PADI, diving and Instructor Development (IDC) around Thailand

The PADI IDC for May 2013 on Koh Samui has been completed

2013-05-18T20:28:00.000+07:00

Today the PADI IDC on Koh Samui for May 2013 was completed and only Sota and Matsui will attend the PADI IE starting tomorrow.

Matsui rescuing Sota under the watchful eyes of Ami

More IE updates will follow soon, so stay tuned to this channel. If all works out, I expect two new PADI Instructors come Monday around noon.

My next IDC will start 12th June on Koh Samui in Thailand again, followed by an IDC starting 6th July on Malapascua in the Philippines and 31st August by an IDC on Koh Phangan in Thailand.

See you there,

Camille

The PADI IDC on Koh Samui, Thailand is already half way

2013-05-13T21:49:00.001+07:00

From one PADI IDC straight into the other, from Gili Air in Indonesia via an Instructor Development Update on Bali to an IDC on Koh Samui in Thailand within just a few days.

The travelling lifestyle of a PADI Course Director!

Before hitting the pool at the Bandara resort, from left to right; Ami (IDCS), Matsui, Sota, myself and Bernhard

Plenty of classroom presentations and skill circuits have been done and dusted and now the more hands on confined and open water presentations are coming up over the next couple of days.

Confined water briefing with Matsui, Sota and Bernhard

As usual the nationalities tumble over each other during my IDC's and this time it's no different with Bernhard from Austria (but living in Sweden near the Finnish border) and Sota, Matsui and all the other staff, Nobu, Hadji and Ami coming from Japan.

The good old Rescue exercise # 7, unconscious diver at the surface

A few more days to go, inclusive of an EFR Instructor course and the PADI IE will be knocking on our door, so stay tuned for more updates.

My next PADI IDC starts 12th June on Koh Samui in Thailand again, followed by an IDC scheduled to start 6th July on Malapascua in the Philippines, 31st July on Koh Phangan in Thailand and 18th August on Gili Air in Indonesia.

See you there!

Camille

Once more a Certificate of Recognition for Excellence from PADI

2013-05-11T19:23:00.001+07:00

They seem to come fast and hard this year, PADI's 'Certificates of Recognition for Excellence'. This is already the 4th time this year I receive such a certificate. With many thanks to Iggy Simeonidis from the February PADI IDC on Gili Air in Indonesia in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Oceans 5'.

If you want to change your live around by becoming a PADI Instructor and get excellent training, come and see me on my next PADI IDC's, starting 12th June on Koh Samui in Thailand, followed by 6th July on Malapascua in the Philippines, an added IDC on Koh Phangan in Thailand starting 31st July and 18th August sees an IDC on Gili Air in Indonesia with plenty of IDC's to follow for the rest of the year.

Camille

PADI Instructor Development Update 2013, Bali, Indonesia

2013-05-06T21:36:00.001+07:00

During the next couple of months, PADI has scheduled a few Instructor Development Updates around the Asia Pacific region and today's Bali update in Indonesia was the first in a row of a few more to come. As it happened to be, this suited my travel plans, since during all other updates I may be either teaching and therefor unable to attend and/or I'm too far away, so I can't attend.

The PADI staff for the update; Marc van der Poel on the left and George Wegmann on the right of me

Another reason why I enjoyed this update in Bali, is because it gives me the chance to meet other PADI Course Directors that I may know of but never met. Besides one attending Course Director, I never met any of the other attendees. It was nice to be able to meet them.

Being the only Course Director being based in Thailand, there were some other people visiting from some far away destinations as well. Besides the majority of the people attending being based in Bali itself, one person came from Perth in Australia and one person came from Manado in Indonesia, which is also more than just a few kilometers away from Bali.

'CD Thailand' that must be me!

All in all it was an interesting meeting, with the morning being spend in a conference room, discussing upcoming changes and for the first time we had a pool dive as part of the update as well.

