Potential problems with Divemaster class

[EastCoastWreckDiver]

Getting closer to the date I have "the talk" with my instructor, one thing I have noticed since I have been in the shop the last couple days since I asked for my records (including my liability form) in my folder that everyone seems to give me a smile and a little extra help...hmm wonder if they think I am a liability issue and are trying to be a little nice to me. Anyways im pretty nervous about talking to my instructor because hes a pretty intimidating guy but ill give it all I got. I really dont want my reputation to be ruined forever at this shop. Saturday is coming way too fast.

 

[lowviz]

This is nothing. Like it or not, as a DM you hold others' lives in your charge. Buck up, man!

 

[chrpai]

This is nothing. Like it or not, as a DM you hold others' lives in your charge. Buck up, man!

Really? How did I ever survive those hundreds of dives without a DM around?

 

[lowviz]

Ah yes, minimal standards, just got by, good enough. So a DM is just a tour guide?

 

[chrpai]

I didn't say they are just a tour guide, I'd have to first be diving with one for that to happen. I'm not saying DM's don't serve a purpose, but to suggest that I rest the fate of my life in their hands when going diving is more then a bit absurd.

 

[lowviz]

I didn't say they are just a tour guide, I'd have to first be diving with one for that to happen. I'm not saying DM's don't serve a purpose, but to suggest that I rest the fate of my life in their hands when going diving is more then a bit absurd.

And this thinking applies to everyone that a DM oversees?

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Intimidating or not, you need to stand your ground.
You'd be amazed at how seemingly intimidating people shrink and begin to buckle when they get challenged and taken off guard, especially when they know they are in the wrong.
What's he going to do, yell at you?
And as far as your reputation, what reputation? They haven't even given you the chance to build one yet.
And besides, who's going to listen to them?
All you have to do is tell your side of the story to anyone who inquires.
They're the ones who should be worried about their reputation!

 

[Vicksburg Diver]

$180/dive is expensive (and in my opinion, you shouldn't pay to dive as you're working) plus if you're serious about it, then you really should have your own gear at this level (this is the beginning of "Pro".)

 

[lowviz]

DM is a nasty position, too far down and out of the loop with the "in crowd" yet one of "them" for the "us vs. them" divers.

 

[chrpai]

This is nothing. Like it or not, as a DM you hold others' lives in your charge. Buck up, man!

Turn that question around and ask yourself:

And this thinking applies to everyone that a DM oversees?

Obviously neither position is true universally.

Eitherway, I like your last post about DM is a tough. I'd say it apply to other experienced divers as well whether they choose to go "pro" or not. In the world of scuba culture and politics, I'd consider myself in the middle class. I'm nowhere near your typical blue water vacation diver who is barely skilled and going on trust me dives assuming the DM will save them if there's a problem. I'm also nowhere near the hard cove cake / wreck diver who (often, admit it) looks down at everyone who doesn't have that technical knowledge and skils level. And I'm don't hang out in the "pro" world either because frankly I don't ever want to take something I love and turn it into work. Especially not for a heck of a lot less money.