Why would you ever want to become Dive Masters?

[Monkey_Gland]

For the power and for the chicks...what else?

 

[TMHeimer]

As a teacher for 19 years I figured I had had enough of teaching students, and decided not to go for DM after Rescue, but do the Master Scuba Diver thing instead. This got me certified in a bunch of important specialties, plus a nice wall certificate and neat MSD backpack! However, being retired 13 years and living off investments only, we suffered the same market bloodbath most did since Sept. So, I decided that returning to the aspect of teaching wasn't so bad an idea after all ( not that I didn't enjoy my long stint as a band teacher). I figured that at some point I may be able to become an instructor and there is a fair bit more pay with that (although there are no openings presently at my LDS, which is the only one for a very long distance here in N.S.). The DM class has it's financial costs, but there is at least SOME opportunity to make a few bucks here to at least cover the annual PADI dues/insurance. Plus, I believe some expenses are deductible, including the course, as it makes you a professional. There are also the "perks" like free air, free charters (though you work while on them). The huge amount of dive theory (particularly physics) will be the hard part for me, along with the struenuous swim requirments (I'm 55). Fortunately, I will probably have little or no problems being a role model and relating with students, considering my career in schools. Interesting about your Rescue course. Our course had it's physical aspects, of course, but I pretty much breezed through that. I found it hard mentally, as you always have to be thinking, and there is usually more that one "right" way to perform a rescue.

 

[Crowley]

For the power and for the chicks...what else?

:cool2: haha - would that it were true!

Why would anybody want to become a DM? Why would somebody want to be a Nurse or a Teacher? There's no requirement to do any of these things - people do it because they want to live a dream, have a vocation, look after people, teach people. Whatever the reason.

The Rescue classes are often referred to as the first rung on the professional ladder, but the rescue course is not a professional certification, and it should not be seen as a stepping stone on the way to instructor. Some people might take a rescue course and decide that actually, they might enjoy the challenge of becoming a DM or Instructor, teaching new divers or helping divers with their existing skills. Some people realise during rescue that a career in the dive industry is not for them. Both results are good results.

There should be no pressure to go from Rescue - DM, and an instructor pushing a student down that road is very possibly doing the student a disservice. Promoting continued diving, education and the Master Diver or Master Scuba Diver (or the equivalent recreational certification) is a much better option (it's also often more lucrative for the dive op)

I also know plenty of working DMs - they enjoy working in the industry but don't want the added responsibility of becoming an instructor. On the other hand, if you want to work in a resort operation, chances are that they will employ an instructor over a DM simply because of the added value of an employee with more flexibility.

It's not always an easy industry to work in. The job can be tough, often very physical and with long hours for not a lot of pay. On the other hand, I would not change my low-paid life on a small Caribbean island for a job in the office for anything.

Happy diving folks,

C.

 

[Rhone Man]

Funnily enough, I did my DM 18 years ago "just because" it was the next rung on the ladder. Never used it and it lapsed, and have been diving happily during the interim.

All these years later, I decided to the DM refresher, partly because my LDS says I can dive for free on the weekends if I lead groups, but also because it is kind of fun to try and pass on your love of the sport and experiences to newer and less experienced divers. Maybe the fact that my son is just starting to dive influences my thinking.

Was a bit surprised to learn that now PADI DMs have to take eight exams; back in 1991 we just had to sit one!

 

[tfsails]

I decided to become a DM because I was not satisfied with my level of diving knowledge after taking the Rescue course. I walked into my LDS (since gone to the LDS graveyard in the sky), announced that I wanted to become a DM, and they asked my "why not become an Ass't Instructor?", stating that it was no more expensive, had all the rights and privileges of a DM plus I could teach in certain circumstances. So, I became an AI. Never had a DM card.

I have since worked many classes as a DM, a few as an AI, and come to the conclusion that becoming an instructor is NOT for me. I don't have the patience to teach. The fire is not in my belly to teach. I'm perfectly happy as an occasional DM

I know it sounds selfish to become an AI due to my inadequate knowledge of diving theories and principles, but that's the way it is. I feel like I have a good knowledge of diving, and don't mind sharing it. I just don't feel the need to share it on a regular basis.

 

[MikeSK]

I did mine in '97 i think it was for a couple reasons. 1) increase my own skills and knowledge 2) it was the next course in the line, and 3) Wanted to see if going pro was something i might want to do.

I worked with my LDS for a couple months over the summer as an un-official intern. I found that i enjoyed working with newbs for the most part, but kinda got burned out a little diving the same lake at the same spot for 2 months. I did like leading the tour.

Someday i might do a refresher and see about getting back in to it. For now..i dive under the Master cert. A good diver is always learning, when possible.

 

[MSilvia]

I decided to become a DM because I was not satisfied with my level of diving knowledge after taking the Rescue course.

I skipped DM for the same reason you took it. I looked at what other agencies offered, and continued my education post-Rescue with Advanced Nitrox, Deco Procedures, and Recreational Trimix. I got a great deal of diving knowledge DMs do not, and there was never any presumption that I would be willing to act as an apprentice shop monkey or take responsibility for students.

 

[avlena]

my hubby is currently in the middle of his cert class, and he loves it. He likes guiding excited OW students, and having a captive audience for all those dive stories that his buddies have heard hundreds of times.

I choose not to get my DM cert because I don't like turning a hobby into a job, cuz I think it sucks the fun out of it. But, if you're the type of person who likes it, then more power to you for getting paid (even if it's just a tiny bit) for something you enjoy!

 

[Crowley]

I choose not to get my DM cert because I don't like turning a hobby into a job, cuz I think it sucks the fun out of it. But, if you're the type of person who likes it, then more power to you for getting paid (even if it's just a tiny bit) for something you enjoy!

This is a topic of conversation that crops up fairly amongst those of us who work in the industry full time - and believe me, this is an industry that can suck even the desire to go underwater again from an instructor! A lot of people who enter the industry don't last very long (there is a whole world of stories in there) but if you get the right job (as I have!), it can be awesome fun. Yes, there are days I freely admit that the last thing I want do is get into semi-soggy scuba gear and get in the water, but also consider that I dive with new and interesting people every single day, and that helps make up for some of the more routine aspects of the job. It's not always easy, but it can be a truly wonderful life.

I love it, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Good luck to your husband good luck to all prospective DM/Dive Con Instructor (etc.) candidates, and happy (and safe) diving to everybody else!

Cheers

C.

 

[highdesert]

For the power and for the chicks...what else?

... and what "power" is that, of which you speak?