Both parts saw some good discussions and I hope that all attendees are now 'calibrated' again, as George said!

Thanks to Marc and George and all attendees.

Camille

PADI Instructor specialties around Gili Ai, Indonesia

2013-05-05T05:31:00.001+07:00

During and after the recent PADI IDC here on Gili Air, I conducted some PADI Instructor level specialties and here are some of the pictures I managed to take.

A longhorn cowfish, the first time I spot this fish species

During the IDC I did a few dives with Iggy, who completed his IDC in February on Gili Air. Because there's immediately a house reef in front of PADI 5* IDC Center 'Oceans 5' where I conduct my IDC's it was easy to complete a few days straight after classes.

A ringed pipefish

After the IDC I conducted specialties with John and Riet in Digital Underwater Photography (DUP), Enriched Air and Deep diving. Alycia and Marco only participated in the Nitrox specialty training.

Snowflake eel

One of the dives happened to be my 1900th dive, a nice milestone and now I'm looking forward to my 2000th dive, which I don't expect before next year. Today we will have one more deep dive, later on during the early morning!

John was wearing DUP approved shorts during the dives!

The dive sites around the Gili islands cater to everybody, thee's lots of macro dive sites with small critters but white tip reef sharks, bumpheads, big mantas and the like can also be spotted. pending on what dive site you visit. It's really worthwhile visiting here and getting wet!

Blue spotted sting ray

It was great to be here again and I'm already looking forward to my next PADI IDC on Gili Air, scheduled to start 18th August.

Double ended pipefish

My next PADI IDC starts already in a few days, 9th May, on Koh Samui in Thailand followed by an IDC in Dauin in the Philippines starting 20th May, which is followed by another IDC scheduled to start 12th June on Koh Samui again and 6th July sees an IDC starting on Malapascua in the Philippines.

Camille

My 1900th Dive

2013-05-04T10:20:00.000+07:00

Today was a small milestone, I just completed my 1900th dive, during Instructor level specialty training around Gili Air in Indonesia. Later today we will go for another dive at Oceans 5 house reef.

Blue spotted sting ray during my 1900th dive

We saw at least 7 or 8 turtles during the dive and we had a pleasant dive with a good current, so we drifted over the corals and pinnacles without getting too tired.

One of the many turtles we saw during this dive

Looking forward to log my 2000th dive now. More updates on the specialty training around Gili Air will follow!

Camille

PADI IE on Gili Air, Indonesia for May 2013 was very successful

2013-05-02T14:16:00.001+07:00

All the candidates from me PADI 5* IDC Center 'Oceans 5' from the PADI IDC class of April 2013 that participated in the May 2013 PADI IE on Gili Air in Indonesia succeeded in their exams with flying colors. All 7 candidates passed all exam parts in one go. Well done and congratulations are in place.

From left to right; Sander (PADI Course Director), Riet, Marco (sitting), John (standing), Camille (PADI Course Director), Selina, Alycia, Lucie, Ben and Marc (PADI Examiner)

They were two long and nervous days but it all paid off this morning when they each received the final handshake of Marc, the PADI examiner. Tonight it's party time followed by a day off and we will hit the water with a few candidates to complete some PADI Instructor specialties.

The next PADI IDC is already looming around the corner with a kick off on 9th May on Koh Samui, Thailand followed by a PADI IDC starting 20th May in Dauin, Philippines, come 12th June it's showtime on Koh Samui in Thailand again and 6th July we're back on Malapascua in the Philippines for a PADI IDC.

See you there.

Camille

The PADI IDC on Gili Air in Indonesia for April 2013 is over

2013-04-30T15:16:00.001+07:00

Yes, the PADI IDC on Gili Air in Indonesia for April 2013 has found it's place in the history books! It's done and over with and tomorrow the exams or the PADI IE starts.

