DM guide vs. random buddy

[Dive the World]

You say that you hire a DM in your area - if it is your area maybe it would be worth getting to know some divers and be familiar with them. See if there is some form of a Dive Club.

I got certified by an agency but learned how to dive with a club. Individuals with multiple levels of experience showed me the way and now (sometimes) I get to pass on the few skills that I have picked up.

Best of luck.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I think this is a great discussion, with excellent points on both sides. There are advantages to having a dive master familiar with local sites and conditions and wildlife, but as Jim and others point out, not all dive masters are equal in skills or in attitude. I have worked as a private DM for couples who wanted to do their own thing in Hawaii, but never as a "hired buddy." Also, an "insta-buddy" on a guided dive may be more acceptable than an insta-buddy on an unguided dive. I have dove in the past with insta-buddies, and before the dive I take time to learn about them and their skill level and get expectations, communications and the like clear between us. It's a little easier every time, but never as good as a familiar buddy. As I consider the question, I guess the best answer is to have one or more competent buddies to dive with. I know once my wife started diving I had a much better time than when I had to find a buddy on dive trips. Then my friend Charlie came along and when Debbie is not up for a trip, Charlie always is. If you don't have a couple good dive buddies, my suggestion is to find some. Get connected with a local dive club or shop. There are a lot of people looking for the chance to go diving, whether locally on or an destination trip.
DivemasterDennis