What makes a master diver?

[Hemlon]

It's safe to assume that neither side is going to agree on this topic.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Regardless of what “most people” think, within the NAUI system a Master Diver requires a higher level of diving knowledge and skill (which has nothing what-so-ever to do with supervising other divers) than does DM. Within other training schemes the idea that a DM is “above” a Master Diver is just a reflection of what those Master Diver programs are composed of.

Last time I checked, Master Diver was a prerequisite to the NAUI DM program. I do realize that you can combine the two classes (which is what I did) ... but you cannot become a NAUI DM without first passing the Master Diver exam.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[MikeFerrara]

Originally Posted by Divin'Hoosier
But if the standards are that loose, what does the card actually mean? I think that's the key point. What does the card mean if in reality it can be anything from a true accomplishment to a total joke? Seeing an MSD card and not know which one it represents makes it pretty much meaningless, doesn't it?

Ahem ... seeing a non-NAUI Master Diver Card.

Given what I know about other "Master Diver" cards and not having read the NAUI standards, I don't know that the NAUI card would mean any more to me than any other MD card unless further information was provided.

It's not that I don't trust your word but all the major agencies own a share of the lack of value in these certifications. If any of these agencies are really doing anything that's much different from the others, the should say so, in a loud and clear manor and the results of those differences should be evident in the diving of their members and students.

I don't know how well NAUI is represented in the industry but the only agency that I see demonstrating a marked difference in actual in-water skill with any consistancy is GUE. GUE trained divers, for the most part, really do seem to be able to dive. The rest of the industry, for the most part, just seems stuck in roto-tiller mode. They just all kind of blend together.

 

[GA Under Water]

It's safe to assume that neither side is going to agree on this topic.

I'll agree to disagree, it just seems odd that folks claim that MSD requires no knowledge or training to aquire. Personally, I think I have forgotten more than most ever learn about this sport. Fortunantly, I still have a library to look up anything I have forgotten.

 

[MikeFerrara]

I am a photographer, so when I dive for fun I am shooting pictures. I have had the unfortunate experience of a boat crew pointing me out to a newbie diver (without my knowing they did so) to follow around on a dive. It was our first time on the boat, and I made the mistake of showing my DM card.

The newbie expressed her concern about being new, and not nowing the area. I later learned that the crew pointed me out to her and told her that I was a Divemaster, and that she should follow me around. My wife and I (she is also a photographer) spent most of the dive trying to lose this diver who was following us around. It is the one and only time that we used that boat. I also told the captain what his crew had done and demanded a fee for a guided dive. I was not expecting to get any money, I just wanted to make my point.

I wouldn't take to that very well either. I think I would have just escorted that diver back to the boat as soon as I noticed they were following and alone.

 

[JeffG]

it just seems odd that folks claim that MSD requires no knowledge or training to aquire.

Thats because you get your knowledge and training from the specialty courses, not the MSD.

 

[GA Under Water]

Thats because you get your knowledge and training from the specialty courses, not the MSD.

AND the specialty training.

 

[JeffG]

AND the specialty training.

but you can have that and not spend the money on your MSD and your knowledge is the same as before.


Get it?

 

[Hemlon]

I'll agree to disagree, it just seems odd that folks claim that MSD requires no knowledge or training to aquire. Personally, I think I have forgotten more than most ever learn about this sport. Fortunantly, I still have a library to look up anything I have forgotten.

I agree. One of the things that is a constant on SB is whether or not PADI sells a good product, whether or not c-cards are easier to acquire now vs in the past and the role of continuing education in diving.

 

[GA Under Water]

but you can have that and not spend the money on your MSD and your knowledge is the same as before.


Get it?

Well, I'll tell you what, Start out as a PADI OWD then take the Master SCUBA Diver Program. I promise you, you will not get it with just a credit card.