Master Scuba Diver Vs Dive Master... Which Should You Choose?

[@CrazyGuyBlahBlah]

Master Diver might not get you anything, but it is still something worth striving for. The data shows very few people are willing to obtain further training (advanced, rescue, deep, nitrox, etc) or even accomplish 50 dives. It’s not something an annual vacation diver will ever be able to accomplish. It takes someone serious about it to go after it. Less than 2% of divers are apparently Master Diver level, so there is SOME pride that should be taken in it.

[@jhardy2659]

Your comment about nitrox was funny. My instructor trainer told me that nitrox would kill me. That was around 1985. The TDI nitrox course was still 2.0 and 1.6 for max o2 pressures. But I'm still alive, and now he teaches nitrox.

[@CritterHunter]

Team divemaster here! I never wanna teach, just have the skills while I play

[@CritterHunter]

To note, I am a dm with padi and naui, and naui was a lot harder, more about the education and less about buying books

[@DiversReady]

Critter Hunter in the house!

[@bbl2019]

Yup. I’m a rescue diver and didn’t want DM because I don’t dive to deal with the general public. I do it to get away from people hahaha. So I went the technical diving route starting with RAID Deep40, sidemount and now going to do Deco50

[@pucioy]

When one make 4 specialties, then stress and rescue and have 50 dives in SSI, Master Diver is recognized automatically so one is gonna be a Master Diver no matter if one want it or not.

[@troymiller1524]

But...but...but my LDS told me that having a master diver cert meant I was a "black belt" in scuba diving...😭😭😭😀😀😀🤣🤣🤣

[@DiversReady]

Hahahahahaha!

[@kylegrimm8808]

I don't trust any label on a card. I have dove with open water divers that were better than professional level divers.

[@jorinb]

That actually seems pretty appropriate. In Japanese martial arts the first black belt is called shodan, which basically means introductory or initial rank. It doesn’t mean you’re a master, but serios enough to start learning in earnest.

[@wezzuh2482]

@@kylegrimm8808 Same. I know a handful of divers who never progressed beyond the OW cert and simply amassed a mountain of experience instead.

[@robharris5245]

My wife is a PADI rescue diver, plus she holds deep certification. When I asked her why she did not aim for MSD. her reply was it's not worth the cost. I'm just a mere PADI Open Water certified Diver.

[@jesspeoples3292]

You are right James. Knowledge and experience are more important than master scuba diver card.

[@diveinstructordaniel1095]

I had training with SSI so I got my MSD automatically 😄 I start the divemaster course in 2 weeks since want to become an professional

[@PanamaDiveAdventure]

Daniel, You did the right thing, first gain experience and knowledge. Now you go with better eyes to your Divemaster course.

[@mikkosport2300]

Yet another option: focus to some part of diving. You already mentioned Tec but you can also focus e.g. photography. Also it is worth to note that tec preparation course like GUE Fundamentals is a good way to improve your basic diving skills, like boyacy and propulsion even if you are not interested in tec itself.

[@rhino007a]

I don’t think PADI require 5 specialities for DM? EFR for sure

[@KB-gd6fc]

"There's a third option." Another truth bomb!

[@DiversReady]

You know it, Kyle!

[@PanamaDiveAdventure]

James, I like your way of thinking, you are young but old school. Study a lot and dive a lot, there is no other way to become a good diver.

[@DiversReady]

It's very lovely to be called 'Young'! That hasn't happened in a while, thank you!

[@christopherreynolds8873]

Nice. As a PSD it is nice hear someone talk honestly about the certification options. Love your videos and would love dove with you in FL someday.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks Christopher! Come on down!

[@christopherreynolds8873]

Divers Ready you know it would be a treat to dive in water that I can see in!

[@stephansunnyvale]

I really appreciate the upfront, no-nonsense videos

[@jpearce08055]

I did the MSD for exactly the reason that you described - I wanted to have the highest certification possible for a recreational diver, and it was worth the $150 just for that. I understand the stigma and am willing to accept it. In my defense I skipped some of the certs that James notes are pretty worthless like Boat Diver and instead did Nitrox, Deep, Wreck, DPV (ok, that one was pretty easy) - and Tec 40 which counts as a specialty for PADI. IMHO Nitrox should be required for MSD if for no other reason than to let you use your MSD card suffice as a Nitrox cert without needing to show a second card (although the Tec card works for both…). I strongly agree that Tec is worthwhile even if you’re not planning to do technical diving (which I probably won’t do). It opens your eyes to a whole different pathway to diving and made me aware of dozens of issues that have improved my recreational diving. It also helped me understand the issues surrounding what more advanced (i.e., technical) divers have to deal with. My instructor at Divetech was great and I picked up many tips from him that have been useful since that course. And it counted as a specialty for MSD so it doesn’t have to follow MSD - it can precede it. Also - it was pretty cool to see the Nitrox tanks all lined up at Divetech - I did almost all of my training with Divetech instructors and they’re top-notch.

