It's lotsa fun

[OzDiver]

Hello Dive Community,

i am an active DM since 2005.So i am still considering myself as a freshman.

I just wanted to say that i never regret to become a DM.

I enjoyed the course and i'll never forget how i started guiding.

I just love it.I love to help people and learn new skills at the same time.

Sometimes it's a nice change of everyday work if you just take a group of snorkelers as

well.

Everyone should know that it is a kind of Lifestyle once you started workin as a PRO.

So it is not about the big money.

It's enough to live of and with a bit luck you might step up the ladder and earn real

money one day.

So just keep focused.

Good luck to everyone.

[littlescuba]

PLUS YOU LOOK LIKE BRUCE WILLIS !!!!!!

[Bubbles_from_below]

The reality of a DM is that there is not a large job market for them.  Most are out looking for work since there are so many Instructors taking the DM assignments. 

The main reason for getting your DM is to satisfy an inner goal.  You will feel great satisfaction when you pass the final test.

If you live in an area lucky enough to have diving year round you will have better luck finding work, but don't do it for the money.  The money is low and the hours long.

But imagine getting paid to got out on a dive boat and spend the day with divers...priceless!

[OzDiver]

I couldn't agree more with Bubbles From Below.

Same same

[milka]

As the saying goes :

A bad day diving is always better than a good day at work !

now when diving is work... it's just good

I would say that the problem is that we need more qualified DM's... the logistics, the hard work is not for everyone. An instructor with a good DM is just a magical pair... no need for communication, we just know where he is, and what we have to ask him.

The main problem we dive center managers encounter, is that there are so many instructors or divemasters on the market, but suprisingly... not that many are willing to provide a top notch quality service. Many did it to learn more... pay their fees and do it for free dives here and there... but are not ready to get involved in the industry.

I just thank guys like you OzDiver for your statements, and for your decision to be part of the dive industry...

[Bubbles_from_below]

The other problem is that as a DM you can not get the chance to prove you are a good DM since most operators hire instructors instead of the DM.  It makes more financial sense then logical sense.

When you have an instructor, you have both a DM and a instructor...so they think.

Most instructors do NOT make good DMs, they find the work below them.  I have watched this over and over.

I was told last week that in order to bring me on as a regular DM they would need to let go an instructor.  That is reality, and they have instructors that are barely qualified as advanced dives let alone instructors.

[G]

Hey All,

Well not be a drag but I am an instuctor who loves to do DM although I love to teach as well but sometimes it's good to get out there with qualified divers and lead them around. I love the job whichever way it comes to me so keep your chins up we don't mean to take the DM's job but like BFB said the way a DC looks at it there is more flexability having an Instructor as a DM as they can fill both roles.

Sorry DM's 

G

[cooperscuba]

Hey All,

Well not be a drag but I am an instuctor who loves to do DM although I love to teach as well but sometimes it's good to get out there with qualified divers and lead them around. I love the job whichever way it comes to me so keep your chins up we don't mean to take the DM's job but like BFB said the way a DC looks at it there is more flexability having an Instructor as a DM as they can fill both roles.

Sorry DM's 

G

Ditto - love to guide, love to teach

[scubagirl]

Good call, I guess I only thought of it as one or the other. But now I see its still the best of both worlds! DM duties are fun, its nice to know they are still available after progression when u want it.