Padi Master scuba diver

[Jim Lapenta]

And this is where you may be a bit confused. The PADI Master Diver card is just that. A card. It is not a stand alone course and does not include the items we cover. If he had asked about the SEI or NAUI Master Diver certification my answer would have been completely different. As those are for all intents and purposes instructor level courses as far as knowledge and skills go. Only thing missing is the teaching component. And in fact both Master Diver courses (SEI and NAUI) contain information, skills, and knowledge that doesn't even show up in PADI Instructor level training.

 

[rhwestfall]

"like" button seems to be missing, so I'm indicating it here to the post above (Jim Lapenta's).

The NAUI MSD is actually parallel to others DM without the "how to teach" or the "retail/store" components....

 

[Simon-]

All this talk of "qualification" and "course" related to the MSD is rubbish.

It is neither a course or a qualification. It is a rating.

It is also a personal choice on whether someone wants to apply for the rating or not. The value of it is the value they place on it.

 

[supergaijin]

If it was a free rating- meaning you didn't have to pay for the physical card itself, I think nobody would have an issue with MSD.... on second thoughts, many people get hung up on the word 'master' so maybe they would. It's just a card. The journey to get the card is what matters.

However I believe many detractors from MSD feel that you're essentially buying a 'bling' card, and the money could have been better spent.

These detractors are probably owners of an SUV or two, so I wouldn't lose too much sleep over their opinions on just about anything related to 'bling'.

 

[Simon-]

There can't be any hope for me then.

I got the MSD rating before I did DM and I own 2 SUV's.............lord save me

 

[drrich2]

However I believe many detractors from MSD feel that you're essentially buying a 'bling' card, and the money could have been better spent.

I've seen that sentiment expressed a number of times on the forum, and to me, it only matters if money is so tight it's either your last $50, or buying that is going to make you pass on something else significant. For some people, that's true. Don't miss the rent about it!

Otherwise, doesn't seem to be a strong point.

Richard.

 

[robertarak]

The PADI MSD rating is, as everybody has already said, is nothing more then a card and a title. IF that card and title gets a diver to come take more trainging from me to achieve it, then it's worth it. If a diver is on the fence about taking that 5th specialty class and the idea of getting a MDS rating by doing it helps make the decision, great! For me, and I am only speaking for me, my students are encouraged to take the training the need...only the training they need. I often tell them, "you don't need a class for that" and then have the discusion about gaining experience and skill. To me, getting a card and/or rating for the sake of telling the world you are a MDS is all about ego and there is no place for ego in diving.

All that said, DAN has a rating called DES, Diving Emergency Specialist, just a card. If you meet the qualifications (DEMP and Rescue), send DAN 20 bux and you get the card and rating. I'll put on my flame suit while I explain that I encourage my DM students who are lookng to become working Divemasters to get the rating. First DEMP is a great class, second the DES rating look good on a resume and third...I just like supporting DAN.

So I guess the bottom line is, if you like supporting PADI, get the card.

My name is Robert, and I own an SUV.

 

[TMHeimer]

There can't be any hope for me then.

I got the MSD rating before I did DM and I own 2 SUV's.............lord save me

I did exactly the same thing--minus the SUVs. I'll repeat what I've said on the many other threads on this. PADI MSD gets a whole lot more respect if the 5 specialties are all ones about improving safety and diver competence. Such courses as photographer, naturalist, videographer and several others IMO, do not meet this criteria, interesting and worthwhile as they may be.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

If it was a free rating- meaning you didn't have to pay for the physical card itself, I think nobody would have an issue with MSD.... on second thoughts, many people get hung up on the word 'master' so maybe they would. It's just a card. The journey to get the card is what matters.

However I believe many detractors from MSD feel that you're essentially buying a 'bling' card, and the money could have been better spent.

These detractors are probably owners of an SUV or two, so I wouldn't lose too much sleep over their opinions on just about anything related to 'bling'.

I am failing to see that connection.

Cheers,
Mitch

 

[Seefourdc]

I think it's unfortunate that PADI seems to devalue the MSD by having such a lower standard for it than other organizations and by being the widest reaching organization. It seems like most PADI shop websites I've visited do not even list it as something to get or do because of this.