How much does it cost to become a divemaster and how long does it take?

Question

Also, how hard is it to find a job as a dive instructor or divemaster in locations around the world? I would consider this my dream job and would love to know how to achieve it. Thank you.

Answer 1

My LDS charges $500 for the DM. Don't forget, you need your Rescue before you do your DM. You may luck out on a shop that will let you do it and the DM at the same time although in theory, they're not supposed to. How long does it take? That depends on the dive shop's schedule and your schedule. As little as a month to ??????????? whenever you get it done.

How hard is it to get employment? It's like any other job. You have to compete for it. The person who has the credentials is considered. If the dive shop has a predominately French and English clientèle and you only speak English, well, if there's a person with your same credentials who also speaks French as well as English, it's a sure bet...you'll still be looking for a job.

These days, it helps considerably to have some sort of Hospitality industry training as well as your dive creds. Multiple languages are a big bonus too. The more ammo you have, the better chance you have at beating the next guy who didn't bring as much to the table. If it's experience you're after, then ask the owner of your LDS if he'll take you on as an intern after you've finished your DM or for that matter, if you have a good relationship with him, ask if you can intern FOR your DM. You may get the DM free or at a lower cost, while gaining experience. That's how I did mine. No cost except for a season helping out.

Just beware the scams out there. There are a number of start up dive ops ( particularly in the middle east) that will "offer" you a pittance the first month, "maybe more" the second. In reality, these guys suck you in with the "sort of" promise that your wages increase but they usually go under not long after starting up. Now you're stuck and they're long gone leaving you high and dry in a distant place.