[@gmancolo]

What stigma?

[@saar144]

I think all MSD certifications require Deep specialty, which in itself requires Nitrox. So I think MSD certification does include Nitrox certification

[@Jenz666]

I like it to be a MSD! Experienced quite a lot of different training in different conditions. Rescue plus Deep and Nitrox, which I still find extremely useful, Drift, because I usually dive in cold water lakes, therefor Night (since lakes are often low visibility) and finally Wreck, which is what I really want to do in the future... and let me add: my instructors were awesome! ;)

[@marksaxby607]

Great post and totally agree with your points. MSD is a PADI cash cow, DM is the way into instructing (for PADI), neither offers much in terms of diving skills progression beyond AOW (Rescue doesn't either, imo, although the skills are very useful if you ever intend to dive independently). There are other options into instructing, with other agencies. BSAC is probably the cheapest if you can find a club (easiest in the UK, of course). Totally agree on the Nitrox point, btw.

[@e.nichols5380]

Your channel is solid gold my friend…Thank you, James!

[@AdventuresandLifestyle]

Good explainations as always. Very fluent. "Dive often" is key! Cheers James.

[@shuntao3475]

James, NAUI Master Diver Course (IMO) is the best Recreation Course available. NAUI basically teaches PADI Dive Theory in the academic, and you have a minimum of 8 dives, which can include stage Deco With the right instruction, it is a great class. I learned little to nothing in my TDI Intro to Tech Course and PADI DM course.

[@ianstockdale964]

Excellent video. I’m with you 100%. I was only explaining to my nephew today that when you gain a qualification you have only met the minimal requirements for that qualification and must work hard to develop and improve your new skills before moving to the next level.

[@fridericogatti1213]

i ve both MSD and DM plus i am going for Tec40/50. I think achieving all the qualifications makes you simply a better diver. That what happen to me at least; even if i love to dive the most in coloured coral reefs at 15/20 meters i enjoy today diving much more than when i was just and Advance.

[@HuckleberryMoon]

I know you can’t hit all the agencies in one video, but NAUI requires a special course and 8 checkout dives to become a master diver. Is this unique to NAUI?

[@akant74]

I think it is.. NAUI Master Scuba Diver seems to be a legit certification worth getting.

[@npirzkal]

Moved from rescue diver to tech diving. I think you learn so much more with tech diving. As I wrote this before the 9:30 time mark, I see that we agree completely :-) As always, great video and info!!

[@abibstopherwilliam]

In these either or videos could we maybe get one on Sidemount vs Twinset? It's a topic i've never seen discussed before.

[@bubblesandboats4010]

Loved the archive footage from the Gilli's and what looked like shark point! Thanks for the great info🤙

[@scubaguy007]

Always show the minimum card needed. Otherwise you get asked to do things. At least that’s been my experience.

[@misterpearl]

haha, I have a DM friend who says exactly the same. He's like 'the discount isn't worth the effort'

[@skzion2]

It's interesting (at least to me) that one needs at least 100 logged dives to get the "Self-Sufficient Diver" certification (or wherever it's called). So one can take newbies out on dives but one cannot take oneself out. Odd.

[@saar144]

Not odd at all. Diving solo is much more dangerous than leading a group of trained divers.

[@mcameron6031]

@@saar144 it really does depend on how well trained those "trained" divers are.....there are plenty of certified divers who absolutely should not be diving.

[@saar144]

I think you’re dismissing MSD certification unfairly. First of all, as you mentioned, you only need 5 specialty certifications. Since Deep, Wreck and DrySuit are essential for more advanced divers, just doing another two specialties is a small price to pay. Also, when looking for a diving buddy, that MSD certification does mean something. Moreover, in certain locations, MSDs are exempted from refresher dives, which are required if you haven’t dove for an extended period of time (e.g. 6 months).

