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Bookmark & shareMany international diving agencies are represented on this small island, including PADI, SSI, IANTD, BSAC & NAUI. (So intense has the market growth been in the past decade that PADI and SSI now send their representatives to the island to monitor the quality and to help keeping all their members informed about changes with the industry)
All course levels are available from beginner to professional, including special courses like UW- photography and technical diving (nitrox) for the more adventurous, so if you just fancy a few days of fun diving or wish to go on with your underwater career, it's all here.
Actually Koh Tao has become the leading area in Thailand for Instructor Develop-ment Centers (IDC). IDC's are held at the larger dive resorts or shops with courses running every two months .
Equipment quality has also improved with shops using the latest models including Scubapro, Suunto, US Divers, Technisub and Seac Sub. There are repair shops for divers traveling with their own equipment and who may need a service. There is also a selection of retail centers for those who wish to purchase some scuba gear. Safety has been much increased with the nearest decompression chamber located in Samui only 90 minutes away by speedboat and a heliport is now operational on the south side of the island. Most of the reputable shops have staff that are fully trained first aiders and oxygen providers with oxygen on the boats and in their facilities. Some shops even offer full diving insurances to have that extra peace of mind.
If you don't fancy diving don't forget that snorkeling is available through most dive centers, if you prefer it more private try a longtail trip around the island or just swim or kayak along Koh Tao's beautiful coast line. Sunlovers, remember our beaches are nearly always empty as the divers are either in the classroom, on the diveboat or underwater, wherever they are, they are not on the beaches.
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- Chumphon
- Koh Tao
- Koh Phangan
- Koh Samui
- Surat Thani
- Ranong