Looking back at the dive year 2016

Looking back at the dive year 2016

It's a good moment to start looking back at the dive year 2016, with just one more day to go.

With ten PADI IDC programs this year, two programs on Koh Lanta, two programs on Koh Phangan, five programs on Phuket, all in Thailand and one PADI IDC program in Moalboal in the Philippines, I conducted two more programs compared to last year.

It also added up that there were a few more candidates, 32 PADI IDC candidates in total and a whooping 8 PADI IDC Staff Instructor candidates. That's the highest number of PADI IDC Staff Instructors to ate, that I ever taught during one calendar year. Four of them were split over the two PADI IDC programs on Koh Phangan, in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers'.

Looking back at the dive year 2016; Happy PADI IDC candidates after another successful PADI IE

This picture was taken in March on Koh Phangan

Throughout the year I also taught 112 PADI Specialty Instructor courses, with Nitrox or Enriched Air being the most popular specialty, followed by Emergency Oxygen Provider and Deep. There are also two new PADI Instructor specialties I'm able to teach now; Self-reliant diver and Delayed SMB.

On top of that I also taught 27 EFR Instructor and 27 EFR Care for Children courses.

It looks like the Platinum PADI Course Director rating for next is secured and with over 200 certifications under my belt this year, one more PADI Elite Instructor badge should also be in the mail soon.

Besides these numbers, I also worked on a regular base at the hyperbaric chamber on Koh Samui and delivered a few presentations on box jelly fish awareness and prevention around the island. 

Many thanks for making all this possible to my PADI IDC and IDCS candidates this year, to PADI Center 'Dive Asia on Phuket, PADI CDC Center 'All 4 Diving' on Phuket, PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' on Koh Lanta, PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers' on Koh Phangan, PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon' in Khao Lak, PADI 5* IDC Center 'Neptune Diving Adventure' in Moalboal in the Philippines and the Hyperbaric chamber on Koh Samui.

Special thanks to Benno, Pray, Philippe, Richard, Michael and Vincent on Phuket, Gedimis and Ben on Koh Lanta, Heike on Koh Phangan, Stephan in Khao Lak, Johan and Jesper in Moalboal, Philippines and Ricky on Koh Samui.

Extra very special thanks to my wife and my children, who have to live half the year without me being home. It wouldn't be possible without you!

For my 2017 PADI IDC schedule look here and don't hesitate to contact me if you like to receive more specific information about any of my PADI IDC locations.

See you next year,

Camille

PADI Instructor Specialty training on Koh Phangan during December 2016

PADI Instructor Specialty training on Koh Phangan during December 2016

After the recent PADI IDC for December 2016 it was time for some PADI Instructor Specialty training on Koh Phangan during December 2016.

Directly the day after the PADI IE, Ian and myself were on our way to Sail Rock for Ian's self-reliant divers specialty training. Three dives at Sail Rock in one day and what dives they were! 

PADI Instructor Specialty training on Koh Phangan during December 2016; Ian during his self-reliant diver training at Sail Rock. First he completed three dives at diver level and after that he did one more dive for his PADI Instructor specialty rating. During the diver level training we encountered a whale shark, see picture below

The visibility was not that great, after all the rain and floods that had plagued Koh Samui and Koh Phangan up until that moment, but when I jumped for the first dive, I just nearly missed landing on top of a baby whaleshark! What an experience, sitting in  the water next to this two and a half meter long beautiful and gracious animal. A better start of the specialty training was hardly possible. 

During the first dive we didn't see it anymore but at the end of the second dive it was back again and I was able to take some good pictures. 

PADI Instructor Specialty training on Koh Phangan during December 2016; The baby whaleshark we encountered at Sail Rock on all three dives on 21st December, during Ian's self-reliant diver training

The self-reliant diver specialty is a prerequisite of becoming a self-reliant instructor, hence I had to complete the diver level rating with Ian first. It's basically allowing you to solo dive, whilst you carry an extra, redundant supply of air with you, plus other redundant equipment, like safety sausages and the like.

It was the first time for me to teach this specialty, so it was also exciting and interesting for me.

PADI Instructor Specialty training on Koh Phangan during December 2016; Matt during the navigation part of the deep dive instructor specialty at Sail Rock

The second day of training, all three IDC candidates joined me for the Instructor deep dive and DUP (Digital Underwater Photography) specialties. Again at Sail Rock, with a slightly improved visibility. It was another day with three dives planned and it was good for me to be back at Sail Rock again, after I logged my 500th dive here at Sail Rock last year, I haven't been back that many times anymore. Racking up 8 dives here over three days was a nice opportunity to catch up!

