Too soon to be an Instructor

[shelby]

Just wanted to air a personal concern which I'm hoping is just me being too cautious

I became a qualified DM sometime ago and worked at a local dive centre for about two years before heading overseas. With travelling the world being a backpacker, doing some fantastic diving and eating nothing but rice and beans to finance my diving I finally landed myself a corporate job in New Zealand. I have recently returned to diving after 6 years of absence!! I'm currently in the process of re-certifing my DM ticket (affectivily completing the DM course again) but my concern is that the local dive centre which I have joined is encouraging me to complete my IDC course this coming June!

What I need advise on is do you guys think that after 6 years of diving absense taking the IDC course within 4 months of re-joining the diving world to be too soon??

Any feedback would be great......and thank you :god:

 

[scubapolly]

You should only do it when YOU think you are ready.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Just wanted to air a personal concern which I'm hoping is just me being too cautious

I became a qualified DM sometime ago and worked at a local dive centre for about two years before heading overseas. With travelling the world being a backpacker, doing some fantastic diving and eating nothing but rice and beans to finance my diving I finally landed myself a corporate job in New Zealand. I have recently returned to diving after 6 years of absence!! I'm currently in the process of re-certifing my DM ticket (affectivily completing the DM course again) but my concern is that the local dive centre which I have joined is encouraging me to complete my IDC course this coming June!

What I need advise on is do you guys think that after 6 years of diving absense taking the IDC course within 4 months of re-joining the diving world to be too soon??

Any feedback would be great......and thank you :god:

Only you will know when you're ready. First off, make sure you're comfortable with your diving skills ... to the point where you can perform demonstration-quality while devoting your attention to what your students are doing. There's a big difference between DM and instructor in that regard, and your students will be looking to you for more than leadership.

Becoming an instructor is an expensive proposition ... and if you are planning it as a part-time activity (sounds like you have a full-time job as well) then plan (if you're lucky) on the fact that your teaching income will barely pay for your teaching expenses. Factor in more than the cost of the class ... such as the full cost for dues, insurance, instructor materials, and teaching aids.

Finally, make sure you're mentally prepared for the commitment on your time and personal resources. And don't let anyone talk you into it before you can realistically answer yourself in the affirmative ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Storm]

I am complete rookie when it comes to diving so I'm not trying to give you advice from the position of diving experieince, but rather to pass on a wee bit of wisdom that was passed on to me.

If you are having doubts enough to ask for advice about taking a particular action, then in all likelihood you are not ready to take that action. If you truly feel that you are ready to take a particular course of action, you'll simply take it. If you are hesitent because you have soo much self doubt, then ask yourself how effective would you be actually perfroming the task.

Wait until you feel truly ready to do a thing, and not before. especially if it teaching skills that will place a student in danger.

 

[andydiver06]

Just do it . Do you forget swimming after you don't swim for 6 years. After all you were not just OW.......DM takes lot of hard work.... including carrying and filling tanks..after all if you don't like to teach you can always choose what you want to do with your life. As you are retaking your Dm it shows how much passionate you are about your dive career and when the oppurtunity is there don't loose it. If you keep on thinking too much its difficult to make it.

 

[Guba]

Is a compromise possible?

After re-taking the DM course, is there the possibility of "team teaching" with another instructor for a time before you take classes of your own. Many professions use internships, and diving instruction could do the same. At the end of the "internship", you could make the decision as to whether you feel you are truly ready to handle classes of your own.

I'm not an instructor or DM. However, I do understand that becoming and operating as a DM is much like what I've suggested and that it's built into the system. However, because you imply that you have doubts about your current status and abilities, it indicates that a bit more 'seasoning' might be useful in making you truly confident. And believe me, as a professional educator with nearly three decades of teaching experience, your students will instinctively know whether you are confident or not. That can have a huge impact on your effectiveness as an instructor.
Best wishes for your success. Welcome back to diving!

 

[Warren_L]

If the agency is PADI, there's not much a DM can do insofar as team teaching is concerned. I don't know about NAUI, but as I understand it, a NAUI DM can participate in teaching to a much greater extent. Anyhow, the proper order of progression is to get re-certified as a DM, and then assist in some classes, both confined and open water (and getting comfortable with your own skills is a given), and then onto the IDC. However, when and how quickly to move on is up to you and your comfort level.

 

[Dive Muppet]

I think you should do a self assessment when you have completed you DM recert and done a little work. You would be better seeing how you feel after being in that situation. I was in a similar situation, diving on the back burner for a bit, and then got into it again, and it all came back like riding a bike. In hind sight, I think I was ready for Instructor a long time before I did it, and the waiting almost stagnated my work ethic. YOu can only stay on the bottom of the pile for so long before you either progress or drop out.
Look at other instructors and then look within yourself. Do you have what they have? Can you offer what they offer? I have faith that if you are aware enough to ask this question, your judgement and perception shouldn't have to be questioned.
Good luck with your decision.
Dive Muppet

 

[AndyNZ]

I'm currently in the process of re-certifing my DM ticket (affectivily completing the DM course again) but my concern is that the local dive centre which I have joined is encouraging me to complete my IDC course this coming June!

OK, is this the LDS pushing you or the Course Director?

What I need advise on is do you guys think that after 6 years of diving absense taking the IDC course within 4 months of re-joining the diving world to be too soon??

I'd suggest talking to the Course Director directly and mention your concerns. A lot of LDS here in New Zealand don't have a CD on site, but fly one in from Aussie for the IDC. Personally, I don't like that idea - I like having access to the CD before and after the IDC.

The two CDs I know here in Auckland would both be worth talking to - Pete Mesley and Angela de Villiers. I did my IDC with Pete and he's a mine of information and advice. Just because you're doing your DM with a particular LDS doesn't mean that you have to do the IDC with them, shop around and find what suits you.

I'd echo other opinions - if you feel ready, then do it. Is your DM course internship or practical training exercises? How comfortable to you feel when interning with real students? You can still be "DM" after your IDC, so you don't have to jump straight into teaching after the IE. As mentioned, you can also team-teach your first few courses which will help build your confidence.

 

[shelby]

I just want to say THANK YOU for all your advise.

At the time of doing the post I actually fealt quiet wishy-washy for asking such a question as I know that scuba diving is a sport where not only do you have the responsibility for your own safety but that of your buddy (and students and any crazy French tourists that my be diving by!!). So the question alone showed that I am not ready - yet!! I might be ready in June so I will continue with my training and studies but voice my concerns now to the dive centre. I know that before enrolling on the IDC course - any doubt, worries or concerns should be resolved before taking that step

Your advise has been invaluable!! THANK YOU

PS. No offence meant to the French!