, being one who merely PAID PADI (coincidence of letters) to receive my MSD rating, appreciate your words!!

 

[k4man]

That's funny, because almost all of the experienced divers in the LDS I frequent are MSDs. And every one of the instructors is - -the LDS requires it. They won't train anybody for divemaster until they've EARNED their MSD.


Sure, I got my MSD by just writing a check.

For my OW certification.

For my Underwater Photographer Certification.

For my Deep Diving Certification.

For my Peak Performance Bouyancy Certification.

For my Underwater Navigation Certification.

For my Night Diving Certification.

For my Nitrox Certification.

For my Digital Underwater Photographer Certification.

For my Advanced Open Water Diver Certification.

For my Rescue Diver Certification.

For the 115 boat and shore dives I've made.

Then the last one for my Master Scuba Diver Certification.

Yup, I just wrote a check. :shakehead

PhilMayer.....agreed and, from one MSD to another, I'll dive with you anytime!

 

[GA Under Water]

That's funny, because almost all of the experienced divers in the LDS I frequent are MSDs. And every one of the instructors is - -the LDS requires it. They won't train anybody for divemaster until they've EARNED their MSD.


Sure, I got my MSD by just writing a check.

For my OW certification.

For my Underwater Photographer Certification.

For my Deep Diving Certification.

For my Peak Performance Bouyancy Certification.

For my Underwater Navigation Certification.

For my Night Diving Certification.

For my Nitrox Certification.

For my Digital Underwater Photographer Certification.

For my Advanced Open Water Diver Certification.

For my Rescue Diver Certification.

For the 115 boat and shore dives I've made.

Then the last one for my Master Scuba Diver Certification.

Yup, I just wrote a check. :shakehead

Nice List

Sending in my MSD today YEY!!!!

Nav
S&R
PPB
EANx
Dry
Deep
Multilevel

Future:

Night
Wreck
Equipment
Boat

 

[MSilvia]

Kudos on all the training, but after all the certifications and specialties, what does the $41 MSD get you that you didn't have prior to sending in the check other than a bag and card? So long as you don't have to learn or demonstrate anything other than that you successfully completed a bunch of other training, I'm not sure what the additional value is beyond what you got from that training. I'd like to understand though... if I see real value in it beyond patting myself on the back and getting a bag I don't need, I'll send in my money in.

I just don't currently see how spending $41 on a card makes me any more of a "master" than I am if I spend it on another boat charter or trimix fill instead.

 

[El Orans]

AFAIK, the only real reason to get the MSD card is to limit the number of cards you carry on a trip.

 

[GA Under Water]

One of the advantages is if you are planning to take your Diving into the "Pro" area. Just like any other Job market out there Continuing education helps. Everyone that is in a Hiring position knows that they will pick the applicant with more/higher certifications over the applicant that has only the minimum requirement. (Edit) Barring "Experience" I am think a DM with 3000+ dives will get the job first




Also, in the future if I become an instructor, I will have the training in the specialties that I want to teach prior.

 

[Joe-Diver]

It's just something to have...recognition of accomplishment. It's value to you is what it is...

Like with DAN DES (Diving Emergency Specialist). I have the cards for the 4 required DAN classes, plus Rescue Diver and current CPR/First Aid...So DES is simply a recognition of accomplishment. Do I need it? No...does it advance me? No....Did I earn the right to it? Yes. Am I proud of it? Yes. Is it worth $20 to get the recognition and title of DES? Yes. To me.

I feel the same way about MSD. I earned it and I'm proud to have it.

 

[MSilvia]

AFAIK, the only real reason to get the MSD card is to limit the number of cards you carry on a trip.

Does the card list all of your PADI certs on it? How is it any better than (for example) showing Rescue Diver and nitrox cards and claiming you have night diving experience?
So far, I haven't seen any need to bring more than those two cards unless I need to get a trimix fill in a new area. Would MSD let me get by without the nitrox card? If it did, I suppose I could see an advantage in bringing one card instead of two, but I don't know if it would be worth $41 dollars.

 

[vegas911diver]

I am glad to see people are in support and are taking advantage of the MSD rating. YES it is true, you complete OW, AOW, Rescue and 5 PADI Specialties, along with 50 dives, and send in your application and fee, you get a back pack, certificate, card and patch. Being a MSD is a distinguishment and offers you a sense of accomplishment. I would hate to have completed all the mentioned above courses and get nothing for it. I encourage everyone to take the Master SCUBA Diver Challenge. If you do not want the backpack, or the rating, so be it. At least you are a better, well rounded diver. I know now that PADI is promoting the MSD rating, LDS are offering discounts on classes. Right now, my shop is offering 5 specialties for the price of 4, and we will pay the $41 for the MSD rating. A good opportunity for you to get some specialties in, log a few dives, and meet some great people along the way.

 

[matt_unique]

Kudos on all the training, but after all the certifications and specialties, what does the $41 MSD get you that you didn't have prior to sending in the check other than a bag and card? So long as you don't have to learn or demonstrate anything other than that you successfully completed a bunch of other training, I'm not sure what the additional value is beyond what you got from that training. I'd like to understand though... if I see real value in it beyond patting myself on the back and getting a bag I don't need, I'll send in my money in.

I just don't currently see how spending $41 on a card makes me any more of a "master" than I am if I spend it on another boat charter or trimix fill instead.

You're right, the MSD card itself represents only the completion of the 8 required certifications. When I got mine it was a way to reduce the number of plastic squares in my wallet, but it also made me feel good to "have" it since it was my goal at the time. Though for my purposes it would have been more useful if it listed all my certifications on the back. i.e. If I was in a pinch and needed to stop at a shop to rent a drysuit or wanted nitrox, etc.

The motivation/focus/goal to do more training and diving is the real value of the MSD and not the physical card of course.

--Matt