A great time to Go Pro – Meet John Stanley

Who hasn’t dreamt about waking up in the morning, leaping out of bed and heading off to your dream job?

Come and join us at Scuba Cat Diving, Phuket, Thailand whether you are a certified Diver or not we have a Scuba Diving Career internship for you.

Are you a PADI Divemaster with 100 or more logged dives?

Meet John Stanley:

” Hi all

Just thought I’d let you know what I got up to this winter.

Being a PADI DM in England I thought it was time I went up to the next level, PADI Instructor.

John, Tom and Henrik

John, Tom and Henrik

So where to start. October 2013 was the dive show at the NEC, Birmingham England. Having trolled round the stalls for two days and talking to everyone several time Scuba Cat came out tops for me for friendliness and genuine, I set of for Phuket. I started my PADI IDC in November and thought I would struggle with my classroom work but they were very patient with me and took me through it step by step (thanks Sarah and Claus). 2 ½ weeks later I’m was PADI instructor!

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand MSDT Internship

MSDT

Having decided to do my PADI MSDT with Scuba Cat I then started working with the team of experienced instructors to gain teaching experience whilst getting the 25 certifications required. I team taught PADI Open Water Courses, Advanced Courses, Discover Scuba Diving Programs and a few PADI Specialities too.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI IDC

Phuket have some nice dive sites and we visited all of them seeing sharks, turtles, and even my first ever manta and whale shark.

Whale Shark

Whale Shark

Scuba cat has 3 boats, I spent time on all of them : Scuba Sport- used  for ½ day trips, Scuba Fun- full day trips and Scuba Adventure the liveaboard, my favourite! Learning Liveaboards from Kath the permanent Tourleader and PADI IDC Staff Instructor, team teaching Advanced Courses too, we had some good fun and great diving.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand MV Scuba Adventure Similans Liveaboard

MV Scuba Adventure

So thanks to everyone at scuba cat I had great fun and made some good friends.

PS: if you’re looking at diving in Phuket or wanting to go to the next level of your diving you won’t go far wrong with SCUBA CAT. ”

What are you waiting for? Our next PADI IDC here at Scuba Cat Diving with Sarah (Platinum Course Director) and Claus PADI Master instructor is starting on 4th May 2014. There is still space available for you to join us.

DDI (Disabled Divers International) Pro Training Course 27th and 28th February 2014

Scuba Cat Diving are pleased to be running a DDI (Disabled Diver International) Pro Training Course on 27th and 28th February.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand

Joining us for this course so far are Allan and Gary. We do have more spaces available if you want to join us.

SID Senario

SID Senario

The course takes 2 days, we are not teaching you how to teach but how to adapt your teaching to suit the disabled.

The course teaches the candidates how to teach and dive with disabled divers, using DDI techniques, programs and standards.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand DDI Instructor Training Course

After the successful completion of the Pro Training, the DDI Professionals can train and guide disabled divers during their underwater activities.

The program is intended for Divemasters and Instructors from all international training organisations.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand DDI Instructor Training Course

As a diving professional to work with disabled divers is rewarding, the students share their excitement and joy of their experiences. This qualification help you to stand out from the crowd  by offering added value to the community and dive centres.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI 5 * CDC

In addition to this the March PADI IDC is due to start on 9th. There are spaces still available, so why not join us and if you enrol in the Silver IDC Package with us you receive the DDI Instructor course with our compliments. We are the only Dive Centre in Phuket able to offer this life changing certification.

 

PADI Divemaster’s – Congratulations Gus and Cal

Scuba Cat Diving are proud to have certified two new PADI Divemasters, yesterday Gus from Italy and Cal from the USA.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI Divemaster

Gustavo Penada on board MV Scuba Fun

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI Divemaster

Cal assisting on a PADI Open Water Course

Both are participants in our Career Internship Program.

