PADI Dive Master Internships = Slave Labor?!

[@zamirgeorgie14]

I’m glad that I’m a divemaster, work in a dive centre in Malaysia and i dont care if some guys thought it’s a slavery work, but to do something that i love which is scuba diving, i’m really happy right now. I’m currently learning every part of scuba diving to build up my foundation before i proceed my idc next year

[@scubadiverhaley]

I’m living in Dahab finishing my DMT course at a very respectable center here. I came in with 40 dives and after facing disappointment at having my course initially paused for lack of experience and having to follow their training plan, I now have 150 dives (adding more every day), more confidence than I envisioned was possible, and will be graduating in the next week or so. I feel I’ve gained the respect of everyone who works at the center and while it’s taken way more money and way more time than I imagined the quality of education I’ve received has been worth it.

[@albertendler2038]

I followed the hybrid model, where I payed for the DM course and provided support for several courses over eight months. This gave me the advantage of being regarded as a customer and a staff member. My LDS where I trained is a diving family and I have found my place.

[@flatearthnonsenseofficial4908]

I was diving in Australia, Croatia, Bali, and Egypt before. I started my DM training with 50+ dives here Downunder. The internship took 2 1/2 years. I only paid for purchasing my own discounted dive gear. No charge for: books, eRDP, PADI fees, air/ean fills, transport, dives... during that time I did 200+ dives. Almost every weekend. Yes, I spend a lot of days on board as a "boat-bitch". But at the end, I looked at a customer and could not just tell the required fin and suit size... Meanwhile I am an instructor for over 10 years. Now I am with SSI. PADI was too expensive and there is only a SSI shop left in town...

[@nateerickson1988]

thanks for the input! What did you mean by saying "i looked at a customer and could not just tell the required fin and suit size"?

[@WaterlineShorts]

I think if you intend to become an instructor that an internship is the only way to go. It shows a certain commitment and rounds out the experience you need to take your career to that next level. Great video James. Spot on!

[@deweymcnab4035]

I came into my DM course at around 120 dives in Roatan, Honduras. It took me 4 months to get it done and every single day added more to my knowledge, I highly recommend an internship. Sometimes it did feel like modern slavery but it painted a HD picture in my head as of what I was getting into and I’ve loved it ever since.

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for sharing your story, Dewey! Dive safe, James

[@elirsteves]

did you do you internship through coconut tree divers?

[@eng.caiocunha]

I am thinking about Dive Master as a second job.. I am actually an enviromental engineer from Brazil.. I would like to know more about technical diving as well.. just started looking for information, but I dive for 5 years now and have an open water course.. Thanks for your video!

[@OceanPancake]

Interesting topic! There are definitely companies which make extra use of their dmts, but it truly depends on the attitude of the divemaster and what they want to achieve from their course

[@DiversReady]

Thanks Katt!

[@fredyboulos9287]

Am CMAS dive master Did my course in Alexandria Egypt And they signed after 80 dives 4months It wasn't easy but definitely worth it Then I did deep specialty side mount nitrox With PADI now I have over 200 dives And I love your channel Thank you for all the knowledge you share Looking forward diving with such passionate educated instructor

[@akseakayaker]

I took an internship to get my DM and it was in no way slave labor. Yes, I worked for over one month on a dive charter boat for free. However I gained so much real life experience learning what it’s like to work in the industry. Learned a lot from not only my instructor but the other divers working there. And when it was all over this same dive company offered me a full time job. In the end it was a great investment in myself that I greatly enjoyed

[@cressidadsouza2623]

Hi where did you do your internship?

[@charleslewis5050]

Love your videos and appreciate the knowledge you share. You couldn't think of something that you can be a "master" at with only 60 repetitions - The U.S. Army sends people to jump master school with a minimum of 12 airborne operations. You can be a "Senior Jumpmaster" with 30 jumps and you become a "Master Jumpmaster" with 65. Responsibilities include inspecting jumper's parachute rigs, controlling the flow of jumpers out of the aircraft, giving pre jump training before the operation - all with 12 jumps or more.

[@johnsarangel]

just finished my DM course. my instructor wanted me to finish at least 100 dives, not the recommended 60. learned a lot!

