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It may not be on your list, but Thailand is a very popular destination to work towards your Divemaster and Instructor ratings. The diving is good, the people are friendly, and the costs will be significantly less here than most of the world. Koh Tao is in the Gulf of Thailand, and is a very...

Koh Tao is a great little island with a friendly and welcoming vibe catering from high end villas to backpacking hostels. There are a lot of dive centres to choose from and as stated all will accept a referral of academics or pool work providing it's been completed within the same agency: PADI...

As already stated, there are a large number of dive centers on Koh Tao, this is to meet the large number of travellers and divers arriving on the island all year round. It is possible to dive on Koh Tao 365 days of the year as conditions (although not always optimal in monsoon season) are...

I completely agree. There is not point in extra standards or stricter standards if instructors nor dive operations follow them in the first place. Only by successfully enforcing the current standards can the dive industry develop safer courses and produce better divers. Standards are there for...

Koh Tao offers year round diving, and therefore the dates or season of your DMT shouldn't affect your employment prospects too much. What will affect your employment prospects will be where you do your course, and your personality and attitude throughout the course. Despite what others say...

I did my pro dive training with Master Divers oh Koh Tao and can also highly recommend them. Excellent instructors, dedicated and welcoming team, well kept equipment and flexible boat schedules to ensure you don't dive at the busiest dive sites. Most definitely not a 'scuba factory', they...

I did my IDC at Master Divers on Koh Tao, Thailand, and couldn't recommend them enough! The quality of education goes above and beyond what is required for the Instructors Exam and really teaches you how to be an instructor in real life situations. The course director Gaz personally teaches the...

What kind of diving do you do and in what conditions and equipment?

Earning potential as a divemaster can directly relate to where you are working, and also where you did your divemaster course. You're more likely to gain valuable work experience in the same area that you completed your course as you'll already be familiar with the dive sites, the dive centers...

Currently on Koh Tao. Glad to hear you're returning! Do you already know KT quite well, and have you already signed up to a DM and IDC programme? Tips available on accommodation, visas, food and diving if you need it!

I always aim to 'try before buy' any second hand equipment when possible. Ask if you can take them for a test dive before handing over any cash. If not, make sure they do not dry breathe, try having an inspection of the diaphram, and if possible try and check inside the first stage for any wear...

My Oceanic OCS's electronic compass seems to be very accurate, and is easy to set both outward and reciprocal headings. I did once question its accuracy on a dive where it seemed to constantly show the same bearing as if it was stuck... however I soon realised that was because my Sunnto analogue...

The Oceanic Accel fins (previously Aeris) are excellent fins both for home and travel. They're short at only 21 inches and weigh only 1.4 pounds. They have easy-on rubber straps and can be donned in seconds. The fins are made from a tough and sturdy rubbery material and have excellent...

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...

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...

Even without the molecular requirements for oxygen, how does this device propose on extracting the average 15 litres per min SAC rate of actual gas to fill the lungs and allow respiratory diffusion? This is why I think air tank systems will always be needed for extended underwater breathing.

I think many people enjoy the peace and quiet of being underwater, being close to nature and hearing the natural sounds of the reef. Personally I think I'd prefer to keep it that way myself, but I understand why it may be nice for some divers to have music (e.g. for deco). There are underwater...

If you plan to work in Asia, I know there is no specific requirement for liability insurance in Thailand, as you cannot be prosecuted for liability within Thailand under Thai law. This may or may not be similar for other SE Asian countries. Citizens from other nations can still prosecute you...

All being said, I still find it very important to teach new divers how to use the tables properly. Although they are unlikely to need them throughout the majority of their recreational courses, I find that by properly explaining and teaching the tables gives divers a greater understanding of...

Good article. Personally I don't see the need to apply sunscreen while diving under most circumstances. There should be shade available on the majority of dive boats and UV resistant clothing can be worn otherwise. Of course it's important to protect yourself against the sun, however there are...