I have been a divemaster for 12 years. I started instructor training 11 years ago, but then came down with a serious illness and had to quit the program. I got well and had only a few months interruption to my life, but have been content to be a DM with a bonus credential (back when I got it it was separate) to lead discover scuba and discover scuba diving classes. I love teaching, and on open water excursions teach a lot with a team of instructors, especially advanced students, but also remediating and "cheerleading" open water students having issues. I also love role playing for rescue scenarios and my instructor friend Kevin and I work hard to present realistic scenarios. (See my blog on being too good at acting) I also get assigned snorkeling classes (good money) and an occasional scuba review (even better money). I make a lot more money per hour as a lawyer than as a divemaster, and my teaching and assisting at the shop is primarily to get discounts on the mass quantities of equipment I buy. When on dive excursions, I have acted as a DM in exchange for free diving, especially when a dive outfit had a couple who wanted a private DM or photo taker, and other times to accommodate a French speaking group (I have enough French and hand signals to speak scuba in that language.) To do that you need to maintain insurance as both an assistant in teaching and as a dive leader (these are two different insurance ratings with some providers) The fact is a lot of people with instructor credentials are glad to get DM work at a resort or dive destination. Sometimes not having the instructor credential has been inconvenient for me, but I have many instructor friends I can call on for family and friends who need an off the calendar class. I think I would finish up the instructor rating if I was 10 years younger, but at 58, I think DivemasterDennis is a good enough handle, even though I still spend a lot of time loading an unloading heavy tanks. I still love the title, the t-shirt, and the diving!
DivemasterDennis