[@DiversReady]

Love this! How long was the course and where did you do it? Don't be shy, give your Instructor a shout-out! Thanks for watching, johnsarangel. Dive safe. James

[@johnsarangel]

it took 3 months. everyday had at least 3 dives unless there was a night dive which was 2 to 4 times a week depending on the clients. yes, that’s diving everyday in sabang, puerto galera, philippines! refilled cylinders, carried cylinders, assisted student divers from Open Water to Divemaster, experienced being a guide, got my navigation and bouyancy in check, learned from other instructors too (there were 4). at first, i thought i’m getting the DM course just for the skills. but its more than that now. i got to interact with different people from different nationalities with different skill levels. met lotsa friends, had lotsa experience both good and bad. it was fun! love your videos. always telling the truth. keep it up James!

[@Byreka]

@@johnsarangel sounds like you got shafted

[@davidbonas8262]

Most dive shops including ours offer free fun diving whist doing the DM course we advise most of ours to take their time, most of ours finish the DM course with 200-400 dives

[@AshControl]

This is amazing James!! I got my OW in the Red Sea 20 years ago. I now live in Wilmington and watched a lot of your videos. Makes me want to get back to it. Hopefully I get to dive with you soon in FL.

[@mikeblanc1537]

I’m half way through my DMC out in the PNW water. So far it’s been one of the best courses I’ve taken in my diving career. And the points that you brought up in this video are spot on! 👌🏼

[@geosmi0]

Where did you do this?

[@angie12039]

Nice Video. Just found you and gave me inspiration for an own channel. Totally with you as I also did a DM intern. It's a very good opportunity to dive into the business

[@DiversReady]

Thanks Angie! Thanks for subscribing. Let me know what channel you start so we can support you.

[@angie12039]

@@DiversReady wow! Thank you for your reply. I definitely get back to you

[@kimberleymann4094]

well said. just did my DM then followed up with IDC in Costa Rica. I took 7 months to get experience and skills.

[@DiversReady]

Awesome! Thanks for liking our video and congrats on your acheivements!

[@roxanneberinger941]

Hi Kim, who did you do your idc with in Costa Rica?

[@gibotrebsllarena1644]

currently rescue diver cert under PADI with nitrox and advanced sidemount; just a little over 80 dives under my belt though it has been a couple years since last i dove. also took UTD essentials training. i got my own gear for both sidemount and single-tank long hose diving. plan to get back into the water soon as my work schedule allows, then taking up nitrox with deco procedures under TDI before pursuing the DM course under PADI. was supposed to take it years ago before my instructor's sudden passing. still have my DM crew pack with the holographic sticker still intact and was told it should still be good so i'm giving it a go. i work as an IT consultant and am planning to take the dive pro path as a part-time gig. thank you for the your videos, sir and mabuhay from the Philippines!

[@leonardodavincha9608]

Thanks James. Love your videos! Myth# 2 was very useful. I hope doing my internship some day. Stay Safe.

[@DiversReady]

Best of luck!

[@wallybrown9509]

Just got done with a week and a half of Cozumel deep down the San Francisco Wall, and the Devil’s Throat, and cenote’s in Playa. Niiiiice.

[@DiversReady]

Deluxe! Love it! Thanks Wally. James

[@HellrazorDogsnDives]

I mean, like you said: In the internship, you learn the job, and you go through all the skills and tasks. Acquire experience with plenty of supervision, allowing intern to learn it all thoroughly. basically allowing intern to be able to run a dive center. I would love to sign up for an internship, I'm a fresh diver, but grew up in the water. I'm sinking my teeth into anything scuba, Taking a skills essentials class with UTD atm just to improve my skills and learn more about tec diving. Completely different set up and guidelines, much more focused than anything i did with Padi. I am currently, PADI Adv. OW, Nitrox, Deep, Wreck. I'm thinking I may transition to SSI, due to a local dive shop available. I'm sure you can make a whole video describing the different agencies, and how each one differs from the other. Do you have any links for internships that you know of ? Great Video! Cheers! I'm gonna be watching all your content over the next few weeks. Thank you!

[@DiversReady]

Thanks for watching Hellrazor! As for DM Internships, shoot me an email at [e-mail] and let me know which part of the world you're thinking of doing your DM internship and if I can help, I will! James

[@MisterQuifer]

Thanks mate, I have an interview tomorrow for a DM internship in cairns, wish me luck!

