DM Assessment

[sideshow]

Having recently done my first DM Assesment(for DL), I was dissappointed to find that I had failed (74%). However, some of the marking points had me a bit miffed. I lost marks because the assesor was away for a week (therefore some submissions were 'late'), the wave plan was not adhered to (one diver did not want to do his final dive) plus the assesor disobeyed a direct order from my ADM, which asked him to reduce his TDT.
I have been told that I cannot see my marks, but I am not convinced that I have the whole picture...help?

[edward haynes]

Just to clarify things, please conform DM = Dive Marshalling.

I have never heard of this assessment being 'marked' It is either completed successfully or not. Being the 1st assessment it is a 'shadowing' exercise of the instructor.

Am I missing something ...

Edward

Having recently done my first DM Assesment(for DL), I was dissappointed to find that I had failed (74%). However, some of the marking points had me a bit miffed. I lost marks because the assesor was away for a week (therefore some submissions were 'late'), the wave plan was not adhered to (one diver did not want to do his final dive) plus the assesor disobeyed a direct order from my ADM, which asked him to reduce his TDT.
I have been told that I cannot see my marks, but I am not convinced that I have the whole picture...help?

[sideshow]

Thanks for your reply, to clarify, yes, DM = Dive Marshalling. I did the shadow DM, then the assessment was me planning, organising and carrying out the DM ing for the whole day (including boat booking, equipment etc right down to dive site reports, web site articles and debriefing, of course)...any more thoughts? i'll check back and give you more info if required. ta.

[steve swift]

If you have problem with the result of your assessment you should take this up with the assessor, and failing any joy there, with the club's TO or DO. We have only your side of the story, so it would be unfair to say that you shouldnt have failed, but you should at least be allowed to see your marks, and be given some constructive feedback if you have failed. For instance, did you spk to the errant diver who disobeyed your ADM's instructions ( and a direct order? Perhaps too officious???); how did you react when the diver decided not to do his last dive etc

I too have never heard of the DL DM assessment being 'marked' but if your assessor has developed such a marking system, good for him. It should then be easy for him to explain objectively to you why you have not passed. However if he is not disclosing this information to you, then IMO it smells a little of 'I have the knowledge, and knowledge is power' syndrome.

I hope you can sort this out amicably, but if not, put it down as a trial run and do another: you can never practise too much.

Steve

[edward haynes]

Did you qualify as a SD under the old syllabus, which didn't teach 'Assistant Dive Marshalling' or the current one which does?

If the former in might be worth attending the SD theory and getting some practise of the SD requirements before going for the DL assessment again.

As a DL you would be expected to DM any Branch diving activities to: well known sites to the Branch, or using experienced skippers, or in conditions not normally described as 'challenging' (Instructor Manual Page 217).

It looks like your instructor has produced his/her own marking system. Nothing wrong in that, it makes the assessment seem more scientific, but at the end of the day it's still a subjective call whether a student has reached the required standard or not.

You said in the first post your instructor wouldn't let you see his assessment comments, that's their privilege. However, they should be prepared to discuss what area(s) you require more practice in. That's the way I would expect a BSAC NQI to act (I am assuming you where under the supervision of an NQI). As Steve said, discuss this with your Branch TO or DO there is more to DMing that making bookings and writing reports. It fact if you where doing all this yourself you are not demonstrating your delegation skills.

Remember the DM is responsible for the success of the expedition, but doesn't have to do all the work. What use did you make of your Branch's SD (ADMs)?

Edward

[Paul Oliver]

Hi

I think your getting some top reviews of this situation.

Personally i have been assesing trainee DL's and SD in DM roles all season. I am not as organised as your assesor, but the two main points i look for are "The Plan" and the "Flexibility" required to cope with a branch dive off Dover, our normal diving area.

Unless i have asked someone to play a role on the dive to test those skills, i would probably step in as DO if there was an issue. To me it sounds like you were a bit hard done by, but as Edward says, we need to see both sides.

At the end of the day if you are going to dive with your assesor and branch maybe you need to look at it as gaining experience and just move on.

Good luck in the future,

Dive Safe

Paul

[Richie771]

I agree with the other threads, It appears you have been hard done by. (IMO - I Wasn't there!)

When I assess people for DM - I use the Following Two Criteria

1. Was the aim acheived.

2. WAS IT SAFE!!!

At the end of the day, it's a hobby that you do for your own enjoyment and the enjoyment of others.

Dont lose heart - you are obviuosly commited - otherwise you would not be going for the DM qualification - which is purely for the bennefit of others within your Branch. (Less Diving for you!!).

Good Luck - We need more commited Divers like yourself within this Sport.