PADI Instructor Specialty training on Koh Phangan during December 2016; Lars shooting a Delayed SMB to the surface during his DSMB Instructor specialty training at Sail Rock

Although the visibility wasn't that great, but improved each day slightly, it was like swimming and diving in fish soup, big schools of trevally, bat fish, one meter long yellow tail barracudas, tuna and lots more made all the dives memorable and very enjoyable. Not a dull moment in sight with so much activity and fish life around you. Fish abundance it was!

PADI Instructor Specialty training on Koh Phangan during December 2016; At Sail Rock with from left to right myself, Matt, Ian and Lars

The third day I found myself back at Sail Rock for two more dives, with Ian completing his self-reliant instructor dive and Lars completing his delayed SMB instructor specialty and both alternating during the two dives the Fish ID instructor specialty. They couldn't have chosen a better day to dive here to see fish!

The delayed SMB instructor specialty is a good one to have as an instructor, since with the new PADI Advanced Open Water diver course being launched, all PADI Instructors can teach a core of about nine adventure dives but what is new, that they can teach from each PADI sanctioned specialty, the first dive as an adventure dive, providing they are Specialty Instructors at that level. Delayed SMB is such a specialty that you need to be an instructor for, before you can teach this as an adventure dive. A good and smart choice by Lars! 

Come and see for your PADI Instructor Specialty training. I teach them at the end of each IDC Program or in coordination with you outside of IDC time schedules.

The next PADI IDC programs for 2017 are scheduled to start 11th January and 9th February on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia', followed by 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center ' Blue Planet Divers' and 22nd February in Khao Lak, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon.

See you there,

Camille'

Testimonial by Ian of the December 2016 PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand

Testimonial by Ian of the December 2016 PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand

Today I received this Testimonial by Ian of the December 2016 PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers'.

The testimonials come in hard and fast at the moment but that is a good sign! Ian participated in the recent December PADI IDC on Koh Phangan and although he prepared himself and has some good diving an divemaster experience, it turned out that a one and a half year gap of not being active still needs a lot of extra work and dedication that needs to be put in. And that's what Ian did, although he struggled at times, he bit into the IDC and didn't let go, which eventually resulted in getting very good scores during the PADI IE and becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. Well done Ian, all the hard work did pay off, congratulations, they are well deserved.

Testimonial by Ian of the December 2016 PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand; Ian with Rob, the PADI Examiner, after he successfully completed the recent December PADI IE on Koh Phangan

To you also a lot of thanks for taking the time out to write this testimonial, it's appreciated! Please check below to find Ian's testimonial;

I'd like to to share a few words about my IDC  course on Koh Phangan and my course director Camille Lemmens , it was quite a rollercoaster ride of emotions , at times i felt out of my depth and had thoughts of quitting , but with Camille's excellent coaching and almost endless patience, though I got the feeling we put that to the test on more than one occasion, i can honestly say if it wasn't for Camille and Giovanni as well and the IDC candidate's i wouldn't be sat here writing this as an instructor embarking on a new career doing what i love , so saying thank you doesn't really seem to be adequate enough but it will have to do. Thank you for helping me achieve this life changing opportunity

For more testimonials written by my former PADI IDC and PADI IDC Staff Instructor courses, please check this link.

To give you the opportunity to participate in one of my PADI IDC programs in 2017, I scheduled at least one programs per month, starting with 11th January and 9th February on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia', followed by 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' and this is followed by 22nd February in Khao Lak, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon'.

See you there,

Camille'

Testimonial by Giovanni of the December 2016 PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand

Testimonial by Giovanni of the December 2016 PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand

Here's a Testimonial by Giovanni of the December 2016 PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers'. 

Giovanni participated in his PADI IDC Staff Instructor course during the recent December PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, with the idea and proven reality that it will open more doors for him in the future, when and if he plans to move on from Koh Phangan. At the moment he's sorting out his visa situation though and is planning to stay on Koh Phangan for the near future.

He participated in a challenging PADI IDC, with the students and the weather conditions not always making things easy but we all managed to pull it together and we all pulled it off and all candidates passed the PADI IE, partly due to the extra time that Giovanni put in, thanks for that!

Good luck to you with your future ventures and your stay on Koh Phangan.

Testimonial by Giovanni of the December 2016 PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand; Giovanni at the start of his PADI IDC Staff Instructor course, having fun with the theory exams

Thanks for taking the time out to write this testimonial, it's much appreciated. Here is Gio's testimonial;

 I am currently IDC Staff Instructor. Once again I want to thank you for the course, for your acknowledgment and dedication that you lavished into it. I definitely learned a lot, especially from your didactical approach, and for sure all what I received as an example from you will is becoming already useful during my work. Thanks a lot again, and best success for the continuation of your work!

To read more testimonials of former PADI IDC and IDCS candidates, please check this link.

