PADI Divemaster Internship Thailand - tropical island Koh Phra Thong

A Divemaster is the first professional qualification in the PADI framework of dive education. Attaining this level indicates that the diver has excelled in dive theory, skills, management & leadership.

The primary role of a PADI Divemaster is to guide other certified divers. Yet, Divemasters are also able to supervise refresher courses and can, with the correct training, conduct the PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience for people who have never dived before.

Additionally, Divemasters fulfil many other functions behind the scenes. They are involved with the daily running of dive operations, assisting PADI Instructors, preparing & maintaining equipment, organising & planning dive excursions, helping customers and liasing with suppliers.

The PADI Divemaster certification is a passport to travel the globe. Divemasters are in demand anywhere there is water and divers who want to go diving.

Enrol in a PADI Divemaster Internship with Blue Guru on Koh Phra Thong and you too can be a member of the elite rank of professional divers - visiting exotic destinations, meeting new people, learning, working and having exciting adventures along the way.

Koh Phra Thong is located in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Thailand. The closest town is the port town of Khuraburi, situated on the mainland about 10km east.

Ko Phra Thong is the middle link in a chain of three islands. It is largely flat with expanses of inland savannah. It has long uninhabited beaches, fringed by coconut palms. The island is home to a broad diversity of plant, animal & bird species whilst the surrounding waters provides essential habitats for a vast array of marine life.

To the north is Koh Ra. It is a long mountainous island covered with ancient rainforest. The terrain is quite inhospitable to humans but does house a large number of animal species. This makes it an interesting trekking venue and gives a striking view looking north from Ko Pra Thong.

The southern island of Koh Kho Khao is similar to Koh Phra Tong. However, just to the south of Koh Kho Khao is the highly popular beach holiday location of Khao Lak. Koh Kho Khao is already a burgeoning tourist destination as Khao Lak veterans spill northwards looking for less crowded, more interesting destinations.

Further south still is the world famous island of Phuket. It is over 100km away from Koh Phra Thong and has the closest international airport. We recommend flying into Phuket as the most efficient way to reach the island.

Offering the most extensive Divemaster Internship in Thailand, Blue Guru Diving will fulfil your dive education needs. Under the stewardship of PADI Master Instructor Helen Macnee and her dynamic team you will receive the most thorough training & guidance.

Koh Phra Thong is an idyllic location to train as a dive professional. Aside from the sensational scenery and nature on the island, Blue Guru Diving at Koh Phra Thong offers a number of unique advantages for the aspiring Divemaster.

- Outstanding price for a PADI Divemaster training + accommodation package
- Unlimited easy access local diving from the shore - Grab a buddy & dive
- Off the beaten track paradise island. Clear beaches & exclusive dive sites
- Closest dive centre to world top ten dive location Richelieu Rock
- Regular scuba day trips to the sensationalSurin Islands
- Scheduled lectures on dive theory
- SMB (submersible marker buoy) workshop
- Optional training to become an eco-tour guide or underwater photographer**
- Full diving insurance for 1 year by scuba insurance specialist Indepths.org***
- CV writing & job application support with experienced HR manager
- Opportunity to learn how to handle small boats
- Optional Coral Reef Restoration module* & eco-diving options* available
- Broad range of PADI Specialties* on offer

The Blue Guru Divemaster training internships are designed for beginners as well as those with previous diving experience. Even if you have never dived before - As long as you are over the age of 18 with medical clearance by a physician you are able to join an internship on Koh Phra Thong. New divers would normally join us for an 11 week internship whilst those already Rescue Diver certified might consider an 8 week program.

There are no 'types' who could be considered particularly suitable for the Divemaster program. You will, of course, be an energetic, environmentally conscious individual with a desire to learn more about diving. You will also have a professional manner, be a good communicator and team player.

There are many reasons why an individual would choose one of our programs. One of the most common themes is for people who are looking to make a break from the normal 9-5 that so often invades our lives leaving us bored & uninspired.

Another typical reason is the 'Gap Year' candidate looking to travel to exotic destinations to find adventure. Within this group there are a number who may also be looking to utilise some of the training towards their University education or future vocation.

And in recent years there are many who join us because they have become increasingly disillusioned with how we lead our lives, as out of control consumers with scant regard for the environment with our governments cheering us on.

For these reasons (& many more) a Blue Guru Divemaster internship on the tropical island of Koh Phra Thong could be just the ticket to energize your life.

