sawadee2k Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 hey as i live in australia now and one of them things i want to do is diving(no muff diving jokes please)well ok maybe one wouldnt hurt im going to go to cairns and do a 3 day course to get my padi,ive done a lot of snorkeling but not diving in australia and thailand!! im not a great swimmer but i dont think this matters too mutt,anyone here a bit nervous first time? what was it like and where was your first? ps do you have to get a medical done before you dive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maiaow Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 i took Open Water Course in Koh Tao last September and i got my PADI but it was tough because i had cold. i never done snorkeling before... ha ha ha, i was so brave! i was nervous for the fist time and everytime i finished each dive then i felt like Yipppee but i got a good instructor and he was jai yen also i don't preactise in the pool. it was great and tough in the same time... i don't get a medical at all even i had cold... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CuTieGirL Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 Take it easy...You should be enjoying it rather than worry. You don't need any medical check up. But PADI would ask you to sign the medical statement. You can't dive if you are : - Pregnant - High blood pressure - High Cholesterol level - History of Heart attack or Stroke - Heart disease - Diabetes Other conditions apply, mostly involve with your health history. (If you previously had an operation, etc.) So you shouldn't worry much if you are normally healthy. You don't need to be a good swimmer to be a good diver. Even handicapped people and physically challenge people can dive. The Bouyancy Control Device (BCD) would help you stabilize underwater. Just a few kicks and you can go anyway you want underwater. So enjoy your dive and don't forget to share it with us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sawadee2k Posted June 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 Take it easy...You should be enjoying it rather than worry. You don't need any medical check up. But PADI would ask you to sign the medical statement. You can't dive if you are : - Pregnant - High blood pressure - High Cholesterol level - History of Heart attack or Stroke - Heart disease - Diabetes Other conditions apply, mostly involve with your health history. (If you previously had an operation, etc.) So you shouldn't worry much if you are normally healthy. You don't need to be a good swimmer to be a good diver. Even handicapped people and physically challenge people can dive. The Bouyancy Control Device (BCD) would help you stabilize underwater. Just a few kicks and you can go anyway you want underwater. So enjoy your dive and don't forget to share it with us. damm im pregnant maybe they will just think its a beer belly lol i went to pro-dive in brisbane and the guy said i have to swim 200metres :oops: im puffed even thinking about it!!and that i had to get a mediacal from a doctor,he gave me a list of docs!! maybe in australia they are just more strict!! i have a canon camera i just bought ill have to get a underwater case for it and share the experience ¤ÃÔÊ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitschiguy Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 In theory you do need to have a medical check-up before you dive. I think some schools are more strict than others. It's very basic and takes about 15 minutes. But the open water course is a breeze. Don't worry, you'll love it! You might want to look into doing your course away from Cairnes. Diving there is not that good. Actually, the worst dives I have done were in Cairnes. The boats are usually crowded and disorganised. It's popular because it's cheap and convenient. Cape Tribulation a bit further north is much better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyrr Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 A medical check up is wise as Kitschiguy stated. And the swim is standard worldwide! Some places include more than just the swim but not required. It also sounds like you are going on a tourist 3 day excursion which will probably not certify you for open water. Not enough dives will be made. You will be required to do some more dives prior to certification. Check with the school. Choek dee!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tilaceer Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 You will find in Australia, whether it is PADI or SSI, you will need to do the 200 metre swim immediately followed by ten minutes of treading water. Some of the PADI courses where tourists tend to go, can be a bit more relaxed, else very few visitors would devote the time to actually do the courses. If they dont ask for a medical, I would shy away and go elsewhere... Way too many people die each year diving... If you want an interesting time, come to Melbourne and do some cold water, fast current diving in Port Philip Bay...then all tropical stuff is a breeze.........< rash generalisation !!> Try this link for more info on Australian dives, clubs etc. Personally I prefer SSI to PADI..but thats just me Good luck http://www.diveoz.com.au/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitschiguy Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 But if you want the best instruction try and find a BSAC school. Best in the world But you'll have a job finding one. My advice is stay away from PADI, but again, you'll have a job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rilly Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 you are supposed to get a medical to do your OWC, where i worked you did anyway, but it was simply a matter of going to the Thai clinic and they asked me "is there anything wrong with you?" i said "no" and then he signed the papers and i gave them 50B .... so here, the medical is a joke. But if you have something you are concerned about, it may be a good idea to get a "proper" medical checkup before going.. it can be hard to find one in Thailand... not every PADI course is equal. I spoke to a girl that was certified in Bali and was never in the classroom, and only spent an hour in the pool before hitting the open sea. So essentially, she wasted her money, but got the card right? She can't even remove her mask or regulator underwater and is basically a liability in your group. i told her, after one dive, that i wouldn't go with her again until she got "re-certified" This place she went to was the epitome of P ay A nd D ive I mmediately -RILInJuH! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rilly Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 I realize that i answered nothing from the O P Some nerves are normal on your first dive, but if you have a good instructor, you will be prepared, and that nervous feeling will be quickly replaced by excitement. -RIlINjuH! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitschiguy Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 you are supposed to get a medical to do your OWC, where i worked you did anyway, but it was simply a matter of going to the Thai clinic and they asked me "is there anything wrong with you?" i said "no" and then he signed the papers and i gave them 50B .... so here, the medical is a joke.But if you have something you are concerned about, it may be a good idea to get a "proper" medical checkup before going.. it can be hard to find one in Thailand... not every PADI course is equal. I spoke to a girl that was certified in Bali and was never in the classroom, and only spent an hour in the pool before hitting the open sea. So essentially, she wasted her money, but got the card right? She can't even remove her mask or regulator underwater and is basically a liability in your group. i told her, after one dive, that i wouldn't go with her again until she got "re-certified" This place she went to was the epitome of P ay A nd D ive I mmediately -RILInJuH! This doesn't surprise me. I alway's thought it was - P put A another D dollar I in That's why I recommend BSAC. Their tables are far more conservative than PADI's therefor much safer. (I think they are still based on British Navy tables) But It means they can't cram as many dives in so they don't make as much money. Probably why PADI schools are absolutely everywhere! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitschiguy Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 Where to learn in BKK? I am looking for the place to learn in bkk before I make my trip to Krabi. No need to learn in BKK. You can do everything in Krabi, although it's not a very good time of year for diving on the west coast. If you wanted to learn in BKK to save time on your Krabi trip, you might be able to do the theory in BKK, but you have to do some practical exercises in open water i.e the sea, and you also have to complete 4 open water dives to get your certification Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollywood_bkk Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 Just went diving in other countries . It's fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damnam1 Posted June 20, 2007 Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 Hello, have a look at these links: http://www.damnam.org/ This is the website of Sub Aqua Club of Bangkok - they say they are non-profit. Professional dive schools: http://www.planetscuba.net/daytours/ 8/3 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Larry's Dive Center, bar & grill Tel.: 663 45 63 http://www.larrysdive.com http://www.divesiteasia.com/ Nana Station, Sukhumvit Road. I do not know any of them and therefore I cannot give you an advise where to go to. It does not matter, what they teach - whether it is PADI system, CMAS , SSI or whatever. It is in your hands what you make of it. Compare their offers , do not fall for the nicest instructor neither for the cheapest company and do not believe that one course is enough. Do not make a weekend course. One year after your course you will have forgotten all the theory. Practise a lot and keep on learning for years - time and effort- that is the key. Greetings from Germany Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sawadee2k Posted June 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2007 hmm i see. a lot of you are talking about padi in thailand maybe where im sure its not as safe as australia. when i went to pro-dive in brisbane(they have one in cairns also)he said i spend 2 days in the classroom and pool,that i must get a medical $50 and i have to swim 200mtres so going by that i would say its a well run and proper place to learn so i might do it in brisbane then go up north more to do some dives!! the whales are going past the coast at the minute so that would be good to see!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CuTieGirL Posted June 25, 2007 Report Share Posted June 25, 2007 your post makes me feel sooo good about diving, thanks, i'm also looking for a course, maybe to koh tao na btw. "You can't dive if you are : - Pregnant - High blood pressure - High Cholesterol level - History of Heart attack or Stroke - Heart disease - Diabetes" a heart broken counts mai? LOL Hahahha.....You can always dive even though you have a heart broken. FYI.....There always be some kindda treatment for that. You can always find : - Cute Dive Buddy - Handsome Dive Instructor - or maybe just people watching... (It'd be like a kid in a candy shop!) Believe me....my partner in crime (I think u know who) loved it to be with me while I went diving. (even though she's not diving.) There were many things to see....other than fishes!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRISHCREAME Posted June 25, 2007 Report Share Posted June 25, 2007 Just don't dive when it's red tide! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeJay Posted June 27, 2007 Report Share Posted June 27, 2007 Learning how 2 dive should be done by a proper dive school I used to work On PP Island some years ago as Divemaster and worked for a big store there. We really Educated all or divers, not only the basics , buts also ecological and environmental issues btw you CAN dive when having diabetes, depending on your level of being able to control your insuline in-take , but this is usually only for the very experienced diabetes. visit any 5* center in Thailand and you will get a decent course and proper equipment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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