I am getting ready to start my DM. I have been talking with a local shop about the class. I was curious of one thing though,the class is $800. Is this about the going rate for a DM cert or should i be looking around some more? Thanks for any help
It depends what is included:
This is what I charge ....
$595 - Training and Tuition
What Exactly does this buy you? Eight class sessions and Eight Pool Sessions (approximately 4 hours per session). You also get the opportunity to earn a spot for 11 internships. If you are not ready for the internships, you do not participate in them. I will not let unqualified candidates work with real-world students. There is a fair amount of self study, homework and initiative required. If you need additional training, it is available at extra cost ... although if it is just a quick tutoring, I usually do not charge for it. I require all candidates do a check out dive with me at the local lake prior to enrolling in class. There is no need to collect somebody's money if they have no chance in finishing the class. If you miss a session, it is your responsibility to make it up. Most times this can be done at no additional cost. If you miss more than two sessions, I figure you are not serious about this, and you are placed in academic probation. That means you are expected to sit down with me and discuss what the problems are for your participation before your next session. It could mean extra training at extra cost to make up for the lost work. It could mean extra homework. It could mean dismissal. Or it could just be a quick talk to make sure this is a high priority and life just got in the way. I teach DM class using a lot of team building skills. I don't teach private dm classes. If you are not at each session, then you are hurting the team.
I hand out a detailed agenda so my candidates know exactly what is required of them and when. No surprises. With that in mind, as a professional, my candidates are expected to be prepared for class. I have no problem showing this agenda to my candidates prior to their enrollment. Again, no need to enroll someone who cannot complete the class.
What is not included:
Materials - Approximately $200 (depends on what you already have and if you purchase the optional materials - You will need a wheel and an ERDP)
Annual Fees - PADI Fees are $72 per year (these are renewed every January)
Insurance - I haven't bought DM Insurance for a while. And, I don't buy my Insurance through Vicencia (even though I am a PADI Instructor). With Vicencia, it is renewed every June 30. Prorated the fees are $283 (10/1 to 6/30). I know with Willis, Annual insurance is $315. I would guess Vicencias's annual fees are similar.
With that being said, if you are going to be working for the shop, they may have a shop plan that can (1) save you money, and/or (2) be included in the tuition. Be careful with shop policies. You are restricted to only working for that shop. While this generally is not a big deal for Divemasters, if you work outside of the shop for any reason, you are not covered! Additionally, if the shop goes bankrupt, your policy will be canceled without refund.
Most importantly: You need to see what training you are receiving and what is expected of you. Especially in regards to internships. $800 may be a bargain price if your instructor is TRULY training you to be a professional diver. However, if he is just going to have you filling tanks and cleaning restrooms, then it is a complete rip-off. Remember, as a DMC you are still a customer. Additionally, while you can assist with some things in class, you should not be working with divers. You are not certified and you are not insured.
Lastly, and readdressing my point above. You are looking for qualified training not just divemaster certfication. I see too many divemasters who are just into it for the status/certification. This is a course where you truly get as much out of it as you put into it. Make sure your instructor is going to support that mission! I guess what I am saying is you are hiring a professional to train you as a professional ... conduct an in-depth interview ... don't just plop down your money.
Best of luck and welcome to the brother/sister hood!
JcF
PS - Yes, I have had some potential candidates go to other instructors because the demands were less. I think that alone speaks volumes of the potential candidate and their purpose for taking the course.
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