From left to right; Alycia, Lucie, Ben, Marco, John, myself and Riet

All 6 candidates from this IDC, Marco, Lucie, Ben, Alycia, Riet and Selina and John from the February IDC should be ready to go in the PADI IE and pass it! Stay tuned to this channel for updates come 2nd May, the last day of the IE.

Selina and Riet

Your chance to change your live around and start living your dream as a PADI dive Instructor can start as early as 9th May on Koh Samui in Thailand when a PADI IDC kicks off there, followed by 20th May in Dauin in the Philippines, 12th June again on Koh Samui in Thailand and 6th July on Malapascua in the Philippines.

Contact me for more information and see you there,

Camille

New PADI Course Director at Oceans 5 on Gili Air in Indonesia

2013-04-27T21:13:00.005+07:00

Sander, owner of PADI 5* IDC Center 'Oceans 5' on Gili Air in Indonesia just got back yesterday from Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, where he completed his PADI CDTC course or the Course Director Training Course and returned to Gili Air as a brand new PADI Course Director.

Well done Sander and congratulations and welcome as a colleague!

Sander and Camille the two PADI Course Directors at Oceans 5 on Gili Air in Indonesia

He was immediately put to work at the current PADI IDC being conducted at Oceans 5 and joined the Knowledge Development and Confined Water presentation evaluations today where he could put his refreshed knowledge to good use in a real live IDC.

Sander is already the 9th current PADI Course Director that gained experience as a PADI IDCS Instructor during Camille's IDC programs and went on to become a PADI Course Director.

Stay tuned here since there are just two more days to go and I can present you an update on the closing of this current PADI IDC on Gili Air!

Camille

PADI IDC for April 2013 on Gili Air in Indonesia is half way

2013-04-26T09:45:00.002+07:00

The April 2013 PADI IDC on Gili Air in Indonesia in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Oceans 5' is already passed the half way mark, which was reached yesterday.

All lined up for a giant stride entry in deep water

John is repeating a few presentations and skills during this PADI IDC, he participated and completed the February IDC on Gili Air this year but needed to log a few more dives before he is allowed to attend a PADI IE.

Marco and Alycia during the skill circuit with the alternate air source use

A first during this PADI IDC is that Lucie is my first student originating from the Czech Republic, expanding the list of nationalities of my IDC candidates in this already very international program with candidates coming also from the Netherlands, France, Australia, Belgium, Germany and South Africa. Three continents are represented!

Selina during her CESA demostration

Ben showing off his hovering skills

Lucie during the air depletion skill in the skill circuit

Riet during the Rescue exercise # 7 practice, the unresponsive diver at the surface

There are more PADI IDC options for you coming your way if you want me to be your PADI Course Director, starting 9th May on Koh Samui in Thailand, 20th May in Dauin in the Philippines, 12th June on Koh Samui in Thailand again.

Camille

PADI IDC April 2013 on Gili Air in Indonesia has kicked off

2013-04-22T07:56:00.002+07:00

The PADI IDC series of 2013 is on the road again with yesterday's start of the Gili Air April 2013 version in conjunction with 5* PADI IDC Center Oceans 5.

From left to right; John, Marco, Lucie, Alycia, Ben, Selina and Riet

It's another very international affair with candidates originating from South Africa, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Australia, France, Germany and Belgium.

There will be a few more updates on the progress of this course so stay tuned to this channel!

Your chance to turn your life around and become a PADI instructor is coming your way soon with PADI IDC's starting 9th May on Koh Samui in Thailand, 20th May in Dauin in the Philippines and 12th June on Koh Samui in Thailand again.

See you there!

Camille

10 Years PADI Course Director

2013-04-18T10:08:00.001+07:00

Coinciding with the current CDTC training course happening in Kota Kinabulu on Sabah in Malaysia, it is exactly 10 years ago that I became a PADI Course Director at the same location. The hotels where the course is conducted has been changed but the city, KK, is still the same.

