To DM or not to DM, that's the question...

[lottie]

Okay..So i'm just wondering what you guys think of this.

I'm seriously thinking about doing my DM course, but maybe not start as a working/employed DM at a resort here - well not straight away (if i get something at a later date, then all the more better for me :/)

Do you think that it's a good idea to do the course, even though I wouldn't be an active DM? Would I get alot out of the course?
Are there other considerations that I would need to think about once I've done the course? (I have no idea why i asked the last question, but i've always been logical)
Is there anything else that I would need to do before doing the course and signing on the dotted line?

Thanks for any opinions and advice.

[bubbles]

Lottie - not spoken for a while - how's things? Got the work permit yet - or not as the case may be as you are talking about not being a working DM. I have often thought I would like to invest in more training - don't know that much about the DM course except from what I have heard it takes up a LOT of one's time but that might just be for working DMs! Good luck re your decission - would like to hear how it all pans out for you.

[lars2923]

You learn a lot about physics, physiology, psychology as long as the people you are learning from are knowledgeable.

Start by reading the Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving and the Instructor guide.. There are other books that escape my immediate mind, but if you are
planning on going instructor, DM is a must.

There are the professional Courtesy's that come with the title, ie. free air fills, free dives, discounts on equipment, things like that and of course our favorite, the yearly dues..+ insurance..

As a DM, you could possibly get a gig at some hotels to teach discover Scuba or perhaps even do some scuba reviews to earn experience and some mula. Here in the states scuba review is the best $$$... for your time..
one can make like $450 for 3-4 hours work.. not bad huh...

Good luck on your decision.

[hbh2oguard]

Well I have had the same question come to mind, go scientific or go DM/Instructor route. Since it seems like courses are A LOT cheaper through school I think I'm going to do both. My reason for going DM is because I would like to get some work duing the weekends on charters. If you're not going to use it, I would say it's not really worth it. Get some more dives in and then decide because I believe it's a pretty expensive course through private companies.

[hbh2oguard]

Oh I forgot to ask what's the insurance costs per year on average?

[rubber chicken]

Lottie,
As you know, if you ever intend to become an instructor, then the DM course is a pre-requisite. However...
I don't know what the situation in the US/Carribean is like Re DM jobs but in most of the rest of world a paying DM gig is rarer than rocking horse poo. Most Dm's of my aquaintance, (and, indeed, myself), tend to do it for free air, free dives, free experience and the sheer fun of diving.
How much you will get out of the course very much depends on how much you put in. A six month internship at a decent operation that runs a lot of courses can give you a lot more than a two week, high intensity, wam,bam, thank you mam! conveyor belt course.
My recommendation, if you decide to go down the DM route, is to take your time and complete the course over about a year. Grab any chance to help out on a course that you can and try and dive with as many different instructors as you can. Try and do more than the recommended number of assists. Have fun.

Oh yeah! start practicing buddy breathing now!

Best of luck whatever you decide to do

[lottie]

There are the professional Courtesy's that come with the title, ie. free air fills, free dives, discounts on equipment, things like that and of course our favorite, the yearly dues..+ insurance..

I'm not too sure about whether i'd get discounts on equipment/free fills etc (I am in the Caribbean after all).

As a DM, you could possibly get a gig at some hotels to teach discover Scuba

I have had two offerings/interviews (as such) - but they both haven't worked out as I'd hoped. Hence why i'm thinking about doing the course - maybe it'll make me more marketable.
But then looking on the flip side, if nothing happens about getting an actual DM job, then the skills and knowledge gained from the course would still become useful??

A six month internship at a decent operation that runs a lot of courses can give you a lot more than a two week, high intensity, wam,bam, thank you mam! conveyor belt course.

internships are going to be a no-no down here (there is one place, but its up in castries and thats a good 2 hour drive away!!!). My LDS do the course in two weeks (i think), but i don't know whether that would mean doing everything - including the 8 exams within that time frame?!

I'm still confused <deep sigh>

[Papa Bear]

If you want to ruin recreational diving for yourself go pro! Then every time you dive with some one your also responsible and therefore suable as well! If you are working as a DM and you don't feel like diving or DMing that day! To bad! Your working! So just depends on where you want to go? Good luck!

[Tigerbeach]

Hey Lottie,
Don't think too much; just jump in with both feet!

[hbh2oguard]

Here's a question about the general subject. I know padi ONLY requires 60 dives total before end of the DM class, do you think that's too little? Personally I feel that's way too low, by 100 dives most are just starting to figure out things. I'm extremely comfortable in the water so right after my OW I felt good to go on my own but the people that get cert. is scary. After 60 dives do you feel confident or do you really want to be responsable for these accidents waiting to happen due to poor instruction and the need to pass anyone and everyone?