In 2017 I have plenty of options for you to participate in one of my PADI IDC programs, to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor or continue your education and become a PADI IDC Staff, just like Giovanni.

Starting off on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia' on 11th January and 9th February, followed by a PADI IDC program on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers', scheduled to start 26th January and this is followed by a program in Khao Lak, Thailand scheduled to start 22nd February in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon'.

See you there,

Camille

Testimonial by Igor of the March 2016 PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand

Testimonial by Igor of the March 2016 PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand

Here's a nice Testimonial by Igor of the March 2016 PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers', which I received a few days ago.

Igor was already working on Koh Phangan as a Divemaster and after having successfully navigated the March 2016 PADI IDC and the PADI IE, he continued to work at PADI 5* IDC Center Haad Yao Divers and is a very valuable asset in their dive staff. He also takes great video's with his Go Pro camera and has caught many a whaleshark, box jelly fish and lots of more underwater world fish live.

It was great seeing him again when I conducted the recent December PADI IDC on Koh Phangan and he was now one of the experienced instructors at the dive center.

Testimonial by Igor of the March 2016 PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand; Igor with PADI Examiner Dan, after having successfully completed the PADI IE back in March, earlier this year

Thanks for taking the time to write this testimonial Igor, always appreciated. It took you a while but the enthusiasm is no less there! Here you go;

It was a big luck to take my path into PADIs instructors area through the IDC with diving GURU - Camille Lemmens! I've done my course on march '16 - Haad Yao Divers - Koh Phangan. 

Great time with lots of hard work and of course - lots of FUN!

Camille is a great mentor with plenty of patience and proper attitude. A really experienced teacher with many life examples. Unlimited thanx to my teacher for his well done work which provides me with all necessary knowledge, skills and idea of our mission!

For more testimonials, please check this link.

For more options in participating in one of my PADI IDC programs, the start of 2017 is chock-full of PADI IDC programs, with some months having two programs scheduled within a month, starting with 11th January and 9th February on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia', followed by 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' and this is followed by 22nd February in Khao Lak, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon'.

See you there,

Camille

Testimonial by Patrick of the November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand

Testimonial by Patrick of the November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand

Yesterday I received this Testimonial by Patrick of the November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia'.

Patrick signed up for out PADI after having checked various options that are out and available out there and it looks like he didn't regret it! This, the November-December 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, was also my first PADI IDC during which I first completed all so called 'online' presentations split evenly over two days, before Patrick streamed in, since he was already a PADI Assistant Instructor. This went very well and much better than I expected and it was an absolute pleasure to have Patrick in the classroom as well! He's witty, funny and smart and he dives in cold water in dry suits in Swiss lakes at altitude, actually in his brand new Mares xr kevlar. How cool can you be?

Last rumor I heard coming out of Switzerland that all of his freind are now in hiding, since Patrick wants to teach them scuba diving now! :-) 

Joking aside, Patrick will be an excellent instructor and he will deliver and conduct great courses for his friends in the Swiss lakes.

Testimonial by Patrick of the November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand; with Patrick on the dive boat, after a good days diving and conducting some PADI Instructor Specialty courses, directly the day after he passed the PADI IE very successfully

Also to you many thanks for taking out the time to write this testimonial Patrick, it's much appreciated. here it is, time to catch up on your German;

Die Brevetierung zum PADI OWSI ist das Ziel für alle Teilnehmer eines IDC's.

Eine optimale Vorbereitung und eine kompetente Unterstützung sind das wichtigste zum erfolgreichen Abschluss.

Durch Camille wurden wir während über einer Woche perfekt auf den IE vorbereitet und haben diesen alle mit einem super Ergebnis abgeschlossen.

Wir durften alle von seiner langjährigen Erfahrung profitieren und unseren Rucksack für die Zukunft als Tauchlehrer füllen.

Dank einer kleinen Gruppe konnte sich Camille viel Zeit für Fragen nehmen.

Für mich persönlich war es eine sehr gute Entscheidung am IDC bei Camille teilzunehmen.

Seine offene und fröhliche Art hat den Kurs zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis gemacht.

Zum Schluss möchte ich mich bei dir Camille und auch bei den beiden anderen Kandidaten Ilse, Steven und Sam (Staff Instructor) für die tolle Zeit in Phuket bedanken.

Ich hoffe euch bald irgendwo auf der Welt wieder zu sehen und wünsche allen zukünftigen IDC Kandidaten von Camille viel Spass und Erfolg.

To get certified as a PADI OWSI is the goal for all participants in an IDC. A perfect preparation and having skilled support are the most important assets to achieve successful graduation.

Camille made sure that we were perfectly prepared for the PADI IE during the IDC week and consequently we all completed the PADI IE with great results.

