27 replies to this topic

[jonjon]

I will be in a PADI DM course very soon, probably Feb. The only hold up is my instructor, trying getting everyone together. She had an orientation meeting in Dec. & I was the only one who showed. She did have several interested people that told her "if it had been any day but this one.......", so she's going to have another orientation for those who couldn't make it the first time, in early Feb. Now, back to the subject. I am looking for any words of encouragement, hints, tips, ideas & such to make this transition into the professional ranks as smooth as possible. This is something I want to excel in. I know it's going to take a big commitment on my part, and I don't want to waste it. I'm not quite sure how far I'll take this just yet, but we'll see, the sky's the limit. I have already picked up my manuals & begun reading & studying to get a jump on things . Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I completed my DM about a year ago, it took me about 3 months. Another guy I know completed his in @ 1 year and he struggled, It is not easy but very much worth the effort and study. I would have to say the most difficult part of my course was having to listen to my DM instructor brag about how wonderfully he did with his course whenever I was confronted with a certain problem. I later learned that he took several more months than I had to complete the course. I hope for you that your instructor puts your learning before his/her ego

[tstormwarning]

Well it looks like the DM course has hit a bit of a snag for while (more time to read & get into shape). It seems that there ar several high schoolers (seniors I assume) that want to take the course & will be in school until late May. It has been decided that the class will wait until they are out of school. I'll get there, It just may be a little longer than anticipated.

[RiverRat]

Go for it and have fun! Make sure you plan some quiet time to devote to study. That was my biggest issue, trying to study properly without any distractions. Word of advice, don't try to wing the physics exam I had some personal issues get in the way and it halted me about 2/3 of the way in. But when I got over that I buckled down and aced it. Getting in some laps would not be a bad idea either. Stay focused, do your best and have fun!

[shadragon]

Spent my weekend assisting an instructor with a OW class of 4 students. There are two other DM candidates plus the instructor so we had a 1:1 ratio for the pool work. Was an excellent learning experience and really makes you appreciate how a very small issue can bloom out of control very quickly without immediate corrective action. The gent I was buddied up with started out roughly, but smoothed out over time with lots of practice and encouragement from the instructor and myself.

We have next weekend booked for more pool work then open ocean dives the following weekend. Looking forward to it...

[Racer184]

Any updates, Tstomwarning?

I believe I understood in this forum thread that you would be able to start the class once school was out. Which sould be about now. I am now thinking a lot about taking the Dive Master class (I should finish master diver in two weeks or so). So I am interested in comments. I like learning.

I would like to hear comments from people that have been Dive Masters for a long time but decided to NOT become instructors and I would like to hear from people that "just became" Dive Masters.

[justscuba]

Hello. If you keep having your DM set back then you might want to get a different instructor who can schedule you in. I know there are lots of good instructors here in SD. I am just thinking. Not to say you should change.

[tstormwarning]

Any updates, Tstomwarning?

I believe I understood in this forum thread that you would be able to start the class once school was out. Which sould be about now. I am now thinking a lot about taking the Dive Master class (I should finish master diver in two weeks or so). So I am interested in comments. I like learning.

I would like to hear comments from people that have been Dive Masters for a long time but decided to NOT become instructors and I would like to hear from people that "just became" Dive Masters.

No, sorry. Nothing yet. It got put off again. It was discovered that one of the students won't turn 18 until the very end of July. ......Hopefully then. To be honest, it's been rather frustrating, but then good things come to those who wait. However I can't promise that my patience will hold out forever. I'll keep you all posted once things get rolling.

[tstormwarning]

Hello. If you keep having your DM set back then you might want to get a different instructor who can schedule you in. I know there are lots of good instructors here in SD. I am just thinking. Not to say you should change.

If things keep going as they are, I'm planning on doing that. It's now been put off 3 times. We are now looking at the end of July & the beginning of Aug. I've never seen an instructor hold thngs up for 1 person. Most of the time they would start the class & have the "odd man out" sit out until next year. If I do go with another instructor, I'll have to be picky. I want a quality instructor, but one that's wthin a reasonable distance because of the price of gas. Hopefully things will get going later this summer.

Edited by tstormwarning, 13 June 2007 - 05:16 PM.

[timalso]

I second what justscuba said a good instructor/course director should get you started right away there are many things that you can do independantly of a group to satisfy the things you need to do for your divemaster cert. You might want to look for an lds that is a career development center.

[tstormwarning]

Well I just talked to my Technical diving instructor. Next week I will see my recreational instructor & ask what the status is for her Dive Master course. If it appears that the course will be postponed again or cancelled, I will go back to my Technical instructor & join his Dive Control Specialist course. I'm at the point my patience has run out waiting. This course is already 7 mos. behind. I trust both instructors & feel both are very good. I guess I'll have an answer fri. If I go with my recreational instructor I'll be a PADI Dive Master, if I do it with my technical instructor I'll be going SSI.

[tstormwarning]

I just signed up for the Dive Con course today. Barring no problems with the medical exam, I'll be starting in early July. I've just gotten tired of waiting on the other DM course to get started.

Edited by tstormwarning, 22 June 2007 - 10:06 PM.

[justscuba]

I just signed up for the Dive Con course today. Barring no problems with the medical exam, I'll be starting in early July. I've just gotten tired of waiting on the other DM course to get started.

Good now your on your way. If you were here in NM I could have got you in a DM class last month. I think it would be to far to drive. Just remember have fun.

[tstormwarning]

If you were here in NM I could have got you in a DM class last month. I think it would be to far to drive.

Just a tad far, but thanks.

Edited by tstormwarning, 23 June 2007 - 08:04 PM.