My CDTC group, with Werner, Mischa, Bettina, Juergen, Marita, Martin and my good self. In this picture are also Joanne and Pascal as PADI staff

In those days the course went over 11 days and we were with a massive Koh Samui delegation, 3 people from Samui where invited and we ended all three up in the same group. My group was 'the German' group, with only Germans and Swiss in it and me as a Dutchman, since I speak fluent German. We had to give our group a name and we came up with 'Drueckerfish' or Triggerfish.

Giving a presnetation in front of my group and two PADI staff members, Henrik Nimb and Alan Jan

In this CDTC program were a few people that I still have regular contact with, first of all Marita Fassbender, fellow PADI Course Director here on Koh Samui, Mike Hayes, now a PADI Examiner who I met again during the recent Koh Phangan IE, just last month, Mark Cummins, manager at the PADI AP main office in Sydney for the IRRA, Phil O'Shea who manages the dive center at the Jumeira Hotel in Dubai where my good friend and PADI Course Director Ernst van der Poll used to work for a long period of time, Werner Streb who still lives and works in Phuket and Gabrielle Holder who is still active as a PADI Course Director in the Philippines.

Drueckerfish in the classroom

It was a fun time and a great experience. It was good to see people from all over the world gather for this course, from the USA, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Malta, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, UK, Ireland, Sweden, Hong Kong, Japan and Australia. People who worked all over the world!

The Samui group, Juergen, Marita and myself during a social event

It's been a good 10 years, during which I taught so far; 102 PADI IDC's with 378 IDC candidates, 33 IDCS Instructors, 1360 PADI Instructor level specialties and some 440 EFR Instructor level certifications. Out of these 10 years I've been a Platinum PADI Course Director for 7 consecutive years, since the inauguration of this rating in the Asia Pacific region and in 2009 I received a PADI Instructor Development award.

And the story continues, tomorrow I'm off to Gili Air in Indonesia to start another PADI IDC on Sunday.

If you're interested in participating in one of my IDC's come and join me and make the ocean your office! The enxt IDC starts Sunday 21st April on Gili Air and after that I have PADI IDC's coming up left and right, 9th May on Koh Samui in Thailand, 20th May in Dauin in the Philippines and 12th June I'm back on Koh Samui in Thailand with a new program!

See you there!

Camille

Additional PADI IDC scheduled on Koh Phangan in August 2013

2013-04-11T10:30:00.000+07:00

PADI 5* Instructor Development Dive Resort Haad Yao Divers on Koh Phangan, Thailand and award winning and 7 time Platinum PADI Course Director Camille Lemmens are proud to present an additional PADI IDC scheduled to start 31st July with a PADI IE scheduled on Koh Phangan 10th and 11th August.

PADI 5* Instructor Development Dive Resort Haad Yao Divers on Koh Phangan, Thailand

For more information on this IDC program, please contact me and I will get back to you shortly.

This program is also open for IDC Staff courses, staffing in order to get more experience or for your CDTC application and also for PADI Instructor Specialty training.

PADI IE, March 2013, Haad Yao Divers, Koh Phangan, Thailand

Hope to see you in August.

Camille

Certificate of Recognition for Excellence from PADI, once more

2013-04-08T20:32:00.000+07:00

This year starts off on a good foot with plenty of Certificates of Recognition for Excellence from my PADI IDC candidates. This already the third one this year!

Certificate of Recognition for Excellence from PADI because Axel Catoire and Aurélie Brard from the January 2013 IDC on Koh Lanta in Thailand had something good to say about me. Thanks Axel and Aurélie.

this is the second Certificate from this IDC, earlier I received a Certificate from Leandro!

This is as good as a time to start your own adventure and become a PADI Instructor. My next PADI IDC starts 21st April on Gili Air in Indonesia, followed by an IDC on Koh Samui in Thailand, starting 9th May and this is followed by an IDC starting 20th May in Dauin/Dumaguete in the Philippines.

Contact me for more information on these programs.

