What to study before taking DM?

[paul madox]

Got any idea's on what to study up on before even thinking about taking DM i'm AOW now i will have do my rescue diver but have been reading and watching video's .
Was taking it in sep but my DM is getting wed happy days and good luck to him just some thing to lead me in the right direction thanks

 

[Louie]

If you are a prospective DM candidate, give the Rescue course a really thorough go. As you will be working with divers as a DM - and not just diving for yourself, the focuses will change. So give a really good consideration to things such as:

Dive preparation
Problem prevention and anticipating problems
Dive equipment
Your role in emergencies

And very important - Communicating with others (not just on the dive but in the leadup and afterwards).

Afterwards, you can always get a head start by reading the DM manuals and go over some basic skills in the water (reg, mask, buoyancy etc).

Have a look through the "Going Pro" threads as well, you might find useful tips there.

All the best.

 

[meierdierck]

agreed, give the rescue your full attention, you will be tested on it again, esp if you are PADI, I would also recommend getting the Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving, and your DM coursebook, and give them a read, without worrying about quizes or study, just read and get the feel, then re read and do the work, you will do fine, you might want to tag along with OW classes, and practice skills, to get them up to demonstration quality, and helping students can be a real eyeopener.
IMO- anyone that goes into this planning ahead and seeking the proper prep makes a better DM, you will do great....good luck

 

[paul madox]

thanks very very much found going pro will read through this it will take quite a time keep me going for years so no more posts from for a year or two belucky ty and will buy encyclopedia

 

[RAWalker]

Get the Multimedia version of the Encylopedia of Recreational Diving it is your textbook for DM
along with the Divemaster manual.
Also the Instructor manual although not a requirement will make things easier for you.

 

[Red_5]

Focus on Rescue first. Then, after you pass that, get the DM study kit, it'll have everything you need. (you'll have plenty to do with rescue w/o worrying about DM)

I did Rescue and did a quick turn around and went into the DM program at my LDS. There are plenty of things to keep you busy. I've found my short time in the program so far, the most rewarding experience in diving.

 

[Peter Guy]

Focus on Rescue first. Then, after you pass that, get the DM study kit, it'll have everything you need. (you'll have plenty to do with rescue w/o worrying about DM)

Well, as a new instructor I have a slightly, well, actually, hugely, different take/suggestion. Go ahead and take the Rescue class and learn what you can -- then walk, no run, away for a while. Whatever you do, do NOT go on to DM -- not yet.

At the very least, go take an Intro to Tech class and "master" what is taught there:

gas management, non-silting kicks, team diving, decompression theory and practice, and such. Try diving in "non-recreational" gear -- see what, feel what, different gear does to your diving.

There are many different "levels" of the "Intro to Tech" training -- from the highly structured GUE/UTD courses to the (perhaps) more fluid NAUI/TDI etc. classes. But what you may well find is a different perspective on diving.

THEN, after seeing diving from another point of view, go ahead and do your DM.

 

[DevonDiver]

From my experience... DM candidates have the most problems in the following areas....

1. Diving Physics.
2. Buoyancy.
3. Basic scuba demonstration skills (the skills from the OW course).
4. Dive planning (especially using the tables etc...that tends to be forgotten when you get a computer).

Firstly... go and enjoy your rescue course. You will really need those skills for the DM program...so make sure you perfect them.

Secondly... re-visit your OW manual. Practice those basic skills. Re-familiarize yourself with the theory aspects.

Thirdly...get your buoyancy right. It can always be improved. Spend some time on every dive working on it.

Forth... do some research on the Gas Laws. Read up on Boyles Law, Charles' Law, Henry's Law and Dalton's Law. Make sure you understand how they apply to scuba diving.

Gas Laws
More Gas Laws

Fifth.. Do some research on basic decompression theory. This is normally a lot to get your head around on the course. Find out what M-Values, Tissue Compartments and Half-Times are...and how they pertain to your diving profile and computer/table algorythms.

More here

Article on the formulation of Dive Tables

M-Values

However, be wary that our knowldge on these subjects is progressing constantly...some of the information available on these topics may be more recent...and disagree with what is written in the DM Manual (and exams!).

Lastly... try and spend some time around the dive dive center. Watch how instructors conduct their courses. Start viewing courses and fun dives from a different perspective. i.e.. from the eyes/mind of the instructor concerned.

 

[paul madox]

Thanks every one for your help .Will do the rescue diver and will take all tips and I will do lots of study before even thinking about DM I just love diving wish i work in a job that was around diving every day .
What's it like working in the diving world every day do you love diving just as much ???











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[Colliam7]

At the very least, go take an Intro to Tech class and "master" what is taught there: gas management, non-silting kicks, team diving, decompression theory and practice, and such. Try diving in "non-recreational" gear -- see what, feel what, different gear does to your diving. ... THEN, after seeing diving from another point of view, go ahead and do your DM.

Peter's suggestion is excellent! I had the (completely unplanned) benefit of finishing tech before I finished DM. Yes, my experience is a 'N of 1' testimonial, and should be taken as such. But, I think the tech training experience, and the subsequent tech diving experience, have allowed me to gain better insight into certified diver needs and student diver problems, and solutions, and have allowed me to be a more effective role model (in terms of buoyancy, skills, gear streamlining, dive planning, gas management, etc) than I might otherwise have been. And, before anyone jumps in and says it for me, this doesn't necessarily mean, of course, that I actually am an effective role model, or a great diver, or even a good instructor. It could simply mean that I am hopefully less inept than I would otherwise have been. But, I believe the tech experience has turned out to be a fortuitous asset to me as a DM, Assistant Instructor and Instructor.