Cal joined the Internship program on 27th April 2012 as an Advanced Open water Divemaster. He quickly completed his PADI Rescue and EFR to start his Divemaster training with us. At the same time Gus joined us on his internship as a PADI Rescue diver and started on the Divemaster course with Cal.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI Divemaster

At the same time both of them have achieved the rating of PADI Master Scuba Diver with the completion of 5 PADI Speciailities and will be continuing onto their PADI IDC on the August 2012 program.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI Divemaster

Congratulations Guys!

Need to relax after your PADI IDC?

After a day on the PADI IDC with Scuba Cat Diving what better way to relax and recap the day than with a traditional Thai Massage.

Thailand is renowned for therapeutic massage. It is recognized by the Government as one of the branches of traditional medicine and is regulated accordingly. Thai massage is also practiced and taught by a number of non medical massage technicians in the spa industry within the tourist areas. It is believed that Buddha’s physician, Jivaka Komarabhacca, developed the art of Thai massage over 2500 years ago. It has a combination of influences from India, China and areas of South East Asia. There are regional differences in the art of Thai massage throughout the country. It is known in Thailand as nuat phaen boran, which literally translates to the ancient manner massage. Unfortunately, most of the ancient medical texts were destroyed by the Burmese when they invaded Ayutthia in 1776. Some stone inscriptions survived and in 1832 King Rama III had these placed in the walls of Wat Po where they can still be seen today.

Thai massage is normally conducted on the floor with the recipients wearing loose comfortable clothing to ensure freedom of movement.  No oils are used. The massage itself involves a lot of stretching with deep rhythmic actions. During the course of the massage many yoga like positions are performed. The practitioner leans on the recipient’s body using their hands and straight forearms locked at the elbow to apply firm, rhythmic pressure. The masseuse often uses their feet and legs to do the massage action. It is considered that Thai massage is more energizing and rigorous than more classic forms of massage as it works on the entire muscle-skeletal system of the body. There is a standard procedure to Thai massage, which follows the sen lines of the body. There are over 72,000 energy lines within the body. Ten of these energy lines are major and are known as sen lines. The object of Thai massage is to release any energy blockage within these lines. One of the key features of traditional Thai massage is the blocking and releasing of blood flow known as trigger point therapy. This is when sustained pressure is applied for about 30 seconds where the legs and arms join the torso. Also during the treatment muscle compression, joint mobilization and acupressure techniques are used.  The Thai massage finishes with a mini head massage. The practitioner closes the ears with their fingers for a few seconds and then releases. This is a motion that is designed to bring your mind and thoughts back to the here and now. It is considered a good way to bring you round.

There are many benefits of traditional Thai massage. It is believed to increase energy, relieve and reduce stress, improves circulation, increases flexibility. It also encourages a healthier sleep pattern and centres mind and body. It is also a very effective treatment for back, neck and shoulder pain. However, it is not recommended for people with the following conditions: infectious skin diseases, rash or open wounds, immediately after surgery, immediately after radiation or chemotherapy treatment and people who are prone to blood clots. If you have a heart condition it is recommended that you should see a Doctor before massage therapy.   It is also recommended that a pregnant lady should have a massage performed by a therapist who specializes in pregnancy massage.

Prior to treatment it is advisable not to have a heavy meal.  If at anytime there is discomfort during the session, which typically lasts for two hours, you must tell the therapist. After treatment it is advisable to relax, drink plenty of water. Traditional Thai massage is also a good detoxification treatment.

Thai massage in recent years has become increasingly popular worldwide. More and more people are realizing the benefits of this ancient traditional massage therapy and are seeking qualifications at prestigious training centres such as Wat Po in Bangkok.

Meet our dedicated IDC Boat…….MV Scuba Sport

When the decision was made to retire MV Scuba Cat after 18 years working in the Similans and Racha Yai, this left our transfer boat MV Scuba Sport without a job.

Scuba Cat Diving PADI 5 * CDC Phuket Thailand MV Scuba Sport

After much though on what to use her for and looking at the local diving area we decided that a half day trip would be the perfect solution.

