Phuket

slantzz · #1 07-01-2008, 01:05

i saw that there was some info about diving, so this is not the basic question, but i am wondering if anyone has done the 6 day trip, and i am not a diver, so this would be my first time, i was wondering if it was worth going so long, or just doing a day or overnight trip, thanks. i am sure i will enjoy diving, just wanted to hear about some of your experiences.

faultytowers · #2 07-01-2008, 01:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by slantzz

i saw that there was some info about diving, so this is not the basic question, but i am wondering if anyone has done the 6 day trip, and i am not a diver, so this would be my first time, i was wondering if it was worth going so long, or just doing a day or overnight trip, thanks. i am sure i will enjoy diving, just wanted to hear about some of your experiences.

No point doing a 6 day diving trip if you can't dive yet. Either do a "try dive" or basic open water course first , then decide:
1. If you are able to dive.
2. If you enjoy diving.
3. If you are keen enough to do 3-4 dives per day on a dive trip.

If you spend a lot of cash going on a dive trip (even with lessons included) , then find out that due to ear problems etc you are not able to dive , you will have wasted a lot of time and money.

Soupdragon · #3 07-01-2008, 01:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by slantzz

i saw that there was some info about diving, so this is not the basic question, but i am wondering if anyone has done the 6 day trip, and i am not a diver, so this would be my first time, i was wondering if it was worth going so long, or just doing a day or overnight trip, thanks. i am sure i will enjoy diving, just wanted to hear about some of your experiences.

I take by these two conflicting statements you are planning to learn to dive in Thailand and you are considering a 6 day liveaboard trip?? Learning to dive on a liveabord isn't really the best way to go about it and a lot of companies won't entertain doing this, it limits the places the boat can go to good training sites rather than good dive sites, also you will be stuck in the classroom or shallow water when you could be out exploring the underwater world. I would recommend getting your PADI Open Water licence (presuming you choose the PADI route) at a dive shop then if you really like it go on a liveaboard trip, on the trip you could take the Advanced Open Water, it is usually offered at a big discount if you take the course during the trip. If you go this route you will find that your diving skills should progress very fast as you are doing lots of dives in a short period of time.

Hunter Valley · #4 07-01-2008, 02:00

I was going to do the 4day Openwater in Phuket, yet when it came down to cost, time and convenience, I have decided to do it before I leave and then go diving (not learning) in LOS. Costs in minimal, time is a factor given 4 days out of 14 day trip and convenience that I am able to do it over 2 weekends here.

HV.

dogblower · #5 07-01-2008, 03:00

Good idea.

planter · #6 07-01-2008, 19:35

spot on! I did exactly the same, learned to dive at home then always dive when im away on trips. Dont waste your holiday learning to dive whilst on holiday if you have the chance learn at home so you can enjoy your trip and not spend it locked in a class room

Datsun · #7 07-01-2008, 19:51

Personally I like to take a few days between diving days, I usually feel a bit tired the day after, so nice to relax a day or two inbetween

Soupdragon · #8 07-01-2008, 19:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Datsun

Personally I like to take a few days between diving days, I usually feel a bit tired the day after, so nice to relax a day or two inbetween

Try doing a EAN (Nitrox course) it makes a world of difference to your fatigue levels after diving.

Datsun · #9 07-01-2008, 20:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soupdragon

Try doing a EAN (Nitrox course) it makes a world of difference to your fatigue levels after diving.

Okey, maybe stupid question, but do you get more or less fatigue with nitrox? I don't know much about nitrox, only that you can stay down under (not australia

) for a longer time period, but you cant go deeper than with regular air? Or correct me if im wrong...

slantzz · #10 08-01-2008, 02:12

hey thanks for the information. i think i will do just what you all say.

Soupdragon · #11 08-01-2008, 09:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Datsun

Okey, maybe stupid question, but do you get more or less fatigue with nitrox? I don't know much about nitrox, only that you can stay down under (not australia

) for a longer time period, but you cant go deeper than with regular air? Or correct me if im wrong...

You feel significantly less fatiqued after diving using EAN (Enriches Air Nitrox) If you want to read more about it use this link. Just as a foot note NEVER dive with nitrox unless you are trained to do so, the risks are very real.

Datsun · #12 08-01-2008, 15:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soupdragon

You feel significantly less fatiqued after diving using EAN (Enriches Air Nitrox) If you want to read more about it use this link. Just as a foot note NEVER dive with nitrox unless you are trained to do so, the risks are very real.

tnx for the link.

dogblower · #13 08-01-2008, 15:28

Agrre that Nitrox is a good way to go, but I personally think a diver needs more experience before taking on something a bit more advanced like this. How many OW divers can't get their basic tables right a month after their course? Add in a bit more complexity, like different EAN mixes, and you're broadening the scope for error.

Rack up some dives first.

Minder · #14 08-01-2008, 21:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunter Valley

I was going to do the 4day Openwater in Phuket, yet when it came down to cost, time and convenience, I have decided to do it before I leave and then go diving (not learning) in LOS. Costs in minimal, time is a factor given 4 days out of 14 day trip and convenience that I am able to do it over 2 weekends here.

HV.

__________________________________________________ ______________

Hi HV, me again...

