Drunk chicks at the bars dig my Master Diver card.
You mean chicks like the ones here?
Funny Pictures at WalMart Photos
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Drunk chicks at the bars dig my Master Diver card.
Actaully, the above are not entirely correct in that it depends on the agency. I have been researching this same topic and what I have learned is that Dive Master/Dive Con is the start to going pro but Master Diver is either a shiny new card that is handed out like halloween candy or a real certification with high standards. From what I have discovered, it sounds like SEI and NAUI have some of the better courses-there could be others.
I have taken more than enough courses to "earn" my master diver cert. from PADI. Some of those courses were very good and some were horrible, taught by people who shouldn't be teaching. Good divers they may have been, maybe, but teachers they were not. I see no need to send PADI money just so I can hand someone a "Master Diver" card instead of a rescue diver card. But that's just me and I don't hold it against anyone who does. JMHO.
To the OP, keep in mind, that even if you don't want to or can't take a certain course like a DM course, doesn't mean you can't learn the material by buying/borrowing the books/cd's etc... and studying on your own for your own benefit. Add that to questions you can ask some very informed people here, and you are well on your way. That's just one of many options though.
I'm wondering what the point of a Master Diver card is?
My understanding is to maintain the certification you need to pay things like ongoing insurance.
If you're just diving for fun, why would you want the additional costs and implied liablitiy?