[@frankea2]

Hey James, Been watching your channel for almost a year now and I've got to tell you... You're the BEST! I'm telling all my diving friends and students that you're the one to watch for REAL information and lots of food for thought. Thx

[@DiversReady]

Ernie! Thanks so much!

[@GlennVeugen]

@@DiversReady Yeah just discovered you a few days ago mate, awesome content!

[@sammoyers905]

Despite the fact that my "Divemaster" certification is ancient (and non-affiliated for many years)... I learned MASSIVE lessons on control of divers. The signs and symptoms of a situation in the making. Recognizing problems before they happen is the key to safely and drama-lessly handling problems. Throughout my diving, I find myself traveling and diving as a single, my Divemaster certification has come in very handy in dealing with the ""Insta-buddy". Those little "tells" I learned dealing with students and divers, are invaluable. I can point out helpful things in a nonchalant way prior to the dive, or prior to things going bad on the dive. So even though I never really considered myself a "Professional", I believe that my experience as a recreational diver has been greatly improved by earning my certification and working as a Divemaster.

[@kylewinberg]

Always look forward to Monday's! Once again a great video packed with some great info! Come dive in California James! I'll show you some variety ;) hahaha. All jokes aside would love to have you for some cold water diving.

[@KingFergus]

Got my tech diving certs from TDI, best classes I've taken to date.

[@Kyle-gj6oc]

My dive shop is making me get my MSD before getting my DM. NAUI is making me learn so much information and science

[@hermangroenewald6939]

Thank you James for the useful information. I truly enjoy your videos. Greetings from South Africa.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for watching, Dive safe!

[@nilotubes]

My PADI DM theory and exam did indeed cover all (and a bit beyond) EAN40 knowledge I already had obtained doing the nitrox course a year or so earlier

[@mikemclean6242]

Im a padi DM...i learned SO MUCH in DMT.

[@DanielRicardo42]

There is one reason to take the Master Diver certification, depending on where you live. For example, in Israel, a person who hasn't dived in over 6 months, must take a refresher dive with an instructor before being allowed to dive again (and that would cost you about $60). This also gets worse the longer you remain dry - if you haven't dived in over 5 years, you need a full day with an instructor. However, if you are an MSD or DM, you are exempt from this rule. Therefore, if you live in Israel and only like diving during the summer months, getting the MSD cert might be worth it. With that being said, I think the better solution would still be to just to make sure you log at least one dive every 6 months, rather than pay for an otherwise useless certification.

[@zacknelson8918]

I am going to get my master diver course in the next 6 months or so then in about a year switch over and do dive master, need to enjoy and have fun in-between classes

[@theveryfirst]

Divemaster training is not that expensive when you consider the amount of free diving you get. I really improved my air consumption during my divemaster course just as a result of the intensity of diving I was doing. That was a relief because even after 300 dives my consumption has never been great.

[@sigururandres5759]

Did my divemaster this year, going into tech this fall. I love your vids !! you answer all the questions one has about diving !! And i have the same name as your dog wich is awesome.

[@DiversReady]

Good luck! Thanks for watching, Siggy! (Ziggy?!)

[@sigururandres5759]

@@DiversReady Thanks and mine is spelled Siggi 😊

[@TritonsRealm]

James, excellent comparison video. I couldn’t agree more about technical diving as a next step. Recreational divers are often a little intimidated by technical diving. However, the intro to tech course or advanced nitrox are great ways for recreational divers to learn more and become a safer diver, even if they have no desire to dive deep.

[@lilletrille1892]

🤔 When I was new to diving I read about MSD and decided to aim for that as motivation to keep learning and improve. I mentioned the thought to the owner of the dive center. One of her instructors, Gregor Trošt, heard that. He saw that as commitment to sport and took an interest in me. We started with honing my water skills as he explained the importance of mastering the basics before I did any of the speciality courses we had decided on. By the time I had completed the requirements I did realise that the title was overrated. But I submitted the paperwork anyway. Mostly as a celebration of my overall progress and the relationship we built. (I have a long history of being underestimated, belittled or dismissed as less than.... So the sense of achievement I had while diving with Greg is quite unique) Yeah, I have no problem seeing the extra card as not really worth anything. But the journey to earn it is not something I would have missed out of. I count Greg as one of my best friends and even if we don't live in the same area anymore he is still my mentor.

