One of the things that I learned in the DM classes I took is a way of giving definition to the cert levels.
1. OW divers are trained to be able to take care of themselves in most everyday diving situations. They are primarily aware of only themselves until they have a lot of dives logged or are fortunate enough to dive with an experienced buddy who is willing to help them learn.
2. AOW divers learn to coordinate and work with a buddy. They perform simple tasks as a team.
3. Rescue divers learn to be aware of what is happening around them, to recognize potential problems before they happen, and to deal with life threatening situations when they aren't able to prevent them.
4. Divemasters have the privilege of being able to work with students in an assisting capacity, often giving one on one skills coaching that the instructor doesn't have the time for, and can help divers at all levels become better qualified.
This is what attracted me to become DM certified. To feel like what I did helped a student over a problem with a skill or situation that was giving him/her trouble was all the reward I needed. That was fortunate, because all I got for my efforts was store credit at a rate of $5 a student... not nearly enough to keep up my need for travel to warm water destinations.
Rick
1. OW divers are trained to be able to take care of themselves in most everyday diving situations. They are primarily aware of only themselves until they have a lot of dives logged or are fortunate enough to dive with an experienced buddy who is willing to help them learn.
2. AOW divers learn to coordinate and work with a buddy. They perform simple tasks as a team.
3. Rescue divers learn to be aware of what is happening around them, to recognize potential problems before they happen, and to deal with life threatening situations when they aren't able to prevent them.
4. Divemasters have the privilege of being able to work with students in an assisting capacity, often giving one on one skills coaching that the instructor doesn't have the time for, and can help divers at all levels become better qualified.
This is what attracted me to become DM certified. To feel like what I did helped a student over a problem with a skill or situation that was giving him/her trouble was all the reward I needed. That was fortunate, because all I got for my efforts was store credit at a rate of $5 a student... not nearly enough to keep up my need for travel to warm water destinations.
Rick
