PADI Divemaster Exchange program, Koh Tao Candidate

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

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……..

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

Posted on May 15, 2012 by admin

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.

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!

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.

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.

"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.

"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.

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.

Ursula’s Story – After the PADI IE

Posted on April 4, 2012 by admin

HI!!

It’s morning. I am still stunned. Sarah, the PADI Course Director told us that there is usually a “24hr Shock period” before we get back to normal. Yup, she’s right!!

The last few weeks were really strenuous, as you know!! Not only on us, but on Sarah and Sean the Master Instructor too! They kept on telling us that a pass is not only an evaluation of the candidate’s abilities but also a reflection of their teaching!!

Can you say “pressure on everyone”!!!

I remember Sarah telling me that she would not let me participate in the PADI IE if she didn’t think I could do it! So She was a solid support for me throughout.

A pass seems all that is important to the team, to the Course Director and to PADI and Sarah told me I was ready. But I worried about passing. A lot.

When the PADI Examiner told me my score on the open water presentation yesterday…. I could only hang my jaw open! 2 water Skills, each with a briefing & debriefing. 2 scores, no make-ups. Anything lower than a 3.5/5 was a fail. I know it is not really important, but Wow! I got a 4.2 and a 4.6 on the open water skills! I was truly ecstatic! Same-same when I heard my physics exam score (92%) and the classroom presentation, no make-up: 4.7/5!

See, Saturdays confined water (pool) presentation score was a 3.6/5 So, ya, I worried!

In the end, the scores really don’t matter… I passed & got the handshake….. but when the Examiner said: You showed a strong performance throughout the IE…. I don’t think there could have been better words to let me know that not only do I pass, but I passed WELL. He saw it!