[@steelrz44]

Well said! The MSD shows your journey and becomes a statement of pride for your achievements!

[@misterpearl]

Yeah, I was a bit similar and this is a valid point. When I decided to commit to developing and saw the MSD carrot hanging out there (with SSI, don't need to pay them extra!), the guys at the dive center where I did most of my Specialties took more of an interest in me and my progress, knowing that 1/I was taking my development seriously and 2/ (maybe being a bit cynical) I am a source of ongoing revenue for them, so keep me happy! I'd sometimes find myself with 3 or 4 instructors sitting around on the boat ride in after a morning of leading tourists on DSDs offering me pointers, and inviting me out afterwards for a beer to chat more. Probably learned more that way than I did grinding through online modules.

[@lilletrille1892]

@@misterpearl yup. The extra inputs from the instructor(s) make a world of difference ❤️ I send Greg a warm thought every time I find myself down there with a diver, often with PLENTY of dives) flailing their arms and seems unable to avoid the sea horse position 😉

[@RidzkiNoviansyah]

Hey I saw you did your divemaster course in Indonesia, care to share which dive center was it?

[@KEECHYGAMING]

Great video as usual. Something I read and like about RAID again it's mandatory to the nitrox and deep for your Dive master's.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks Tom! RADI wins again!

[@AriefLatif]

Ok now I also need to see how you made the top down rig....Great content and always very engaging.

[@snowballassets]

I think a Master Scuba diver would have more skill than a Rescue diver because they need to have completed a minimum of 50 dives. That's a fair bit more experience than a new certified rescue diver. I don't think it's fair to say it's just for bragging rights. Just think that's a bit harsh. Anyway, love the channel. Wanted to share my opinion... :) Caroline DM.

[@richardbrooks-lightning]

MSD is a badge collector hobbyist, DM is a Pro.

[@jalbert9613]

Tech is the rout I am choosing and I only have two options. pay another dollar in or, TDI for the local options. I will have to travel to get training for any other agency. Who would be your first choice of all the agencies if you where starting tech diving today? I live in the Great Lakes area and want to see the deeper wrecks up here.

[@gmancolo]

Pretty helpful. For "just" $150 might as well get the MSD cred. Not much interest in being an instructor nor working for a dive shop. Tech does seem intriguing. The mentioned videos don't seem to appear.

[@steven_2880]

James do you teach Close CIRCUIT RE breathers?

[@blueseaesta]

I started to dive eight years ago and now I am also planning to do the DMT. Now watching this video, I may have to think if DM is the best option or do tech diving. Thank you so much for explaining to us with details.

[@DiscoveryDiversTokyo]

Shame that you left out NAUI...the one agency where MSD does require dives and significant knowledge development. It’s a true certification as opposed to a recognition with the other agencies you exemplified.

[@apetogetherstrong6600]

Managing some divers sounds like a essential skill to me. Especially if I try to get insta buddy that might be less skilled

[@guillermopelaez5859]

Absolutely agree with Nitrox...! Pretty much the path I was planned to follow. Great to hear from a pro that my plans has some degree of sense :). Thank you for your excellent content!

[@DiversReady]

Great to hear!

[@tallzxdriver]

Loved this video, recently became eligible for the master dive cert. Conversation with my dive shop went something like this... Shop: Congrats on becoming eligible for master diver that will be $160. Me: So what does that get me? Shop: Your master diver card. Me: So a card? No thanks I am happy saying I am eligible to receive it. I am thinking about starting to invest in gear to take some technical diving courses since some of the wrecks and stuff on my bucket list require a little bit of technical diving. Shop: You dont want to do that, tech diving is super dangerous. Thanks for all the great videos, it has really helped me when I have been looking at the direction I want to take my diving.

[@DiversReady]

Hey tallzxdriver! Thanks so much for watching. I'm glad our videos help you.

[@dhuskins]

PADI Divemaster requirements does not have "5 specialty" prerequisite. You need to have Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver. The course requirements require you have at least 40 logged dives to start the class and 60 logged dives to complete the class.

[@SvenVoelk]

Still in the video - but I like your point about Nitrox! It's right on for an pro (entry level or not)!

