How does one get a career in recreational diving

[Trinigordo]

I have tonnes of questions for anyone that knows the answers.

But, let's just start with the first one, how do I start a career in recreational diving?

Gordo

 

[H2Andy]

complete the class that suits your goals (DM or INstructor), find a job
with a dive operation, make contacts, get a better job, repeat =)

best of luck

 

[Web Monkey]

Get a job that pays a lot of money. Take lots of vacations.

All the DMs and instructors I know do it because they love diving and like to teach and lead dives, not for the money, which typically ranges somewhere between "almost nothing" and "almost enough to cover the car payments".

Terry

I have tonnes of questions for anyone that knows the answers.

But, let's just start with the first one, how do I start a career in recreational diving?

Gordo

 

[Trinigordo]

Well I wouldn't become an instructor for the money, but whats the easiest, most economical way to get to DM? Lets say I do the rescue diver, what comes next?

 

[H2Andy]

short route:

get a good number of dives in so that you know what you are doing, and take
the DM class when you're ready

long route:

challenge your skills by going the technical route. take nitrox, advanced
nitrox, cavern, cave or wreck, get your bouyancy to near perfect, all
your basic skills honed. in about four years, take your DM class.

 

[abysmaldiver]

first you win the lottery then you become an instructor

 

[Trinigordo]

H2Andy that sounds expensive

 

[daniel f aleman]

No point in becoming an instructor unless you want to instruct. To lead dives you'll need to be a Divemaster, the industry standard, certified by one of the major world-wide agencies. Talk to a currently working divemaster in your area and find out what he did.

Divemaster, examples:

PADI - http://www.padi.com/english/common/courses/pro/divemaster.asp
NAUI - http://www.scubadreams.net/divemaster.htm
SSI - http://www.divein.com.au/id25.htm
SDI - http://www.hsdivers.com/divemaster.html

Then get a job ON A BOAT...

 

[freediver]

Introducing the six step program.
Step 1: Take OW course to become diver ....and...spend money on dive gear.
Step 2: Take AOW course to further yourself as a diver....and....spend more money on dive gear.
Step 3: Take Rescue course to become competent and safe, prepared diver ...and... spend even more money on dive gear.
Step 4: Take Divemaster course to make a difference in diving for others ...and...spend some more money on dive gear.
Step 5: Take Instructor course in anticipation of making some money...and...spend a lot more money on dive gear.
Step 6: Hang around the water cooler at your real job and wonder what the heck happened to all your money.

 

[Trinigordo]

Ok are there any DM's out there?

Could you guys tell me how you reached there?