Am I being taken???

So, I just found out that I got some bad information from my LDS about some balanced regs. (Don't know if they're mis-informed or just trying to sale equipment) I do have a question though. I would like to someday be a diving instructor and am slowly working my way up and wanted to know how prices compared to what you have experienced.

You don't have to tell me how much you paid if you don't want, but I'd like to know if I'm being taken or if the prices are normal.

Master Diver ($449) Just finished this and it included the Deep Dive, Navigation, Night and Limited Vis, Equipment Techniques, and Stress and Rescue.

Control Specialist($869)

And I didn't ask how much the full OW instructor course was.

What do you guys think?

Dive Master price seems very reasonable........

Never looked at Control Specialist........

M

Awesome, thanks for the input.

Just to be clear, the instructor is AWESOME...so even if he was overpriced I really think he is a great instructor and I would use his organization. Problem is, in Utah, there are not many dive shops to choose from and the other dive shops won't give me prices over the phone; they say come in and we'll talk about it. (aka we'll pull you from your LDS and try and sell you stuff once you get here) And since I was certified OW, AOW, Dive Master through this shop, I'd like to stick with them.

than around here (NW Ohio), but certainly not high enough to cross into "Taken" territory... at least imo...

I think you are being taken simply because Master Diver is not required to go pro, or at least not with PADI. Maybe with SSI it is?

I guess Control Specialist is equivalent to DM in PADI. I can not comment on the price other than to say it seems high if it does not include materials, and maybe about right if it does.

PToone:

So, I just found out that I got some bad information from my LDS about some balanced regs. (Don't know if they're mis-informed or just trying to sale equipment) I do have a question though. I would like to someday be a diving instructor and am slowly working my way up and wanted to know how prices compared to what you have experienced.

You don't have to tell me how much you paid if you don't want, but I'd like to know if I'm being taken or if the prices are normal.

Master Diver ($449) Just finished this and it included the Deep Dive, Navigation, Night and Limited Vis, Equipment Techniques, and Stress and Rescue.

Control Specialist($869)

And I didn't ask how much the full OW instructor course was.

What do you guys think?

Click to expand...

Could you elaborate a bit more on these. Were these just dives or the full specialties with classroom and 3-5 dives in each category plus at least several pool sessions and 2 days for the rescue? And what agency? Because Master Diver, Dive Master, and Dive Control Specialist are different animals and DM and DC are not offered by the same agency.

Yes, included dives, bookwork, and tests.

I am working through SSI. They have a chart in their store that shows the progression from OW to AOW to Master Diver to Control Specialist to Instructor.

I agree with Ron. If the "Control Specialist" is a DM equivalent, the price seems pretty steep.

Yes, I believe the control specialist is a DM. Dang, I don't like being told I'm getting taken What would a normal DM cert cost?

OK, I got the info on Control specialist. Again, the course is $869..

SSI Dive Control Specialist is SSI's initial dive leadership level and is considered by many as the "fun" leadership rating. That's because you can do more than any other entry-level dive leader. You can do more because you receive both dive master and assistant instructor training in the SSI Dive Control Specialist course. With other agencies, these courses are separate.

As a Dive Control Specialist you can:

* Work on dive boats, at resorts and retail stores, and take people diving
* Lead dive trips and tours
* Assist SSI Instructors in the pool and open water
* Teach skills in the pool under the direct supervision of an SSI Instructor
* Teach the SSI Scuba Skills Update program
* Teach the SSI Snorkeling program
* Teach selected SSI Specialty courses
* Teach selected First Aid and CPR programs
* Teach Scuba Rangers (after completing the Scuba Rangers Instructor training)

You will study advanced physics, physiology and decompression theory. You'll practice advanced rescue techniques, fine-tune your diving skills and learn the basics of teaching. Plus, there's a high demand for SSI Dive Control Specialists at retail shops and exotic resorts.