PADI IDC - Thailand

[JiveMaster]

Hello All,

So I completed my DM in Egypt a few months ago and have been having the time of my life working as a freelance divemaster here in Dahab. I'm now doing research on where in Thailand to do my IDC sometime in late September/October (and of course I want the SBers advice). I'm looking to do an IDC + Nitrox instructor + MSDT package (so I think I should look into one of the PADI CDCs), I would like two of the MSDT specialties to be Digital UW Photography and Videography as I believe these are quite good to have (and I'm a photographer on the side anyway).

So...I'm looking for recommendations on good dive schools. I'm thinking most likely somewhere on the east coast (Phuket, Ko Phi Phi), as I've heard the Koh Tao scene is a bit more of a factory. I want a GREAT IDC. I would stay and do my training in Egypt as my DM training was EXCELLENT (thanks to Bob at Poseidon Divers), but it's time to move onto another part of the world.

To all of you who encouraged me to go for it, thank you...I am living the dream. Quiting my corporate job to work in diving has been one of the best choices I've ever made.

 

[Arizona]

I've been in Thailand over a year now and did my DMT in Samui last July. Based on the time of year, I would recommend looking into Samui or Koh Tao. Not all operations there are factory like. You also want to go where the business is so that you can get the classes you need to teach. It is on the Gulf side and a lot nicer for longer stays than Pattaya. It really comes down to taste and how you want to live when not diving during the IDC. I had a great instructor while training out of Samui last July. This is the most important factor in my opinion. I plan on completing my IDC with the same operation. PM if you want more details, but I recommend getting in touch with Limbo.

Arizona

 

[Bubble Junky]

I'm thinking most likely somewhere on the east coast (Phuket, Ko Phi Phi)

Not meaning to be picky, but Phi Phi & Phuket are on the west coast.

One piece of advice when picking a IDC dentre though, don't look at the quality of the diving, but at the quality of the instruction. Check this place in the Gulf - Samui.

 

[Arizona]

Bubble Junky,

Your Samui link does not seem to work. Maybe the site is just down?

AZ

 

[Bubble Junky]

Bubble Junky,

Your Samui link does not seem to work. Maybe the site is just down?

AZ

Ooops ! Cheers, fixed, I think !!

 

[JiveMaster]

Thanks Bubble Junky, I just sent Camille an email, do you know him personally?

I am looking for the BEST training (that was why I did my DMT where I did).

Anyone else who has personal experience with PADI CDCs in Thailand, please share!

 

[JiveMaster]

Based on the time of year, I would recommend looking into Samui or Koh Tao.
Arizona

I was told that at the upcomming time of year the west coast was a great place to be for pelagics? Is that not the case?

From everything I've heard, (i'll try to make this as politcally correct as possible) instructors who did their training in Koh Tao aren't in as high of demand around the world...can anyone comment on this? I'm sure there are plenty of good operations there but I also have to think about what it looks like when I want to go work..


Bubble Junkey, as an MI, which specialities do you find the most popular?

 

[Bubble Junky]

Thanks Bubble Junky, I just sent Camille an email, do you know him personally?

Yep, did my IDCS with him, you'll learn alot from him.

I was told that at the upcomming time of year the west coast was a great place to be for pelagics? Is that not the case?

I've seen Whale Sharks in the Gulf around this time and Mantas off Lanta. Prob some big stuff off Khao Lak/Phuket too. But remember, on the IDC you're gonna be sat in the classroom most of the time. Choose your IDC for the training, not the diving.

From everything I've heard, (i'll try to make this as politcally correct as possible) instructors who did their training in Koh Tao aren't in as high of demand around the world...can anyone comment on this? I'm sure there are plenty of good operations there but I also have to think about what it looks like when I want to go work..

I've never been asked where I did my IDC by a prospective employer. Although I hear of people looking down their noses at Koh Tao IDCs in Cairns (but that's Cairns for ya !!). Regardless where you do your IDC, you still have to get pastbthe PADI examiners, and they score the same where ever they are.

Bubble Junky, as an MI, which specialities do you find the most popular?

Nitrox is easily the most popular. Then I'd go for Photography & Deep. Gas Blender is a good one to have from an employment point of view too.

 

[Arizona]

JM,

Bubble Junky has been here a lot longer than me, so maybe he can verify my views on East vs. West coast seasons. The Andaman is generally best in November to May, and Gulf is generally better May to October. I've seen some wicked currents in Pattaya during the "off season". This is not 100% as good days can happen in between, but this generally follows the typical weather patterns.

AZ

 

[Bubble Junky]

Bubble Junky has been here a lot longer than me, so maybe he can verify my views on East vs. West coast seasons. The Andaman is generally best in November to May, and Gulf is generally better May to October.

Sounds about right. Though both sides can be dived year round.