Should you get your Divemaster Certification?

Reply I recently posted on ScubaBoard to a question about the value of Divemaster certification.

This thread has sparked some interesting (and not so interesting) discussion.Why get DM certification? Is it worth it? Can you make any money at it?

Everybody's motivations are different, but there are some common theme's. Personally, I have only had my DM for about a year, and assist with classes about 1 - 2 weekends per month on average. My personal motivation in seeking DM certification was to become a better diver, to be better prepared to handle in-water emergencies, and to learn to deal with people and the problems that can arise in teaching new students to dive.

Is it worth it? Personally - yes. I get a great deal of satisfaction working with students, and seeing the tremendous growth in self-confidence that can happen in just a matter of days. I personally like Open Water training the best - where the student has a chance to demonstrate the skills and really enjoy this great sport of diving. The enthusiasm and excitement of newly certified divers completing their first real open water dives is truly contageous and rewarding.

Can you make money as a DM? Very simply, no. Many DM's get great discounts on gear, air, trips, and other perks, but you cannot make a living as a DM unless you are in a location where your pay (or lack thereof) is strongly supplemented by tips.

To the poster that has made the negative comments about DM training - I would ask what other opportunities does a diver have to increase their knowledge, skills, and ability other than the intensive training (CPR, First Aid, Oxygen Provider, Rescue, etc.) necessary to achieve the DM rating?

The final point I would offer is that the DM certification in itself is not a means to an end. It is only a formal recognition of a basic level of demonstrated performance for the diver, and a stepping-stone to contined education and experience. As the worn out cliché goes "A good diver is always leaning".

Dive Safe!