All of our Divemaster Internship packages include accommodation in a house in Lions Village (Baan Lions) for the duration of your course(s). Baan Lions is situated at the north end of Koh Phra Thong near to the Koh Ra channel.These are shared houses for the exclusive use of Divemaster trainees.

Each house has 2-3 bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, outside communal area and upstairs balcony. Each Divemaster candidate will have their own bedroom. There are larger bedrooms available for couples if necessary.

Baan Lions has small shops where you can buy a range of local produce. Rice, packet foods & snacks, soft & alcoholic drinks are also available as they are brought over from the mainland by longtail boat on a regular basis.

If you prefer to eat out then there is a small restaurant run by a delightful lady called Lam Yong. As is common with Thai people, she is a culinary wizard and creates tasty banquets on a nightly basis. Alternatively, many Divemaster trainees often choose to take 1 or more of their daily meals at Mr.Chuoi's Bar & Huts which is situated closer to Blue Guru Diving on Golden Buddha Bay.

Accommodation upgrade to Mr.Chuoi's Huts is available for an extra 9,000 Bt per month per Hut. Rooms at Mr. Chuoi's should be booked in advance and are stricly limited.

Often rental equipment is the cheapest available. Not at Blue Guru. We have noticed over years diving in Asia that the rental equipment is frequently substandard and this can be frustrating for any diver. It makes a huge difference to have better quality, more expensive equipment and we are proud to bring you a superior line of rental equipment.

The equipment that you use can make or break a dive. Regular divers invest in their own equipment because they know that it will make for better, safer diving. Blue Guru feels the same way. Our high quality equipment is regularly serviced and replaced to ensure that you have the best underwater experience possible.

Many Divemaster trainees choose to buy their own set from the outset. You can take adavantage of one our exclusive equipment offers or if you prefer to wait then you can rent our equipment for only 6,000 Bt a month (normally 600 Bt a day). Both of our 'Early Bird' offers give 1 month's free equipment rental.

High quality diver training & equipment are the first line of defence in scuba safety. This is one of the reasons why our PADI Divemaster internship is longer than those normally offered. The extra time will ensure that you have thoroughly reviewed your diver theory and our unique local sites will allow you to practice your skills to perfection.

Lectures on decompression theory, creation of an emergency action plan and the PADI emergency oxygen provider course will add to your education in diver safety principles & practice.All this extra training supports your development as a confident, safe PADI Divemaster; most important when you will soon be guiding your own divers under the water.

The coral reefs at Koh Phra Thong have been in the wars in recent years. Having recovered substantially from the 2004 tsunami they have recently been affected by the Andaman bleaching event this year.

Thankfully other local environmental stressors remain at a minimum so with the assistance of Blue Guru's resident marine biologist we have created a reef restoration project to start in the 2010-11 season.

This week long program will introduce interns to the history of reef development in the region. Further onland education will include an overview of general goals & methods used for reef restoration projects at an international level before narrowing the focus and application towards our reefs at Koh Pling.

In water training will begin with teaching you coral triage techniques . This will be followed by coral transplation procedures using an appropriate and locally produced substrate. The program will be completed with an assessment of previously transplanted corals to check their progress and continued viability.

Not only is the project a great way to engage in some real environmental work, it is also highly informative, improving your CV and increasing your chances of employment or gaining entry onto particular further education programs.

The Koh Phra Thong coral reef restoration project is priced at only 10,000 Bt for the week. All profits will be redirected into the project. It is available to all divers from the Advanced level up and offered to Blue Guru Divemaster interns at a 20% discount. Sign up now!

Koh Phra Thong and the nearby Surin Islands are home to 4 types of turtles: Hawksbill, Leatherback, Green & Olive Ridley. During your stay at Golden Buddha, we also offer the opportunity to learn more about turtles, which nest in the long stretch of beach in front of the resort.

These species of turtles have survived since the age of dinosaurs and yet sadly numbersare in decline. Participants will learn about the threats turtles face from man & nature and have the chance to join a daily early morning walk to monitor the beach for turtle nests. There will also be a visit to a local village where there is a museum run by the turtle project staff.

In the PADI Turtle Awareness specialty course you’ll learn about:
- the role of turtles in the ecosystem
- seven species of sea turtles, their habitats and population statuses
- issues contributing to population decline
- key characteristics of turtles found in the area
- responsible dive and snorkel practices when observing sea turtles
- how you can promote sea turtle conservation