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Learning to dive in Thailand

“There’s never been a better time to learn to dive!” You seem to hear it everywhere around Thailand these days in coastal resorts, on boats during passages to coral fringed tropical islands and even in the larger cities!

But when talking about taking that first breath underwater, the sales pitch is not only inaccurate, it can be seen as intimidating - to say the least. A much better approach is: "It's always a great time to learn to dive in Thailand." Why? Simple. The water is clear and warm and filled with exciting adventures and creatures to meet and explore. Golden opportunities arise all year round and your dive course will be fun and relaxing without the hustle and bustle of city life.

Instruction is available in several forms, from freelance instructors providing a small, personal service up to 5-star training centres with selfcontained resort facilities offering career development services allowing those who want to learn to choose the style that best suits them.

Learning to dive cannot be self-taught. Instruction is essential and standard safety practices need to be applied and upheld throughout, no matter the size of operation. Thankfully this is the case in Thailand. There are also a number of award-winning facilities around the country proudly displaying their credentials - fine role models for others to follow.

All the top training agencies are omni-present in Thailand and, wherever there's diving, there will be dive centres affiliated to one of them. Training mainly comes 'The Professional Association of Diving Instructors' (PADI) and 'Scuba Schools International' (SSI), followed by the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) in third place. CMAS and NAUI are here too, but with a much smaller presence.

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