diverdowndh

If this is in the wrong forum, please move it where appropriate. I didn't really see a good place for it, this seems like a more advanced forum so here goes...
I'm embarking on the PADI Divemaster program, or in the preliminary stages anyway. What are some expectations of finalizing this? More specifically, realistically what job opportunities can I expect? Of course, my dream is to leave "corporate America" behind and open a dive operation or even just work for a while taking people diving for another shop. How hard is it to make use of this, and how would you even go about it? Are divemaster jobs listed on the internet? I hope I'm not being too ambiguous but I want to get some opinions on the "real" possibilities for having completed PADI divemaster. I'm not sure I want to take it all the way thru to instructor, I have about 140 logged dives and my local dive shop has been pushing me towards getting this cert because of my experience (but they haven't said anything about a job yet!).
To summarize, I just wonder if this is something to keep my head into diving while passing the time til my next dive trip, or will this really give me opportunities.
Any help is greatly appreciated!

Scuba Mama

Realistic yes, there are jobs out there. What are you willing to give up is the real question? Most jobs in scuba even for an instructor do not pay very well. I found out by visiting a few places they look for someone you can handle more then one task. Can you repair compressor, speak another language, do you have a boat license, can you teach EFR, discover scuba?

Once in the professional realm you need to consider professional insurance. The price can range from the level you want to be involved.

Yes, you can look on the internet just google scuba jobs and see what comes up.

If you work for an island resort, they may have a limited contract 6 months and your out. These are some of the down sides.

However, how cool is it to wake up and your job is to play in the water.

diverdowndh

No kidding, to wake up and not have people running you off the road every day and to wake up only to "have" to play in the water.....

Thank you for the quick, informative reply. Definitely things to think about and research...

scubaman2151

Congrats on going for your dive master cert, I plan on trying out for this cert maybe this coming year, hope you find a cool job, post your resume on monster!

diverdowndh

Thanks, I'm excited about it. I did do a google (thanks Scuba Mama!), don't know why I didn't think to do that initially. I guess what I'll do is just finish the DM and then post my resume to see what happens...
This forum is awesome!