[@fotismanolopoulos4354]

Appreciate the time that you put into explaining things. Some might like what you have to say; some might not. But you are straightforward and that is what matters I am currently doing an AI, considering of becoming a solo and technical diver in the future, since I'm confident in myself. It all takes place at Greece. Wishing you all the best buddy

[@DiversReady]

Thanks Fotis! I love Greece!

[@devingaumont5048]

Just got done with my AOW Course. Wish vis was better... but I got it done. Breakwater and Monastery in Monterey, CA Looking forward to becoming a DiveMaster.

[@haileylee8946]

Thanks for the video! Just hit the subscribe button😁 I came to Indonesia, considering my DM course somewhere here but found out many shops offer 4 weeks course only which I think way too short. 2 weeks internship on top of that is available in some places but it costs money. I mean, I am going to work as an intern but still have to pay money? Can't understand the system.

[@diveinstructordaniel1095]

This really sounds interesting. I want to become an instructor anyways but I’m only starting my aow this week. I have 9 logged dives right now and have to do a little diving this week. I didn’t know internships existed and just found out about you. Thanks 😊

[@sayittrue9570]

Hi James im just back from diving in the red sea and bloody brilliant it was as well,well im back home to the cold waters of the UK and this Saturday i begin my DM training , i think im going to enjoy it ,then after im gonna begin my IDC

[@jerardwashington7390]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXPLANTION ON DIVE MASTER COURSE

[@DiversReady]

THanks for watching

[@tyrunesharma]

Hi James - you channel is pretty informative - quick question - I am planing to do my DM - would there be a difference if you have DM with SSI or Padi ?

[@dclangst]

I like to call it indentured servitude to those that ask. There’s going to be stuff you don’t want to do but humble yourself and do it. It’s a customer service job. I fell into the category that would have been ok with a 7 day program. I did one locally that took 6 months. In that time I got 9 certs and assisted in teaching the same ones. It would have been expensive though except see below. There are programs accredited by the US Veterans’ Affairs administration that will take you from OW to Instructor covered by the GI Bill. That’s how I funded my training.

[@Scottyboy2086]

Sometimes you can also get a job at a dive center to become an instructor while being paid at the same time. And yes, you still have to do all of the daily busy work. But honestly, would you rather be twiddling your thumbs at a land locked dive center? Sadly though, they prefer to hire instructors so you may be buried at the bottom if you are low on skillsets. That was me this past month.

[@DiversReady]

True story, Scottyboy2086. Thanks for sharing. Are you consdering doing your IDC? James

[@Scottyboy2086]

@@DiversReady At the moment I do not have the free funds for it but it is something I have been thinking about since day 1 and would love to pursue.

[@Findingmenno]

Good video. I think a DM internship is certainly not slave labor. Or that a DM training should be only about the diving. Like any industry, an internship should prepare and train you for a job/career. In diving that job would consist of many more things than just being in the water, so only resonable that you would be be trained for that. You should indeed evaluate any DM internship on what it brings you vs the costs, and decide if that is a good deal for you. I personally would always recommend a DM internship where you pay a fee, so that you are a customer and have some control over how the program is conducted for you.

[@rafski-travels-1984]

If you do the course expect 6 day working weeks but also expect that you deal with customers and a fast paced business model. Get the Divemaster then you can branch out to research diving and not continue, in effect with a babysitter for adults underwater.

[@mellamodiego8458]

I like that….”dive safe dive often”

[@Byreka]

Let’s be honest, any internship in any company is nothing other than cheap labour. Period.

[@klaythompson2488]

Really?

[@sorenweisshartmann]

Thanks for the video. This video and some of the others video are doing a job that have been completely overlooked by all the eager KZbinrs. To question what is diving and what is pure business to make money of divers..Thanks

[@DiversReady]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching! James

[@victorvilla2301]

Hi James I just found your channel, great content I enjoyed this one in particular since I wanted to become a Dive Master. Would you mind sharing the place where you did your internship course or share some recommendations of places where I can do it.

