Orientation
At the start of your programme you will receive a local orientation, to go alongside your pre-departure handbook. This orientation will be conducted by our programme coordinator and will cover the following areas:
- Course Outline and Criteria:
You will be briefed on what the course requirements are and what is expected of you at the assessment stage of each qualification
- Koh Tao:
An outline of the local amenities, places of interest and what to do in your free time - Safety:
How to keep safe in the local area and how to ensure everyone’s safety whilst on the programme - After course options:
Where the centre can help you find work, further training etc - Q & A Session: An opportunity for you to ask further questions
Accommodation and Meals
All accommodation is included. If your programme is for less than four weeks, you will stay in a comfortable bungalow for the duration of your stay, with your own private room. Most rooms have a double bed, fan, fridge and a hot shower. During busier periods, you may be required to share a twin room.
The bungalows are located two to three minutes walk from the dive centre. There is a small convenience shop on-site and there are a number of bars and restaurants a short walk away. Sairee beach, a popular place to sunbathe and swim is around five minutes walk from the guesthouse.
There may be the opportunity to stay in an air-conditioned dorm room which you may find cooler than the beach huts. If this appeals to you please advise one of our travel advisors at time of booking who can arrange this for you prior to your arrival. Please note this is based on availability.
If your programme duration is for more than four weeks, you will stay in a bungalow with shared or private facilities with other participants on the programme in a resort owned by a lovely local Thai lady.
All meals are also included during your stay. You will eat at the resort restaurant where you will have food vouchers to use for breakfast, lunch and dinner on a wide choice of foods, including a number of western dishes. The menu has a good variety and caters to a number of different diets.
Programme Support
Throughout your programme, you will have the support and supervision of our qualified Instructors and Dive Masters. Each are fully qualified and experienced, and are able to provide you with all the instructional and safety support necessary on a programme like this. They will also provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. The accommodation staff will be on hand throughout the day and the dive centre director will be available to you 24 hours a day if you have any serious problems or emergencies.
In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Age Limit
Minimum age 18, maximum decided on potential participant’s health
Programme Requirements
Health Requirements and PADI Indemnity Forms
All students looking to participate on this programme need to ensure that they are reasonably fit and free from any conditions that may prevent or be a danger to you when diving. Before departing the UK, it is best to consult your doctor.
To become a certified dive-master, you need to pass a medical at the end of your programme (if you are on the dive-master course). This can be done in Koh Tao and is easily arranged through the dive centre. The cost of this is approximately £5.
In addition to the medical requirements, it is also necessary for you to complete several PADI indemnity forms. This stipulates that you will follow all of the necessary codes of conduct and that you accept the inherent risks of partaking in a scuba diving programme. Failure to complete these forms will prevent you from joining the course.
To take part in the Instructor course you will need to have completed your open water certificate at least six months prior to the course.