Camille

PADI IDC Schedule Philippines 2013

2013-04-02T15:38:00.000+07:00

Come and join me during one of my PADI IDC's in the Philippines this year in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center Sea Explorers on Malapascua or PADI CDC Center Sea Explorers in Dauin.

You still have 4 opportunities left, starting 20th May in Dauin/Dumaguete and in July, September and December on Malapascua.

Contact me for more information.

Camille

Certificate of Recognition for Excellence by PADI for Camille from the January 2103 IDC on Koh Lanta

2013-03-26T22:12:00.000+07:00

After the recent 7th consecutive time being awarded the 'Platinum Course Director' rating by PADI, today I received another 'Certificate of Recognition for Excellence' from one of my candidates of the January IDC on Koh Lanta, Thailand. Thanks Leandro!

We were a long time in contact before the IDC and we had a great IDC, as his statement confirms and now we're still in contact, beyond this 'Certificate of Recognition for Excellence', we're working on different projects together!

If you're interested in experiencing and participating in one of my PADI IDC's, the next one is scheduled to start early April in either Khao Lak or Koh Lanta, both in Thailand followed by an IDC starting 21st April on Gili Air in Indonesia, immediately followed by an IDC starting 9th may on home turf on Koh Samui in Thailand and this is followed by an IDC starting 20th May in Dauin in the Philippines.

See you there,

Camille

Chaweng Beach underwater clean up on Koh Samui, Thailand

2013-03-23T18:01:00.000+07:00

This morning 15 divers from various dive centers on Koh Samui gathered at 9.30am at Al's Resort on Chaweng Beach to start a bi-yearly clean up sponsored by the Thai Hotel Association - Southern Chapter.

Before the clean up

The beach was fit to dive since just a few days but the visibility was good enough and unfortunately there were heaps of trash and garbage to be found underwater. Seldom I've seen this accumulation of garbage underwater on Chaweng Beach.

Lots of fire works remains were found underwater

In total we pulled out 20 bags of garbage, one part of a jet ski and two jerry cans. My guesstimate is that it totals around 100 kilo of trash we pulled out of the ocean today. Truly a great job by all involved!

Plenty of garbage and parts could be found today

Underwater view of the garbage

After the clean up

Lunch sponsored by Poppies

After the clean up we were invited to lunch at Poppies resort in Chaweng by the GM and chairman of the THA Green Committee, Mr. John Ens, also the driving force behind these clean ups! Big thanks to him and it's no secret that lunch was enjoyed by all!

The next clean up is scheduled around early October!

Camille

Camille receives 7th consecutive Platinum PADI Course Director rating

2013-03-15T09:35:00.001+07:00

For the 7th consecutive year and since the inauguration of this rating by PADI Asia Pacific, Camille has received the Platinum PADI Course Director rating for 2013.

Just a handful PADI Course Directors can boast this proud achievement and this year worldwide only 71 Platinum ratings have been awarded and there are even less PADI Course Directors who have received this award since it's conception by PADI, 7 years ago.

Camille in action during a PADI IDC Open Water dive

Maybe it's time to change your world around and become a PADI dive instructor which will enable you to work around the world, including plenty of exotic locations. My next PADI IDC is scheduled to start early April in either Khao Lak or Koh Lanta, both in Thailand, 21st April on Gili Air in Indonesia, 9th May on Koh Samui in Thailand and 20th may in Dauin in the Philippines.

See you there!

Camille

CITES CoP16 in Bangkok, great news for sharks and Manta Rays

2013-03-14T11:54:00.000+07:00

The confirmation was done at 10am this morning in Bangkok at CITES CoP16 and 5 shraks, Manta Rays and Sawfish appear now on Appendix II.
This is fantastic news and I'm very happy to share this with you, I'm sure the dive community is as happy as I am!