We were all allowed to profit from his extended experience and we could fill our personal instructor backpacks with things we can use in the future.

Due to being in a small group, Camille could take plenty of time to answer various questions.

For me personally it was a very good decision to participate in Camille's IDC program.

His open and good-humored personality made the course an unforgettable event.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Camille and the other IDC candidates Ilse, Steven and Sam (Staff Instructor) for the great times we had on Phuket.

I hope to meet all of you soon, somewhere in the world and wish for all of Camille's future IDC candidates a lot of fun and success.

More testimonials can be found under this link.

For more options to participate in one of my PADI IDC programs, 2017 is brimming with opportunities, starting with 11th January and 9th February on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia', followed by 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' and this is followed by 22nd February in Khao Lak, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon'.

See you there,

Camille

PADI IE on Koh Phangan for December has been completed very successfully

PADI IE on Koh Phangan for December has been completed very successfully

The PADI IE on Koh Phangan for December has been completed very successfully and all three candidates from the recent PADI IDC for December 2016 on Koh Phangan in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers' are now the newest PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors in the whole wide world!

PADI IE on Koh Phangan for December has been completed very successfully; from left to right Lars (PADI OWSI), Camille (Platinum PADI Course Director), Rob (PADI Examiner), Ian (PADI OWSI) and Matt (PADI OWSI)

Giovanni who completed his PADI IDC Staff Instructor course is on the boat diving, and not in the picture

All three of them did really well and excellent scores on all four parts of the examination. After two days of exam stress, they are glad it's all over now though and time to relax and kick back for a while, although Ian and me will be on the boat tomorrow to Sail Rock for the self-reliant diver course and with all of them, we will be going out a bit more for more PADI Specialty Instructor training on Thursday and Friday.

However, first a bit of celebration is in place tonight and we have a barbie going!

Come and see me about your PADI IDC and how to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor in 2017! Plenty of options are available and the first course of the year will take place as follow, 11th January and 9th February on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia', followed by 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' and this is followed by 22nd February in Khao Lak, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon'.

Contact me for detailed information on each of these locations.

See you there,

Camille

Testimonial by Steven of the November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand

Testimonial by Steven of the November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand

Received this testimonial by Steven of the November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia'.

Steven signed up really early for this PADI IDC on Phuket and waited a few months before it all started, but it was good to see that he arrived well prepared and he knew his theory! Always a relieve for me!

We had a great group where three different personalities came together and met and hit it off, with Steven showing some great dedication, coming every day, in rain or no rain, all the way from Kamala, a good 30 to 40 minute bike ride, each way.

With this kind of dedication, I'm assured that Steven will find his way around in the dive industry and he already had a position secured at his Kamala based dive center, straight after the PADI IE an by now he should already been teaching his first PADI courses.

Testimonial by Steven of the November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand; During the PADI IE of December 2016 on Phuket, from left to right; Sam (PADI IDCS), Steven (PADI OWSI), Patrick (PADI OWSI), Andy (PADI Regional Manager and Examiner), Camille (Platinum PADI Course Director and Ilse (PADI OWSI)

As always Steven, it's much appreciated that you took out the time to write this testimonial and I'm already looking forward seeing you sooner or later on the Phuket dive boats!

Here's Steven's testimonial;

I recently completed the IDC with Camille in Kata in preparation for the IE on December 3 and 4.

Camille's preparation for the IE was extremely good and very useful for the 2 days of the IE. We went through all procedures and practices and he gave us all very good advice and guidance for what was to come.

I am very glad to have chosen to do the IDC with Camille and thank him very much for all his tutoring and guidance throughout, all in our group passed the IE and have already moved on to working as Instructors. 

I would strongly recommend for anyone wanting to become an Instructor to seek out Camille and book in for the IDC, he will lead you in the right direction. Cheers.

Once more, thanks for that Steven and if this testimonial by Steven inspires you to participate in one of my PADI IDC programs and become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, there will be plenty of opportunities with PADI IDC programs scheduled every month, starting with 11th January and 9th February 2017 on Phuket Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia', followed by 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center ' Blue Planet Divers' and this is followed by 22nd February in Khao Lak, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center ' Sea Dragon'.

See you there,

Camille

EFR Instructor course December 2016 on Koh Phangan

The EFR Instructor course December 2016 on Koh Phangan has been completed in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers' here on Koh Phangan. After having completed the PADI IDC  for December 2016 yesterday, today it was time to take on the EFR Instructor course and so we did.

EFR Instructor course December 2016 on Koh Phangan; from left to right Ian, Camille (EFR Instructor Trainer), Matt and Lars

Theory, exams, knowledge reviews, presentations, more power point, skills and scenario practice with Little Anne, Baby Anne and the AED and some fun, it was all there today.

