Thanks for this. I assumed, apparently incorrectly, that since SDI requires shop affiliation for its instructors, it also required it for DMs.i generally avoid public corrections on ScubaBoard and creating drama. But as long as you asked...
SDI does not require DM to be affiliated with a shop.
also, what the DM program entails is very dependent on who is giving it. Our DM program is intensive, hard and yes...focuses on how to lead trips, guide divers, assist instructors. And we make our candidates actually do those things. Not everyone passes our DM program for a reason. In our program, you have to really earn your DM.
happy to discuss it further...but privately....
Good on 'ya for making your DM training at a higher level than the standards. I was of course referring to the standards and to standard practices, not to exceptional practices like yours.