[@alexfarrow2740]

Strange to watch this just as long I’m one dive off MSD and am starting my DM course!Why not both! (gonna start tec when I finish my DM)

[@robmichaels4728]

James, and idea for a future video or Mouthpiece Monday would be weather. As we thank our lucky starts that Isaias did very little to no damage to us in Florida, what will this storm do to the dive conditions for the foreseeable future? I have heard visibility will be poor for at least a couple of weeks. I do not want to cancel my dive trip (one of the best things to do in a COVID world, IMO), but I do not want to waste money either. When Gonzalo was TS strength and off the coast of Venezuela, I dove out of Jupiter and the seas were very rough and vis was shit. They blamed it on the tropical storm- hundred miles away. What's a diver to do?

[@stefanvankessel643]

Hey James, love your video’s but the list you made for prequisitions not really accurate, the PADI for DM requires experience in night, deep and navigation and not need 5 specs.

[@hewitt7615]

Can you do both?

[@lydialeigh4]

Great video - answered some questions for me. The new digs look fantastic too! Fingers crossed the storm veers away from you guys.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks Lydia! Yes, it missed us. Just some thunderstorms and a lot of rain.

[@andrewbrett4634]

Jumped straight from AOW to Tec, but I already had a couple hundred dives by then. Probably not the recommend progression up the skills tree.

[@jonathanchadwickartsandadv712]

My ultimate goal in diving is to be an instructor since I was a kid... of course "life gets in the way"... I have my open water certification since 2013 and been diving before I was certified as a kid... I can't dive as much because of my job and I live 3 hours away to a good dive site... but I figured if I start diving more... I'll gain more experience and add more dives under my belt.... then if the time is right for working towards DM and OWI.. I'll start working my way up on the courses. Just don't want to waste money on just getting a higher certification just to have a card... but if I'm going pro I would want the knowledge and experience.. I believe that comes first becoming a dive professional.

[@anthonylaskis517]

James, Why didn’t you include NAUI in that list. They actually require additional training.

[@bravomike101abn]

Yeah, they require RSD and MSD to go DM. It's not either-or. Most of my certs are NAUI, but just recently branched out into tech, and James is right, a world of difference.

[@anthonylaskis517]

Ryan Lantta I too am a NAUI diver, and have my MSD and RSD. I’m having to go the SSI route because the closest NAUI shop is about 3 hours away. I thoroughly enjoyed my NAUI MSD course, though it took me a couple of months because I had to travel.

[@bravomike101abn]

How has the SSI changeover been? Only course I've taken through them was their Science of Diving course, which they were offering for free for a few months, when everything was locked down.

[@anthonylaskis517]

That’s the only one I’ve taken so far. I’ve been looking at there other courses and talking instructors that were NAUI, and it seems to be fairly easy.

[@elmo319]

Correction, PADI DMC is 40 logged dives but at least 60 by time you complete, not 50. You also need EFR training up to date within 2 years. Instructor may also insist on S&R and deep specialities to be completed.

[@DiversReady]

Hi Elmo, thanks for watching! 40 by the time you start, 60 by the end, which means an average of 50 dives?! Seriously, though... if you can teach a DM course in 20 dives (40 to 60) and be happy with the end student and keep a straight face, you're probably a PADI Instructor. Don't get me wrong, I did my DM with PADI, as has been well documented. For perspective, I had about 500 dives logged coming in to my DM. I did minimum 3 dives a day, 7 days a week for 5 weeks for the DM course, so about 100 additional dives. My Instructor beat me into shape. I wouldn't have had it any other way.

[@elmo319]

Divers Ready - no, I’m doing my PADI DMC now, 120 logged dives when I started. Thankfully, my instructor and myself for that matter agree with you and dislike the dive centres churning out divers with box ticking I watched a video the other day (some vegan instructor) and reckons she did the instructor course in 2 weeks!

[@Teampegleg]

You can also go the third option and get MSD with tech certs. After 4 tech certs the card fee for MSD is chump change. Though this isn’t an option with PADI for some reason, the only tech things that count for PADI is the Tech Adventure Dive, and the full cave distinctive speciality (if you can find someone that can issue it).

[@jpearce08055]

Tec 40 counts as a specialty for MSD. Not sure about the more advanced Tec certs.

[@EricBurgers-qc6ox]

The CMAS agency uses a slightly different ranking. the Master Scuba Diver (4*) has to have at least 250 dives and a number of specialties (like decompression, nitrox, etc.) in varying situations, and is the next level ABOVE Dive Master (3*). The Dive Master (3*) is a prerequisite for many advanced specialties and becoming an Instructor.