It was sunny today and the mood went up a few notches and now they are ready to tackle the PADI IE which is starting tomorrow morning at 8am in Chaloklom and will finish the day after, Tuesday around noon.

The EFR Instructor course is since a few years an exit requirement for being able to participate in the PADI IE and usually I teach this at the end of a PADI IDC program. If you're interested in becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, the EFR Instructor course is included in my IDC programs in Thailand and there will be plenty of opportunities to participate in one of my PADI IDC programs next year, starting with 10th January and 9th February on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia', followed by 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' and this is followed by 22nd February in Khao Lak, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon'.

See you there,
Camille

PADI IDC on Koh Phangan for December 2016 has been completed

PADI IDC on Koh Phangan for December 2016 has been completed

The PADI IDC on Koh Phangan for December 2016 has been completed in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers' on Koh Phangan.

The picture below doesn't say anything about the quality of the candidates, which actually was very good, but ore about the weather conditions we conducted this PADI IDC under, with as highlight today's second and last open water dive.

You always know that planning a PADI IDC in December in the Gulf of Thailand can be tricky but the recent weather and today exceeded all expectations.
On the other hand, we also had some nice and sunny days, but when it rained, it rained! And didn't seem to stop.

Enough about the weather though, we also had fun, we learned a lot, besides diving also about couch surfing (!) and the candidates made leaps of progress. At different paces but they progressed and developed nonetheless and by now they're ready for the PADI IE which is about to kick off at Monday morning come 8am.

All good, we're still afloat during the current constant rain over Koh Phangan. Rock & Roll and bring on the PADI IE!

We covered lots of work and many sweat, tears and a bit of blood possibly, maybe were shed among the way with ups and downs, pending on the results they achieved during their presentations.

We covered lots of ground to investigate and discover the PADI system with all it's ins and outs and I brought in lots of real life stories and experiences throughout the program and we also had plenty of different workshops on various topics.

PADI IDC on Koh Phangan for December 2016 has been completed; from left to right, Camille (Platinum PADI Course Director), Ian, Lars, Matt and Giovanni who completed his PADI IDC Staff Instructor course, during sunnier days at the confined water; the pool

Now it's all done and dusted though, it was hard work for all involved but at least results are on the table to show for. Tomorrow we will complete the EFR Instructor course and hopefully have an early finish of the teaching day, so the candidates can relax before the start of the PADI IE on Monday morning.

If you're interested in participating in a PADI IDC with me, there are plenty of opportunities in 2017, starting with 10th January and 9th February on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia', 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' and 22nd February in Khao Lak, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon'.

See you there,

Camille

Testimonial by Ilse of the November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand

Testimonial by Ilse of the November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand

Here it is; a Testimonial by Ilse of the November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia' on Phuket.

It was great to have Ilse in the recent November - December 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket during which she showed great interest in the PADI system and had plenty of questions regarding the various aspects of being a PADI Instructor. Her attitude was very positive and I have no doubt that she will succeed to become successful in the dive industry. As a matter of fact, she is currently in Khao Lak, working on the various live aboard boats, visiting the Similan islands before she and her fiance Sam will move on to Malaysia in February to manage a dive center there.

Testimonial by Ilse of the November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand; Ilse with the PADI Examiner Andy after successfully having completed her PADI IE in early December 2016

Much appreciated Ilse that you took the time for writing this testimonial! Without further ado, here it is, in her native Dutch;

Na 3 jaar gewerkt te hebben als dive master in verschillende landen, wilde ik de volgende stap zetten in mijn duikcariere en heb ik besloten om me op te geven voor de instructor development course. Ik heb online gezocht naar een idc bij mij in de buurt met een course director die veel ervaring had. Ik kwam zo bij Camille terecht. Zijn ervaring is ongekend en doordat hij ontzettend snel en informatief was tijdens het email contact had ik er direct een goed gevoel over. Vanaf dag een van de cursus wist ik zeker dat ik de juiste keuze had gemaakt en ik heb een hele leuke cursus gehad. Er was een goede balans tussen leren en lachen en ondanks dat het een pittige cursus is hebben we veel lol gehad! Tijdens de IDC heeft Camille mij de kennis en het zelfvertrouwen gegeven dat ik nodig had om op het IE goed te presteren. Ik ben hem ontzettend dankbaar voor alles wat hij mij geleerd heeft. Zijn vele jaren ervaring hebben er voor gezorgd dat alle vragen die ik had goed beantwoord konden worden en hebben geresulteerd in het feit dat ik nu een OWSI ben en me helemaal klaar voel om les te gaan geven. Ik kan daarom ook iedereen aanraden om niet verder te zoeken, en gewoon te boeken met Camille! ☺ Het lijkt misschien een grote opdracht, maar met Camille als course director ga je vol zelfvertrouwen je IE in, en zul je zien dat door het harde werk tijdens je IDC, het IE een makkie is! Heel veel success voor alle toekomstige studenten.

