Scuba Instructor training

[Toolbox-13]

I'm looking for info on where to go to take Classes for Divemaster through scuba instructor. I would like to know where I can get the most training for my dollar and how long of a comittment I need to prepare for. The LDS in my area are a royal pain in the A@@ so I figure I'll go where I can get the training I need to teach OW dvers when I return. Thanks for your help

 

[TeddyDiver]

I'm looking for info on where to go to take Classes for Divemaster through scuba instructor. I would like to know where I can get the most training for my dollar and how long of a comittment I need to prepare for. The LDS in my area are a royal pain in the A@@ so I figure I'll go where I can get the training I need to teach OW dvers when I return. Thanks for your help

Thailand: DM Course from 2weeks to 1month, IDC about 3weeks. IE a weekend. A good thing is to do some work as a DM between those two, even if you don't get paid.
Google to find IDC centers from Thailand ( and anywhere)

 

[DiverDebbie]

So if you aren't happy with your LDS, where do you plan to teach from when you return? If this is what you're thingking, it would be a bad idea to start right out on your own. Besides the fact that you need gear and access to a class room and pool for your students, TeddyDiver gave some good advice to work as a DM before becoming an instructor. You'd benefit greatly by working with those who have more experience when you are brand new to it.

 

[cudachaser]

I teach thru NASE...We are a "No Frills" organization. I can get you thru OW Instructor rapidily. Our Agency is recognized worldwide. Upon graduation, you have your own business, cost significantly less than thru other agencies and you are are not bound to a LDS...You conduct your business how it best suits you

http://www.naseworldwide.org
http://www.cbscubaodyssey.com

 

[Dive-aholic]

TeddyDiver and DiverDebbie are right. You should get some experience through an LDS before you venture out on your own. It takes a lot of initial investment to teach independently. I know. I just went independent this year. It's great, but my wallet is feeling it. It will be a few years before I make back all the money I've spent to get gear, tanks, compressor, etc so I can teach independent of an LDS. You're in NE PA. There should be plenty of LDSs within an hour or so that you could teach through. Talk to them. You don't need to work with the LDS closest to you. You can also look into Florida since you list that as a location on your profile as well.

 

[HowieDean]

Roatan or Utila is probably the lowest cost quickest in this part of the world
They can get you through in about 6 weeks - Pretty reasonable cost -
PADI fees will eat you alive where ever you do it probably close to $2000

Deep Blue Divers in Utila - http://www.deepblueutila.com - is a pretty good outfit..

Alot of people on this board will give you grief over doing it this way but I think it is actually better.....

You will be completely EMERSDED in diving for the whole time you are there - you will dive 4 to 6 dives a day - deal with all types of customers - and have a through understanding of TEACHING PEOPLE TO DIVE - when you get done....

Compare that to dragging it out over a year of a dive here and there and trying to fit it in to your schedual and the dive shops schedual and in the end it just seems like you can stay allot more focused and absorb so much more......

Will you be an expert in all types of diving situations - no but then how many INSTRUCTORS actually are?????

I think instructors get a little carried away with themselves and I know that normal divers perception of them is way off......

Being a diver, a dive master, or an instructor all carry the same base rule - KNOW your limits and stay with in them.....

You don't have to have been in every type of situation, in every kind of condition to be considered good at any of the levels.....................

If you want to be able to do a really good job of teaching OW and AOW - resuce and DM PADI and the other agencys have a leasson plan they want you to follow - the mojority of the IDC is all about how well you know and present the material and of course the $2000 is no small consideration either...

I would strongly encourge you to check out Deep Blue and some of the other outfits in the Bay Islands - I have allot of friends that did their training this way and now work in the islands

It's your dream - go for it - and don't let others drag you down.......

That's just my opion - I could be wrong

 

[Ringo]

Agree with Teddydiver - Thailand offers excellent value for money for Instructor training. Also I can highly recommend Course Director Bent (yes, his real name) Posejpal from Siam dive n' Sail on Phuket.

Prior to starting the IDC definitely build up some DM experience first.

 

[Hoyden]

http://www.easedivepro.com/index.html - pretty hard to beat $595 for a 6 day divemaster class and $1195 for an 8 day IDC - including meals and accomodations.

 

[Thalassamania]

Keep an open mind about agencies and check out all the combinations and permutations of DM/AI/Inst and x-over that get you to where you want to be. Locking into a single program may not be the most efficient way to go.

I don't know cudachaser, so this it not a "personal" recomendation. What he's suggesting makes some sense. And if you want to be PADI instructor, or whatever, it's likely faster and less expensive to take chudachaser up on his offer and do a crossover later. That way you also wind up with two Instructor certs.

 

[Ocean One]

Since there is a large number of certifying agencyies out there. Do some research first before you make your choice. Cheap and fast does not always = good! Of course, you may just want the credentials? Consider you legal risk and backing if anything goes wrong. Consider where you want to instruct at (now and future) and whether your your instructor credentials will be accepted. Looks like you have a great deal of experieince and background already. Good luck!