What do you expect from a DM?

[Diver0001]

This is a spin-off from another interesting thread:

a couple of questions:

1) What do you expect from a DM?

2) What do you *not* expect from a DM?

3) Has a DM ever exceeded your expectations? If so how?

4) Has a DM ever failed to meet your expectations? If so, how?

R..

 

[Rick Inman]

This is a spin-off from another interesting thread:

a couple of questions:

1) What do you expect from a DM?

2) What do you *not* expect from a DM?

3) Has a DM ever exceeded your expectations? If so how?

4) Has a DM ever failed to meet your expectations? If so, how?

R..

1) Dive site info, boat safety protocols, stay out of the water, lunch.
2) Tour guide.
3) Yes. Monterey Express allowed solo diving.
40 Yes. Tour guide. No chips with lunch.

 

[MechDiver]

"DM" has many conotations. I would expect something different from a DM in a class, from a DM leading a class, from a "DM" on a boat, from a DM that I hired.

And, being a DM, I guess I'm one

Deckhands on boats should help if asked, then stay out of the way unless needed. They may or not be a "DM".

"MD"

 

[Bob]

When in the water, I expect a DM to stay out of my way and leave me alone. Pre dive I expect a thorough briefing of the dive we are about to make. When a DM starts trying to show me fish, he stops meeting my expectations. I don't need or want anyone to hold my hand. To me, a good DM is around, but not in the way. almtree: Bob

 

[H2Andy]

while training for OW, i didn't know a DM from a brain coral, so i didn't expect much
(and usually got it).

when out on boats, what Rick said, except that round these parts lunch is up to you.

 

[Diver0001]

<snip>

To me, a good DM is around, but not in the way. almtree:

Fair enough....he's around.....so what is he doing?

R..

 

[SDAnderson]

I've had many meet my expectations - I like to go back to those boats. I've also had many not meet my expectations, I avoid them when I can.

• To know the dive site intimately and brief accordingly.
• To understand that his charges (including me) have a variety of capacities and not to lump us all in one tub together.
• To keep his hands off my gear without letting me know what he's doing. Go ahead and check my air if you must, but say so before you start spinning valves.
• To be prepared to help with my gear if I ask for it. Sometimes it's nice to have a hand getting ready when it's 90F on the deck and you're putting on a drysuit and gear for a 90 minute deco dive in 40F water.
• To know where the best place locally to get a beer and a burger is.

 

[MechDiver]

Fair enough....he's around.....so what is he doing?

R..

If in the water, keeping an eye on the newer divers if he knows who they are, and keeping an eye out for someone who needs/may need assistance.
On the boat, knowing who is in/out of the water and keeping safety equipment handy for someone who may need it.

You can get your own coffee and lunch :06:

 

[Mako Mark]

A good divemaster should:

Show 'em a good time

and

Bring 'em back safe.

 

[DennisS]

Handle the lines, raise and lower the ladder, pass out snacks, clean up after sick passengers. Keep count so there are as many going back as came out.