Going to Koh Tao to become a divemaster

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For a similar level/vibe of DM course, but nicer locale.... consider Scuba Junkies on Mabul (Borneo, Malaysia).

Full disclosure: I've not been to either Koh Tao or Mabul. So my note is not really about diving but more safety in general.

Not sure if you're aware that Mabul is well within the striking range of Abu Sayyaf's base Jolo Island, and those militants are responsible for a number of kidnapping and killing tourists/policemen around the areas. A quick Google search suggests that the last attack on Mabul was in mid 2014.
 
Not sure if you're aware that Mabul is well within the striking range of Abu Sayyaf's base Jolo Island, and those militants are responsible for a number of kidnapping and killing tourists/policemen around the areas. A quick Google search suggests that the last attack on Mabul was in mid 2014.

I used to work at Mabul/Sipidan.... and it's really safe and a very popular destination.

Google just about any SE Asia destination and you'll find emotive, scare-stories in the media...
 
I used to work at Mabul/Sipidan.... and it's really safe and a very popular destination.

Google just about any SE Asia destination and you'll find emotive, scare-stories in the media...

Glad you enjoyed the time there :)

I agree that it's not everyday occurrence (thankfully!), but the risk exposure is considered significantly higher than other areas within SEA, especially those kidnappers target on "wealthy" western tourists for ransoms.

I happen to work in the risk management field and I get update/alert (not based on Google) on the regular basis. I have to say it does take fun out of quite a few things when all you read is things gone wrong :p
 
I earned my Divemaster a number of years ago. I wasn't interested in teaching, but wanted the knowledge. I think is was probably the best dive course I've had!
 
I feel a little late to this post, but I hope it's not too late to dispell some rumors or misconceptions. Koh Tao is a beautiful island with a fantastic vibe and community feel. Under the right conditions the dive sites are great, not world class, but perfect for teaching. Among other things, that's why Koh Tao is such a popular scuba mecca for new divers. It's on the backpacker trail, it's fun, it's cheap, and the water conditions and dive sites are perfect for learning to dive. This also means that Koh Tao is perfect for dive masters and new instructors to experience novice divers and teaching initial scuba courses. The influx of new divers and non divers gives new dive professionals chance to get valuable experience in a safe environment, with experienced instructors, with customers who are normally laid back and easy going.

Koh Tao has a large number of dive centers all targeting a different market. Some are party schools, some are cheaper than others, some are more isolated, and of course there's the decision between PADI and SSI.

For anyone looking to do a quality, not quantity, focused course, be that entry level or professional, I'd thoroughly recommend Master Divers. They're located in Mae Haad and so are a comfortable distance from the tourist hotspot Siaree (yet still close enough for the nightlife). The whole operation is amazingly well run by enthusiastic, friendly and experienced staff that pride themselves on delivering quality and thorough courses. The course director Gaz personally teaches all Divemaster programmes and runs all the IDC's. There's an emphasis on safety, standards and professionalism and after finishing my DM and IDC there I can promise nowhere else will make you into a better, more confident and employable dive professional (All while having a great time with an amazing bunch of people!). Master Divers are well known for their quality and standards around the island, and being a smaller school you get much more personal attention and better integrated into the dive team than I'd expect at some other larger factory schools.

Good luck to anyone pursuing dive training in Koh Tao!
 
Consider which you'd prefer between Koh Tao or Mabul. Just a couple of extra points.

