Divemaster recommendations

[poolgirl]

hi, anyone know a good divemaster who organizes trips in the SEA region?

i stopped diving for quite a long time, and figure the easiest way to get back into it is by joining a reputable shop - safety and dive companion issues sorted in one fell swoop!

[Sir]

I beleive bali is the best value scuba in the world? A friend has done all his scuba levels there, can find out exaclty where if interested... it's all aussies apparently lol

[carteki]

Not sure what you're after... (or if SG can offer it)

All the non-monsoon season diving happens in P.Tioman / P.Aur off the east coast of Malaysia on weekends and a number of dive shops offer trips to other locations too. All the dive shops do for the "other location" trips is find a local operator and the rest is left in the local operator hands.

The British Club have an active scuba club - free flow divers - (cost $10 per month if not a member of the British Club) and a couple of companies - Stan Chart and Barclays are the 2 that I know of - as well. We also have a core of enthusiasts here on the board and I've organised 1 trip - possibly another coming up. Find the scuba diving thread.

If you're looking to travel in the region I don't usually use a dive shop and just arrive at the location and find a local operator (all shops seem to be run by westerners though) and my own accommodation and dive directly with them. Although most of them have a miniumum of 2 persons per dive so it is slightly more difficult to do "other stuff" if its just you but after a while you make friends and things become easier. (Was very disappointed with the location of my recent trip and couldn't change because it was "all paid for" through the SG dive shop)

[poolgirl]

I beleive bali is the best value scuba in the world? A friend has done all his scuba levels there, can find out exaclty where if interested... it's all aussies apparently lol

thanks i already have beginner and even got an advanced (!) just want to do some leisure dives, so yeah if that shop organizes some (esp during mola-mola season) and welcomes non-aussies i would be grateful for the contact!

[poolgirl]

Not sure what you're after... (or if SG can offer it)

All the non-monsoon season diving happens in P.Tioman / P.Aur off the east coast of Malaysia on weekends and a number of dive shops offer trips to other locations too. All the dive shops do for the "other location" trips is find a local operator and the rest is left in the local operator hands.

The British Club have an active scuba club - free flow divers - (cost $10 per month if not a member of the British Club) and a couple of companies - Stan Chart and Barclays are the 2 that I know of - as well. We also have a core of enthusiasts here on the board and I've organised 1 trip - possibly another coming up. Find the scuba diving thread.

If you're looking to travel in the region I don't usually use a dive shop and just arrive at the location and find a local operator (all shops seem to be run by westerners though) and my own accommodation and dive directly with them. Although most of them have a miniumum of 2 persons per dive so it is slightly more difficult to do "other stuff" if its just you but after a while you make friends and things become easier. (Was very disappointed with the location of my recent trip and couldn't change because it was "all paid for" through the SG dive shop)

ok thanks for the tips. was under the impression safety standards were better if locally-based divemasters tagged along, as they would presumably feel more 'obliged' to take care of their group.

seems like the brits lead in diving - will check out the banks and the club. thanks!

[Grumpy77]

Hi,

I did my open water with Friendly Waters way back in 96 and have done a few excursions with Davey since then. He runs a good outfit and his divers lodge on P. Aur is great.

As mentioned, all you'll get is local waters, or some wreck diving now but when his season kicks back in full gear, I strongly recommend it.

He has buses, boats, lodge and full shop here so it is end-to-end. Safe outfit at very good price.