The Manta Ray is now listed under appendix II

Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled. It also includes so-called "look-alike species", i.e. species of which the specimens in trade look like those of species listed for conservation reasons (see Article II, paragraph 2 of the Convention). International trade in specimens of Appendix-II species may be authorized by the granting of an export permit or re-export certificate. No import permit is necessary for these species under CITES (although a permit is needed in some countries that have taken stricter measures than CITES requires). Permits or certificates should only be granted if the relevant authorities are satisfied that certain conditions are met, above all that trade will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild. (See Article IV of the Convention)

Hammerheads (scalloped, great and smooth) and the Oceanic Whitetip are now listed on CITES App II.

Porbeagle now listed on App II. Sawfish on App I.

Appendix I lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants (see Article II, paragraph 1 of the Convention). They are threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in specimens of these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial (see Article III), for instance for scientific research. In these exceptional cases, trade may take place provided it is authorized by the granting of both an import permit and an export permit (or re-export certificate). Article VII of the Convention provides for a number of exemptions to this general prohibition.

This is great news and I'm glad to see that this happened, with thanks to Project AWARE who have put in a lot work with their partners!

Camille

An unexpected thumbs up; A Certificate of recognition of Excellence

2013-03-11T18:06:00.000+07:00

After getting home from the recent Koh Phangan IDC and PADI IE I found an unexpected moment of support, a 'Certificate of recognition of Excellence' given to me by PADI because a former student said a few nice things about me to PADI!

This came from Bill who participated in the July 2008 IDC and IE and who I recently helped out with some references for a study place in Taiwan.

Much appreciated Bill and here's the living proof, that after the PADI IDC and PADI IE are completed, you can still count on me!

Camille

EFR Instructor on Koh Phangan for March 2013

2013-03-10T15:07:00.001+07:00

The PADI IE has been successfully completed by all Koh Phangan IDC candidates for the March 2013 IDC and it was time today for some good old EFR Instructor training, because without this rating or equivalent there will be no teaching status from PADI!

EFR Instructor course on Koh Phangan in March 2013 from left to right, Myra, Allie, Von, Tim, Thorsten and Camille

With a good mix of theory, skill practice and some scenarios time flew by and some good fun was as the above picture shows. Myra will still have to complete a few skills with CPR, due to her current state I thought it better she wait a bit until after childbirth before she can safely give CPR. The candidates will party hard tonight to celebrate all their recent successes!

If you're up for such a party, you will first have to pass the PADI IDC and PADI IE with me and the next opportunity is in early April in either Khao Lak or Koh Lanta, both in Thailand, a PADI IDC starts 21st April on Gili Air in Indonesia, 9th May on Koh Samui in Thailand and 20th may in Dauin in the Philippines.

See you there.

Camille

PADI IE on Koh Phangan, Thailand for March 2013 a 100% succes

2013-03-09T13:05:00.000+07:00

All the hard work from the recent PADI IDC on Koh Phangan in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Resort Haad Yao Divers and the PADI IE has been a 100% success for my candidates. All 4 of them passed with good scores and are now PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors.

From left to right; Tim, Mike (PADI Examiner), Thorsten, Von and myself and we're all holding Allie

As usual it was a very international occasion with candidates from the USA, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands (Myra) although Myra will complete her IDC and PADI IE at a later stage after her child is born.

Well done and congratz to all of you!

My next PADI IDC will start early April in either Koh Lanta or Khao Lak, both in Thailand, followed by 21st April on Gili Air in Indonesia which is followed by an IDC on Koh Samui in Thailand starting 9th May and a PAI IDC starting 20th May in Dauin in the Philippines.

See you there!

Camille

The PADI IDC on Koh Phangan for March 2013 is in the can!

2013-03-07T22:06:00.001+07:00

It's done and over with! The February-March PADI IDC on Koh Phangan is done and dusted! Allie, Tim, Thorsten, Von and Myra worked hard but it all paid off, they're ready to start the PADI IE tomorrow! Well, except for Myra, since she first needs to get birth to her baby and then complete the IDC water work.

