They did not give you powers in your DM course?! You got ripped off...
Why would you ever want to become Dive Masters?
- Thread starter tomboyy
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
They did not give you powers in your DM course?! You got ripped off...
- Messages
- 3,100
- Reaction score
- 435
- # of dives
- I'm a Fish!
Like some of you I did my DM class because it was the next thing to do after specialties and a/o/w. Notice I didn't say Rescue. I got my DM in 1980, and back then Rescue was a part of the DM class.
I soon learned that I liked to work with students. I liked to teach. I learned that I did not mind talking in front of a group.
I don't do it to make a living. I have a good job that pays well. I work as a DM because I enjoy it. Yes, sometimes it is rough work. Sometimes there are problem students that take all of your patience to deal with. Sometimes you are out with students in rough seas, and they are getting sick (sometimes on you).
Then again working a Rescue class is a lot of fun.
Sometimes, if the stars and the planets align just right you get the perfect day as a DM. You are working on the boat; a group of divers walk up and ask for the Divemaster. One of the instructors pipes up that he is an instructor, and can help them. They say, no, we want the Divemaster. Or, my one weekend where I played dive guide to a bunch of sorority sisters on a bachelorette weekend.
I soon learned that I liked to work with students. I liked to teach. I learned that I did not mind talking in front of a group.
I don't do it to make a living. I have a good job that pays well. I work as a DM because I enjoy it. Yes, sometimes it is rough work. Sometimes there are problem students that take all of your patience to deal with. Sometimes you are out with students in rough seas, and they are getting sick (sometimes on you).
Then again working a Rescue class is a lot of fun.
Sometimes, if the stars and the planets align just right you get the perfect day as a DM. You are working on the boat; a group of divers walk up and ask for the Divemaster. One of the instructors pipes up that he is an instructor, and can help them. They say, no, we want the Divemaster. Or, my one weekend where I played dive guide to a bunch of sorority sisters on a bachelorette weekend.
- Messages
- 3,100
- Reaction score
- 435
- # of dives
- I'm a Fish!
I wish to be a dive master because I care.
I wish to be a dive master because I have found when I prepare to teach something I learn it so much more than before I did, and when I take it out on my students, its another leap up. Both preparing and instructing will teach you so much.
I wish to be a dive master because I have found when I prepare to teach something I learn it so much more than before I did, and when I take it out on my students, its another leap up. Both preparing and instructing will teach you so much.
I love being independent and directly influencing new divers. According to my contract with my scuba shop here is what I can do.
1. Assist Instructors from everything from Open Water pool sessions to DM help train DM candidates
2. Lead Local Dives (Dive & Drive) Also lead tourist to local shore dive sites
3. Scuba Review for divers that need a refresher
4. DM on a boat provide briefings and lead dives.
5. Discover Scuba
6. Oh of course we have...
Plus the respect internationally when you are on a vacation and you say you are a Divemaster you can dive anything, anyplace, anytime...You are invincible...you are a Demigod, you are Neptune or Poseidon himself...
Sorry I rant
1. Assist Instructors from everything from Open Water pool sessions to DM help train DM candidates
2. Lead Local Dives (Dive & Drive) Also lead tourist to local shore dive sites
3. Scuba Review for divers that need a refresher
4. DM on a boat provide briefings and lead dives.
5. Discover Scuba
6. Oh of course we have...
...Of course you look great in a wet suit and you have complete control over safety, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness momentarily
Plus the respect internationally when you are on a vacation and you say you are a Divemaster you can dive anything, anyplace, anytime...You are invincible...you are a Demigod, you are Neptune or Poseidon himself...
Sorry I rant
I think you become a DM because it's a calling.
If you do it just for the status, title or some other extrinsic factor then you'll just be another one of the mediocre dive professionals that simply push new divers through the pipe... Or you'll work a boat just to get the free dive trip, but really don't provide much in the way of a service... and then bitch about not getting much in the way of a gratuity at the end of the trip.
