markfm:OT somewhat, but what does DM insurance cost in the US?
(This is starting to sound like the thing to do is become a DM candidate, but never bother pushing the final paperwork )
$300ish USD...double that for Instructors
If you want to become a DM to work as a DM, then it's a great idea to go the professional route...or if you want to go on to become an instructor, of course you have to become a DM first. However, if you just want to become a DM to have that card, think hard about it.
Don't go overboard with fear of a lawsuit though. It's just that IF you decide to become a DM, you need to fully understand your role as a DM and understand the associated risks/libiliity exposure, etc. A point that needs to be made clear here is that once you become a DM, your EXPOSURE to liability definitely increases, particularly in a situation where you are working with student divers, or leading certified divers. It does not automatically make you liable JUST because you are a DM and you may have happened to be in the vicinity or on the same boat. The actual duty of care will be established by a judge in the event of an accident, etc. as H2Andy explained.
The difference in the "DM hand holding" thread is that the original poster was looking for a local DM to show him around, be his buddy, etc. He wanted to know if compensating him with free tanks and the boat ride would be sufficient. The free tanks and free boat ride would be considered compensation and an implied contract. Of course, the original poster in this thread later decided the buddy didn't need to be a DM, just someone with knowledge of the local area. Ijust used this as an example.