Hi all,

Thinking of doing a dive course whilst we are in Phuket. My 16 year old daughter and myself. Can anyone advise a good dive school in Phuket also what is the qualification I should attain and approx. how much would it cost and how many days etc. it takes to get the first (beginners) certificate that is recognise world wide. Not scared of water snorkled all my life, thinking it is now time to take the next step.

Regards,

Dave

Look for someone with older European dive instructors is my advice. I lived in Phuket for 4 years and got to know the expatriate community well enough to comment that many younger western dive instructors there did not exactly instill confidence in me (they often went down drunk from the "night" or should I say early morning before). One guy I had to ask to leave the party we were having (he was lucky it only came to that) as nearly killed someone in the swimming pool by dunking them under the water from behind and they nearly choked on their own vomit to death; I mention this because it shows that some, I am sure not all, are a bit gun ho and it may be a good idea to eliminate the risk altogether.

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There are two categories of travellers, those that experience a country and those that take their home with them wherever they go.

Be warned, as with any forum, picking a fight with the admin guy is not recommended!

There are many shops, and nearly all of them will do transfers free of charge if staying in the Patong-Kata-Karon area.

The main choice will be a 4 days course or 3 days course. The 4 day course offers the highest quality and is more relaxing, but will also cost a bit more and take more of your vacation time.

More information here.

Agree with mark, some of the instructors are here just for the experience and don't care too much about the quality of their courses, while others do care, and will make sure you learn how to dive properly.

Hi Steven,

The link you provided, have you used them before. Is this one, one of the more reputable?

Sorry, obviously I was not very clear.

Yes, very reputable DC, but I am a bit biased since it is my DC (I own it).

Then you can reply to my email.

I sent it before your replied

Thanks,

Dave