DM or IDC?

[u/kdbdnek]

I’m planning to take some time off after finishing my Bachelor’s degree, probably around 6–12 months, and I’d love to spend that time working as a Dive Master in Thailand.

I’m from Germany, currently an AOWD, and have been diving since I was 12. Working as a dive guide has always been a dream of mine, and I’d love to finally make it happen.

However, I’ve heard from quite a few people that finding work as a DM is almost impossible for foreigners, as dive centers generally prefer to hire Instructors. I’ve also looked into doing my IDC, but once you factor in all the additional PADI fees and membership costs, the total can apparently reach €4,000–5,000. On top of that, Instructors seem to spend much more time teaching, whereas I’d ideally like to focus on guiding dives. I don’t mind teaching at all, but I’d prefer diving to be the main part of the job.

So I’m trying to figure out what the best option would be for me. I’m not doing this for the money (I saved some money so I wouldn’t rely on the salary) or to pursue a long-term career in diving. I simply want to dive as much as possible, improve my skills, gain more experience, and have fun.

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience working in the dive industry in Thailand or elsewhere in Asia!

How difficult is it to find work as a German-speaking DM in Asia?
Is getting an Instructor certification practically necessary to find a job?
Would you recommend going straight for the IDC, or is it realistic to find a DM position that fits what I’m looking for?
Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

[u/OriginalBroccoli]

I did my DMT on Koh Tao last year and learned a lot there, not just about guiding dives, but also how dive centers are run. You are correct, DM being the first career step into professional diving, there is no shortage of DMTs and dive centers usually recruit from DMs they have trained. Back then I got to know a lot of good DMs who had a blast guiding certified divers. I also met a lot of dive instructors who were very happy just teaching courses. Also because teaching courses paid more money and thus guaranteed a better lifestyle. If you aim at diving and don't (yet) want to make a teaching career out of it, I would recommend you do your DMT at a good, larger dive center. You will be able to get to know them and they will be able to get to know you. If you show up, are eager to learn, get along with staff and customers, there should be opportunities for you to stay longer and work as a DM. To me, it seemed especially the larger dive centers had a regular demand for new DMs filling open positions. In Thailand it was also my experience there are many dive centers who hire foreigners (as DMs and instructors) because they come from the same background as their customers. However, I heard in Indonesia DMs are usually locals while instructors are foreigners.

[u/ChumbaWumbaParty]

Yeah there is no chance you will get an employment visa to DM in Thailand unless you have ties to Thailand - that’s is reserved for locals. You might be able to get employment as an instructor (which means a lot of diving will be as a DM), but also relatively competitive dues to numbers of foreign visas a business is allowed to have per number of local employees. Your other choice is to look at doing your training to IE in Thailand - you can get educational visas for this purposes. You will have to pay for your certifications and stay, and you would not be able to paid directly - I guess you would be allowed to work for tips like everyone else does while you get the dives needed for your certs.

[u/Daemonforged]

I just finished my IDC in the Maldives with scuba dive online. All inclusive and the cost is about $5k. If you can get your Divemaster and go to instructor after the knowledge is fresh and makes the IDC a lot easier, and the course directors are very talented teachers, and it comes with a full month internship afterwards where you get real experience in guiding and teaching, as well as bonus conservation internships.

[u/mantta-ray]

I’m working in Thailand as an instructor right now. I came here 2 years ago looking to do my DM and work as a DM for a very long time, but I ended up doing my IDC earlier than I would have liked (who wouldn’t love to guide forever). I have found I love teaching and am very happy it’s worked out, and happy to have the extra income teaching courses provides me. Here’s my advice:

Definitely dive around at different shops to figure out if they hire after finishing your DM or not. I know a lot of people who got enough work as a DM to be happy, but a lot more who were told that they wouldn’t be given work because that shop had a well established team. Some will convince you that you have to do your IDC to get work. Being bilingual will definitely help. Dive at different shops on different islands if you can, and choose somewhere that suites your vibe.:)

If you’re not needing the extra income, I say DM for as long as you can, as long as you pick a shop that will hire you. If you find you’re inspired to teach then do your IDC, but don’t do it for the money, and definitely don’t do it until you’re ready.

[u/Designer-Peanut2341]

Go straight to instructor. Foreign DM wont get a work visa or work permit in Thailand. Guiding is a reserved occupation in Thailand