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I’m A Rescue Diver And I’m Here To Help

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Our travels around the world set a path of destiny and desire in our daughter to eventually become a fully qualified PADI Dive Instructor, and eventually live and work on the other side of the world in Australia.

As her mother it makes perfect sense to me that Australia would be her chosen destination; as since Chloe was little, the winter cold left her wanting to curl up indoors and not venture out until the weather grew warmer and the sky became bluer.

chloe rescue diver pic3

Chloe learned to dive on the little island of Koh Tao, which is situated in the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand, when she was 11. That led to our most recent trip, which culminated in Chloe taking her latest step before entering into professional training – the PADI Rescue Diver course.

I thought it was about time I quizzed her, to find out exactly what was involved and what it was like, as we once again stepped out with Sunshine Divers situated in on the little bay of Chalok Ban Kao.

What made you want to take the PADI Rescue Diver course?

I couldn’t achieve my dream of becoming a professional scuba instructor without taking the next step.

So why didn’t you complete the course in the UK?

Because it’s cold! I did study for the EFR (Emergency First Response) and AED (automatic external defibrillator) in my home town, as you don’t have to get into the water for those ones.

chloe rescue diver pic 1

Why choose Sunshine Divers on Koh Tao ?

I chose to learn there because that’s where I did my previous training. The island has a relaxed and welcoming vibe.

Did you know what was involved in the course before you started?

I did a little research lon the PADI website, so knew it involved a lot of hard work, but was also a lot of fun, from what I had heard.
So what was it really like?
It did involve a lot of physical challenges – like dragging someone bigger than me (which isn’t tough as I’m only 5 foot!) out of the water safely (sometimes through some big waves).

Chloe's rescue diver instructor

What was the fun aspect of it?

It was just the fact that a lot of people got involved. Even people I didn’t know were jumping in, pretending that they needed to be rescued. Like Kim (a Dive Professional and second in command at Sunshine)  who jumped into the water and started acting like a panicked diver. I had to share my air with her and tell her to breathe calmly so I could bring her to the surface safely.

How long does it take to train as a Rescue Diver?

About four days. You could do it a little quicker or slower if you wanted, depending on where you do it.

Was there a written element to the course?

Yes. There were knowledge reviews that had to be completed whilst watching a PADI rescue diver video. I also had to complete a test at the end of my water based training which determined whether I passed or failed the course.

Would you recommend others to become a Rescue Diver, and if so why?

Yes, because even if you are just scuba diving for fun, it gives you the knowledge you need to take better care of yourself or others in the event that something goes wrong.

What was your favourite dive during your time on Koh Tao?

My favourite dive was the night dive at Japanese Gardens, because once all our torches were turned off I was lucky enough to experience bio-luminescence!

What is your next step in training to become a Professional Instructor, and where are you going to do your training?

The next step I am going to take is the dive master course, which I am saving up for. I’m hoping to go back to Sunshine and continue my training with them, as I’ve grown to love the little island of Koh Tao.

A big thanks goes out to Chris Turner – Chloe’s Instructor for the Rescue Diver Course.

For more tales of diving from the Stringer family, visit www.travelwiththestrings.wordpress.com.
To find out more about Sunshine Divers in Koh, Tao, visit www.sunshine-diveresort.com.

Janice Stringer is a Writer blogging on travelwiththestrings.wordpress.com exploring long haul and short haul travel, with generous shots of family experiences of scuba diving and street food and her humanistic musings on life as they appear along the way.

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Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire

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idc

Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.

Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.

Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:

  • 12 April
  • 5 July,
  • 20 September
  • 29 November

Partnership with Casita Palma

If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.

Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.

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Scubility: Achieving Success through Adaptability

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scubility

Introduction to Scubility

Being a scuba diving professional, I am always fascinated by the beauty of the underwater world, filled with colorful coral and a variety of marine species. Every dive site around the world has something unique to offer, attracting the diving community to immerse themselves time and time again. The feeling of being underwater is a unique experience, akin to being in space, where you can escape Earth’s gravity to enjoy the freedom of movement. However, water sports are often believed to be accessible only to those with good physical strength, leaving others to only dream of being there.

The Genesis of Scubility

Scubility was developed as a way to help people with disabilities experience the magic of scuba diving or snorkeling. A few years back we became involved in the SDI Scubility program as a way to use our diving experience and knowledge to bring disabled people beneath the ocean. To empower them with a feeling where they can forget their disability and limitations. The image of a Wheelchair Hero from the movie ‘AVATAR’, who could walk and run only in dreams, was the first seed of the idea for a local Scubility program.

scubility

Launching the Scubility Course

Since 2014, my friend has dedicated himself to helping disabled people. Knowing that I am an SDI/TDI Instructor Trainer, he called upon me to help bring them into the world of scuba diving. Captivated by this idea, I decided to offer a special diving course adapted for disabled people: the SDI Scubility Course. The sole purpose was to bring happiness and a feeling of belonging back to our precious disabled students, by giving them an immersive experience under the sea. Perhaps, the mother ocean has a way of treating us all equally, to rebuild confidence and give hope of being alive.

scubility

Adapting Diving for All Abilities

Initially, most Scubility divers in our programs were wheelchair users. The main challenge was to design a unique technique suitable for each Scubility diver, based on their limitations. To do so, we set up a protocol keeping in mind all the scenarios that could arise during diving, starting from boarding the boat, to diving, and the communication signals during the dive. Training was also provided to volunteer participants, mostly instructors and assistant divers.

scubility

The Scubility Program in Action

In the last four events, we have enrolled many Scubility divers in the program. We also have a team of trained instructors and assistants; without them, this wouldn’t be possible. The main objective was to make safe and comfortable diving experiences for Scubility students. In fact, in the last Scubility program, which concluded in March 2023, we included a blind diver along with six other Scubility divers. We also had 8 instructors and more than 10 assistant participants to make this possible.

scubility

The main challenge for blind divers is to set up a communication signal. So, I designed a unique ‘touch signal’ for blind students where they just need to touch an arm to convey a message. For example, when an instructor touches your arm twice, it means he is asking, “Are you okay?”. In case of any emergency during the dive, the blind diver just needs to squeeze the arm of the instructor to get his attention to solve the problem. For each Scubility diver, there were at least two personnel, an instructor, and an assistant, assigned.

Impact and Emotions of Scubility

The most satisfying experience of this program was to see Scubility divers happy, with emotional, teary eyes. I could imagine that probably for the first time, or perhaps the only time, some of them could walk, stand, and move again underwater without a wheelchair, feeling alive again. Seeing a courageous Scubility diver overcoming all challenges and obstacles to make it possible definitely inspires me to organize more events like this.

scubility

“Scuba Diving for All” Event

The biggest local Scubility program, named “Scuba Diving for All,” was organized in Khao Lak, Phang-nga Province, south of Thailand, from October 30 to November 5, 2018. We invited international Scubility participant divers for this event. Leading up to this program, we put in lots of effort, preparing hotels and resorts in a friendly design, making sure of choosing good dive sites, and above all, to bring a smile to our precious Scubility students.

scubility

I hope that this endeavor will serve as an inspiration for people worldwide to achieve what may seem impossible, while also raising awareness about the importance of charity and kindness in our society. I look forward to welcoming you soon to our joyful underwater realm.

As an SDI TDI & Scubility IT, Dan Phutthakhun Prungkananon, owner of All Star Diving Academy located in Thailand, has a deep-rooted passion for ensuring safety and fun in the water. Keep up with Dan and the All Star Diving Academy via Instagram  or Facebook and by checking out their Dive Center Facebook.

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