Q's about (best possible) DiveMaster training

[LauraCamilla]

Hello everyone,

I have two questions about the DiveMaster training.
While i was in Asia last summer, all the instructors and divemasters i talked to about doing the training advised me to take about two months for the training so that i could get the maximum amount of experience (and the maximum amount of free dives).
But now in italy last week when i informed about it, the owner of the divingschool said i only needed two weeks and he didnt see why i should want to take so long, since i would be able to start getting paid as soon as i finish my training.

So i'm confused now... Can anyone tell me the pro's and con's of doing the course in 2 weeks or 2 months (or more)??

And for my second question: since i'm very serious about my diving, i want to make sure that i get a very good training. Unfortunatly, however, i dont have the opportunity to try out different diveschools before i start the program, so i'm therefore wondering whether anyone has any tips for me so that i can select the best school possible..

Thankyou!
Love LauraCamilla

 

[Walter]

The best DM training includes classroom and pool training as well as working on a charter boat. Two months working on a charter boat will teach you much more than you'll pick up in two years of classroom training. Theory is fine, but practical application is much more useful.

 

[TexasMike]

Practical experience is the best thing.

I'm currently persuing my DM cert along with Tom Vyles and CavernQT. The way things have rolled has allowed us to be involved with several open water classes mixed in with our DM-specific training (learning how to demo skills, watermanship work, rescue work, etc). And now that things are rolling I'm appreciative of the fact that we are taking it one step at a time to ensure that me and my fellow DMC's are getting the best training possible.

So I guess you could push it through in a short period of time, but IMPO, quality of diving education will weigh out over speed any day.

 

[SubMariner]

Laura, I think you need to take a step back and a very deep relaxing breath.

In most cases, becoming a Divemaster means achieving the first professional level in scuba diving. This is a big step! How long the journey takes is not nearly as important as what you learn along the way.

There are things you learn in the classroom (physics, physiology, dive theory, etc.) things you learn in the pool, and things you learn in open water. A Divemaster is being a certified assistant, a dive guide, an equipment handler... and much more.

The only way to gain the knowledge & experience necessary is to find at least one good Instructor to mentor you. If you can work with a number of different Instructors, that's great too. But you need at least ONE core Instructor to steer you in the right direction, not a "school".

I guess that's my round-about way of saying "Slow down!" Take a good look at your dive goals and find the best way to achieve them, not the fastest.

Bon chance,

~SubMariner~

 

[O-ring]

I think it boils down to whether or not you just want a c-card or if you want to be a good, experienced DM. We have a similar quandary in the computer industry...people who have all these crazy certifications but no experience that can't perform on the job...

I have seen them recently in diving...I know a couple people who did OW in March and are already working on their DM and I was recently in a class with a DM whose skills were absolutely piss poor...what does that prove? What we already knew..that from most agencies you can buy a c-card...

It has gotten to the point that when I see that someone is a DM, I am pretty skeptical about their skills until I see them in the water...

 

[DivingGal]

Take your time, gain the experience. It will show in your abilities when you are the Divemaster in front of a class, or leading a group to a local dive site.

 

[TexasMike]

I'm lucky to have 2 good instructors who are looking out for me as I work through my DM class. They both do a great job providing critiques, tips, and "boy, you really stuck you foot in it that time" advice.

Like the others have said, when your at this level of instruction, it comes down to the quality of instructor and instruction that makes the difference.

 

[srkdvr]

The 2 month training would be great, but the 2 week training can be just as good..... alot depends on the instructor, the information and time to learn and use it and you. Now I am sure I will get some feedback as to why I say these things so let me see if I can clear some up.

When you finished your OW cert, were you as good as you are now? When you finished your AOW, where you as good then as you are now? Do you see where I am going?

I have just 3 dives left to reach 100, I have been diving since 89 and I am just finishing my "Diver Master" course, it has taken me about 2 months. I am being trained by SSI, I helped with 2 different classroom courses and pool work. We are going out this weekend to a lake so the students can get there OW cert and I have to write up an emergency plan if someone get hurt, and I have had to get CPR and First Aid certified. Plus Stress and Rescue and several other quals. But like I asked, I will tell you my answers.... I am now a better diver than when I started, and I am getting better every dive. I am more relaxed underwater now, and I watch for unexpected events to happen just incase.

Just relaxe and find someone you are comfortable with in training you and apply yourself and you will do great.

Rich :mean:

 

[jamespitt]

laura,
i guess it depends on where u are at the time and how much time u can spare. in asia, where its dirt cheap to live and u get to lie in hammocks, eat good food and socialise with like minded travellers, then yes, take 2 months or 3 to do your course. you will get more dives in and gain more valuable experience. also u will gain confidence in your abilities to lead divers and function a as a proper DM. it would be important to choose the school in asia carefully and not be just another DM wannabee that is basically a kippy to do all the ****work. thailand is notorious for churning out substandard DMs (my opinion only but have seen it first hand).
if u would do your DM in italy in 2 weeks (yes its possible) but will only receive theory knowledge and learn how to do the OW skills, rescue etc but wont gain any real diving skills. also if u dont have 60 dives already u will have to make them up somewhere else to become a DM.
and a DM does not get paid much (if at all), most of us do it for the love of diving, free tank fills, adulation and maybe a bbq or 2.

i would try do a DM course in a smaller dive shop, where u can get more attention from your mentor/intructor and get actively involved in the shop.

good luck,
James

 

[Scottri]

My Divemaster training took a minimum of 10 weeks. That was academic sessions 2 nights a week along with one night in the pool with students and 2 open water weekends assisting with classes. I think the amount of time was about right any shorter and I don't think I would have gotten as much out of it. I think a lot depends on your motivation for becoming a DM. Mine was to work with students. I really enjoy working with new divers. If I was going to work on a dive boat it may be different but I doubt it. Experience as well as the training will make you a better Divemaster than just blitzing through the tests.


Scott