whaleboy
Registered
In regards to PADI DM.
I have been to 3 OW / DSD classes so far where I helped out and assisted. I enjoyed it thoroughly, training others is one thing I seem to be fairly good at. The material is not an issue nor is my instructor, he is one of the best. My issue is the cost. I guess I never got straight answers from anyone, the shop was really cool to cut me a break, however the impending cost of
1. Taking the test fee $90 (Found this out from a friend who's DM'ing)
2. Certification fee ? ( Do you pay for your first year?) And what does it cost per year ?
3. Insurance $300 or so.
4. Those hidden charges you find out about at the end of the program. (Just a place holder)
So far I sank a few hundred in materials and tuition and I am contemplating jumping ship, cut my losses and move on. :depressed:
Thing is, how do normal worker bee's afford this? $400 + just to stay certified and insured per year.
Everyone I met, and that includes the instructors, except for the IDC, say I will not make money at this, and I will never break even.
Its a love it and do it attitude, because its fun, etc...if you have the money to burn.
I understand pricing something high enough to keep the riff raff out, and make it so that you have to be serious or well off to continue
up the PADI Pro ladder, but its hurting those of us who can make a difference and do the sport and the environment, some good.
I have been to 3 OW / DSD classes so far where I helped out and assisted. I enjoyed it thoroughly, training others is one thing I seem to be fairly good at. The material is not an issue nor is my instructor, he is one of the best. My issue is the cost. I guess I never got straight answers from anyone, the shop was really cool to cut me a break, however the impending cost of
1. Taking the test fee $90 (Found this out from a friend who's DM'ing)
2. Certification fee ? ( Do you pay for your first year?) And what does it cost per year ?
3. Insurance $300 or so.
4. Those hidden charges you find out about at the end of the program. (Just a place holder)
So far I sank a few hundred in materials and tuition and I am contemplating jumping ship, cut my losses and move on. :depressed:
Thing is, how do normal worker bee's afford this? $400 + just to stay certified and insured per year.
Everyone I met, and that includes the instructors, except for the IDC, say I will not make money at this, and I will never break even.
Its a love it and do it attitude, because its fun, etc...if you have the money to burn.
I understand pricing something high enough to keep the riff raff out, and make it so that you have to be serious or well off to continue
up the PADI Pro ladder, but its hurting those of us who can make a difference and do the sport and the environment, some good.