One question...are you travelling alone? Doing the course in Thailand (did mine in Pattaya with Mermaids Dive...mostly ex-British military dive instructors) you spend several days with the same group and usually end up forming some bonds and with a drinking buddy or two to hit the bars with each night...I found both my Open Water and Advanced open water courses went this way...had thought about doing the course here in Oz and am glad I didn't...course costs were cheaper (due to exchange rate mostly) and there was no need for a pre-course medical examination in Thailand...just my two cents...Enjoy.

__________________
"Heaven holds a sense of wonder...and I wanted to believe..."

Hunter Valley · #15 10-01-2008, 15:06

Hi HV, me again...

One question...are you travelling alone? Doing the course in Thailand (did mine in Pattaya with Mermaids Dive...mostly ex-British military dive instructors) you spend several days with the same group and usually end up forming some bonds and with a drinking buddy or two to hit the bars with each night...I found both my Open Water and Advanced open water courses went this way...had thought about doing the course here in Oz and am glad I didn't...course costs were cheaper (due to exchange rate mostly) and there was no need for a pre-course medical examination in Thailand...just my two cents...Enjoy.

__________________
"Heaven holds a sense of wonder...and I wanted to believe..."[/quote]

Hi, No I am travelling with a mate who already has his PADI. I was going to do the course there mainly because of the costs, but to my surprise there is little difference here.

One guy I was talking to, who was once a professional diver (his words) said do it here. I laughed it off a bit, but when I checked it out, it costs the same. Except I will need to pay for medical etc.

HV

Hunter Valley · #16 10-01-2008, 15:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunter Valley

Hi HV, me again...

One question...are you travelling alone? Doing the course in Thailand (did mine in Pattaya with Mermaids Dive...mostly ex-British military dive instructors) you spend several days with the same group and usually end up forming some bonds and with a drinking buddy or two to hit the bars with each night...I found both my Open Water and Advanced open water courses went this way...had thought about doing the course here in Oz and am glad I didn't...course costs were cheaper (due to exchange rate mostly) and there was no need for a pre-course medical examination in Thailand...just my two cents...Enjoy.

__________________
"Heaven holds a sense of wonder...and I wanted to believe..."

Hi, No I am travelling with a mate who already has his PADI. I was going to do the course there mainly because of the costs, but to my surprise there is little difference here.

One guy I was talking to, who was once a professional diver (his words) said do it here. I laughed it off a bit, but when I checked it out, it costs the same. Except I will need to pay for medical etc.

HV[/quote]

Soupdragon · #17 10-01-2008, 15:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunter Valley

Hi, No I am travelling with a mate who already has his PADI. I was going to do the course there mainly because of the costs, but to my surprise there is little difference here.

One guy I was talking to, who was once a professional diver (his words) said do it here. I laughed it off a bit, but when I checked it out, it costs the same. Except I will need to pay for medical etc.

HV

Hi, I am PADI MSDT (Master Scuba Diver Trainer) and have taught hundreds of people to dive. I am curious to know is the medical mandatory in Australia?? In all the courses I have taught it is required that a student completes a medical questionnaire which is basically a checklist asking if the student has any medical problems or history. Only if the student answers yes to any of the questions am I required to refer the student for a medical check up. Is this differerent in Australia ??. Only when a diver reaches Divemaster level is a medical mandaory.

dogblower · #18 10-01-2008, 15:45

Many dive shops in Egypt require it just for a day dive. I was also required to complete the full set of waivers and liabilty releases that you would normally only have to complete for a course.

nacha · #19 10-01-2008, 15:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogblower

Many dive shops in Egypt require it just for a day dive. I was also required to complete the full set of waivers and liabilty releases that you would normally only have to complete for a course.

insurance is the point...

till now i always had to show my medical check (which is usually not older than a year) when i went diving!

Soupdragon · #20 10-01-2008, 15:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogblower

Many dive shops in Egypt require it just for a day dive. I was also required to complete the full set of waivers and liabilty releases that you would normally only have to complete for a course.

Personally I think it makes sense to have a medical before diving, I could tell you stories of fatalities due to medical conditions that divers didn't know existed or have not disclosed in order to allow them to dive.

Soupdragon · #21 10-01-2008, 15:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by nacha

insurance is the point...

Very good point. Check your travel insurance very carefully to make sure you are covered, many policies have exclusions or limits set for scuba diving. If you are going to dive regularly it is best to have insurance exclusively for diving. Treating diving accidents is a very expensive business, to give you a idea you could expect to pay in excess of 6000 US$ for a standard treatment at the recompression chamber in Phuket, more if you have a serious condition. DAN (Divers Alert Network) enjoy a very good reputation for providing comprehensive cover at very competitive rates, check out their website.

suakopannu · #22 11-01-2008, 13:36

I think its crazy to dive without insurance. Anything can happen anytime and without proper care you are screwed. I have separate medical diving insurance and I also take a DAN policy when diving abroad just to be safe. It wont bankrupt you and if you have a serious problem youll get help for years to come and not be left to rot

"When in spain use your brain"

Hunter Valley · #23 11-01-2008, 17:57

Soup,

Having just received the package and not read it yet, I cannot say other than it is in there and seems like I need a visit to the Doc.

Will look and answer you further when I check and I am not drinking myself into tomorrow.

HV.