Hi everyone! Any advice appreciated.

[sea_munky]

Hi everybody. I'm pretty new here. I posted a while ago without properly introducing myself. My name's Dustin and I'm from California.

I used to teach high school science but am looking to move to somewhere tropical. So I'm thinking of moving on up from an Open Water diver to the Instructor level. So any advice/tips/recommendations? I'm looking for an "all-inclusive package" that would take me through all the steps.

So far I found a shop in Pattaya, Thailand that would do that including housing, PADI fees, and my own new set of gear for US$4600. It would be 4 months long. Is this a good deal? I heard the diving's not so good in Pattaya.

Any feedback or recommendations about where you did you IDC would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks for reading/taking the time!

 

[IslandHopper]

I know such courses are also offered here on Guam... And the diving is considered great by folks who haven't made it to Palau yet ... Water temp is 82 in the winter, 87 in the summer ... same for daytime highs out of the water.
Here are the two biggest operators on Guam... you'll probably have to eMail or call to get thier rates for such a class.

Micronesian Divers Association
http://www.mdaguam.com/

Guam Tropical Dive Station
http://www.gtds.com/

 

[R_Deluca]

Don't know much about course fees and such, but welcome aboard!

Safe Diving!

 

[GotAir]

to the Scuba Board!
I cant help you with your questions but I'm sure there will be somebody to come along that can. I used to live not so far from you in Modesto.

Mike

 

[jiveturkey]

How many dives have you done? That's a lot of money to invest in something if you're new to the sport. Your profile doesnt' give us much information.

 

[Niko714]

I have to agree with Jiveturkey being an instructor is a big step I dont know how long youve been diving but just because you can get through a course that will take you to professional level dosent mean that you should. I want to go the instructor route but before I do I want to get a lot of experience and be comfortable in all conditions before I do so. But good luck in whatever route you choose.

 

[Toolbox-13]

I also agree with Jiveturkey that is a big step from OW diver and Experience and Being comfortable in the water is a must. But good Luck to whatever path you choose and welcome to Scuba Board

 

[DandyDon]

How many dives have you done? That's a lot of money to invest in something if you're new to the sport. Your profile doesnt' give us much information.

Agree with that, too.

I remember you. Last month you wanted to become a DM, but didn't know what AOW was? How many dives do you have now, anyway?

What safety and recourse do you have if you go there, and don't get what you thought you'd get? Hardly any, outside of the U.S. Aren't there a lot of horrow stories coming out of that part of the world? A safer program could be had in Florida, at a #1 operator...

http://www.oceandivers.com/IDC/index.htm

Or, you could probably find this right there in California

It would help if you'd complete your SB profile, too

don

 

[Dive Source]

Once we get your experaince level, much advice will probably follow.

As far as being a well paid scuba instructor it's a bit of an oxymoron, but it can be good for a single guy who wants to see the world and live on tips :thinking:

Oh to be one of those single idealistic types again...hope my wife isn't reading this... what, huh... AHHHH.!!...yes dear...sorry dear...never, no just kidding ha ha..

 

[queentrigger]

Whats the hurry mate? Dunno about the rates, but I prefer Phuket to Pataya. Shouldn't be much of a difference though. Are the Pataya guys guaranteeing you pass IDC??