little by little or the whole nine yards

[40plus]

: I'm looking for some advice. I've just started diving - completed the open water course. At this point I want to continue learning. I live in Bangkok Thailand and there are lots of these intern program in Pattaya. I'm trying to decide whether to sign up for one and I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience with one of these program in Pattaya in particular. I like the idea of a structured learning process and no I don't ever expect to become a dive instructor. I would like to keep training up to the dive master level. But, at this point I'm not even ready for the advanced open water course. I need to practice the skills I've learned and simply get use to being underwater.

I'm interested in what people think. However, I should make it clear that I do want the extra security of an instructor at my side so this part of the equation is non-negotiable. :eek

The money isn't an issue nor is the time. They are flexible about the amount of time you take (or so they say) I work a bit more than full-time so I won't be diving every weekend.

I took my open water course at Semporna/Sipadan. The only reason I'd dive in Pattaya is to do a program on a regular basis otherwise I'm headed to more interesting diving locations in Southeast Asia. But staying home and building my skill might make visits to those other sites more enjoyable in the long run.

Please let me hear from some experienced divers.

[Tony Dwyer]

I sense a Troll, but will assume not!

Hi and welcome. It would be nice to know a name!

You've just completed the (I assume) PADI Open Water Diver course. You are a certified diver but still very much a beginner.

The internships you mention are for Divemaster candidates. Before taking part in one you must first be at least a 'Rescue Diver'. So at a minumim you will need to undertake the PADI 'Advanced Open Water Diver' and Rescue Diver Courses, both of which are well worth while.

BUT, before you even think about taking on a Dive Master Internship, go forth and acquire some varied diving experience. Become familiar with different kinds of diving. The Dive Master Internship will place you in a position of responsibility that, trust me, you do not want to be in unless you have a high degree of competence and confidence.

Many resort dive centres use Dive Master candidates as unpaid labour to help run their businesses. Such candidates are manna from heaven! Try to find one that won't treat you in this way, after all you wll be paying THEM!.

I noticed that while I was typing this, you posted the same question on two other sections of this forum. This is a no NO and bad form. The other two sections are NOT appropriate for your question.

I now suspect even more strongly that you may be a troll..

I await developments.


regards

Tony
PADI MSDT & BSAC OWI

[Tristan Green]

Hi 40 Plus,

This is probably the best place to post your question - so I've removed your two other duplicate messages from the other forums.

Cheers,
Tristan

[Chris Cherrington]

There are some good places but mostly these schemes are the diving equivalent of the Nigerian Money-Laundering Email.......

Everyone gets the "oohh I could be an instructor" thing just after their 10th dive. It wears off and commonsense comes gradually back.....

Chris

[40plus]

Thanks for your reply.

[40plus]

I have no interest in becoming an instructor as stated in my email. Could you say a little more about places like this and could you tell me how you have arrived at this conclusion. You may be correct I just would like to know a little more.

[Michael Purcell]

I have no interest in becoming an instructor as stated in my email. Could you say a little more about places like this and could you tell me how you have arrived at this conclusion. You may be correct I just would like to know a little more.

What exactly do you want people to tell you?
You seem intent on spending money on having someone else make you a better diver. Just be careful just because they have the title of instructor doesn't necessarily make them any better or worse than other advanced divers. (do research - like you are I guess - whatever route you decide on)

You will become a better diver through experience.
If you have no access to more experienced divers than something like this might suit you.

As someone pointed out these internships are geared at generating revenue. You said money wasn't a factor so maybe this route is exactly what you need.

I have met several instructors who went through a Thailand program and had a great time. It gave them 6 months goofing off from the real world. :) (but it sounds like you are too busy to be "goofing off")

Still wondering how you will make the time for this with your heavy schedule?

[40plus]

Thank you for taking the time to give a thoughtful reply and helping me to clarify what specific information I'm after. Any suggestions about other places I could research would be appreciated?

Things are cheap in this part of the world...

I'm looking for info about Pattaya internship programs and I'm looking for general advice about what my options are now that I've taken a first step.

I don't have a lot of free time when I'm working (I work most weekends) but I have about 60 days of vacation time per yr. and several long holiday weekends.

I know that I'm the one who has to do the diving to get the experience but I also know that it can be dangerous when you have little experience and even less skill. A guy with 8 dives under his belt died at Sipadan in May. His second or third outing; he was getting experience with a buddy diver in a small group with a DM.

I want to learn, get experience and stay as safe as possible while doing so.

[Tristan Green]

Hi 40plus(?),

I hope the other posts have given you an idea of what the internship you have mentioned is all about. No problem with asking your questions here on the forum - and there's no better place to ask you question than right here in the "Just started diving - ask here!" forum. The other forums you duplicated your posts in are not really set up to answer this type of question - and it helps to consolidate replies (useful or otherwise - you decide) if they are all kept in one place.

As to whether you are a troll or not - take a look at this link: http://www.albion.com/netiquette/book/index.html and you'll see why some of our regulars are suspicious.

It's not easy starting off on a forum where most of the regular posters have been around for a while and seem to know all the ins-and-outs of forum etiquette.

If we had a name for you rather than just a question and a pseudonym some of our posters might feel more inclined to post replies.

As for your question - I don't really know what your options are in Thailand, but I'd have thought that you would benefit from trying to find a local club where you would find like minded divers who will be happy to dive with you and give you the opportunity to improve your skill by just practising them on normal dives. Crikey - it sound's like I just described a typical BSAC branch. Sorry - I don't know where your nearest one is but looking here - http://www.bsac.org/branches/row.htm turns up one in Suratthani or failing that google might help you find one!

All the best.

Cheers,
Tristan