Why not do my DM on Koh Tao?

[Phuket diver]

Hi Mr Devondiver,

I used to be a trainer there for a few years!! Can confirm that CDs are conducting the divemaster course, I had one of them on the phone last night, just to make sure that nothing changed....

Anyway, every body can have his own opinion about a dive center, I have a great opinion of Ban's diving that's why I recommended that place to Bert.

About videographer, Sharky Thomas is dealing with Ban's, he is excellent and organized some good internship.

Have a great day

 

[DevonDiver]

That's odd. Things must have changed, because Jonas never touched the course before.. None of the CDs on the island ran DM courses. Why would they??

 

[Phuket diver]

Jonas and I taught together the divemaster course for 5 years, right now Jonas and Tim are teaching the divemaster course.

Why? To provide a good quality course

 

[DevonDiver]

Fair enough, I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for the correction. It's very encouraging to hear that CDs are getting involved in non-IDC training A good excuse to get in the water, I bet

 

[ti325v]

Hi guys, I am on one of the second stops on the backpacker trail that starts in Koh Tau....
No doubt at all in my mind there are some EXCELLENT operators there. But like anything there is a lot of crap too.
About 15% of the O.W. students who have come to me for AOW after OW in Koh Tau are back in the pool....on MY time, to learn their O.W. skills properly, I get a lot of.."My instructor never told me that"...
I know a C.D. who went from o.w. to c.d, in far less then two years on k.t. he is down right DANGEROUS. NO regard for standards....
I would NEVER pre book, when I was considering where to do my D.M. I did go back to K.T.. and talked to Matt at Crystal stayed and dove with them free for a week, just paid for my room ( Great guy) and Big Blue, where I did my O.W.
But finally decided that as an adult, the party then dive hung over the next day after three hours sleep thing was not for me, so I went elsewhere...I have regrets on the decision I made, but....Consider a SMALL shop. You will get MUCH more attention. especially if you click with your instructor. Some of the big boys push out D.M.`s like O.W. students...okay you met the standards....you are "qualified"....I had about 500 dives when I finished my D.M. and still felt unprepared.
When I train DMT`s. They dive with me and follow me around learning all of the aspects of running a shop ( from maintaining the compressors, to fixing the regs) and guiding divers for at least four weeks after they finish rescue. Then I check them out unannounced periodically. Yes I kick the sh*t out of them on occasion, but they understand they have real responsibility.
I NEVER got close to that level of attention when I went with one of the big boys for my DMT.
They never even showed me how to fill a tank !
Once I trust my students, I let them run....but then again, I decide who I will train and have refused quite a few.
Also...having a CD as a teacher means nothing to me. I know instructors that have been at it for 20 years who have forgotten more then most CD`s ever know about DIVING. Want a copy of the CD course book ? P.M. me and I can arrange it...you now officially know what a CD knows. More marketing.....nothing about DIVING.

 

[marinediva]

I know a C.D. who went from o.w. to c.d, in far less then two years on k.t. he is down right DANGEROUS. NO regard for standards....

Doesn't it take two years to be a Master Instructor?
And then be invited to be a CD?

The CD's from Buddha View are very active in leading the DM training.
It should be remembered that Staff Instructors are also being trained on Koh Tao.

 

[ti325v]

Not if you have "Friends" on K.T. Anything is possible if the shop is big enough.

 

[marinediva]

That would solve the CD puzzle,
but sorry can't believe the Master Instructor Cert.

 

[Phuket diver]

Hi DavonDiver,

Have a good day and hopefully we will meet in the future, always looking for a buddy to go diving.

Take care

 

[DevonDiver]

I'm long overdue a trip back to Thailand. At the moment I am delaying until the 'Trident' is sunk as an artificial reef (will be the first wreck dive on a boat I've sailed on and know well) and to dive on the replacement tech liveaboard. Then over to the west coast to hook up with friends in Phuket and Lanta.... will drop by your place for sure