[@DiversReady]

Hi Victor, Thanks for watching. Shoot me an email to: [e-mail] and I'll give you the low down. Apologies if I'm slow to respond, we have a hurricane on the way! Thanks, James

[@Rieusse]

Hi, I’m considering DM internship as well, would you mind if I send you an email with few questions as well? :) I really like what you mentioned in the video and fully agree, so i would value your opinion. Thanks and greetings from Czech Republic! :)

[@diveinstructordaniel1095]

Currently I’m taking my dive guide course with ssi in Germany. I payed 500€ for 6 weeks of training 2 dives minimum a week for me and I can „help out“ in any courses I want maybe 4-8 dives a week. Above that I get 1 on 1 training with an course director to work on my skill demonstration. Im helping out in the shop 2 days a week for 1-2 hours filling tanks and packing rental gear. Do you think that’s a good deal? 😄

[@shadwabarghash8734]

I could barely do the 40 dives for Rescue diver. For mainly geological & therefore logistical (& financial) reasons, I have more chances training for freediving than scuba although scuba may be 'easier' on my lungs (& other bodily functions). We'll see how it will go in Mar 2021 onwards

[@EhCloserLook]

Great BGM in this video! 👍

[@RickP9st]

I am doing my divemaster course right know i worked on my skills they were all about a 3/4 i got told i needed to do internships that means helping the instructor with preforming a open water course and helping with a advanced course i got told to work on a stress test which tests my stress lvl and my skils exam with a divesite map thats all

[@Broke_Expat]

First, luv your vids. I'm a newbie so I am learning as much as I can... Question: are you able to add advertisements yet? I hear you can substantially increase your revenue by adding an advertisement in the middle of your over ten minute video.. You're entertaining enough ;-) we'll stay tuned in.

[@thorgrimb2416]

I think the only thing that comes to mind where you can be a MASTER with less than 60 would be the proverbial Bull S****er. I am AOW and imo you should not be able to startDM training without a min of 100 but better still 150 dives. After all you can not do solo/independent course till you have at least 100 dives so why should you be able to have reasonable responsibility for someone who potentially is on their first to fourth open water dive with far less dives under your belt? I hear many instructors when talking about the solo course that technically when they have a class of beginners they treat that the same as if they are on a solo dive ie they do not rely on the students to be able to help them if they have an issue. The DM is pretty much a pet hate of mine along with the “Advanced” in “A”OW. The reason I have the pet hate to DM is because of the so called stress test this is not stressful it is a basic kit exchange and anyone imo who is considering doing a DM course who thinks this kit exchange is stressful needs imo to keep considering for a bit longer till they understand what real stress is. I many years ago was put through way more than this kit exchange doing my basic BSAC course full ditch and retreated one item at a time and even that was not stressful.

[@FoRm4t123]

I was diving everyday for 3 months. most of the time i was diving with other DMT or following an instructor on OW dives and counting weights hardly slave labor. And i get free diving for life i only left Thailand because of covid.

[@richardtaylor6607]

Hi Great Video. I have forwarded this on to my son who is planning to do a DM and most likely an Instructor Coarse in Thailand. He then plans to do this for a living and would like like to come to the USA at some point, We are G/Card holders but he is not. What are the opportunities for Instructors in the USA?

[@melisac4703]

Hi! I got here because I would like to do a divemaster internship and keep going up from there. You mentioned you did your internship in Indonesia, would you tell me the name and location? I find myself in the Philippines right now. Thanks!

[@charlottemolloy]

I'm starting my DMT in komodo this month with Scuba Junkie!

[@CrowBerry-b7m]

I did my DMT @Big Blue Diving on the wonderful Island Koh Tao in Thailand, I´ll stayed on Koh Tao for over 7 month and still dive for free when ever I´ll visit the Island. Started my DMT With over 300 dives,,, Big Blue Diving teaches, SSI, SDI,TDI probably some Padi if some one really really want that. So a DMT internship is not slavery its just a really good time and a lot of diving, , and Got my Master a lot easier then then hanging in a university.. //

[@24694104]

I did my DM in Egypt in 3 weeks paid for by the British Army as a pre release course. I had done about 75 dives as an OWD but wanted to improve my diving knowledge,not work in the industry. I came away a much more confident diver

[@kotro88]

This video clears up a question I've asked several dive pros. Is it "better" in the long run to be a DM or Instructor? All but one told me "instructor". The guy who said DM is a DM in St Thomas and simply doesn't like to (or need to) teach, so there's that. My question now is related to employment. Do you feel there are there more opportunities, particularly in the Caribbean, with one agency over another. Meaning, PADI vs. SSI. I'm an SSI trained diver and I've considered going over to the PADI shop and getting my PADI OWSI then taking the SSI crossover course to have both, since it doesn't look like it's an option the other way around. Just wanting to make myself as employable as possible when the time comes. James or anybody else have some insight on this? Appreciated.....Thanks!

