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Seasquatch:Is there anything wrong with starting with about 30 or 40? (thats where i will be). Except experience that is. Just looking to get to the instructor sceen ASAP
I don't think there's anything wrong with it, per se ... but I do think you need to be honest with yourself as to your motivations.
Why do you want to get to the instructor screen ASAP? Are you ready for the responsibility that comes with being a DM ... and subsequently an instructor? Will you be able to be a good instructor with just the minumum number of required dives?
Everybody's different ... and learning curves vary wildly. The important thing is that, as a DM you should have demonstration quality skills ... consistently, and on-demand. You should have an excellent understanding of the fundamentals of diving if you plan to work with students and new divers. You should be mentally and physically prepared to respond to emergencies, and (more importantly) recognize situations that could lead to emergencies and take appropriate measures to avoid them.
Do you think you'll be able to do that by the time you get your DM certificate? I don't think anybody but you can answer that question. Everybody's natural ability, learning curve, and comfort zone are different.
To respond to your initial query ... I logged over 400 dives before starting my DM training, and another 400 before starting my instructor training. I do not hold those standards as suitable for anyone but myself ... but I didn't want to become a scuba professional at any level until I felt I was up to the responsibilities those certifications entail ... at least with regards to working with new divers. When new divers put their trust in me to guide them, teach them, and protect them, I want to be assured that I'm up to the task.
Your mileage may vary ... but I do think it's important for you to know, in your own mind, the reasons why you would want to become a DM and/or instructor. That's the only way to know what level of experience is right for you before embarking down that path.
... Bob (Grateful Diver)