Traveling + DM certification = good combo?

[Onda]

Hello fellow divers!
I'm embarking on a round the world trip. I recently graduated and am taking a little breather before continuing my studies (I've got a B.Sc. in biology). I've signed up with a volunteer organization and will be doing diving surveys and monitoring on coral reefs in Mexico near Cancun. Now I've got a PADI OW that I got in Australia 5 years ago and the organization will train me up to AOW with an option of doing a cave speciality for free and a rescue diver and DM at a discount price. I'm going to do the rescue diver course but I'm still not sure about the DM course. During the 10 week period on the program I can expect to get 100+ logged dives and afterwards I will be traveling around SE asia for a few months. So my initial thoughts were to do the DM course and then have the option of working as a divemaster for food and board, doing guided dives on my travel in asia. But now I'm starting to think that that's unrealistic, that even with my background in biology and marine science it would be hard to get work to even cover the cost of the DM course. So I should just save my money and spend it on food and board :huh:
So I guess what I want is to hear from people who have traveled to south east asia and with the intention of doing some divemaster work and how that errr... worked out

 

[MB]

Many people underestimate the things that go into being a good DM. A lot of it involves sharing local knowledge with folks who don't know the area. Whether its a particular ledge on a reef, where a special fish tends to hang out, or the lay of the reef or wreck, its tough to be effective as a guide if you yourself are not familiar with the landscape.

Then there's the people skills thing. All captains are different, and that difference can be magnified by regional habits and expectations. Divers, and visitors who dive, also differ. A good DM will serve as a go between and "translator" between boat captains and their customers, and be able to soft sell some things that captains might be very strong willed about. Same with customers. DMs are usually able to influence customers when they know them a bit, or at least know local customs. Again, a traveling DM is at a disadvantage on that. And remember, tipping is frowned on in some regions, so even your income will vary as you go from country to country.

This is not meant to be discouraging, but there are pluses an minuses to living the dream.

 

[oceancrest67]

This is to the many postings from prospective romantics and outward bound types who crave the spirited adventure in some far off paradise...always always have a back up plan if your dream does not work out. Always have emergency funds. Always have contact information. Always look before you leap. Cultural differences abound in far off places. Living as an instructor is living as a pauper...be prepared.

 

[Onda]

ahh yes the "a good DM should be" mantra. I've read that many times. And you are of course right, a good divemaster has to know the area to be able to guide in it. In my travels I like to get to know the locals. That is why I wanted to stay awhile in each place and I thought that maybe working as a divemaster for food and board would be nice. I do have a good knowledge of marine invertebrates and after spending 10 weeks monitoring a coral reef I think I will have a few pearls of wisdom to share with other divers about responsible diving.

 

[fire_diver]

Work for room and board huh? You sure about that? I've seen this same basic question asked a hundred times here. Of those who are or were active DM in resort areas almost all of them said don't do it. That "work" you speak of entails a lot more than just diving with clients. If you're prepared to do 12 hours a day, 7 days a week for your room and board, then go ahead. Just make sure you talk to PLENTY of currently working DMs in the areas you want to "work for room and board" in.

FD

 

[namabiru]

I just read a book called The Rapture of the Deep by Michael Zinsley. He did something similar, where he used his dm skills to experience different cultures. While it does seem like a ton of fun and all, make sure you know what you're getting into.

 

[oceancrest67]

Work for room and board huh? You sure about that? I've seen this same basic question asked a hundred times here. Of those who are or were active DM in resort areas almost all of them said don't do it. That "work" you speak of entails a lot more than just diving with clients. If you're prepared to do 12 hours a day, 7 days a week for your room and board, then go ahead. Just make sure you talk to PLENTY of currently working DMs in the areas you want to "work for room and board" in.

FD

I have to agree. Working for room and board is going to get old fast. Hauling tanks for tourists and constantly getting wet day in and day out will get old fast...to the point where you end up disliking scuba...and this is at some nice resort with full facilities. Imagine lesser facilities and linguistic differences.

I talked with plenty of working DM's down in the Caymans...I was in my mid-twenties...they all said it was just another sh**** day in paradise for them...they like the winter for vacation.

 

[cayman diver]

Don't foret as a DM you should also carry profesional insurance, and premiums are higher if you teach americans. Some shops will cover you but if you $%^# up they can and will go after you personally not just the shop.

 

[Onda]

well aren't you all just a small positive bundles of joy But like I said in my post I've been thinking of not even bother to do the DM course. I've saved up money for my trip and this was just something that I thought would be fun to do, a little extra spice. Not something that I would have to rely on.
But none of you have tried this? I would like to hear the horror stories first hand

 

[namabiru]

Sorry... I was getting a little bogged down in your choices. You can either take a DM course following AOW/Rescue and then work as a DM upon completion, or else... huh? Not bother with a DM course but work in the capacity of a DM? I dunno that that's cricket. I believe you *do* have to have a certification in order to perform in that capacity.

Please clarify...