[@jaegee3716]

Reminds me of working in sports as a female trying to b an equipment manager we do shit work also as an intern all the laundry setting up and breaking down before and after practice that's hard and carrying heavy equipment gear back up equipment.

[@kayleighb2007]

doing my DM in Tenerife next Jan!!

[@cholst1]

Internships are not only abusive labor wise. They are also gatekeepers. To be able to take an internship you need to already be in a fairly good economic situation already.

[@mikemclean6242]

I’m a PADI DM… The DMT 100 percent exploitative…all labor should be paid. But I did enjoy the training and it took maybe 6 months to complete…

[@jhare18]

I plan to be a slave someday. Got to bring back the right attitude and learn to be a DM someday when time permits.

[@scubamarilu]

I accepted a job as beach assitant for $550 a month and employer paid for course, but I paid the shipping for crew pak. I only had 20 dives as rescue diver, once a Divemaster, they gave me a salary raise.

[@geosmi0]

Hi - where was this?

[@scubamarilu]

@@geosmi0 Scuba Caribe, Panama. You can also apply in Dressel Divers, they offer internships.

[@cowsandcottonclothingco4477]

Do you recommend any programs in Florida for DMT and instructor? My husband has a lot of certs, just needs DM and then he would like to do the IDC certs as well. Thanka.

[@myoceanadventure3367]

Good stuff

[@DiversReady]

Thanks Saeed! Love your channel, I subscribed. Looking forward to more turtle vids!

[@myoceanadventure3367]

Divers Ready thanks but not expecting anymore soon since i got kicked out of that clique when my 1st local comment from the video showed up uninvited to their beach

[@DiscoveryDiversTokyo]

Good vid and breakdown 👍

[@jhare18]

I plan to be a slave someday🤔. Got to bring back the right attitude🤓 and learn to be a DM 🥽someday when time ⏱⏰⏳🕰permits.

[@jeffwelshJedidivemaster]

I did deep wreck tech sidemount nitrox videography x2 photography x2 then re breather so i was at 150 dives at the start then did 150 as DMT.yes it is slavery in a way but we get free dives for life.and its not how many good dives its the number of bad dives that you come back from in one piece. Ps when doing a dive brief and medical forms always ssk if your customers have false teeth as one of my customers had false teeth he spat them out and nearly drowned. My tech training helped me in this situation.and dental problems arnt on the medical forms and they should. Ps learn to fill tanks.

[@firefly8464]

Good video 👍🏻

[@oliviermancy4676]

All you said is right!

[@moocowp4970]

I'm umming and arghing about doing my dive masters currently. I've had an instructor tell me she thought I should do it, and others tell me not to bother unless I want to work in the industry (and if so, to do instructor level). I am AOW and have 80 dives under my belt (so am feeling more and more confident in my abilities) and already tend to help the dive instructors slightly on the guided dives (since I pretty much only go on guided dives) if there are a lot of newbie divers on the dive. However, if I'm not planning to do diving professionally, is a Dive Master course worth it in terms of the extra knowledge I will get? Any DMs or Instructors feel free to give me your two cents about what my decision making process should be.

[@puschelhornchen9484]

If part of the internship are "lowskill" duties like cleaning then why not pay them like a cleaner?

[@Byreka]

60 heart bypass surgeries which class you as an expert, 60 website builds would class you as a website expert, and so on.

[@GinEric84]

Yeah, no.

[@abrahamzetz]

We went diving at Menjangan Island in Bali 2 weeks ago. It was amazing!

[@aniruddhasamajpati]

Bored with daily office, at 35yrs age, should i try for scuba as my next profession, or is it too late?

[@DiversReady]

Hell no it's not too late... But if you're going to do it, you need to commit... go full bore!

[@dclangst]

There’s two kinds of freedom. The freedom money brings and broke freedom. If you have no kids, no real debt, nothing holding you back, go for it. If you’re like the rest of us at 35, don’t be crazy.