Allie in the classroom

Allie and Von love the island Koh Phangan, although both will return to Koh Samui, for work reasons!

Thorsten and Tim live here and Myra is on an extended long stay on the island. I can only add to the common nominator that the siland is great and it's always good to be here!

Thorsten in the classroom

After all the hard work on theory exams, classroom-, confined- and open water presentations, it's now time to show off for the PADI examiner that they know their stuff. Two nervous days of exams are waiting for them!

Myra in the classroom

After the PADI IE I will conduct the EFR Instructor course, I will be heading back home, to Koh Samui for a short break from IDC's and spend time with the family when it all starts again in early April in either Khao Lak or Koh Lanta, both in Thailand. On 21st April an IDC is starting on Gili Air in Indonesia, 9th of May and IDC starts on Koh Samui in Thailand and 20th may an IDC will start in Dauin in the Philippines.

Tim in confined water

For more information on my PADI IDC programs please contact me and I'm more than happy to supply information or answer any questions you may have regarding an IDC or any other instructor level training.

Von in confined water

Looking forward seeing you around in one of my future IDC's, now first stay tuned for updates on the current PADI IE on Koh Phangan.

Camille

The PADI IDC on Koh Phangan for March 2013 is half way

2013-03-04T09:49:00.002+07:00

Yes indeed, we're half way in the current PADI IDC on Koh Phangan in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Resort 'Haad Yao divers'.

All 5 candidates are working hard but the results are showing that the hard work is paying off with the good results they get.

Allie during air depletion in the skill circuit

As international as always during my IDC's, we welcomed candidates from the USA, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

Tim and Von with an alternate air source use skill in confined water

They're digging into theory exams, classroom presentation aka knowledge development, confined water presentations, skill circuits, open water presentations and classroom presentations by me. A lot of spice with a lot of variation! Every day around noon we have a nice lunch break with some great Thai food as well!

Thorsten with bcd removal and replacement in the pool

The PADI IE will be held on Koh Phangan on 8th and 9th March, so still a few days to go to prepare properly, get some more experience and make a killing during these two days.
We also had the pleasure during this program to welcome the regional manager Tim Hunt for a short visit to the IDC classroom for a meet and greet.

Myra during one of he Knowledge development presentations in the classroom

There's also a first during this IDC and well that Myra, one of the candidates is 8 months pregnant and she didn't want to wait for the baby to be born but decided to get all the classroom work out of the way so once the baby is born and she's ready again, she only needs to complete the water work of a future IDC. That's what I call dedication! Well done Myra.

Rescue exercise # 7, one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand, prepare, ventilation

If you feel it's your turn to participate in one of my PADI IDC programs so you can live in a sunny tropical location, contact me to get more information on one of my upcoming programs, starting off with a PADI IDC in early April in either Khao Lak or Koh Lanta both in Thailand, 21st April on Gili Air in Indonesia, 9th May on Koh Samui in Thailand and 20th may in Dauin in the Philippines.

See you there!

Camille

PADI Member Forum 2013 on Koh Phangan, Thailand

2013-03-01T21:52:00.002+07:00

During my current PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, it turned out that today it was time for the yearly PADI Member forum and that offered a great opportunity for me to visit a PADI Member forum in a new location.

PADI decided to split Thailand up in two regions last year and the East coast, to which Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Bangkok and Pattaya belong (just to name a few locations) has now a new Regional Manager by the name of Tim Hunt, who used to be a successful PADI Course Director on Koh Tao. Tony Andrews, is now the Regional Manager for the Thai West coast which includes among others Phuket, Khao Lak and Koh Lanta.

Me and Tim Hunt, the PADI Regional Manager for Thailand's East coast

Tim gave us an insight in various changes and updates coming our way later this year, which include some interesting changes in the Open Water diver course for instance.

There was a good turn out, approximately 45-50 PADI members attended, well done Koh Phangan!

Camille