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Best Diving Courses With so many things to do on Koh Tao it can be difficult to find the right answers to your questions. Our featured and evolving information section is intended as a growing resource for visitors who are considering a trip to our idyllic, tropical island, so they too can discover why it is so popular.

Sidemount Diver Training as a PADI Instructor

I was conducting a routine dive with my Divemaster candidates using a backmount single tank configuration at Chumphon Pinnacles. There was a technical diver also on our dive boat, diving on a Sidemount set-up and he decided to tag along with us on our dive. Half way during the dive he surprised me by attaching […] .....

Importance of Neutral Buoyancy as a Dive Professional

Training for Diving Success within the Dive Industry As a PADI Course Director, I have the opportunity to work with and develop hundreds of budding dive professionals. I feel as though I have an obligation to set each and every one of my candidates up for success within the Dive Industry. For me, personally, this […] .....

PADI Women’s Dive Day

My name is Andrea. I am a PADI Course Director on a small tropical island called Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. For those of you who do not know what that is, one of my main roles is to teach PADI Divemasters how to become Open Water Scuba Instructors. Every month I conduct […] .....

8 Best Reasons to Team Teach as a Dive Instructor

One of the most common questions I’m asked by IDC candidates, often in the counselling sessions I conduct at the end of the IDC is ‘do you think I should do a team teaching Internship after the IDC?’ My reply is, if you have the time why not? This tempts the next question: ‘Why do […] .....

Importance of Marine Conservation as a Dive Professional

Donning a mask and snorkel and placing your face underwater can be a daunting undertaking for many a novice scuba diver. Breathing from a scuba regulator, the bubbles, the noise, often takes some getting used to. Dive instructors have an important role to play as mentors for the growing army of scuba divers around the world. As […] .....

How long for Divemaster to a Scuba Instructor

During my 15 years as PADI Course Director and General Manager at Crystal Dive Koh Tao we have trained over 1600 Divemasters and I am proud to say that over 60% have chosen to continue their professional scuba diving education and take their Instructor Development Course with us. The step up from the first level […] .....

6 Reasons to Choose PADI for Pro Level Diver training

So you are considering turning your passion into a dream career and pursuing a future as a professional diving instructor. What then are the most important factors to consider when it comes to your training? Of course I get asked this question a lot! And with good reason, your choice of dive school, location and […] .....

A Complete Guide to the PADI Divemaster

Best PADI Divemaster Course Koh Tao PADI Course Director Matt Bolton answers the most common questions about the meaning and role of a PADI Divemaster. One of the most common questions asked when people learn I am a PADI Course Director is ‘How do I become a Divemaster?’ Often, people misunderstand what a Divemaster is […] .....

What is a PADI Specialty Instructor

I was sitting having a coffee with one of our Rescue Diver students over the recent Instructor Examination that was held here on Koh Tao. A close friend of hers was actually on that IE, inspired by the feedback she had received about the IDC, and buoyed by the thought her friend was about to […] .....

10 Top Tips for Dive Instructors teaching Student Divers

The day after an IE always has a Sunday feeling about it and I enjoy hiding away from the world in my office catching up on e-mails. Last month whilst most of Koh Tao’s newly certified OWSI’s where either nursing a well-earned hangover or merely enjoying the first day of the rest of their lives […] .....
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