Up until now Phuket has been lacking a well organized half day diving and snorkeling trip from a purpose built dive boat. She has a big advantage over the longtail boats, where sunburn can be a problem or difficult shore entry for guests who have never dived before.

She also offer flexibility for our PADI Open water students, who have limited time in Phuket, so the course can be completed in 2.5 days rather than 3 if they arrive mid morning.

So MV Scuba Sport has been refitted with compressors, nitrox blending and a zodiac. She is based in Patong bay and offers both morning and afternoon trips on a very flexible basis.

Scuba Cat Diving PADI 5 * CDC Phuket Thailand Zodiac

"Dueng"

We wanted a boat that was available for both fun divers, PADI Discover Scuba Diving experiences, PADI Open water courses, snorkeling and Night dives, for both fun or as part of the PADI Advanced open water course.

Since she has started to run in November she has proved popular with trips to Paradise reef and Kalim Reef.

Scuba Cat Diving PADI 5 * CDC Phuket Thailand Patong Bay

She is also used every month with our PADI IDC. This allows our candidates to gain valuable experience of the dive sites where their PADI IE for open water will take place. Whilst being used for IDC’s no other customers are onboard to allow the maximum time for training, time can be used more effectively and the location of the boat means no long travelling time.

Scuba Cat Diving PADI 5 * CDC Phuket Thailand IDC Boat

 

Due to the popularity of this trip and being able to offer more variety of diving for our guests there are more plans for Scuba Sport for next season.

PADI Divemaster Exchange program, Koh Tao Candidate

The day had arrived, Richard had departed for Crystal Dive Resort on Koh Tao and we were to meet the other half of the Exchange program, Emma Van Burck……..

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI Divemaster Exchange Program

A whirlwind of diving passion had arrived, we had planned a liveaboard trip for her on board MV Scuba Adventure to Similan Islands as her first learning experience with us so she could gain an insite into this valuable Divemaster role. The only thing was she has 2 hours with us in Phuket before Adventure departed..

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand MV Scuba Adventure Similans Liveaboard

Emma's first home in Phuket

Emma’s experience

The general experience provided by the exchange program was one that increased my passion for diving, enjoyment of the DMT program and desire to complete PADI IDC ten fold. I would personally recommend all DMTs to complete the same if not similar program as part of their Dive Master training. It gave me more insight into how dive centers are run, how PADI Open water programs can be presented, the management of staff and the options available for fun diving. This new information has allowed me to make a more educated decision towards furthering my career in both diving and with PADI.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand MV Scuba Adventure Liveaboard

The support provided by both dive centers during this program was second to none. Sarah Kench made an exceptional effort in including me in all aspects of her business and provided the experience of a life time. The highlight of the trip was by far the liveaboard trip but the time spent working on land in the shop and assisting instructors was both rewarding and enjoyable. Sarah was hospitable, friendly, professional and supportive in a way that made me feel like I was a permanent part of her team not just a passing through guest. She allowed me to have an experience at Scuba Cat that showed the real side of her business not just a snapshot of the “good things”. By giving me this kind of experience I felt that the program provided all the right kind of information for a DMT who is looking for guidance in where to go with their diving career.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand MV Scuba Adventure Liveaboard

Koh Tachai

In comparison I found the two dive centers to be very different. The infamous thai phrase same same but different could not be more appropriately used than in describing Crystal and Scuba Cat. Both businesses are run to high standard, with well trained staff and exceptional facilities. However, the atmosphere and the general set up sets them apart. Having only ever trained and dived at Koh Tao I was naive as to the variety of centre set ups. By doing this exchange so early on in my career I feel like I have widened my perception on working in the dive industry before I become stuck in a single mindset towards one dive school and it’s systems.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand MV Scuba Adventure Liveaboard

