Mr Diver in Sharm?

[hotstepper]

Hi everyone, has anyone had experience with Mr Diver in sharm?

Heading to Egypt in July for DM internship, wondering if anyone would recommend Mr Diver? just doing my homework
thanks!

 

[String]

Well one of their Egyptian guides was taking 4 customers illegally through the fish bowl at canyon today then all talking about how good it was on the surface. Photos and video sent to the relevant bodies although on past performance I suspect nothing will happen.

 

[hotstepper]

Illegally? without permits or something?
anyone actually dived with them?

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

Illegally? without permits or something?
anyone actually dived with them?

Illegally because the fish bowl area in the canyon is closed, as it might collapse.

 

[String]

Illegally? without permits or something?
anyone actually dived with them?

Nothing to do with permits - its closed to all divers due to being unstable and the fact all the life in there has now been destroyed. There is a huge sign at the site highlighting this. In addition, CDWS has issued bulletins and before that even HEPCA, the national park services and others stated the same. Its something every single guide knows and is reinforced as you walk past the large "FISH BOWL CLOSED TO ALL DIVERS" sign right next to the entry point so there's no excuse there at all for doing it.
Its also been closed for years now so they can't claim its new and didn't know.

I wouldn't normally mention centres by name but in this case i made an exception as ive personally seen their guides do it several times.

 

[String]

Illegally? without permits or something?
anyone actually dived with them?

Nothing to do with permits - its closed to all divers due to being unstable and the fact all the life in there has now been destroyed. There is a huge sign at the site highlighting this. In addition, CDWS has issued bulletins and before that even HEPCA, the national park services and others stated the same. Its something every single guide knows and is reinforced as you walk past the large "FISH BOWL CLOSED TO ALL DIVERS" sign right next to the entry point so there's no excuse there at all for doing it.
Its also been closed for years now so they can't claim its new and didn't know.

I wouldn't normally mention centres by name but in this case i made an exception as ive personally seen their guides do it several times.

 

[divebunnie]

The Divemaster is such an important course, it is the foundation for your future career, so you want to make sure it is done well.

Personally, I would recommend one of the larger centres, who will all give you an excellent divemaster course as they all work within very similar safety and professionalism guidelines:

Ocean College, Red Sea College, Emperor, Camel, Sinai Divers and Colona are all excellent dive centres and will give you a strong foundation for your career in the dive industry. String, feel free to add if I have missed anyone out.

 

[Crowley]

I can't comment personally on Mr. Diver from a customer's perspective, and I have my opinions as a professional but since I am not overly familiar with the operation I don't feel justified in expressing it here - whether it be good or bad....

DiveBunnie is right - if you're planning to do your internship in Egypt I would recommend one of the bigger centres. Yes, you all know I work for one of them, but I firmly believe from past experiences at a CDC in Thailand that a high-volume dive centre is the best place to learn your trade if you wish to be a recreational diving professional. Yes, perhaps you would get more 1-1 tuition at a smaller centre but practical, hands-on, day-to-day experience? A big centre with a quality reputation (whichever country you choose) is a good way forward, assuming that is your chosen career path.

Having said that, I'm not going to dismiss the idea of a quality small operation either. A small centre might only have ten divers per week, but when you have only two staff then you get very busy indeed (I also know this from past experience!) To a point, it kinda depends on the type of place you see yourself working for.

Always welcome to PM about dive internships - I ran a DM program in Thailand for almost 2 years.

Cheers

C.