Guys.
I would like to rack your brains and collective experience. I'm planning to leave the UK to SE Asia to become a diving professional. The plan so far is to find a good dive school and train to be a DM and then onto Instructor level.
However, I have encountered a couple of pretty significant points:
1. Many schools, particularly in SE Asia run Advanced Open Water -> Instructor courses. Are these designed to churn out students and make maximum profit (I'm aware busiensses need to make money)? What would be the likelyhood of securing employment as a DM / Instructor after graduating from such an operation (even a 5star or CDC)? Many schools say they will try to get me a job in one of their branches after graduating. Are they just saying this to get me enrolled?
2. Smaller operations offer to train you to DM in exchange for my services in their operation. This would involve working in a Dive school for a season (for no pay), but gaining experience from it. At least this would guarantee a season's experiece where option 1. might not.
It is very difficult to get sound advice from schools as they have their own agendas (making money from me or getting free services from me).
What is in your opinions the best path to become a good Divemaster / Instructor?
Thanks for your help
Mac
I would like to rack your brains and collective experience. I'm planning to leave the UK to SE Asia to become a diving professional. The plan so far is to find a good dive school and train to be a DM and then onto Instructor level.
However, I have encountered a couple of pretty significant points:
1. Many schools, particularly in SE Asia run Advanced Open Water -> Instructor courses. Are these designed to churn out students and make maximum profit (I'm aware busiensses need to make money)? What would be the likelyhood of securing employment as a DM / Instructor after graduating from such an operation (even a 5star or CDC)? Many schools say they will try to get me a job in one of their branches after graduating. Are they just saying this to get me enrolled?
2. Smaller operations offer to train you to DM in exchange for my services in their operation. This would involve working in a Dive school for a season (for no pay), but gaining experience from it. At least this would guarantee a season's experiece where option 1. might not.
It is very difficult to get sound advice from schools as they have their own agendas (making money from me or getting free services from me).
What is in your opinions the best path to become a good Divemaster / Instructor?
Thanks for your help
Mac