We will be in touch again and good luck in your future ventures!

If this peaks your interest to participate in a PADI IDC program with me or maybe become a PADI IDC Staff instructor, in 2017 we have plenty of options for you, starting with 10th January and 9th February on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia' on Phuket, followed by 22nd January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* DC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' on Koh Lanta and 22nd February in Khao Lak, Thailand, in conjunction with PADI 5* DC Center 'Sea Dragon'.

For more detailed information about any of these programs, please don't hesitate to contact me.

See you there,

Camille

PADI IDC on Koh Phangan for December 2016 is half way

PADI IDC on Koh Phangan for December 2016 is half way

The PADI IDC on Koh Phangan for December 2016 is half way in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers' here on Koh Phangan.

Unfortunately Thomas had to pull out of the current PADI IDC after two days due to a groin rupture. Once he's operated upon, he will look into and try to join next year's PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, probably in May.

Other than that, thing are starting to shape up and take form in this last PADI IDC of the year. We already have done plenty of classroom presentations by me, some by the candidates, lots of confined water work, including skill circuit practice and presentations plus plenty of various workshops, ranging from control, to Discover Scuba Diving to descents and plenty in-between.

Right now theory exams are on the menu and later this week we will hit the open water for some training dives.

Giovanni is coming along well in his PADI IDC Staff Instructor course and is learning a lot about evaluating PADI IDC candidates, some ins and outs of new or revised PADI courses and in general, getting a new or updated perspective on the PADI system.

PADI IDC on Koh Phangan for December 2016 is half way; Practicing rescue exercise # 7 in confined water, Ian practicing on Lars in the background and Matt practicing on Gio

Come Monday 19th and Sunday 20th December, the PADI IE will be held here on Koh Phangan, and we expect three new PADI Instructors here! Still some hard work to be done in the meantime though!

Stay tuned, more updates will come this way and the guys need and appreciate the support!

If you're interested in participating in one of my PADI IDC programs, in 2017 there will be plenty of options available at different locations. Your first option will be 10th January on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Asia Divers' and I will be back on Phuket on 9th February, in-between I will be on Koh Lanta, Thailand as of 26th January in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' and 22nd February you can join me in Khao Lak, Thailand for a PADI IDC program in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon'.

See you there,

Camille

PADI IDC Staff Instructor course on Koh Phangan for December 2016

The PADI IDC Staff Instructor course on Koh Phangan for December 2016 has been in full progress and is taught in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers' on Koh Phangan.

Giovanni and me started his IDC Staff Instructor course two days ago on 8th December and we're well into the course now, going hand in hand with the current PADI IDC on Koh Phangan.

This is the 8 PADI IDC Staff Instructor course I teach year, never before did I have this many candidates during one year that participated in the IDC Staff Instructor course with me. Nice to see and good for me to see the enthusiasm and interest in continual education at this high level and interesting for me to share my knowledge and experience with these highly trained dive educators.

PADI IDC Staff Instructor course on Koh Phangan for December 2016; Giovanni completing his theory exams, which he passed with flying colors.

The only thing left for him to complete are giving presentations in the classroom and in confined water and demonstrating a skill circuit, which should all happen tomorrow, the first day we actually go to the confined water during this PADI IDC and he needs to audit a complete PADI IDC, which is now well under way.

Stay tuned for more updates and to find out about Giovanni's progress. 

In the meantime, if you're interested in participating in a PADI IDC Staff Instructor course, you can do so during each scheduled PADI IDC in 2017, at all locations. If possible, the IDC Staff instructor will start a day previous to the start of the PADI IDC.

The next scheduled PADI IDC programs start 10th January and 9th February on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Asia Divers', followed by 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' and 22nd February in Khao Lak, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon'.

See you there,

Camille

PADI IDC for December 2016 has started on Koh Phangan

PADI IDC for December 2016 has started on Koh Phangan

The PADI IDC for December 2016 has started on Koh Phangan, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers' and this the tenth and also the very last PADI IDC program of this year for me. 

As always it's an international affair with candidates originating from the UK, Poland, Norway and Germany and staff from Italy and the Netherlands.

Giovanni started his PADI IDC Staff Instructor course yesterday, an update on this can be found under the previous link.

As always, it's good to be back on Koh Phangan, and it looks we just got lucky, after the serious floods that happened on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan just prior to the start of this PADI IDC program.