Scuba Cat has the distinct advantage of providing the Similans diving experience. The variety of dive sites, dive conditions, and enormity of the sites is a massive draw card and provided me with the most enjoyable dives I have ever done in my short diving career. It allowed me to take the basic training I completed in Koh Tao and push new boundaries. The beauty of the sites and variety of things to see is unquestionably the best part of diving on the west coast. The opportunity to do night dives, drift dives, sunset dives and swim with manta rays was the highlight of my trip and for that reason alone I would return to the west coast to go diving. The boats and boat staff that Scuba Cat have are exceptional and are a big part of why the live aboard trip was so enjoyable. The staff are helpful, friendly and professional at all times and the boats used by the company are far more superior to Crystal’s.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand MV Scuba Adventure Liveaboard

While the variety of dive sites on Koh Tao is much smaller than in Phuket and the Similans I personally feel it provides the perfect diving experience for completing any course especially open water. As a zero to hero DMT the smaller dive sites provided me with the perfect introduction to diving and allowed me to gain my confidence.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand MV Scuba Adventure Liveaboard

I was very Impressed with the open water schedule provided by Scuba Cat in which the confined is run as an all day experience with a relaxed atmosphere. The three dive day one and one dive on day two schedule on the boats with the opportunity to complete half of your PADI advanced on the second day is an excellent way to improve customers chance of wanting to complete their advance course.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI Divemaster Exchange Program

It is hard to draw a line and say that one dive centre is better than the other as they provided completely different experiences and opportunities for divers who are training or fun diving. The program was introduced to me by saying that the east coast and west coasts are very different but both have their strong points. This is exactly what I experienced. It has also broken down many misconceptions that I had about the differences between the two sides of Thailand.

PADI Divemaster Exchange Program

So the pressure was on, we needed to find a Divemaster Trainee who would get the most from the exchange program.

Then we received an email from one, he had been let down at the last minute by another Dive Company and needed to find a Divemaster Program at short notice.

Scuba Cat’s Candidate was found. Meet Richard Catt…….

Scuba Cat Diving PADI 5 * CDC Phuket Thailand  Divemaster

Graduation Day

I arrived at  Scuba Cat Diving  in Phuket at the beginning of April for five weeks. The plan was to finish my PADI Dive Master training and to decide if i wished to persue a career in the dive industry. Also I aimed to log 100 dives and do my PADI Deep Diver Speciality.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI Deep Diver Speciality

First I had a day to relax, get over my jet lag and explore Patong which was to be my home for the next month. Had a chat with Sarah about my training, the PADI Dive Master Exchange Program and let her know i was keen to get back in the warm water after two weekends of dry suit diving in the UK (a chilling six degrees!)

I spent the next three days diving, learning how Scuba Cat runs and going out on the day boats assisting on PADI Open Water Courses.

I enjoyed working with the PADI Instructors of Scuba Cat as they made me feel welcome and part of the team. Finding out about the boats, MV Scuba Fun and MV Scuba Sport and how they are run was very interesting. Over the next few days i got to meet Instructor, Vince and the people I would be doing the Divemaster course with.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI 5 * CDC

After the Phuket Tsunami warning

Following this we then had ten days of theory and pool sessions to get my training finished before I went on Exchange Program. The other trainees were doing their PADI IDC/IE after the DM course, so I also did the extra theory work they were given. In the UK I had practised the 24 scuba/skin diving skills, with Vince’s guidance I was able to perform them all at a higher standard. This helped me with my confidence when I next assisted on the courses. It was a hard, enjoyable and very rewarding ten days but i was glad to get it all completed before going to Koh Tao to start the next part of the adventure.

PADI Region 26 had arranged a Dive Master Exchange Program for DMTs to experience some of their training at another 5 star PADI CDC Centre. I was unsure about the expectation of this PADI Divemaster exchange but was looking forward to taking part. After all this was the first one anywhere in the world!

