DiveMaster Training

[Rachel]

Hi, what do you guys think? There's an advert on Asian Divers from a dive school out in Thailand and they are offering dive master training in exchange for four months work for them. Do you think that's a fair deal? You have to cover your own expenses, etc, while you're living out there which is understandable. I just don't know if four months is a long time to work off dive master training (I'm already OW and will probably be AOW by the time I get there). I'd appreciate any info any of you have. Many thanks.

 

[Rick Murchison]

If I were young and single and had enough money to do it, I'd jump at it. Whether it's a "fair trade" or not is mainly a "point of view." I whould think that along with the hard work, it would be an experience one would never forget, an adventure to cherish forever.. Who knows?? If you do a good job your tips may cover your expenses anyway.
Rick

 

[turnerjd]

Rachel,

It doesn't sound like a good deal to me. 4 months is a long time to work for free.

There is a shop next to where I used to live that did instructor courses for practically nothing, all you had to do was 4 or 5 openwater courses for free afterwards. This is a lot less than 4 months, and teaching to instructor level is more expensive than to DM level.

If the deal is you get accom and some meals free once you are qualified it isn't too bad as you have only to find 'pocket money' for those 4 months (a lot of places DO provide accom for DM's), but 4 months without pay, and having to provide your own accom sound a bit steep in exchange for a DM course.

If they do the course rather than the internship, then it only takes about 5 days if you are really going for it. I have seen UK shop based DM courses going for as little as UK£200 (about $320) - puts it into perspective doesn't it?

Jon T

 

[gozumutti]

Dear Rachel

To do this or not is your decision, I agree with both Rick and Jon, they each have a valid point.

I did want to note that many diving schools offer such training in exchange for work, but most will give you room and board for free, so if you do decide to go for something like that, make sure you don't work AND pay.

gozu

 

[gozumutti]

..and I am back with a few addresses:

octopus@bitel.es in Spain is offering the same deal, but for 8 weeks.

JLSUB@gmx.net on Fuerteventura does not mention a time limit, but offers room and board along with the training.

Check out various offers before you take one.

gozu

 

[Mario S Caner]

Hello Rachael,
If in fact they are covering accomodations and meals during the 4 months, it's a killer deal! Not only do you get DM training but you also gain 4 months of valuable experience as a 'real world' DM as opposed to someone whom went through the course some years ago and flashes the card every 6 months or so on a Dive boat.

 

[Rachel]

Thanks to all of you for your varied and valuable opinions. It gave me a glimpse of other perspectives and that's always good. The main reason why I hesitate is because I'm concerned that a school that would try to take advantage of pupils and employees is not one that I would want to train with. And I'm grateful to Jon for giving me an idea of other options. I've been planning to go out to Thailand to do my DM training anyway, but I may just find another school to do it with.

Many thanks again.

Rachel :->

 

[exnewwavedivers]

Good to hear that you are thinking about doing the divemaster course.

Before doing the course, ask around from people you know personally who have done courses with whoever instructors. Not all instructors give good courses and that's the truth. Cheap price may not come with value.

The deal in Thailand, doing the course for free provided you work for 4 months with them is not free at all. They didn't tell you exactly what kind of work you are going to do, did they? How long does it really take to do the course? Do they have schedules? What kind of equipment do they use and training materials to teach you? Who are their past divemaster trainees and email addresses so you could write to them and ask about their experience with the dive shop and instructor?

Hope this helps...

 

[Greg G.]

Hmmm...I ditto Gozu, in that both Jon and Rick have a point. The suspicious part of me says "you gotta be kidding!", but the long-gone 20yo in me says it would be a good adventure. I'm leaning a little towards the suspicious side because it doesn't sound like they're offering room and board. How are you going to pay for that? You would have to get a grub stake in Thailand, and I don't think they have minimum wage laws there. Are you getting any gear out of the deal, and what about accident insurance? What's the cost of a DM class now, about $1000? Even at the low end of the pay scale in the US, that's less than 2 weeks pay. They want 4 months? I dunno, I would think about it, ask more questions.

 

[Rachel]

Again, all the new replies have given me plenty to think about. I'm not thinking of doing it straight away as in order to support myself for the required time I have to work for a while and save up some cash. So, for the time being it's all on hold.

I definitely appreciate all the good advice, though, and will look into it further when the time draws near.

Many thanks and happy diving!!