PADI IDC for December 2016 has started on Koh Phangan; from left to right; Ian, Thomas, Giovanni, Camille, Lars and Matt

The next ten days are going to be action packed and filled with workshops, presentations by me and the candidates in the classroom, confined- and open water. Plenty of time to keep them out of trouble!

More updates will follow soon enough, keep you eyes posted here.

If you're interested in participating in a PADI IDC program with me, please contact me for more detailed and specific information about the PADI IDC programs at he various locations I teach at. Your next opportunities to join me are 10th January 2017 with the first PADI IDC for next year, on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia', followed by 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' and back on 9th February on Phuket, Thailand again at PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia' and 22nd February in Khao Lak, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon'.

See you there,

Camille

Next PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand starts 10th January, 2017

Next PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand starts 10th January, 2017

The next PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand starts 10th January, 2017 in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia' on Phuket. It's also my very first program of the year 2017.

If you 're looking for a PADI IDC with small groups, lots of personal attention, a very experienced Platinum PADI Course Director and a relaxed learning environment, you found your location right here with me!

You can also start your PADI IDC Staff Instructor course, which will start a day earlier, 9th January 2017.

Check my 'Testimonials' page on my website for reviews of my PADI IDC programs by former, including very recent, participants of my programs.

Next PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand starts 10th January, 2017

With our scuba diving training facilities of Dive Asia at Kata Big Rock we have a big and spacious classroom at our disposal with a massive swimming pool / confined water site within 50 meters of the classroom. There's a also a restaurant at the premises and we can offer accommodation on site in various price ranges.

If you're interested in either your PADI IDC or PADI IDC Staff Instructor course, please don't hesitate to contact me for some more specific information on either of these courses or any other PADI instructor level courses.

More PADI IDC programs are scheduled in 2017 by me at various locations around Thailand and in the Philippines, check my PADI IDC schedule here and the next immediate PADI IDC programs are scheduled to start 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers', this is followed by 9th February back on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia' and this is followed by 22nd February in Khao Lak, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon'.

See you there,

Camille

PADI Specialty Instructor training on Phuket and in Khao Lak

PADI Specialty Instructor training on Phuket and in Khao Lak

After the recent PADI IE on Phuket, it was a hectic few days with PADI Specialty Instructor training on Phuket and in Khao Lak.

The day after the PADI IE, Monday, Patrick of the recent November-December PADI IDC on Phuket went on the boat with me for the two dives of the PADI Instructor specialty 'Deep diver' and one dive for the Instructor specialty of 'Underwater Navigation'. 

Patrick and me on the boat after a wavy trip back to Chalong pier on Phuket and with two deep dives and an underwater navigation dive under our belts.

We dived at Raya Noi and Raya Yai and we had three good dives that day, despite the fairly strong waves. Especially the ride back to Phuket was choppy! It was all worth it though and it's always a great way to end an IDC, with doing what we love to do, going down!

On top of that Patrick has now besides the two already PADI Instructor specialties, also the Enriched Air or Nitrox Instructor specialty in the bag. It was my pleasure Patrick and I hope we see each other soon again!

Philipp at the controls in Khao Lak with the Oxygen equipment, which he had to assemble and disassemble as part of the Oxygen provider Instructor course

Tuesday morning saw a very early start, 4am wake up call and 6am departure from Phuket, in order to start an Oxygen Provider Instructor course and a DSAT Gas Blender  and DSAT Gas Blender Instructor course in Khao Lak at PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon' with Philipp, before I moved on during the afternoon and took a ferry back to Koh Samui, back home.

Philipp and me after the two PADI instructor specialty courses in Khao Lak at PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon'

Philipp was very much tuned into both courses and especially during the Gas Blender course he showed a lot of interest and he was on top of the course materials and outline.

It was short, brief and intensive but also my pleasure to have met you Philipp and to see how much you enjoyed being in the courses. Next time in Khao Lak, I know where we will meet up for a bite again!

If you're interested in receiving PADI instructor specialty training, contact me so we can work a schedule and an offer out, training is conducted after all my PADI IDC programs but I can also make tailor made offers for your convenience in-between my PADI IDC programs.

My PADI IDC schedule looks like this for the first programs of next year; 10th January and 9th February on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia', 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' and 22nd February in Khao Lak, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center ' Sea Dragon'.

See you there,

Camille

PADI IE for December 2016 on Phuket, Thailand was very successful

PADI IE for December 2016 on Phuket, Thailand was very successful

The PADI IE for December 2016 on Phuket, Thailand was very successful and all three of our candidates from the November - December IDC on Phuket in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia' passed all segments of the PADI IE with high scores. Patrick, Steven and Ilse are now brand new PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors and it's well deserved! All the hard work during the PADI IDC paid off and the reward is there, with a certification!