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI 5 * CDC

After a quick flight to Samui, I caught a ferry Crystal Dive Resort on Koh Tao. All staff were really friendly and helpfully & made me welcome. Spent most of the time with Divemaster team – Josh, Sasha, Amy, Keith, Neil and Jen. Each had their own way of doing things and teaching. Which helped me realise you need to approach each class/session differently depending on who you were teaching, so the the lesson flows and was fun. Students & Staff were impressed with my own equipment. (Role model behavior!) Having my own gear made getting it ready easier and quicker, as I was familar with it. It allowed me to help students with their set up and other boat preparation. A valuable part of this program/exchange was definitely helping students, along with getting to lead actual dives (under supervision) another one of the big highlights was seeing students faces after their first dive this is a feeling that money can’t buy, and of course them thanking me personally for my support. Had some great dives, the Discover TEC dive with Ivan, leading the PADI Advanced Open Water wreck dive. Swim throughs at Red Rock-Japanese gardens, whales shark spotting and the fun dives with the other DMTs. At Koh Tao I was able to do several dives on the same sites, which is a first for me. This enable me to learn the sites and point out parts of interest when leading the dives. Also helped with my confidence during the dive briefings.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand Discover Tec

Made friends with Emma’s (the other half of the exchange program) group, who made me feel welcome and took me out to eat most nights. Crystal was a big social community was nice to catch up with everyone at the end of the day, have a chat do log books and plan the next day.

Starting My PADI Divemaster Course in England and finishing it off in Thailand has been a great experience. It was good see to how two PADI 5 star CDC centres work and compare them to my dive shop at home and others places I have dived. Being part of the staff I was able to really see how they run. Thailand has really opened my eyes regarding the professional training supplied and received from both Scuba Cat and Crystal Resort. Both centres have passion and professionalism for scuba diving and PADI. Along with excellent facilities and accommodation. It really has been one of the best experiences of my life.

Being able to see both sides of this country and the diving/training these centres has had to offer is truly incredible. Anybody thinking of doing this program should sign up straight away. I think doing this exchange along with all the other places I have dived will make me a better PADI DM/Instructor.

After the exchange Sarah gave me a chance of a Liveaboard trip on board MV Scuba Adventure to Hin Dueng and Hin Mueng. Working on the liveaboard was another great learning experience, was able to see how the boat and crew work. Kath, the Tour Leader did a great job making sure everyone settled on board showed as to our cabins and where to set up our scuba gear. The crew did brilliant job of getting everyone safely in and out of the water and were always on hand to assist you with your equipment. The food was amazing, a mini feast was laid out for us after every dive.

Scuba Cat Diving PADI 5 * CDC Phuket Thailand Divemaster

"Working hard................"

Had to draw a few dive maps so I could do some of the dive briefings and then lead the dives. Lots of great dive sites, full of soft and hard corals. Especially enjoyed Hin Muang and Hin Daeng. Had to look at my fish slates after each dive to remember all the fish and learn the names of new ones. The West Coast has some great and varied dive sites. When I come back I’d love to dive the Similans. Really enjoyed the 3 days, Sarah was lovely and added another dive to the trip so I was able to my 100th dive before leaving Thailand, it was a great way to end an amazing 5 weeks.

Scuba Cat Diving PADI 5 * CDC Phuket Thailand  Divemaster

"Dive Briefing with a Difference.............."

All the staff at Scubacat were a pleasure to work with, I enjoyed my time in Patong. Everyone gave me advice and encouragement to continue my career in diving. I prefer the smaller size of the dive groups and boats at Scubacat. Vince was a great DM mentor and I learnt a lot from his various interests in diving including Tec and Chamber work. Even got to do my PADI Deep Diver Speciality with Sarah herself.

I look forward to returning to do my PADI IDC/IE with Sarah and Sean later this year. When I return to the UK I will assist on courses with my local dive shop, to gain as much experience as possible.

Scuba Cat Diving PADI 5 * CDC Phuket Thailand  Divemaster Exchange

Best trip I have ever done, do not know how I will beat it. Still smiling when I think about all the things I was able to achieve.

MSDT – What is this and why should I become one?

