What to expect from a DM?

[zamburinha]

I was just reading some of the posts in accidents and incidents and there was a rather long discussion about the role of the DM and expectations of divers in different parts of the world.

In South East Asia, where I did most of my diving, the general expectation is that the DM is like a tour guide. They organize the logistics, give dive briefings and guide the divers through the water pointing out interesting features and critters. They also typically keep the group together and orchestrate the ascents and descents. If there is a problem underwater they will often be the person solving it rather than a self sufficient buddy pair.

How about in other parts of the world? US? Australia? Europe?

I realize there is a difference between divers expectations, DM obligations and agency standards, but it is useful to know what is the common practice in different places so that it is clear what to expect.

 

[Airleron]

 

[String]

In the UK you won't find a DM. They dont exist. People dive off boats in a buddy pair and thats it. I like that system.

Here they do a lot of group herding and in my view nanny the divers way way too much.

My ideal DM gives me a good briefing then says "have a nice dive" and i see him later on the boat for some cake and coffee post-dive.

 

[D_B]

String's post about an ideal DM is what a Southern California DM does, they stay on the boat but suit up and give a good briefing on what, where, and things to look for, and things to look out for, lets you dive your dive without cutting it short ... last words from the DM is typically something like "have a good dive, don't do anything foolish and make me get in the water after you"

 

[String]

If only that were the case everywhere.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

The Florida Keys are similar as well. No DM in the water unless you want one. You are expected to monitor your air, times, and control ascents and descents. The one op I dove with in Purto Rico put a DM in the water but after one dive allowed my student and I do do what we wanted. Our competency was rewarded with freedom. Too bad not all places do that. And even sadder that they cannot.

 

[Rhone Man]

In this part of the world you see plenty of people who want a guide and need a guide. If the operators know you well enough though, they are happy to relegate the DM to 'bubble watching', but it is very much the exception.

We probably need a sticky for this topic it comes up so much.

 

[flots am]

How about in other parts of the world? US? Australia? Europe?

In the Northeast (US & Canada), unless you made prior arrangements, there is no DM.

flots.

 

[TSandM]

In the Pacific Northwest, the DM helps people load and unload the boat, helps divers with their fins and so forth, gives the site briefing and a blessing. They don't get in the water.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

In Hawaii the working DM's don't even get near the boat. They are in the back of the dive shop being the grunt.

There are instructors on every charter boat, working as guides.