DM and AI training

[Conor]

Hi all

First of all I hope this is in the right area, but I'm hoping to get the instructors to answer this one (please move it if its in the wrong place).

I'm going to start my DM soon and am quite looking forward to it. I was looking at the DM DSD thread and it got me thinking about where I want to go with my diving.

One of the things I find pushing me to do my DM is the prospect of working with and helping other divers (in particular novices). To this end I was thinking of carrying on after DM (probably in a year or so) to do my AI.

Here the questions start.....
Is it worth doing the DSD DM or just go straight to AI?
Is it worth doing the AI even if you don't expect to complete an IDC?
Can a 'non active' DM do the AI training?

The reason for this last question is that I will probably not be DMing all year round, as I am not connected with a shop/club in the UK. In an ideal world I would like to 'help out' by DMing etc during my holidays, would this mean I would have to be 'Active status'. Is I do have to join how much is the annual membership?

Sorry its a bit babbly, but I'm just trying to get an understanding of the way forward.

Cheers

Conor

[Phoenix]

Why not do the full IDC/IE, no need to stop at AI at all.

Ian

[wilbo]

Originally Posted by Conor

Hi all

First of all I hope this is in the right area, but I'm hoping to get the instructors to answer this one (please move it if its in the wrong place).

I'm going to start my DM soon and am quite looking forward to it. I was looking at the DM DSD thread and it got me thinking about where I want to go with my diving.

One of the things I find pushing me to do my DM is the prospect of working with and helping other divers (in particular novices). To this end I was thinking of carrying on after DM (probably in a year or so) to do my AI.

Here the questions start.....
Is it worth doing the DSD DM or just go straight to AI?
Is it worth doing the AI even if you don't expect to complete an IDC?
Can a 'non active' DM do the AI training?

The reason for this last question is that I will probably not be DMing all year round, as I am not connected with a shop/club in the UK. In an ideal world I would like to 'help out' by DMing etc during my holidays, would this mean I would have to be 'Active status'. Is I do have to join how much is the annual membership?

Sorry its a bit babbly, but I'm just trying to get an understanding of the way forward.

Cheers

Conor

Conor,

I would say if you intend to go to OWSI, then get on an IDC and IE as iani suggests.

in the meanwhile, once you're a DM, you will probably help out with try dives (DSD) anyway.. ask your instructor if you can take them on and lead them under supervision and once you have them off pat, then get him/her to evalualte you across the required 4 and get you signed off. it doesn't hurt, as you will probably be doing try dives anyway..

good luck!

[Noel Johnson]

Hi Conor,

A non active DM can take the AI course, I know as I started it, although PADI fees cannot be allowed to lapse. One word of advice though - Ensure that the staff instructor doing the course has renewed his IDC credentials with PADI - Mine hadn't and buggered off whilst I was on holiday, subsequently all the stuff I'd done counted for nothing.

I was doing the AI as I hadn't done much work with students previously and saw AI as a good opportunity to get my "people" skills up to scratch (so to speak) If you are doing DM with an active group go straight on to do the IDC/IE instead.

HTH

Noel.

[Lazlo]

Hi Conor

The AI doesn't actually qualify to do very much more than a DSD qualified DM. Can't remember the specifics off-hand - but it's not much.

However, I would do the AI if only because it gives you a very good idea of what's involved in becoming an OWSI. It's quite a step up from DM, especially in terms of responsibility.

Also, assuming your skills are up to it, and I have no reason to suppose that they're not, I would go straight onto AI rather than waiting.

You say you don't expect to complete an IDC - why not? (I may have read that wrong). If you've definitely no intention of going all the way to OWSI then I wouldn't bother with AI.

You need to have active membership at all times to work as a "certified assistant". This is no great hardship though.

I don't see why you would need to be active in order to do the AI training. Don't trust me on this one though as I don't have the manual in front of me.

HTH

[Sipadan]

Originally Posted by Conor

Is it worth doing the DSD DM or just go straight to AI?

It's not a big deal doing the DSD DM thing, more of an experience thing than a course (it was 2 years ago least). You have to watch so may being done by an OWSI and do some under supervision (can't remember how many), get them signed off and you're away.

