Instructor’s Log Book


By Wiehan Thuynsma Photo David Caravias Why become


a dive master?


The perception of what it is dive masters must do and their real function in the dive industry varies quite a bit depending on who you speak to.


gear requirements and so on. To an extent I agree with this although I prefer handling my own gear requirements along with everything else that touches the student. The dive master can and


S 74


should manage the dive site as well as identifying the entry and exit points along with taking note of emergency procedures and contact people and numbers. I regard dive masters as an extension of instructor functions and responsibility.


ome say the DM must act as the instructor’s personal assistant, setting up the dive camp sorting out the


A DM is a very handy


resource to have as an instructor, especially in big student groups. While the instructor is busy with a particular student the DM can keep an eye on the rest of the group, maintaining order and assisting with any issues the students may experience while underwater. When it comes to the actual


dive, the dive master will be the one informing the dive participants of the activity and expectations of the dive. It is critical that the dive


master controls the dive and explains all activities as well as emergency procedures – this will negate risk and make the dive


enjoyable for all. First time divers should be


taken extra care of. Recently I have noticed that a number of newly qualified divers arrive at the coast wanting to do their first ocean dives without their instructors – it is therefore up to the dive master to provide a great diving experience. In addition to the


abovementioned functions, a DM must act as an underwater ‘tour guide’ on the dive, pointing out interesting underwater life. They must also have the ability to chat after the dive with all the participants fielding questions about the sea life they spotted. Knowledge of sea life and diving conditions is therefore critical, and


as such, the dive master course is packed with applicable scuba information. Socialising with the


customers and getting everybody interacting and having a good time out of the water is a very important attribute of a great dive master. I believe that dive masters should bring the fun portion of diving into the whole scuba experience – sometimes it can be difficult for instructors to relax among students in training because of the nature and level of the training. So why do you want to


become a dive master? Well, it’s all about preparing for becoming an instructor while you are having great fun!


September/October 2011


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100