This months MSDT Program at Scuba Cat Diving starts on 24th April 2012.

Scuba Cat Diving  Phuket Thailand MSDT Internship

So you have passed your PADI IDC and IE are are now looking to start working in your dream job.

First – you look at the various diving job websites

Next – you post your CV onto the PADI pros website

and then you wait…………… realizing that there are many new PADI OWSI Instructors each month actively seeking work……….

You want to stand out from the crowd, how do you do this?

Easy, Continue Your Education to Master Scuba Diver Trainer :

This rating sets you apart from other dive instructors by showing your commitment to continuing your dive training and being prepared to help others continue their training as well. You also get to teach PADI specialty diver courses – which opens the door to lots of fun while working.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand MSDT

To qualify as a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, you must:

  • Be a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
  • Have five PADI Specialty Instructor certifications
  • Have certified at least 25 PADI Divers

How can we help you achieve this?

At Scuba Cat Diving we have two methods you can do this, individual courses or as an all inclusive MSDT internship.

Each month directly after the IE we hold the MSDT prep program. This comprises of 5 speciality instructor certifications. This is the first step required in obtaining your MSDT.

During each of the 5 Speciality Instructor Courses you will:

  • Present a knowledge development presentation from the specialty diver course outline.
  • State the purpose and goals of the specialty diver course.
  • Explain the course standards and procedures from the PADI Specialty Course Instructor Guide.
  • List student diver and instructor equipment requirements.
  • Explain the specialty diver course open water training considerations.
  • Demonstrate mastery of all knowledge development and water skill performance requirements for the specialty diver course.
  • Conduct an open water teaching assignment and demonstrate all open water performance requirements for the specialty diver course. Skills may be combined as appropriate for open water training dives.
  • Describe how to conduct all course segments in a manner that enables divers to meet course performance requirements.
  • Describe successful marketing and promotional techniques to promote specialty diver training as part of the PADI System.
  • Determine costs involved in the pricing of specialty training.

After successful completion of the 5 specialty Instructor rating you will require 25 certifications in order to apply for the MSDT.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI MSDT Internship

At Scuba Cat Diving we have a work experience program which is designed especially for New Instructors. You will gain the 25 certifications required for the MSDT whilst working along side our team of experienced PADI Instructors, benefiting not only from the certifications and the knowledge you will gain from them but from being part of a working dive centre, gaining a valuable insite into how you will be able to use your personality to best fit into your new role.

Career Internship

Simon Lomas ……..The story so far

Back in October 2011 I arrived in Patong, Phuket with the intention of spending the next 5 months diving and completing as many PADI courses as I could in the time. I was an Advanced Open Water Diver and I had the ambition of going up to my Master Scuba Diver Trainer with an Internship at Scuba Cat Diving.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI 5 * CDC

Pre Dive Safety Check

Things started well after a few days to recover from the flight, I had a couple of days fun diving as I had not been in the water for over a year. Then I flew through my Emergency First Responder Course with the excellent instruction of Tony Lock, one of Scuba Cat’s Managers and Core Instructors.

Next: my PADI Rescue course. This was a great follow up to the EFR and under the instruction of Vince Moy, another great PADI Instructor. This course was very physically demanding and covered all scenario’s you will ever encounter and many you will never see too. After a few days I was exhausted, but was pleased to be told that I had passed with flying colours.

This was proved after meeting other instructors, who been working with other companies, that my course was much more in depth and I came out tired but much more confident.

Vincent Moy was again my instructor for my PADI Divemaster course. This I planned to do over a couple of months, so I could get experience as well as instruction. The Divemaster course is mentally demanding as well as physically as you need to learn all about Dive theory: physics, physiology, RDP and equipment as well as how go run safe guiding sessions.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand Scuba Diving Internship

Hover

Assisting instructors, with real courses and with simulated courses, does this. The simulated courses lets you see and deal with things that can happen so you can learn to deal with them and the real courses helps with the real world teaching and how different instructors teach in different ways. This course was good as it let me learn and dive at the same time.

