I don't know who told you that about having to have liability insurance if you are not working as a DM. Anyone can take the DM class and get a DM cert (unfortunately) but if you are not actually working as a DM you do not need the insurance. If you are simply diving with friends all you need to do is make it clear that you are not in charge, not the leader, and not the organizer and just there to dive there is no issue. When it becomes an issue is when someone with a DM cert puffs up their chest and loudly proclaims to be a DM and that they know what they are doing. When they agree to lead the dive, organize the dive, and act like they are in charge they put themselves in a position to be sued if something goes wrong. Just getting a DM cert for the knowledge and not keeping active doesn't expose one to any more risk than taking any other specialty does. Attitude, actually working, and agreeing to be responsible puts you in hot water.
I carry waivers in my log book for ops that might ask me to watch over newer divers. If that happens the diver will sign a waiver and the op will comp me the trip or my answer is no. Saying that relieves me of any professional responsibility. I will obey my moral and ethical ones and if someone is in trouble of course I will help. But I'm not setting myself up for it off the get go. That would be stupid.
Saying someone will become a better diver by becoming a DM is misleading as some DM programs are focused on turning out future instructors and that does not necessarily mean better divers. Tech training after rescue, Fundies, Essentials, tailored non cert classes with independent instructors coupled with lots of diving will make you a better diver. That is dang near guaranteed as making it through those means surviving some tough challenges, learning theory that many recreational instructors do not know, and having to perfect your skills for real world dives outside of classes.
Jim,
I would like to clarify/reply to some of your comments, diplomatically of course
While I do not know you personally, I do know that you are a frequent poster and very knowledgeable about this thing we all love, Diving. Not my intention to "start a war" here;
I DO have insurance because I am in fact, an active DM.
You are correct in that a non-practicing/pro DM does not need insurance, HOWEVER, in a society where "anyone can sue anybody for anything", it makes perfect sense to have. Just my opinion. As to "who told me", I can tell you it was advised/urged/suggested/recommended by almost every Instructor, Captain, PADI Professional, Deckhand, Divemaster, Shop Owner, Public Safety Diver, Attorney, Cop, Dive Op owner/Operator I know. If PADI holds a DM to a higher standard, then so will some dingbat looking to get anything he can from anyone.
When I dive for fun, I do in fact let everyone know that is with me, that I am a buddy/fellow diver, and am not in charge of the group, be it 1 other person or however many. Makes perfect sense to do so. HOWEVER, "anybody can sue anyone for anything". When we all set foot on a dive boat, we all sign a waiver that we will not sue the boat, its' proprietor, etc. What's the first that that happens when "something goes wrong", regardless of fault, circumstances, etc. The boat gets sued ! There's a million ways to slice & dice it up, but again, people will sue for anything. Even after signing a waiver, entering at one's own risk, etc.
Did going through and passing the Divemaster Program make me a better diver ? Absolutely. My particular class was mostly cops, and our instructor did not hold back. It was "all 5's or bust"
When we completed the class, and were presented with our DM cards, certificates, and ceremonial hand-shake, one of the first questions I was asked by our instructor was, "Do you feel you are a better diver ? " I agree that just because one is a DM, does not make them a better diver. Heck, the same can said about Tech Divers. I've seen plenty of ego's there. I also agree that just diving, you progressively become a better diver. I dive almost every week, as well as do a significant amount of dive travel.
FWIW, I am not a chest-pounder. I'm way to smart to be cocky with diving. I take nothing for granted, as I often dive solo, as well. I too will always help a fellow diver in need, bound by morals and ethics.
Anyways, just my 2 cents here.