Divemaster in Phillipines

[CODMAN]

Well Topper, good relations with your instructors is important as I stated above, so that is a good sign!

Another thing I need to add about this is student/ customer density. And this depends on what you want out of your DM/IDC course! If you are looking to actually work as a DM/Instructor one day, you need to get lots of hands on experience out of your course with real customers/ students. In this instance, Sabang has an advantage over Malapascua since it's much much busier (from what I hear). On the other hand, if you're just looking into this course for personal development and don,t plan on actually working with it (like me), where you do it is less important. Rather choosing an instructor/ operator that will teach you lots is more important since you'll never (or rarely) use the course professionally... In that case, choose whatever destination you want as long as you get along with your instructor, even if that means less hands on experience with clients/students!

Just another consideration to take into account!

 

[Kupu]

Although Malapascua does not have the same number of divers passing through as Sabang, TSD certainly stays busy enough to provide the experience needed to qualify as a competent DM.

I will put in a good word for the instructors at TSD as well, Mike is a instructor who has been with the shop for a couple years and does a great job training divers at all levels. Also Rich has been working at TSD as instructor for a couple months, and he brings many years of instructing experience. The last group of three IDC students at TSD had the benefit of having the full attention of a very qualified course director and passed IE with no problems. By the way, the staff is actually mostly English, not Aussies...but they are a good group of people.

I actually prefer Malapascua to Sabang since it is a bit more quiet, but still has enough nightlife to have something to do in the evenings. Both places would be fine for a DM internship.

 

[jacksongrass]

Hello, this looks like some information I'm looking for. I'm also planning on doing my divemater training probably starting in June. I plan on diving for at least 2 months. Ideally, I would like to get my certification and then dive for free in exchange for working as a divemaster for the shop. The only places I've been to in SE Asia for diving is Malapascua and Koh Tao. I wasn't too impressed with the diving in Koh Tao so I would like to go somewhere with better diving than that. As far as the places atmosphere, I'm looking for somewhere a little more lively than Malapascua but not quite as lively as Koh Tao. Or at least if its going to be as lively as Koh Tao than have a bit better diving quality. Any suggestions please let me know. Thanks!

P.S. I also dove with Thresher Sharks and they are great people and would be great to do a DM. Its a little quite there though and I've already dove in Malapascua so I thought I would try something different.

 

[sonar]

sounds like another possible PG divemaster

check for some info on Puerto Galera/ Sabang jackson
read the thread from buddy-boo;

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ph...355-dive-dojo-puerto-gallera-info-needed.html

 

[CODMAN]

I agree with Sonar. PG sounds like a great option! Sabang has a lot of nitelife/partying... But it,s easy to get away from. You can stay in small Lalaguna (5min walk from Sabang) or big lalaguna (10 minuet walk) and have a more relaxed atmosphere. And the diving is very varied...

A bit of advice; clearly state to whoever you are contacting that you want to work a bit after the course in exchange for diving. Not all diveshops will agree ti this (or need an extra DM), so make it clear...

Have fun shopping your DM course!

 

[jacksongrass]

Thanks for the link to PG. A lot of good info there. PM sounds like a good place to do my DM. I have also been thinking of doing my DM in Sabah possibly....do you by chance have any good info on that area?

 

[sonar]

I dove with Scubajunkies in Sabah (malaysia)

World class sites; lot of big stuff. Big hussles with permits though. I was, when orientating, also in doubt between Sabah and PG. Choose PG cause there is absolutely nothing to do in semporna next to diving.. Its a dusty, dull town with only a few bars owned by divecentres..

 

[jacksongrass]

Yeah, I heard that there is nothing to do in Semporna, but I was thinking of doing mine in Kota Kinabula which is on the other side of Sabah. I'm not sure if the diving is as good on that side or not, but I was told, and from the little research I've done so far, it looks like there is quite a bit going on besides diving there but not quite as wild as PG. You ever hear anything about Kota Kinabula?

Thanks for the info by the way....

 

[sonar]

Been there as well yeah

Kinda nice place but not what you expect from Borneo (depends on what you expect of course) It's a small town, pretty clean and seemed to be focussed more on rich(er) tourists that travel in packs. The vibe I had was that it was the business centre of Sabah. Even some of kinda hip coffeebars, mcdonalds, 7/11s and all. Been there only 3 days from which I spend one on a mountain at 3 degrees without a sheet, 1 with muscle pain like I was starring in that mel gibson flick about jesus and 1 having an awesome christmass dinner with a cool mix of people on the roof of the guesthouse

Only stayed there to try to climb that stupid mountain (daymn, climbing sucks lol)

got some doubts if it was the same place though cause I cant recall bing close to the ocean though; mountain was called that way for sure lol

 

[buddy-boo]

Hi Jackson

Never been to Kota Kinabalu but heard that diving is not that great, well not great compared to the other side of Sabah (Mabul, Sipadan- as mentioned earlier).

I'm leaving on Monday to go to Puerto Galera to do my DM (hmmm... some guys on here may have something to do with my choice of place) they completely convinced me!!!! It seems like PG have everything there- beach, night life, good food, some fantastic dive operations- loads of them, and fantastic diving! You will have a chance to meet a lot of good divers and make great contacts (good if you are considering to work afterwards or do the IDC- as me)

We haven't decided which DC we will go with. We will go there and talk to everyone during first few days. I think that's the best way to choose and see for yourself what you think. I have been in touch with few centers and you would not believe how helpful, friendly and welcoming some of them are!!!!! They will definitely go out of their way to help with everything (accommodation, transport, courses, diving), even if you just turn up, without booking ahead. That gives you peace of mind.
The only think I would say (that's also what some dive centers told me) that the time you are planning to go (JUNE) is a start of wet season in the Phils so there may be significantly less customers, which may affect how many divemasters they need. It maybe more difficult to "work" after you complete your course. However, on the positive note quite few operations told me that they are more than happy to let their divemaster students stay on with them and help out in exchange for diving. That's of course if you impress them enough

Good luck with you search!