Personally, I really enjoy teaching pool tune-ups and working with divers to improve their skills. If you don't like working with people for goodness sake save your money and just go diving.
If you do it just for the status, title or some other extrinsic factor then you'll just be another one of the mediocre dive professionals that simply push new divers through the pipe... Or you'll work a boat just to get the free dive trip, but really don't provide much in the way of a service... and then bitch about not getting much in the way of a gratuity at the end of the trip.
Personally, I really enjoy teaching pool tune-ups and working with divers to improve their skills. If you don't like working with people for goodness sake save your money and just go diving.
ivobj
Contributor
I think that it is an option for those wanting to take it professionally and make some bucks out of it, even if not main income source, or as some friends posted, feel they are called to it. In my case, I have no interest in being a professional and have the obligation of looking after a whole operation, unless is my own exploration team expedition (but then I don't need to be a DM). I like to help and teach what I know to other divers and often do it, but without the obligation.
I chose to go all the way in recreational dive and instead of becoming a DM, I got the Dive Mentor level (I think only PDIC uses this exact name, but other agencies should have similar certifications), which is the diver that have all the pre requisites to be a DM, but decided not to become professional.
The training I made after my rescue (that was the last prerequisite to DM I made also) was directed to expanding the boundaries of my dive, Wreck, Tech, Caves and specializations specially in Wreck diving, my passion.
I chose to go all the way in recreational dive and instead of becoming a DM, I got the Dive Mentor level (I think only PDIC uses this exact name, but other agencies should have similar certifications), which is the diver that have all the pre requisites to be a DM, but decided not to become professional.
The training I made after my rescue (that was the last prerequisite to DM I made also) was directed to expanding the boundaries of my dive, Wreck, Tech, Caves and specializations specially in Wreck diving, my passion.
Last edited:
jridg
Contributor
I jumped in five years after getting started diving. I went from OW to AOW to Rescue (1 year apart for each). Then didn't do any 'learning' for a couple of years while I got my 'wings of gold'. I had a four month wait for my next assignment and decided to go for it back in 1993. I truly enjoyed the class - and learned a great deal. I found I enjoyed working with student a great deal. Being the occasional 'tank troll' isn't too bad and I have worked off and on for the past 16 years as a DM. I renew every year (even the years I was hardly diving). I just enjoy it.
There is a great feeling of satisfaction in helping the student who can't seem to get the mask removal and replacement down (or what have you) and suddenly seeing the 'light' go on. I also love hovering upside down in the deep end of the pool just to see what the students will do when they notice
.
I also find that assisting with classes is a superb way to keep your skills up to par.
I have rarely been paid for my services in $$ - sometimes I would get a tip and for a couple of months I did DMing for a charter (didn't much like that).
My 2psi.
There is a great feeling of satisfaction in helping the student who can't seem to get the mask removal and replacement down (or what have you) and suddenly seeing the 'light' go on. I also love hovering upside down in the deep end of the pool just to see what the students will do when they notice
.I also find that assisting with classes is a superb way to keep your skills up to par.
I have rarely been paid for my services in $$ - sometimes I would get a tip and for a couple of months I did DMing for a charter (didn't much like that).
My 2psi.
Jupiter31
Contributor
I think most divers would benefit from the "Rescue" course; the DM, not so much.
I think many of the S. FL dive masters love diving free (w/out cost to them to be 100% clear), enjoy the gear discounts, etc. It sure as heck is not b/c of the money, as those I'm familiar with are soley compensated in gratuties, often shared w/ the deck hand and captain.
Not my interest for many of the reasons already posted.
But it apparantly appeals to many, because its a frequent subject and question on this board.
I think many of the S. FL dive masters love diving free (w/out cost to them to be 100% clear), enjoy the gear discounts, etc. It sure as heck is not b/c of the money, as those I'm familiar with are soley compensated in gratuties, often shared w/ the deck hand and captain.
Not my interest for many of the reasons already posted.
But it apparantly appeals to many, because its a frequent subject and question on this board.
Similar threads