[@marcevans6913]

Nice video explaining the differences between MSD and DM. However, you left off one other option for MSD, NAUI Master SCUBA Diver Course. In this course NAUI even teaches Dive Theory, decompression diving and more in theory classes and you have a minimum of 8 speciality dives. Get the right instructor and it will be a great class where you will learn much, so it's not just a 'card' for show. Far superior to the other MSD's IMO.

[@theveryfirst]

I've done both msd and DM. I would recommend both in that order. DM is much more challenging.

[@mrchriscarleton]

Option 3: Intro to Technical Diving (Covered near the end of the video!)

[@davidc634]

Hi James i have a question I am an advanced open water diver with 160 dives I have just completed a wreck dive speciality course i have also have DPV /Deep/ Enriched air /PPB I only do 10 dives a years. Do you think it is worth pay £700 for rescue diver Just to get a master scuba diver certificate. Where i am not going to go professional. With been in the uk i only dive in warm areas. Or do you think i should just dive recreational and have fun. Please advise

[@brotherhoodofsteelman1447]

Alright nice video. Had a buddy of mine tell us he is a master diver certified. This guy is one who is one of those who thinks he is some super soldier. So pun intended i took a dive in this. Found this and now i can quiz him and now im kinda interested. What is a good way to start? I have no knowledge what so ever

[@madcarew.3256]

Open Water Snorkel Instructor BSAC. Ain't many of us about!

[@julyawalsh7940]

I’m sorry James but for once I disagree with you. I am MSD but For me it wasn’t the status symbol you speak of. I go away on liveaboards, am a single diver ( hubby doesn’t dive), am very much past the first half of my life and wanted to do things to make me a better and safer diver whilst filling in time on a liveaboard. I chose my specialities with this in mind and it wasn’t until someone told me that I was already at MSD stage that I even thought about it. My circumstances meant I would never become a DM so I thought ‘why not’. It makes no real difference. The amount and variety of diving I have done does.

[@misterpearl]

I think the hate comes from PADI et al selling you another card to just recognize what you have already done, paid for, and have cards to prove, when the MSD card itself offers not much other than the ability to say the word 'Master'. Personally I think the specialities you choose on the way matter more than the MSD card. Chose specialties to make you "better and safer" - then good for you. Great. Chose the one where you learn boat diving theory and how dive computers work and how to tell a clown fish from a turtle...then it's just card collecting and you have not really "mastered" anything useful. I am also MSD, but with SSI, so it's just like an automatic graduation with them. I would balk at forking over another ~$150 to PADI just to add that card to the collection however.

[@laminar0886]

Just subscribed to your channel James! Please keep passing along great insights and educating us on this wonderful world of scuba diving. I just wish the agencies would create a more formal certification slotted between Rescue and DM. Something WAY more useful and respected when compared to the MSD. Maybe someday...

[@steven_2880]

James can’t wait to retired moved back to Miami and start my tech training with you

[@RK-de5wg]

Great advice!

[@88blazerk589]

Not a dive master yet but love the info you put out ........actually heading to south Florida( ft lauderdale, key largo) Labor Day weekend any good spots to check out ?

[@minukaasel]

About Time!!! Thanks!!!!

[@scotttozer980]

Divers Ready Hey James love your channel. You have made me a better SCUBA Diver! I needed rescue certificate and EFR for volunteering at the local Aquiuam that was before the Covid. Never wanted to teach so I was looking at tech. Been following you TDI, GUE, UTD, and ISE. Contacted 1 of my dive buddies who knows a SDI/ TDI instructor. What kind of a budget do I need?

[@epicsceneshereandthere]

Thanks for those informative videos.

[@andrecandrade]

In doubt, I did both. MSD and DM. The DM taught me much, much more. Who knows, when I retire the DM might become a second career....and, Yes, Nitrox should be mandatory for both MSD and DM.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

Thanks! I was wondering what to do next. It would be good to have a run down on the ‘specialised’ courses.

