Divemaster internship Questions

[unclebob123]

Firstly I'm new to these forums, so I was not entirely sure where to post this thread. If in the wrong place, then moderators could you please move it.

I'm looking to take my divemaster certification, but I have a few questions requarding location, prices etc.

From my research North sulawesi (Bunaken/Lembeh) seems like an excelent place to do this, more specifically with Two Fish Divers. Their price seems competative and the locations(s) look excelent. As for the quality of the dive centre I have read mostly positive things about them, with the negative comments mainly focusing on the standard of the accomodation and food (what do you expect it's a budget resort). Needless to say these things dont bother me.

What im looking for is peoples first hand experience with this dive centre, and more specifically experiences with this dive centre in regards to a divemaster certification.

The total cost break down of this dive centre is as follows (I'm already open water certified)

>Advanced course package - €350
> 6week DM internship - €1,439
> 1 week extension to include Rescue course - €463
>
> TOTAL = €2,252

Plus around 200 dollars in PADI fees and divemaster manuals etc

So thats a grand total of around $3000USD

This is inclusive of all meals, accomodation, diving and presumably gear rental(?)

It would also be great to get some other suggestions on locations to do the course. Preferably in or below the price of two fish divers. Im currently in asia so idealy I would be looking at philippines, Indonesia or Malasya. I've just spent a considerble amount of time in Thailand, so would prefer to go somewhere new, but im open to suggestions.

Sorry for the bombardment of questions, and I look forward to hearing from some of you.

 

[SailNaked]

I did mine for $500. seems a better deal to me but you may want to do it your way.

 

[RJP]

Where do you want to DM when you're done with the course? Why do you want to do your DM at a resort location?

Your profile says 0-24 logged dives. Is that accurate? If so, you might be disappointed to find that - if it's your intention to return to the UK to be a DM or become an instructor - few shops/instructors may be terribly interested in someone who did a "zero to hero" DM in a pretty-fishy resort location.

Recommendation from many - myself included - will be to do your DM training in the location or type of location where you plan to actually DM (or pursue further professional training) after you're done with the course. If you're not planning on DM'ing or training anywhere after finishing the course... doesn't much matter where you train.

Ray

 

[RJP]

I did mine for $500. seems a better deal to me but you may want to do it your way.

Looking at his profile and course description he's doing AOW, Rescue, and DM all rolled into one.

 

[SubMariner]

Where do you want to DM when you're done with the course? Why do you want to do your DM at a resort location?

Your profile says 0-24 logged dives. Is that accurate? If so, you might be disappointed to find that - if it's your intention to return to the UK to be a DM or become an instructor - few shops/instructors may be terribly interested in someone who did a "zero to hero" DM in a pretty-fishy resort location.

Recommendation from many - myself included - will be to do your DM training in the location or type of location where you plan to actually DM (or pursue further professional training) after you're done with the course. If you're not planning on DM'ing or training anywhere after finishing the course... doesn't much matter where you train.

Ray

These are wise words.

DM is the first Professional level in diving. It is a title that needs to be EARNED, not BOUGHT. What you are describing is NOT an Internship program but a money grab by a tropical dive operation.

unclebob123, you need to get out and dive, especially locally. Gain at least a year's experience in various dive conditions/locations to progress to AOW and possibly Rescue Diver. Dive lots more & see if you are still in love with diving. If so, THEN talk to some local Instructors & DMs for their take on becoming a DM, which, when done properly, will take months or years (depending on your dive skills & commitment).

"Zero to Hero" in the tropics is no way to become a decent DM.

My apologies for raining on your parade, but you need to be realistic.

 

[ZenDiver.3D]

Okay. The progression has to go like this OW, then advanced adventure, then you Must do Rescue Diver course, you must have a medic/first aid course and CPR/OX, Then you can take your DM course. You have to have a minimum of 20 logged dives to begin the DM course and you have to have 40-60 to apply for DM (it changes from one agency to another).
As for prices, I can't tell you what is good for one area when I am not there. My shop charges 120
kd- $426.00 (dives are included, though), for AOW. Rescue is 175kd- $621.00 (all included), and DM is 275kd- $976.00( again for all training and dives.) So, you are paying less, but all of my people are locals. You may have to add on hotel, food, all that, plus loss of regular income.
You make your deicision and make the most of it.

