Relatively new diver on a liveaboard around Similan doing AOW

[stevenl]

I suppose compared to Komodo and Raja Ampat, I found it really easy relative to those 2 places. No reef hook or muck stick needed. I didn’t experience any up or downcurrents in the Similans. Maybe I was lucky. Granted, I only have 7 days of dive experience in the Similans which is probably a lot less than you but it is my personal experience. It might have just been timing.

Exactly, it might have just been the timing. So your earlier statement

Similan Islands diving is not that difficult

will be totally correct sometimes, and incorrect other times. IIt also depends a lot on the divesites, Koh Tachai pinnacles for example can be really tricky, while some of the inner Similan sites or Koh Tachai reef will normally be easy

 

[Edwon1]

Thanks guys, I've decided to do put off my LOB for a later date and just do a AOW on land and log more dives first before I take up such an adventure

 

[outofofficebrb]

Thanks guys, I've decided to do put off my LOB for a later date and just do a AOW on land and log more dives first before I take up such an adventure

I think that’s a better idea. I like to enjoy liveaboards as is, without obligations outside of paying for one. It’s nice not to have to worry about a class or studying. Also, the more dive experience you get, the more you can enjoy it rather than worrying about certain aspects of your diving, especially as it affects others.

 

[athigunk]

I think that’s a better idea. I like to enjoy liveaboards as is, without obligations outside of paying for one. It’s nice not to have to worry about a class or studying. Also, the more dive experience you get, the more you can enjoy it rather than worrying about certain aspects of your diving, especially as it affects others.

There is a few upsides I can think of. First, taking a course on LOB can mean that you basically have a mentor for the whole trip, 10+ dives, which you may be treated as a student where there are more effort from the instructor in training you, giving advice, etc. compared to them just being a dive guide. Another part is that usually (at least our dive center) we lend our students lights and computers during the course, so you get to save a few bucks on those as well. Either way you will have a great time.

 

[outofofficebrb]

There is a few upsides I can think of. First, taking a course on LOB can mean that you basically have a mentor for the whole trip, 10+ dives, which you may be treated as a student where there are more effort from the instructor in training you, giving advice, etc. compared to them just being a dive guide. Another part is that usually (at least our dive center) we lend our students lights and computers during the course, so you get to save a few bucks on those as well. Either way you will have a great time.

True, but I think those benefits can be enjoyed on a land based itinerary where you are not paying a premium for a liveaboard.