[@DiversReady]

Bob_the_Bomb... your wish is my command: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2HWXqSGeteYmaM

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

Divers Ready excellent! Thank you! Take the whole of yesterday off :)

[@winduncan9818]

I was under the impression NAUI MD included additional diving and training(the diving part of the DM class?)? Also where does the GUE Fundamentals class fit in? Thanks

[@blindcamel6236]

I'm 31 i like swimming a lot and i'm quite athletic i grew up near the sea side and spent lots of time in water but never got into diving... Could i still become a rescue diver or am I too old for it? :/

[@t-ime]

Late comment but the fella in 9:48 is rocking a buff. Someone needs to make a video on buff styles on divers and what would or wouldn't cause your mask to slip off

[@graemefraser3553]

Or a fourth option... Commercial Diver

[@scottgibson7893]

Unless I’m going to teach I don’t see any reason to take a certification past Rescue. I advance my diving abilities with every dive trip. I don’t need a piece of plastic for “bragging rights”.

[@jeffwelshJedidivemaster]

Wrong being a dm means you qualify for trade discount on 40 percent.also some schools give dms free dives fir life.also to be a photographer you need to be min as dive master

[@KEECHYGAMING]

Would love if you could make a video of other skills or training would be good for a dive master like additional first aid or something to make you stand out from the crowd

[@DiversReady]

Great idea! Will do!

[@Almatrodi]

Btw, does the pool dives count?. Thanks.

[@frangalarza]

Mate! You did your DM in Gili T? That's where i got hooked into diving!

[@leerigby5735]

One thing I'd add... anyone looking to do a DM (and presumably then Instructor) should get their MSD card... why? Sales tool... flash this to a diver that enjoys the training and loves the plastic (and there are plenty) and you can very easily sell a few extra Specialities and a Rescue... it's a small investment but well worth it.

[@AndrewWithey1]

With getting started in Tec, would you suggest Open Circuit or CCR? And why would you recommend starting on that one vs the other?

[@saar144]

Pretty pointless doing Tec without CCR. Unless you enjoy diving with several tanks

[@jeandelariboisiere9038]

Hi James, I thought nitrox was a pre requisite to be a rescue so that it is indirectly mandatory to be a dive master ?

[@saar144]

It’s not. How are they even related?

[@yangjie07]

Yes, I would choose tech diving foundation course.

[@DiversReady]

Good choice! Thanks for watching, Jie Yang!

[@undisclosedperson3871]

I'm somewhat selfish and don't really like helping people, so divemaster/instructor course is not for me. Tec was the plan but I want to train with you and given the US handling of Coronavirus, the chances of being allowed to go to America anytime before 2022 is unlikely 😅 So self-reliant this year and ice diving next year!

[@DiversReady]

Thanks Josh! Where are you doing your Ice cert? I could fly up and meet you for it!

[@undisclosedperson3871]

Divers Ready I’m in Australia! The ice course is done up our tallest mountain in midwinter I believe!

[@marcelozerbini5411]

I was in the middle of a divemaster course and the school went bankrupt and I was not able to finish the course. I made an arrengement with the owner and he certified me as a Master Scuba and I didn't have to pay the rest of the divemaster course. Personally, I loved my agreement and really like the Master Scuba. But bear in mind, to me the Master Scuba was the divemaster course (I had to fill cilinders, care for the equipment and all that) but I don't have to pay a yearly amount to NAUI for my bragging rights And really... If you are a divemaster and you do not work with diving, them you're in it just for the bragging

[@DirtWaterDivers]

You should skip both and take everything to advanced trimix

[@thorgrimb2416]

James I would say for the Dive Master qualification having Nitrox pref advanced Nitrox should be mandatory. To be honest I think the master scuba diver rating is a joke should be a min of 100 dives but I would rather see it set higher at 200 dives and a min of 10 Adv Nitrox, 20 wreck, 20 night, 20 deep and 30 Nitrox plus last but not least I know one agency at least do a deco 40 which is not classed as tech diving so at least 10 deco dives. This could easily be the same for Dive Master but maybe after this list a min of 10 dives for at least another 4 or 5 speciality types of dive ( but spec cert not compulsory ). I think all that is happening is they are cheapening the value of the diver grade especially in the case of master scuba diver for which they are missing out on a lot of potential revenue how about master scuba diver fourth class with the top being 1st which could leave to a final award that actually gives you the same status as a dive master but is part way to being an instructor. This level they can pay for prof membership as a DM does but you know you have highly skilled divers who will have in most cases have been helping dive buddies in clubs etc for a number of years. BUT not taking work from a DM ie a if you have a class of four you have an instructor and a DM but why not allow a MSD 1st class to help, they are learning they can speed up kitting up etc observe certain drills or assist in demos the aim is that the student gets closer to one on one help and maybe in the end a higher level of OW or AOW divers is the end result which can only be a good thing.