Where in Asia to do my PADI Assistant Instructor course?

[soldave]

I'm now making very good headway in my IDEA and PADI Divemaster courses, and am thoroughly enjoying them. So much so in fact, that I am already looking at my next step in professional diving.

I have around 18 days off over Christmas, which I want to spend somewhere in Asia (I'm here anyway, so may as well make the most of it!) diving, and maybe getting my Assistant Instructors licence. It would be a hell of a lot of work, but I'd even consider doing the IDC in that time.

Does anyone have any recommendations on places in Asia that would do these courses? Of course, I want the course to be decent quality, but please bear in mind that I'm not made of money.

Thanks for any info you can offer me

[graham_hk]

I couldn't think of a better place than the Philippines. suggest you look for an instructor in Puerto Galera. Personally I always stay at LaLaguna Beach Club (www.llbc.com.ph) - they will look after you, do a good job and you will enjoy yourself.

Graham

[Rod]

Why not go direct for your IDC. You are far more useful to a prospective employer.

[soldave]

Yeah - I would like to do the IDC I think. It is probably better for me. Just checked La Laguna in the Philippenes and they don't have a course scheduled for the time I'm off but I could email them about doing one for me. My other concern would be finding somewhere dirt cheap to stay which is very close to the diving place.

[jph6969]

Originally Posted by soldave

Yeah - I would like to do the IDC I think. It is probably better for me. Just checked La Laguna in the Philippenes and they don't have a course scheduled for the time I'm off but I could email them about doing one for me. My other concern would be finding somewhere dirt cheap to stay which is very close to the diving place.

Where abouts are you?

Thailands Koh Tao is a great place to do course, the courses themselves are cheap the accommodation is cheap and the food and drink are cheap, getting there is cheap,etc,etc

My vote go to Koh Tao, you'll love it

Jason

[soldave]

I'm in Okinawa in the south of Japan. I'll heck out Koh Tao though and try to find a cheap course & some accomodation during the Xmas period

[soldave]

Hmmm... it's looking like nobody offers the course just after Christmas time, which is highly annoying. I may have to alter my plans somewhat

[soldave]

Well I've decided to do the course in Koh Samui at Planet Scuba. They seem a good establishment, and I'm doing the course with all the trimmings and extras (gas blender, speciality instructor, Mares equipment specialist, courses in the dive business etc). Going to do it next summer but am already doing some study and looking towards the exams and tests I'll be doing.

Wish me luck!