GearHead
Contributor
Rather than hijack this thread even further, I decided to start a new one about continuing dive education.
Let me preface this by saying that I mean no offense to any PADI DM's and/or instructors on the board. We have some well respected individuals that contribute here, but I think everyone would acknowledge that the dive-professional path isn't for everyone.
What O-Ring, Spectre, and Ken were saying in that thread about becoming a DM and/or instructor really struck a chord with me. I love diving, but I can see how DMing and teaching could burn a person out on diving in general. Spectre, the skiing analogy is perfect, I saw it happen with my sister.
What I find interesting, though, is that in my divng experience, whether you're cut out for being a dive pro or not, you're generally going to get a nudge in that direction (gentle or otherwise) if you show any kind of skill and/or enthusiasm for diving.
After I completed Rescue training through PADI, there was all kinds of pressure to become a DM. Lots of ego-stroking and encouragement, and in retrospect, it really felt like a Pyramid Scheme sales pitch. More Instructors = more DMs = more students = more classes = more gear = more fees, etc.
At the time, my wife was due with our second child, so it wasn't an option for me to take DM, and probably just as well too. I don't think it would have served to further my personal goals in diving, which are: 1. To become a more skilled, safer diver, and 2. To dive more often. I don't know that helping in the pool twice a week and occasionally resting on my knees in silted-out open water would really serve my purposes that well. So yeah, it clearly wasn't for me.
But, the reason I started this thread is that I got something in the mail a few weeks ago from PADI that made me laugh, and I thought I would share. It's been a while since I completed Rescue, and they probably have a regularly scheduled "reminder" for students like me that don't continue along the PADI path. Well, especially after reading this material, I've decided that their path leads someplace I don't want to go right now.
This is what the poster said:
So, PADI is telling me that if I go through your course and get the esteemed BLACK CARD that "nobody will ever question my diving ability again??" So, let's say for example, that a PADI DM were to suck his tank down to 300 psi @ 90 fsw before beginning his ascent, I shouldn't "question his ability" because he's a PADI DM? Puh-leaze! (this actually happened, by the way)
And, as further enticement to continue onto DM, there was a coupon for a FREE PADI Hat and Pro bag! Wooo!!! If anybody wants it, feel free to PM me.
The truth is that there is probably a lot of good knowledge that a person learns while taking the course, and because I'm always up for learning more about my interests, I may just buy the PADI DM coursebook and just learn. But as far as earning "the black card," PADI didn't goad me into it this time by prodding my fragile ego. But maybe if they offer a free Gavin instead of the hat . . .
Rick
P.S. On second thought, as far as the books, I'll buy Vance Harlow's reg maintenance and oxy-hacking tomes instead.
Let me preface this by saying that I mean no offense to any PADI DM's and/or instructors on the board. We have some well respected individuals that contribute here, but I think everyone would acknowledge that the dive-professional path isn't for everyone.
What O-Ring, Spectre, and Ken were saying in that thread about becoming a DM and/or instructor really struck a chord with me. I love diving, but I can see how DMing and teaching could burn a person out on diving in general. Spectre, the skiing analogy is perfect, I saw it happen with my sister.
What I find interesting, though, is that in my divng experience, whether you're cut out for being a dive pro or not, you're generally going to get a nudge in that direction (gentle or otherwise) if you show any kind of skill and/or enthusiasm for diving.
After I completed Rescue training through PADI, there was all kinds of pressure to become a DM. Lots of ego-stroking and encouragement, and in retrospect, it really felt like a Pyramid Scheme sales pitch. More Instructors = more DMs = more students = more classes = more gear = more fees, etc.
At the time, my wife was due with our second child, so it wasn't an option for me to take DM, and probably just as well too. I don't think it would have served to further my personal goals in diving, which are: 1. To become a more skilled, safer diver, and 2. To dive more often. I don't know that helping in the pool twice a week and occasionally resting on my knees in silted-out open water would really serve my purposes that well. So yeah, it clearly wasn't for me.
But, the reason I started this thread is that I got something in the mail a few weeks ago from PADI that made me laugh, and I thought I would share. It's been a while since I completed Rescue, and they probably have a regularly scheduled "reminder" for students like me that don't continue along the PADI path. Well, especially after reading this material, I've decided that their path leads someplace I don't want to go right now.
This is what the poster said:
:laugh:It's the prestige of ownership. It's knowing that no one will ever question your diving ability. It's knowing you get paid for doing something you love. It's the black card. Learn more about diving and attain a higher level of certification by completing the PADI Divemaster course. Learn how to supervise divers, assist with training, and manage accidents. Hone your diving skills while becoming a more confident and reliable diver.
Get your black card and all of the prestige and confidence that goes with it. Take charge, chart a course for adventure! Go Pro.
So, PADI is telling me that if I go through your course and get the esteemed BLACK CARD that "nobody will ever question my diving ability again??" So, let's say for example, that a PADI DM were to suck his tank down to 300 psi @ 90 fsw before beginning his ascent, I shouldn't "question his ability" because he's a PADI DM? Puh-leaze! (this actually happened, by the way)
And, as further enticement to continue onto DM, there was a coupon for a FREE PADI Hat and Pro bag! Wooo!!! If anybody wants it, feel free to PM me.
The truth is that there is probably a lot of good knowledge that a person learns while taking the course, and because I'm always up for learning more about my interests, I may just buy the PADI DM coursebook and just learn. But as far as earning "the black card," PADI didn't goad me into it this time by prodding my fragile ego. But maybe if they offer a free Gavin instead of the hat . . .
Rick
P.S. On second thought, as far as the books, I'll buy Vance Harlow's reg maintenance and oxy-hacking tomes instead.