When to start the DM course?

[El Orans]

When do you start the DM course?

I'm not talking about a minimum number of dives that is required to begin the course or to be certified as one.

At what level should your skills be before you can start thinking about it?

 

[cflJason]

I think it's really about your comfort level while diving. If you still get really nervous (instead of excited) when you step off the back of the boat then you have to consider if you really feel you could safely lead a group of divers.

If you are in 10 ft visibility, do you get nervous and claustrophobic? If so, do you think you could handle helping somebody while you are fighting your fears?

I feel the minimum dive requirements are not just to ensure you have some experience under your belt, but also to give you the time you need to determine if you are really ready to be a leader in the dive community.

 

[fisheater]

Nervous and claustrophobic in 10 ft. viz?

Are you serious?

That's a good day diving around here!!

 

[jupitermermaid]

I agree. I don't think a certain amount of dives makes one capable of being a dive master. Having control over your own buoyancy, maintaining it while helping another diver who is having difficulty (as one may run into this problem as a DM), and being aware of other divers' ability all contribute to being fit to be a DM. This is simplistic, of course, but there is no "magic number" that makes one more proficient than another to become a DM. Rescue skills should be solidified, in the event they need to be employed. Becoming a DM is not something to be taken lightly. It is more than a glorified diving guide and should be approached as such.

 

[Diver0001]

When do you start the DM course?

I'm not talking about a minimum number of dives that is required to begin the course or to be certified as one.

At what level should your skills be before you can start thinking about it?

In terms of skills you were ready the last time I saw you. That's not your challenge. Your challenge is the "rust in je hoofd".

I would say as soon as you're ready to start getting involved in training then that's the time.

R..

 

[bfw]

When do you start the DM course?
At what level should your skills be before you can start thinking about it?

When, in the opinion of someone who's been instructing for several years and has adequately observed you, you're ready to take responsibility for other divers - when your skill, knowledge, and confidence are at the level where you are ready to teach, lead, and help other divers. Preferably this judgement should be made by someone who's been involved in your own training, and has seen your learning curve.

The best shops I've seen don't offer a DM course, per se. When they see someone in a continuing ed class who they think is ready and suitable, they ask them to come help with classes as a buddy to odd students, and, after observing them in that role for a while, invite them to begin DM and AI training.

DM is not just another dive class - it's training for a different role as a diver.

 

[String]

DM should be started when your own personal diving skills can be performed with ease and no conscious thought and when you feel you'd be happy being responsible for others.

Until those 2 criteria are met best to just train and practice elsewhere.

 

[diverrex]

The best shops I've seen don't offer a DM course, per se. When they see someone in a continuing ed class who they think is ready and suitable, they ask them to come help with classes as a buddy to odd students, and, after observing them in that role for a while, invite them to begin DM and AI training.

This seems like the best approach for turning out good DM's, as opposed to shops who look at DM training as another profit center.

While I don't necessarily believe in a certain number of dives as being the magic one that qualifies you for DM, 60 seems awfully short in experience to be the number.

 

[jmitch3938]

Agree totally with another member that it should actually be a recommendation by an instructor that has worked with someone quite awhile and thinks they would be a good role model and leader. To say you have to have 50 dives and a few classes and then you can be a divemaster or an instructor is a huge liability. How many of the recent diving accidents were trained and certified by 2 week wonder instructors ? Diving accidents were not common years ago , now when a DM or Instructor card is given out to anyone with a couple thousand dollars to spend, accidents are more common place and more divers have injuries..Look at alot of the new posts by new divers and their experiences and questions they ask..they were just certified and they are saying they are scared..panicked..dont know what to do...and they were certified ?
Any DM or Instructor candidate should be evaluated by peers, instructors and shop owners to see if they qualify, after all,. it is a reflection on our sport and all of us as divers and a huge liability to shops if anyone can just buy a DM or instructor card.

 

[Louma]

I am very much for the "internship" approach. Help out in classes, hang around the shop (translates to free labor) but, you get noticed. You pick up some learning talking to other experianced divers, you improve your skills, you lug and fill tanks, clean tarps --- you pay your dues. Along the way, you get some free dives, maybe discounts on some dive equipment, and free fills. I hung out like this for 5 years (a little here, a little there - not every day) as a Master Diver before I was asked to do Dive Master. I believe I'm the better diver for this experiance.