What you describe is the very same situation we had in Italy prior of 1980, when American agencies (PADI), and shop-based for profit diving landed here...
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ThgankyouPlease see our post Dive Shops with English Language Services for details.
‘There’s a lot of diving along the east coast, the south coast and around Jeju Island.
What you describe is the very same situation we had in Italy prior of 1980, when American agencies (PADI), and shop-based for profit diving landed here...
I was a member of two BSAC clubs in Saudi back in the 80s and 90s with the Jeddah one based out of the National Guard Hospital being the more active of the two (the other being in Riyadh and more of a drinking club).Interesting read, the Middle East was very similar years ago. Not so much now, but the dive club mentality I feel is something that is being lost and I feel thats a sad thing.
Your not wrong on the elitism and snobbery, its why I left BSAC in Qatar 16 years ago. But rejoining as its a new bunch who seem a lot less twatish...will see how the 6 month pans out lolI was a member of two BSAC clubs in Saudi back in the 80s and 90s with the Jeddah one based out of the National Guard Hospital being the more active of the two (the other being in Riyadh and more of a drinking club).
Certainly a great way to dive with more experienced divers and expand a novice diver's experience, but clubs come with their own negative points too, like "split off" groups, snobbery and elitism to name but a few, which I dislike.
Clubs are pretty common here as Korea culturally has a social club mentality, and the boat operators usually need a set number of people to run. Diving with your club usually guarantees getting enough people.Interesting read, the Middle East was very similar years ago. Not so much now, but the dive club mentality I feel is something that is being lost and I feel thats a sad thing.