1) Koh Tao is easier to get to
2) Koh Tao is a very beautiful island and while small there are different areas and places to hang out
3) the diving is superior at Mabul, but I didn't think the island as beautiful as Koh Tao by a long stretch and while the diving is superior, I doubt very much that's true at the beginner OW sites. DevonDiver, you'll know the teaching site, whereas I was a paying diver. Please advise
 
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I feel a little late to this post, but I hope it's not too late to dispell some rumors or misconceptions. Koh Tao is a beautiful island with a fantastic vibe and community feel. Under the right conditions the dive sites are great, not world class, but perfect for teaching. Among other things, that's why Koh Tao is such a popular scuba mecca for new divers. It's on the backpacker trail, it's fun, it's cheap, and the water conditions and dive sites are perfect for learning to dive. This also means that Koh Tao is perfect for dive masters and new instructors to experience novice divers and teaching initial scuba courses. The influx of new divers and non divers gives new dive professionals chance to get valuable experience in a safe environment, with experienced instructors, with customers who are normally laid back and easy going.

Koh Tao has a large number of dive centers all targeting a different market. Some are party schools, some are cheaper than others, some are more isolated, and of course there's the decision between PADI and SSI.

For anyone looking to do a quality, not quantity, focused course, be that entry level or professional, I'd thoroughly recommend Master Divers. They're located in Mae Haad and so are a comfortable distance from the tourist hotspot Siaree (yet still close enough for the nightlife). The whole operation is amazingly well run by enthusiastic, friendly and experienced staff that pride themselves on delivering quality and thorough courses. The course director Gaz personally teaches all Divemaster programmes and runs all the IDC's. There's an emphasis on safety, standards and professionalism and after finishing my DM and IDC there I can promise nowhere else will make you into a better, more confident and employable dive professional (All while having a great time with an amazing bunch of people!). Master Divers are well known for their quality and standards around the island, and being a smaller school you get much more personal attention and better integrated into the dive team than I'd expect at some other larger factory schools.

Good luck to anyone pursuing dive training in Koh Tao!

I've used Master Divers for the last 3 times I've been to the island. What impresses me about the operation are the detailed dive briefs, the insistence of doing a buddy check before each dive, and the requirement to have and use snorkels (I know they're not to everyone's taste).

As a BSAC Advanced Diver/Advanced Instructor the training opportunities are a bit limited.
 
I've used Master Divers for the last 3 times I've been . . .

As a BSAC Advanced Diver/Advanced Instructor the training opportunities are a bit limited.

I'm sorry, I don't understand your last sentence, particularly in light of you having been with them 3 times. Thanks
 
I've used Master Divers for the last 3 times I've been to the island. What impresses me about the operation are the detailed dive briefs, the insistence of doing a buddy check before each dive, and the requirement to have and use snorkels (I know they're not to everyone's taste).

As a BSAC Advanced Diver/Advanced Instructor the training opportunities are a bit limited.

I think Master Divers attitude towards dive fundamentals is why many experienced divers hold them in high regard. The insistence on quality, standards and safety are generally above what is expected on an island such as Koh Tao. However isn't that what all dive professionals should be prioritizing when teaching new and novice divers, and therefore isn't that what should be emphasized into pro training programs as well?

I wanted to complete my DM and IDC at a dive school that took the programs seriously and would help me develop into a dive pro with knowledge and experience above the rest. In this competitive industry you need to stand out and work hard to progress. Safe to say I've not struggled to find work since passing my IE.
 
I've used Master Divers for the last 3 times I've been to the island. What impresses me about the operation are the detailed dive briefs, the insistence of doing a buddy check before each dive, and the requirement to have and use snorkels (I know they're not to everyone's taste).

As a BSAC Advanced Diver/Advanced Instructor the training opportunities are a bit limited.
I'm sorry, I don't understand your last sentence, particularly in light of you having been with them 3 times. Thanks

As a BSAC AD/AI I can (and do) teach how to plan and lead expeditions. I was the Diving Office on a Coral Caye Conservative expedition in Belize in the mid 1990s. I run monthly training sessions in South Scotland where I manage (and provide guidance) to other instructors.

To your question: I use Master Divers because they observe safety standards I like. I have dived with other operators on Koh Tao, but wasn't comfortable with their procedures. What training are they going to provide that I don't already have. On the other side of it they don't treat me as a novice because of having Advanced in the diver certification name.
 

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