Were should I do my divemaster course?

[JakobN]

Hello!

I currently have 20 dives and my advanced certificate. I would like to progress and do my rescue diver and divemaster courses this autumn.

I am looking for some advice on where is good to do this? What schools have a good reputation? What it is like to live there? What is the main spoken language? Is the area expenisve? How´s the weather during the autumn? Can you get work at the school after completion of the course? etc

I am interested in Carribean or other central american locations but would like to hear all opinions and options. I am also keen to wave surf so any diving locations with good surf would be a plus.

Any opinions, suggestions or comments on the mater would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks,

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I don't think where you do the courses matters. I certainly recommend you go ahead with the rescue diver course, but then get a lot more real diving experience before you begin the divemaster course. I know the minimum dive requirement of 60 dives is a completion requirement and you can start the course with less, but after 13 years of diving, 11 of which have been as a PADI Pro, I have come to believe very strongly that you should have minimum of 50 dives that were not training dives before you start the program. Experience in varying conditions is critical to maturity as a diver and a dive leader. If you just want to wear the cool hat and t-shirts, rush right in. But if you want to be a true dive professional, competent to lead and help others, grow into that role by obtaining real dive experience.
DivemasterDennis

 

[DevonDiver]

Most Europeans seeking a zero-to-hero pro course tend to go to Thailand. Cheap, cheerful and stacks of sausage factories lining up to take your money. You'll get your DM card and have some great memories.

Getting work as a DM after the course is a different matter - supply of DMs far outstrips the demand for them. Work hard on the course, network like mad and demonstrate good dive skills and mindset and you'll stand a better chance.

It's pretty hard to define your employment opportunities as a divemaster, when plenty of your customers are likely to be more experienced than you.

Language skills are highly valued in most tourist destinations. The more languages you have, the more demand will be for your services. Often, languages are more highly valued than actual diving skills.