Dive Centres recommended for Rescue/Divemaster course

[Skienzy]

Hi all,

I am long time lurker on these forums. I decided to join because of the fantastic advice I've seen on here on various topics, particularly that given to new divers. Apologies if I have posted this in the wrong sub-forum.

I am PADI AOW qualified with ~17 dives under my belt (including a couple of wreck dives in the Philippines), all in South East Asia.

I want to continue my training and do the EFR/Rescue course at the very least (as well as possibly Deep/Wreck/Nitrox depending on how I get on). I am also considering doing my divemaster course, if not to go down the professional route, to gain a better understanding and experience of assisting and helping other divers. I've always enjoyed helping/assisting others regardless of the activity and I feel it would greatly benefit my diving experience (once my skills are up to a high level).

I am planning on quitting my job to go backpacking/travelling again next year and wondered if anyone had any recommendations on dive centres to do these courses. I plan on diving a lot more during this time, even if I don't do the dive master course.

I will be travelling through North Asia to the Indian Subcontinent overland so I was looking at a few dive centres around the Philippines as I enjoyed it there so much last time. I am not really into the 'party scene' in places I have looked at such as Utlia/Roatan in Honduras and Cozumel in Mexico and would prefer to do these courses/fun dives and improve my diving in a place that's a bit quieter and focusses more on diving instead of constant partying. (I don't mind a beer or two but I'd prefer to have a quiet one at the end of a days dive rather than partying everynight). I am open to suggestions around the world as I have no particular set route in place so I can go anywhere.

Many thanks.

 

[fjpatrum]

Where people dive regularly, there will be "partying". You don't have to participate but you won't be able to avoid it being there. Obviously some places are more "party centric" than others, though. That said, just go dive, take a few courses here and there but going the "divemaster" route isn't going to gain you much over just diving other than indentured servitude unless you actually want to go pro.

 

[Searcaigh]

Go dive when the opportunity arises during your trip, and if traveling around SE Asia be prepared for a large variation in quality of rental gear, so it might be worth taking some of your own personal dive gear if you have any (mask and dive computer minimum).

Do your homework before you leave home, find out where the dive centres are, cost, ease of getting there, etc., and make sure you have DAN or other dive insurance cover too, and see if they fit into your global travel plans.

Take a course if the opportunity arises, however I do believe that a DM course requires the candidate to have all of their own gear, perhaps somebody can confirm this point.