Doing my DM & Instructors

[masksandmascara]

Depends on when you took your previous courses, and who taught. My instructor was adamant that I learn some physics/physiology/etc during OW, Advanced and Rescue. I recently completed the IDC and IE and found that the theory is very similar to the DM course (however, I will admit the instructor admitted to drilling me more than required on the physics). The Diving Knowledge workbook was something that helped me a lot - I completed that several times and used that as a study guide and quick reference prior to taking the exams. Seriously though - for the IDC, study like you were in college. The IDC was unlike anything I'd EVER done before (and I have a masters degree) - it was incredibly intense, long days, hard work, and the more prepared you are in the theory the better off you'll be. You don't want to just memorize it - you want to UNDERSTAND it, and understand it well.

Congrats on your new journey - it'll be a wild ride but the sense of accomplishment afterwards is awesome.

 

[cayal]

Just a quick question, I can't find this information on the internet but when do you do the swim tests? Before you begin your DM course, in the middle, at the end or just whenever along the way?

 

[mala]

Just a quick question, I can't find this information on the internet but when do you do the swim tests? Before you begin your DM course, in the middle, at the end or just whenever along the way?

anytime during the course.
each can be done at different times.

 

[cayal]

Thank you

 

[emoreira]

Hi cayal, I'm just finishing my Dive Control Specialist Course under SSI. I've done during the first semester of 2013 the Dive Guide Course, and summed up to the Science of Diving Course that I did during 2012, I can also certify as Dive Master. SSI ratings are more or less the same for SSI and PADI, to allow crossovers.
Several thoughts on this.
1) There is no new drill about diving. All Open Water Diver drills will be remembered and practiced, but you must do them "perfect".
2) There is a specific change in mind required for you as Rescue Diver (a pre-requisite). A Rescue Diver can choose to act in an emergency of your buddy. Now as Dive Professional you has to act, not only for your buddy, but for the whole group you are guiding. There is no room to choose.
3) Swim drills, or Watermanship requirements, will be asked at any point of your course. You will be asked to pre-arrange a pool or open water session for this.
4) Theory is based in Group Control techniques and organization, Briefing, Teaching aids, Pre-sales techniques and so on. No new diving drill. All diving drills are a pre-requisite, I mean being certified, like Nitrox, Underwater Navigation, Night and Limited Visibility Diving, Boat Diving, Wreck Diving, Deep Diving, Equipment Techniques, Search and Recovery and, of course, Stress and Rescue and EFR.
5) You are not going to dive for you, you will dive for others. If you want to dive for you, you has to dive with a buddy separated from your job.
6) No camera, no video (unless you are paid for that). If you are guiding a group, you cannot carry a camera (at least this is what is stated in the standard).

 

[cayal]

Hi cayal, I'm just finishing my Dive Control Specialist Course under SSI. I've done during the first semester of 2013 the Dive Guide Course, and summed up to the Science of Diving Course that I did during 2012, I can also certify as Dive Master. SSI ratings are more or less the same for SSI and PADI, to allow crossovers.
Several thoughts on this.
1) There is no new drill about diving. All Open Water Diver drills will be remembered and practiced, but you must do them "perfect".
2) There is a specific change in mind required for you as Rescue Diver (a pre-requisite). A Rescue Diver can choose to act in an emergency of your buddy. Now as Dive Professional you has to act, not only for your buddy, but for the whole group you are guiding. There is no room to choose.
3) Swim drills, or Watermanship requirements, will be asked at any point of your course. You will be asked to pre-arrange a pool or open water session for this.
4) Theory is based in Group Control techniques and organization, Briefing, Teaching aids, Pre-sales techniques and so on. No new diving drill. All diving drills are a pre-requisite, I mean being certified, like Nitrox, Underwater Navigation, Night and Limited Visibility Diving, Boat Diving, Wreck Diving, Deep Diving, Equipment Techniques, Search and Recovery and, of course, Stress and Rescue and EFR.
5) You are not going to dive for you, you will dive for others. If you want to dive for you, you has to dive with a buddy separated from your job.
6) No camera, no video (unless you are paid for that). If you are guiding a group, you cannot carry a camera (at least this is what is stated in the standard).

Thanks for the info. Really helpful. Although I can't see many people agreeing with #6 as I've had many Divemasters with cameras leading the group.

 

[tracydr]

DM and instructor theory is near-identical. Instructor's (I.E./Instructor Exam) have a higher pass rate however. It is substantially more comprehensive than anything you would have done in subsequent courses.

For ideas and examples, investigate these links:

http://www.goproutila.com/sites/def...aster PADI IDC revision Dive Theory Notes.pdf

http://www.richardmei.com/uploads/5/1/6/1/5161658/dive_theory_mastery_complete.pdf

Thanks a bunch for the links. That will really help me when I start preparing for IE!

 

[thatdiver]

These links are great many thanks! - taking my IDC Shortly

DM and instructor theory is near-identical. Instructor's (I.E./Instructor Exam) have a higher pass rate however. It is substantially more comprehensive than anything you would have done in subsequent courses.

For ideas and examples, investigate these links:

http://www.goproutila.com/sites/def...aster PADI IDC revision Dive Theory Notes.pdf

http://www.richardmei.com/uploads/5/1/6/1/5161658/dive_theory_mastery_complete.pdf

 

[DevonDiver]

1) There is no new drill about diving. All Open Water Diver drills will be remembered and practiced, but you must do them "perfect".

On the PADI Instructor Exam (I.E.) the candidate may be asked to demonstrate skills from Open Water or other continuing education programs. This can include skills such as 'demonstrating how to tie a bow-line' from the Search and Recovery course.

Generally, your IDC should prepare and prime you for any such skills that you could be asked to demonstrate on the I.E.

 

[emoreira]

Thanks for the info. Really helpful. Although I can't see many people agreeing with #6 as I've had many Divemasters with cameras leading the group.

I totally agree with you, but that's what is in the standard. Remember that the standards are there to protect you and to blame you.