I had great fun with a Chinese family who were with Tony one day. They all hit the water and got excited. They all swam off in different directions some could swim other could not. Wow, trying to hold two with my hands then towing a third who was holding on to my fin whilst I was finning with the other was something I wont forget in a hurry!

After completing my Divemaster course I went under the instruction of Big Vince, who’s job was to get me ready for the PADI IDC, bridging the gap in my Dive Theory getting me to a level where I could confidently demonstrate skills to a very high standard comfortably and confidently.

At first I was annoyed at this, as I believed I had already done this and was now wasting my time. I was wrong. Big Vince got me up to a very high standard, which came in so useful later.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI 5 * CDC

Pool Skills

 

Now to my IDC……..hmmm where to start.

Since my time with Scuba Cat I had seen two IDC courses before mine and I saw the stress levels of some students, so I was a bit nervous. This was now not about skills but how to teach them. The others had far more experience than me but after my time with the Vinces’ I was confident.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand PADI 5 * CDC

Classroom

The classroom sessions were fun but very well run. We learned all we needed to and more. Both Sarah, PADI Course Director and Sean, PADI Master Instructor were hard on us and as a result our standards were far higher than the other candidates when it came to our PADI IE.

I was appalling at physics, even after passing with both Vincent and Vince but with Sean going over it everyday in different ways I got the hang of it with 12 hours to spare.

The Open water skills were good fun too, as we now had to teach.  Sarah gave us problems which we had to over come that were far harder than any we encountered on the PADI IE. This made us so much more aware of problem spotting and solving than any we would got in the IE.

All in all the IDC was a hard two weeks but good fun as well.

I believe I coped far better than most of the other students I had seen from previous IDC’s, I was shaved and I only lost a few kilos and always slept well compared to many others who were up all night.

Thanks Scuba Cat for the preparation.

Now to the final IE this gave us a sleep in as it did not start till 3-4 pm which meant I could relax and have a few beers the night before, get up late have a good breakfast and a massage before getting ready. The Friday afternoon for me was the most nerve raking, the written theory exams, all 5 and the PADI General Standards. It was only Physics that bothered me. I did the exams well within the time, well actually with an hour to spare, sorry Sean I did try to slow down! I got them marked there and then. I did not look at the mark, only to make sure the examiner drew a “P” on them for pass then walked out.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand Learn to Dive Internship

Passed

The next day, Saturday was confined water skills and presentations. Easy. We got to the pool, in, did the skills, out, all passed no make-ups necessary in minutes.

That afternoon, knowledge development presentation which Sarah and Sean had prepared us so well for during the IDC, again we flew through.

All that was left was the open water sessions on the Sunday.

Rescue-scenario sped through – thanks guys.

The teaching scenarios were good too as Sarah had made the standards so high in our IDC it meant that actual IE was simple.

On top off all this I also managed to do 5 specialities towards my PADI MSDT which will be done when I return. This was great for me as I now have a the skills to work well and on top of that I also came out of my internship with a job offer too.

….Thailand here I come.

Scuba Cat Diving PADI 5 * CDC Phuket Thailand Internships

A big thanks to all at Scuba Cat, Sang, Jack and all in the shops, Akiko for getting me hooked on Diving with my Open Water Course a couple of years previous, Tony for so much help, encouragement and advice throughout. To Nat, who helped me so much with my guiding and how to find so many things. To Vincent Moy for all his help on my Rescue, Divemaster and photography courses .To Big Vince for his frowning, head shaking and low scores throughout his training of me, which has now got me to the standard needed for the IDC.  Last but by no mean least, to Sarah and Sean who taught us, laughed at (with) us and made the IDC fun as well got me to become not just an instructor but a GOOD Instructor.

Now as I was told throughout my IDC stop talking or you will lose points if you are still going after the sun goes down.

Thanks to you all.

See you in October for the next chapter in my story.