After years of responding to pretty much the same questions over and over again I have decided to address the top 15 most frequently asked questions about the Divemaster Training on Koh Tao. So strap in! What you are about to read might just change your life!
Prerequisites: Before you take the plunge into Divemaster training with us at Big Blue Diving, make sure you’ve got a minimum of 40 logged dives under your belt and hold an Advanced Open Water certification. Oh, and don’t forget your First Aid training – safety first, folks! We can do a First Aid refresher if you need, so let us know but you need it to start your Divemaster Training on Koh Tao!
Duration: How long does it take to transform from a mere mortal into a certified Divemaster? Well, it’s a bit like asking how long a piece of string is – it varies! Plan for about 6 to 8 weeks of immersive training with us, depending on your pace and schedule and you ability to not get sick, injured, blisters, or ear trouble!
Cost: Basically its going to be a minimum of 40000Thb for the cost of your underwater adventure with us but you will have other expenses to consider too like equipment and Insurance. We do expect all of our Dive Pro candidates to have a full set of equipment by the time they complete the course especially if they want to get work in diving after.
Certifications: Once you emerge from the depths victorious, you’ll be crowned with the prestigious title of SSI Divemaster. This badge of honor opens up a world of opportunities, from leading dives to assisting instructors – you’ll be the king or queen of the underwater realm.
Employment Opportunities: Wondering what happens after you’ve conquered the depths of Koh Tao? Well – the world’s your oyster! Our graduates go on to snag some seriously cool gigs, whether it’s leading dives with us or in other exotic locales or moving up and teaching others the art of underwater exploration as an SSI Instructor.
Daily Schedule: Prepare to dive into a whirlwind of classroom sessions, practical exercises, and hands-on experience. At Big Blue Diving, we’ll keep you on your toes as you soak up all the knowledge and skills you need to rule the waves. A week ir 2 of your course will be dedicated time with your Instructor, a week or 2 of your course will be spent understanding the role and duties of a Divemaster & learning the divesites and marine life we get here. A week or 2 will be spent assisting Instructors on courses and a week or 2 will be guiding certified divers around divesites you feel comfortable and familiar with.Every day will be different, action packed and extremely rewarding.
Accommodation and Meals: When you’re not busy exploring the ocean’s wonders, kick back and relax in our comfy digs. From cozy dorms to private rooms, we’ve got something to suit every budget on Koh Tao. As DMT’s estimate a budget of betwwen 10,000Bt per month which will include a perfectly adequate little bedsit with a fan and private bathroom, or up to 250000Bt per month for something a little more upmarket with a balconey overlooking a million dollar view and Air con! And don’t worry about going hungry – the beauty of Thai food is its cheap as chips. Its the Western food that can be a little overpriced!
Additional Fees: Ah, the dreaded hidden costs – but fear not, we’ll lay it all out for you upfront. From equipment rental to certification fees, we believe in full transparency so there are no surprises along the way. Your Course costs ( in Thai Baht), 40k, your equipment anywhere from 20k to 50k, Your rent and food maybe around than 30000Bt per month. Insurance? Get that! www.dan.org
Physical Demands: Let’s not beat around the coral reef – diving can be a workout. Be prepared to do some swimming, some tired diver tows, and a fair bit of swimming into a current so time to put down the pies & maybe drink a bit more water every day instead!
Instructor-to-Student Ratio: Forget about getting lost in the crowd – at Big Blue Diving, we keep our classes small so you get the attention you deserve. With a low instructor-to-student ratio, you’ll have plenty of one-on-one time to hone your skills and build your confidence.
Language Requirements: Our course materials are available in multiple languages, so you can learn in a way that suits you best, but most of our course is taught in the Universal language of English!
Diving Conditions: Koh Tao is a diver’s paradise, with warm waters, crystal-clear visibility, and a kaleidoscope of marine life. From colorful coral reefs to majestic whale sharks, you never know what you’ll encounter beneath the waves. Late November thru December and early January is monsoon season, which limits visibility as a customer and increases your navigational skills no end as a Dive pro! Feb to May is generally best time to see Whalesharks, The rest of the year is great too, tho maybe not as many whaleshark sightings!
Continuing Education: Your journey is just beginning as a Divemaster. Have you ever considered becoming an Instructor? No hurry, but worth considering if you are looking for employment. As an Instructor you can work as a DM and an Instructor, but as a DM you can only work as a DM, so becoming an Instructor gives you more chance of work if you are looking to dive and travel the world!
Career Prospects: So, what’s next after you’ve earned your stripes as a Divemaster? Well, the world – or should I say, the ocean – is your oyster! Whether you dream of leading dives in exotic locales or teaching others the joys of underwater exploration, the possibilities are endless. We’ll help you with career advice, a CV and a few introductions to the right people in the right places.
So there you have it, folks – the top FAQs about Divemaster training on Koh Tao, brought to you by yours truly. Now go forth and book yourself in for your Divemaster Training here on Koh Tao with the BEST Divemaster Training program in Thailand!