[@Ernieunderwater]

Ha! Im 53 and starting to go down that road soon! need something to do when I retire that keeps me active and something that I love! ;)

[@kartracer127]

I would have a question to the 2nd myth. I Love diviving. I want to work as a diver. So my question. Do you think it is easier to find a Job as a tec diver? I mean I am a welder. A pretty good one. So you think it is easier to get work as a diver in that sort of Buisness and what certifications do i need?

[@bas6983]

If you would like to work as a professional diver a tec course is not going to do it either. Off shore/in shore construction divers are being trained to completely different standards as they are using different equipment and ways of diving. Look-up these kind of courses on internet.

[@blazingfirefly8329]

Do you see any advantage of being a dive master,when going on an around the world trip? Basically go from center to center and stay for at least a month in each place. Request only accommodation/food and in return do dive master work? This with the idea in mind, that dive centers often offer accommodation/food to tourists themselves.

[@thetrout529]

"Slave" labor of DM sounds more like a mentality issue (emotional intelligence) of the individual. If your doing it to check boxes and "move up the ladder" you got the wrong attitude. Yes you will be helping and assisting. This includes helping 1-on-1 with some students on skills, setting up equipment, filling tanks, etc. You will deal with mistakes students are making and sometimes saving them from making huge critical errors. This keeps your skills at a high level as you critic and help others solve there skills. Also, you are setting the example. Leading by example is key. This means you follow all the skill sets to a T and dive in same type of gear as the students (may even be a requirement to wear gear the shop you work with sells). Trust me, in working as a active DM for about 6 months, my personal enjoyment on non-shop dives is greater and more enjoyable then before the DM stage. All the experiences gained will help transition to a instructor level. Don't forget when you get the instructor rating the liability for yourself and the shop shoots through the roof. Enjoy your time as a DM. If you don't like it and just want to move on and quickly get through it, you are doing yourself and the dive community a huge dis-service. DM and instructor is not about title or prestige if you think it is then leave now!

[@Nasosdag]

Lucky that spicy curry did not attack during a dive...

[@TheAlbatro55]

Master - Slave.. lol if you learned the words thru old school computer device classes

[@batwillow]

I'm a recreational diver with over 400 dives (not including all my training dives) and I only wanted to get to PADI Rescue level when I was at 60 dives. I have dived all over the world. For me, I could not see me going down the professional route and to take on the added responsibility that some dive sites attribute to a DM. I must say though, I am often looked at as a DM or above when the dive site realises that my diving is so relaxed and my air consumption is, to say the least extremely good. Great video and very informative.

[@robbiemurderingminion2556]

You have given Dobby a cert Dobby is a free DM !,,,,

[@MauricioGarcia-mk5bz]

I’m thinking about doing it in curaçao……

[@chrisbuck2918]

I dove in a pool. Lol. Finished my last day of class. Took and passed my written exam today. All that’s left is my open water checkout dive.

[@jackhutchison5936]

Can you make any recommendations re. dive centers to look at for DM internship?

[@DiversReady]

Horizon Divers in Key Largo FL is a great choice!

[@jackhutchison5936]

@@DiversReady any some place a little more exotic (eg Thailand, Costa Rica...)?

[@itgoed6688]

hey james im interested to bacame an internshi divemaster but i cant find it in my country in indonesia. can you give me source or someone can help me please?

[@pink71099]

what does Landscaping got to do with diving? being a dive instructor has nothing to do with Landscaping I can understand everything else

[@DiversReady]

The grounds and garden of a dive center need upkeep... if there's no diving, it's a job you can do and get paid for to fill in the weather delays.... great! We had a boat captain who used to be a Forestry Manager in the UK... he came in really useful when we had to prep large trees on the grounds for hurricanes.

[@gabistraziuso1719]

How many dives can do it in internships?

[@mistifeyed]

Landscaping? What the hell lol.

[@dennybe]

Advance diving is good enough for me.

[@nateerickson1988]

clickbait headline title

[@DrippyWaffler]

so many simps for capitalism in here loool

[@nityah6815]

Is 2 months a good amount of time to become a DM. I need to take a leave of absence from my job and need to know how much leave I should take for the DM.

[@jhare18]

I plan to be a slave someday. Got to bring back the right attitude and learn to be a DM someday when time permits.