So....what is a DM anyway?

[SteveDiver]

As a DM, my roles vary from dive guide to assistant instructor. If I'm working as a DM on the local boat charter, my duties may include loading tanks and taking roll calls as well as dive briefings, dive guide or diver babysitter.

OIC kind of like a Golf Cady but for Scuba Diving....Hmmm. a SCUBA Cady nice idea..

 

[Michael Freeman]

In addition to the above expectations, the role of a DM here in Cozumel is to be a dive GUIDE.

You left out 'protector of the reefs', at least in Cozumel location. Keep goobers from damaging the reef, either on purpose or by accident.

 

[Christi]

You left out 'protector of the reefs', at least in Cozumel location. Keep goobers from damaging the reef, either on purpose or by accident.

Yes, well that goes with enforcement od marine park rules, which I have on my list...I was just being broad But you are VERY right

 

[eponym]

I liked Snowbear and Christi's replies a lot. One of the challenges to divemasters, which I read in their replies, is to conduct safe dives but at the same time require divers to be responsible for themselves.

I'd add the following: My DM training emphasized that the DM is there to spot and deal with problems when they arise, before they can escalate. Our professional status obligates us to do more to offer aid to a distressed diver than would be expected of a buddy or boat-mate.

Bryan

 

[SteveDiver]

Originally Posted by Snowbear:As a DM, my roles vary from dive guide to assistant instructor. If I'm working as a DM on the local boat charter, my duties may include loading tanks and taking roll calls as well as dive briefings, dive guide or diver babysitter.

OIC kind of like a Golf Cady but for Scuba Diving....Hmmm. a SCUBA Cady nice idea..

Diver babysitter? nice choice of words especially for new divers to encounter. How about being a role model for less experienced divers? Remember where you came from, did you have to have a babysitter?

 

[eponym]

How about being a role model for less experienced divers?

Good point, Stan. I have vivid memories of the very young French divemaster on my first warm-water trip (in the Seychelles). He was the model of relaxation and economy of movement. I leaned a lot by observing and copying him.

Yesterday I heard from a new diver who did her open water checkouts last month in our cold dark lake. Her buddy panicked on an air-sharing ascent drill and she came up pretty shaken by the experience. I was there as an assistant and I drifted over to her and just stayed quietly with her, allowing her to relax and re-gain her composure. I think I asked one question and offered one suggestion. I didn't think too much of it at the time.

Yesterday I heard from her that she came up thinking she was done with scuba. She wouldn't have gone back under, she says, if I hadn't just floated calmly on the surface with her and allowed her the space and time to relax and regain her own confidence.

So maybe I'm now able to model relaxation for others . . .

Bryan

 

[SteveDiver]

Good point, Stan. I have vivid memories of the very young French divemaster on my first warm-water trip (in the Seychelles). He was the model of relaxation and economy of movement. I leaned a lot by observing and copying him.

Yesterday I heard from a new diver who did her open water checkouts last month in our cold dark lake. Her buddy panicked on an air-sharing ascent drill and she came up pretty shaken by the experience. I was there as an assistant and I drifted over to her and just stayed quietly with her, allowing her to relax and re-gain her composure. I think I asked one question and offered one suggestion. I didn't think too much of it at the time.

Yesterday I heard from her that she came up thinking she was done with scuba. She wouldn't have gone back under, she says, if I hadn't just floated calmly on the surface with her and allowed her the space and time to relax and regain her own confidence.

So maybe I'm now able to model relaxation for others . . .

Bryan

Admirable! you built trust and confidence in a new diver...The word Babysitter troubled me, that type of attitude is for someone that may be insecure or looks down on others because they "think" they are better. It may not have been the intended message from Snowbear however, I received it as negative and arrogant. It is a nice feeling to have a positive impact on others.

 

[Mako Mark]

Role of a divmaster:

take them out,

show them a good time,

bring them back safe..

 

[Rick Inman]

I found a good use for a DM about 2 years ago. I was doing 2 weeks in Monterey, CA and was unable to hook up with a buddy. So before solo diving in Monterey, I rented a DM for the day to introduce me to diving the area. He was a nice young guy who knew the area well. Even more than the dives, I got a bunch of great info from him on dive sites, dive shops, and even restaurant recommendations. He even warned me about Fred (locals reference). He wouldn't take me to Monastery so I had to come back and dive it on my own, but otherwise it was absolutely 60.00 (plus tip) well invested.

 

[Snowbear]

Originally Posted by Snowbear:As a DM, my roles vary from dive guide to assistant instructor. If I'm working as a DM on the local boat charter, my duties may include loading tanks and taking roll calls as well as dive briefings, dive guide or diver babysitter.

Diver babysitter? nice choice of words especially for new divers to encounter. How about being a role model for less experienced divers? Remember where you came from, did you have to have a babysitter?

Actually - I said nothing about babysitting NEW divers. In my experience, it's rarely the n00bs who require babysitting Most of the new divers I've been blessed with as buddies tend to be receptive to suggestions and willing to learn.

As for being a role model - I do that part (when given the opportunity) not as a DM, but as a peer... as a "more experienced buddy."