DiveMaster Responsibilities

[CuriousMe]

Hello all,

I have a quesiton that proves without a doubt my newbie status.

What exactly should I expect from a DiveMaster? What are their responsibilites on a dive?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Drew Sailbum]

It will vary slightly from agency to agency, but here's a brief summary from a PADI perspective.

First and foremost the DM should be a good example and follow safe diving practices. The DM may also:

• teach refresher courses to divers who are already certified.
• assist instructors in training student divers by escorting divers on the surface to/from descent point, working with students who are having difficulty with a skill, and conducting certain non-scuba skills.
• lead guided dives, including providing a site briefing and recommended dive plan.
• help you to meet your dive objectives such as locating wrecks, locating interesting photography subjects, or recovery of a lost item.
• assist with setting up dive gear and/or changing tanks between dives.
• assist with setting up weight belts for the divers.
• handle logistics, such as loading and unloading tanks on the dive boat.
• assist with minor equipment problems such as broken fin straps or leaking o-ring replacement.
• provide appropriate response to an emergency.
• be an excellent source of information about local diving conditions, equipment, or most anything dive related.

Things a DM does not do include:

• planning the dive for you. DM's can only suggest a dive plan. You are responsible for planning your dive, and then diving your plan.
• keeping you from doing something stupid. You are the best judge of your own abilities and limitations. Dive within your abilities, and seek appropriate training for the kind of diving you want to do.
• ensuring the operation of equipment. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring your air is turned on, that your regulator works, and that your BC holds air. Be sure you do your pre-dive safety check every dive.

This is nowhere near a comprehensive list. Local laws may preclude a divemaster from performing certain duties.

 

[ScubaJorgen]

Drew, great list!

I think someone with a Divemaster or Rescue Diver degree should be more aware :around: of critical situations in general. Drew wrote a Divemaster does not keep you from 'doing something stupid'. I think a Divemaster should at least point out to you if you are about to do something stupid.

 

[vicky]

The list is comprehensive.

I can summarize the role of the Dive Master into three words:

PREVENTING DIVING ACCIDENTS.

In all the activities described in the list his role is to prevent diving accidents (therefore he will assist instructors, make refresh guides to certified divers, brief guided dives, give information etc.).

 

[Drew Sailbum]

The not preventing divers 'from doing something stupid' comment should be taken quite literally. While a DM can (and should) point out that you should not penetrate a cavern if you are not trained and equipped to do so, it is not the DM's responsibility to physically prevent you from doing so.

Occasionally, a DM will encounter a diver who insists on doing something incredibly stupid despite warnings and admonishments to the contrary. Gratefully, there are multiple ways :tease: to be sure that the :dork: deficient diver only gets one chance to display his/her stupidity. :drown:

 

[jbd]

the NAUI DM list is pretty similar to what Drew listed for PADI DM's. I've to agree with Drew in that a dive leader can point out stupid things but he or she can't forcibly stop you from doing something stupid like entering a cave with no training etc, etc.

For a group going on a dive and using a DM the group members should view the DM as someone who expedites the dive in that they help insure that things go reasonably smoothly because of their experience and familiarity with the diving locale.

If you need a DM to check that your air is on and you didn't forget your weight belt etc, etc then you need to go back to an open water class and start all over again.

 

[SaltyWhale]

Drew.....very comprehensive list u've done.

Originally posted by jbd

For a group going on a dive and using a DM the group members should view the DM as someone who expedites the dive in that they help insure that things go reasonably smoothly because of their experience and familiarity with the diving locale.

I totally agree with jbd..... on this matter.

A DM should not be viewed as a person who is solely responsible for your everything when diving with them.

After all.... you are a certified diver and responsible enough to look after yourself.

 

[CuriousMe]

I appreciate the info, I just wanted a better idea of what to expect.