 

[Ex-Aquanaut]

"Zero to Hero" in the tropics is no way to become a decent DM.

That's a ridiculous statement and the OP would be well served to ignore your entire response.

Firstly, how does the "tropics" figure into your rationale? Are the only "good" divemasters the ones who've done it in some dark, freezing Canadian quarry like perhaps you did? Preposterous.

Intensive, immersive programs that have students living, eating and breathing diving seven days a week are excellent ways to do training and become proficient. I could certainly give you some Canadians who did their instructor training here "int he tropics" of Thailand who would equal or better any locally grown example you could find.

Now, for the OP, the program and prices you cite are not exceptional. In fact, our Aquanauts Value program offers 2 full months of daily diving -- working in real-life situations with real-life customers doing real-life DM training work -- as well as a set of Scubapro equipment you KEEP, accommodations, fees, materials, job placement, visas and airport transfers for less than 3,000 pounds.

See the link below or PM me.

Don't believe the naysayers and old hacks. Just because they walked 200 miles to school barefoot in the snow in the last century doesn't make them any better than someone who takes a reputable, good quality bus.

 

[orm]

DM is the first Professional level in diving. It is a title that needs to be EARNED, not BOUGHT. What you are describing is NOT an Internship program but a money grab by a tropical dive operation.


"Zero to Hero" in the tropics is no way to become a decent DM.

You what!?

I hope you're not a professional as this is about as far from a professional response I have seen!

Also, RJP? Pretty Fishy resort? Are you all over the age of 80 and dive in bells or something?

Working in a busy resort is one of the best trainings you will have. The people that you will have coming diving with you will be so different in abilities and confidence, you will be dealing with a 50 year old, 1500 dives guy who knows it all to a straight out of OW 18 year old, you'll have to accommodate both.

There will be people who are intent on killing themselves underwater. You will have divers popping up to the surface, dragging along the floor, kicking people in the face, and you will have to orchestrate and manage tho whole mess and get back on the boat with a smile.

DM'ing in a 'Pretty Fishy' resort is one of the toughest jobs around with relatively no pay, you'll work long hours and put up with a lot of crap, but in the end, it's worth it to live in the 'Pretty Fishy' resort.

If you want to work in the UK, you'll have to hang around with old blokes with beards, bad breath and attitudes like the people above. The diving is far far tougher, but the skill set required to manage these walking egos will be the same.

Not sure on price, but the DM is usually around the $600-800 mark.

 

[RJP]

Also, RJP? Pretty Fishy resort? Are you all over the age of 80 and dive in bells or something?

Working in a busy resort is one of the best trainings you will have.

Read what I wrote.

A busy resort is one of the "best trainings" you will have... assuming you want to DM at a busy resort.

My point was that anyone is best off doing their DM training in a location similar to where they plan on DM'ing, and that someone who did zero-to-hero training at a "pretty fishy" resort will be worth about nothing if they want to DM in the UK.

 

[Thalassamania]

It is amusing to watch operators like Aquanauts Pataya (incidentally they are not Aquanauts. I am, and I do resent their dishonest misappropriation of the term) who have an economic interest in what the potential DM does with his or her hard earned cash, engage in character assassination of those who have no monetary axe to grind, but how have lots more diving experience. Do they really think that people are that stupid? I guess they must.

If what you want is to learn to deal with "difficult" people and poorly trained clients, there maybe something to be said for paying someone to let you work for them in an environment that provides an endless supply of butt-holes for you to practice on.

If what you want to do is increase you diving skills, develop your situational awareness and learn how to be something other than an underwater bellboy grovelling for tips ... perhaps a longer program, with less advertising bumph, that features a lot of mentoring from people who have a broad range of experience and see you as something other than a walking ATM will better suit your needs.