Two different DM levels

[CWSWine]

I heard a rumor that Padi is splitting DM coarse into a Pro Version and a Rec Version with different training, duties and restrictions. Supposedly it will be announced at DEMA in Nov. Anyone hear anything about these changes? Or is just that - a rumor.

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by CWSWine

I heard a rumor that Padi is splitting DM coarse into a Pro Version and a Rec Version with different training, duties and restrictions. Supposedly it will be announced at DEMA in Nov. Anyone hear anything about these changes? Or is just that - a rumor.

haven't heard anything about that...

I can tell you that as of right now, it is almost like there are two completely separate courses anyways... one version you intern and deal with actual students, the others have certified divers "pretend" to be students and "pretend" to do things wrong... to me, there is no option, the internship way is the only way to go...

[Desert_Diver]

Sounds to me like it would open a can of worms. How would current DMs be classified into the new structure?

Let me guess. Current DMs could, for a nominal fee, get classified into the new heirarchy....

Art

[Damselfish]

or maybe the rec version would sort of be the equivalent of NAUI master diver.

[scubadiver888]

I think Damselfish might be on to something. It is not really a second type of DM but more like a Master Dive II. The current PADI Master Dive is a little lame. They will probably keep it and create a 'real' Master Dive but call it a non-professional Dive Master.

[DivingCRNA]

Hmmm.... Did not hear that. They just made some changes to DM that are mandatory in 6/2010. But nothing like that.

The current DMs would need to stay pro. They are already PADI members. Is PADI going to really kick out that many members? Nope....

I did the internship. There is no other way to go. I could not imagine my buddies as fake students.... OUCH!

BTW-I also hold PADI Master Diver. It is fairly lame. I got the card to annoy a dive buddy because we are a little competitive....

[it_mike]

Wouldn't it be simpler to just improve the entrance (and end goal) requirements of each? If more credible certifications are your target, that is.

Remember, PADI is a business. If they make the entrance requirements too difficult to meet, they'll 'sell' fewer certifications. Ditto the certification requirements. While that may improve the job market for professionals, and perhaps the quality of dive professionals in the field, it would not necessarily improve PADI's business model. They have to balance the potential fewer candidates (and candidate revenue) against the market's perception of they're end product, DMs.

**edit**
This is regarding the OPs original question, not the debate of internships vs. classroom-style training

[Tekdivr]

Originally Posted by CWSWine

I heard a rumor that Padi is splitting DM coarse into a Pro Version and a Rec Version with different training, duties and restrictions. Supposedly it will be announced at DEMA in Nov. Anyone hear anything about these changes? Or is just that - a rumor.

Seems to me if they were to just up the level slightly of their current program they would produce a better DM. I've seen people go through that course,are book smart, but can't dive properly. Maybe that's the fault of the dive shop, but by the time you start certifying for the professional side of PADI, your trim, buoyancy and weighting should be darn near perfect.

[comet24]

Originally Posted by Tekdivr

Seems to me if they were to just up the level slightly of their current program they would produce a better DM. I've seen people go through that course,are book smart, but can't dive properly. Maybe that's the fault of the dive shop, but by the time you start certifying for the professional side of PADI, your trim, buoyancy and weighting should be darn near perfect.

It's not just DM's. I seen instructors that couldn't dive. PADI has it's minimum standard and seem to be happy with them. In the end PADI is a for profit company.

If you overhaul the DM program to turn out good divers you would have to do the same with the instructor program and PADI needs it's numbers to continue to turn out it's numbers.

[Tekdivr]

Originally Posted by comet24

It's not just DM's. I seen instructors that couldn't dive. PADI has it's minimum standard and seem to be happy with them. In the end PADI is a for profit company.

If you overhaul the DM program to turn out good divers you would have to do the same with the instructor program and PADI needs it's numbers to continue to turn out it's numbers.

I couldn't agree more! The upside of revamping the DM program would be better instructor candidates.....hopefully!