Don't think it'll help you much for the AI, but can't hurt.

Another thing to think about is that DSD Leader will be of limited value in the UK given the rules discussed on the other thread. You're going to be able to do some pool work, *maybe* some inland training and that's about it.

Originally Posted by Conor

Is it worth doing the AI even if you don't expect to complete an IDC??

Depends on your goals, an AI is more employable than a DM, so it would open up more options, but if you're serious about working, IDC at least is essential IMO.

Originally Posted by Conor

Can a 'non active' DM do the AI training?

I doubt it, PADI will want its pound of flesh

Originally Posted by Conor

In an ideal world I would like to 'help out' by DMing etc during my holidays, would this mean I would have to be 'Active status'.

In theory, you would have to have active status.

Whenever, I visit the dive school where I worked, I pretty much get free diving, but will help out when I can, this normally means DSDs or guiding. Always careful not to step on the toes of full time staff though.

If you don't have contacts, don't assume that dive schools will snap up your services, especially if your only on a one or two week holiday. In my experience, you'll be treated just like any other customer which is fine by me.

Originally Posted by Conor

do I have to join how much is the annual membership?

I think it's usual to join on completing DM. it was around £45, but no doubt that's gone up. It's been a while since I gave PADI any money!

[chrisch]

Conor, if you are not in it for hte money how about joining a club and instructing there? The flexibility is somewhat more than PADI and you get to jump off the PADI "just another course" gravy train for PADI...

If you are "working" (albeit unpaid) in the UK you will need the HSE stuff as well. That's a lot to shell out unless you intend to get some revenue back.

Chris

[Rod]

Originally Posted by Conor

Here the questions start.....
Is it worth doing the DSD DM or just go straight to AI?
Is it worth doing the AI even if you don't expect to complete an IDC?
Can a 'non active' DM do the AI training?

The reason for this last question is that I will probably not be DMing all year round, as I am not connected with a shop/club in the UK. In an ideal world I would like to 'help out' by DMing etc during my holidays, would this mean I would have to be 'Active status'. Is I do have to join how much is the annual membership?

Connor,

Yes it is worth doing the DSD DM.
If you are even vaguely thinking about doing the AI I would suggest you do the AI as part of your IDC. It will cost about £300 to do both courses in this way. You still need all the books and materials for AI as you do for OWSI.
If you are serious about helping novices then an Instructor is much preferred to an AI.

Beyond the responsibilities and duties they already have as PADI Divemasters,
renewed PADI Assistant Instructors are authorised to:
1. Present the academic elaboration for any PADI Diver course under the
indirect supervision of a PADI Instructor.
2. During confined water dives, present initial skills training under the direct
supervision of a PADI Instructor.
3. Conduct open water surface skill evaluations during Open Water Diver
course training dives under the indirect supervision of a PADI Instructor.
4. Teach and certify PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Divers
under the direction of a PADI Instructor.
5. Independently teach the Project AWARE course.
6. Independently teach the AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation course.
7. Independently conduct Discover Scuba Diving in a pool or confined water
environment.
8. Independently conduct PADI Seal Team AquaMissions.
9. Teach and certify student divers in a nondiving specialty after successful
completion of a Specialty Instructor Training course for that specialty.

Hope that clears up what you can do as an AI.

Rod

[Conor]

Hi guys, thanks for the replies.

The reason I was thinking of going to AI was in order to see how teaching etc feels before deciding if an IDC is for me. I am hoping to be able to do a bit of DM'ing etc on a 'will work for fills' type basis. I don't have any specific plans to work in diving for a profession but I'm sure I'm not alone in playing with the idea as an escape chute.

As for joining a club, well if its a PADI club then I hit the same HSE problems, if its BSAC....I've had a look at BSAc clubs near here and think I'd be more likely to cross over successfully if I have some skills I can add to the club (i.e. cross over as a PADI DM or OWSI)

Hope this makes sense

Conor

[Adrian Kelland]

Conor,

As a PADI RD you could cross over as a BSAC Sport Diver and do the Instructor Foundation Course which is a full w/e. This would allow you to assist and instruct under supervision.

You already have the skills to cross over successfully. RD/120 dives is plenty. The club does not have to spend a lot of time training you.

Adrian