Q for the DM's out there...perks etc.,

[Ron Brandt]

It's for the love of the sport and a step to instructor.
You should at the very least get key man pricing and air fills.Don't expect to ever get paid. I never did,even as an instructor.

Ron

 

[Hoyden]

I am currently in a DM class - projected to finish in a couple of weeks. The shop with which I am training (and where I work part time) does pay its DMs a small amount per student in classes where the DM acts as an assistant and a larger amount for classes where the DM may act as an instructor (with additional qualifications - DSD, Scuba tune-ups, EFR). In addition you get a shop discount, free air, quarry passes for classes - and in theory you can lead trips. There are also tax benefits - consult your tax advisor. You will not make much money DMing around here, but it can help you come a little closer to not spending as much diving. The big thing is that it is a step towards becoming an instructor - which again, won't make you much money but can lead to lots of no cost diving.

YMMV,

Jackie

 

[DrSteve]

It's for the love of the sport and a step to instructor.
You should at the very least get key man pricing and air fills.Don't expect to ever get paid. I never did,even as an instructor.

Ron

I don't, but I don't expect to lose money to help someone else make money. That's a poor business decision right? I truly don't like being expected to pay out for the priviledge to lose money! Of course if you do, have I got the scheme for you (to make me money) how about working for Amway?

LOL so what's good for goose is good for the gander as they say, how about the shop offering to lose some money on me so I teach for them, for free. Even when meals and hotels are covered, they are paid by the instructor out of their wages for teaching the course. It's not the shop.

I recall offering to be an unpaid model for a fashion show once...next thing I knew the organiser was asking us to "donate" to help the show go on. The show which would sell her clothes.

OK I'll admit it. I'm jaded and I think just a little miffed that something I put money into (for the course, plus travel etc.,) thinking I would enjoy it, has not turned out to be as enjoyable as I hoped. There I've decided now!

 

[Diver0001]

At the end of the day I know that no one goes into DMing or instructing to make money. But I am not going into it to lose money and it seems that ultimately I will lose money.

Without a doubt. DM's who get ahead are no longer profitable customers.... Shops are not unaware of this. They'll let you pay less but because you'll buy more the shop sees this as a win/win situation. Not to sound too cynical but if you made minimum wage as a DM you'd be one of the best paid DM's on the continent.

Also, I'm curious how many people learned much during their DM course? I've learned some minor points so far, but nothing to justify the cost of the course so far.

Cheers!

I didn't learn anything about diving, if that's what you mean. Once you start assisting you'll learn things.

R..

 

[jviehe]

Like I said, I could care less whether it is standard practice NOT to make money as a DM. I think they SHOULD be paid, so I pay my DMs. They are required to provide their own gear and insurance and certifications, that is all. I also make sure they get plenty of opportunities to teach DM courses, and teach stuff as assistants. This is how things SHOULD be done, so I do it.

 

[shellbackdiver1]

My shop gives 40% off of everything in the shop, 200US for every student I refer, teach pool skills and assist in the open water dives, 30% of everything my referred student buys goes into my pocket, free boat dives, 2US tank rental/fills. Plus I make to 200US/m to 500US/m guiding on dives that I would do with or without paying customers.

Prior to DivCon I got no discounts, ever, never, never ever. I paid max price always. But was loyal to the shop, never bad mouthed, referred friends and customers.

 

[Jandee]

I became a DM because I love to dive, I think about diving at least 10 times a day. I dream about diving. I "worked" for a dive instructor (my husband) for 2 years. No pay, no tips. I filled tanks, lugged tanks, offered encouragement to students who couldn't take there mask of in 4 feet of pool water. I loved the surface intervals, the sense of accomplisment. I wouldn't quit now. Play by his rules now, and when your are done work for someone that you respect.