PADI IE for December 2016 on Phuket, Thailand was very successful; From left to right; Sam, Steven, Patrick, Andy (PADI Examiner), Camille (Platinum PADI Course Director) and Ilse

The PADI IE this time around was a big program with over 40 candidates and three PADI Examiners which also meant that the days went slowly, waiting for your turn and than a few moments intense action, followed by some more waiting. They all kept it together though and managed to deal with the stress levels.

Tonight a small party is called for and Patrick and myself will be on the boat again tomorrow for the Deep- and Underwater Navigation Instructor level specialties at the Raya islands.

If you want to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, please don't hesitate to contact me and get more specific information about my PADI IDC programs. Your next opportunities will be 9th December on Koh Phangan, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers' for my last PADI IDC of the year, followed by 10th January 2017 with the first PADI IDC of the new year and this will be on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center "Dive Asia' and on 26th January I will be on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' for an IDC program smack in the middle of the Chinese New Year holiday period.

See you there,

Camille

PADI IDC for November - December 2016 on Phuket has been completed

PADI IDC for November - December 2016 on Phuket has been completed

The PADI IDC for November - December 2016 on Phuket has been completed in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia'.

It's been an interesting and fun ten days with a brand new schedule because Patrick couldn't be on Phuket until 25th November but he was already certified as a PADI Assistant Instructor, so now it was up to me to change the schedule around so we could make this work, and we sure did!

Sam also completed his PADI IDC staff Instructor course successfully during this period.

PADI IDC for November - December 2016 on Phuket has been completed; From left to right Steven, Sam, Ilse, Patrick and myself after the open water training dives at the Raya islands. Here we are on the way back after a good days out on the 'Dive Asia 5' with three good dives yesterday, two training dives and since all candidates met the performance requirements during the first two dives, the third dive of the day was a 'fun' dive with a DSD workshop thrown in at the beginning of the dive

Some hard work was involved though at times and we had plenty of work, presentations and workshops plus lots of exam practice thrown in for good measure before we got here! All course parts were completed yesterday after the open water training dives, which left us only with the closing of the November-December PADI IDC today and going through the details of the PADI IE which will start tomorrow morning.

The EFR Instructor course was also on the schedule for completion, after we started parts of this course two days ago. Still a busy but relaxed day and we could finish early, shortly after lunch.

Tomorrow is an early bird day, with the PADI IE scheduled to start at 7.30am, rise and shine ya'all and see you in the morning.

Please stay tuned for more updates on the EFR Instructor course and the PADI IE which will be completed Sunday around noon.

If you're interested in participating in a PADI IDC program with me, the very last PADI IDC of this year i about to start 9th December on Koh Phangan, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers', followed by the very first PADI IDC program in 2017, scheduled to start 10th January on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia' and this is followed by a PADI IDC scheduled to start 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers', putting it smack in the middle of the Chinese New Year holiday.

See you there,

Camille

The PADI IDC for November-December 2016 on Phuket is under way

The PADI IDC for November-December 2016 on Phuket is under way

At last I can say that the PADI IDC for November-December 2016 on Phuket is under way in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia' on Phuket and it's also out last PADI IDC program of the year 2016 here on phuket with just one more PADI IDC to go for me this year.

The reason I say at last is because yesterday the last person for this PADI IDC program joined us, Patrick from Switzerland couldn't make it any earlier to Phuket which forced me to re-arrange the schedule a bit from the normal routine to accommodate him, However, since he's already a PADI Assistant Instructor, it was all possible and the previous two days I presented the so called online presentations, eight of them over two days and it went down a lot better than expected. Now let's hope that the remainder of this new PADI IDC schedule can hold it's ground as well.

The PADI IDC for November-December 2016 on Phuket is under way; From left to right; Ilse, Sam who's doing his PADI IDC Staff Instructor course, Steven and Patrick during diving theory exam practice yesterday morning.

We have a small but nice group it seems and as always, very international, this time around with candidates from the Netherlands, Australia and Switzerland and staff from the UK and the Netherlands.

Yesterday we also went to the pool or confined water for the first time and completed a PADI skill circuit and practiced some rescue exercise # 7 scenarios.

Today we will continue with practicing theory exams and some more presentations by me followed by an afternoon in the pool again, repeating some of the skills again and starting to introduce some workshops.

Plenty of work still ahead of us and hopefully some fun as well, but it looks like that should be just fine! Stay tuned for more updates to follow next week.

If you're interested in participating in one of my PADI IDC programs, your next opportunity and the last one for 2016 is scheduled to start 9th December on Koh Phangan in Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers', followed by the first PADI IDC for 2017, back on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center ' Dive Asia' and this all starts 10th January and this is followed by a PADI IDC programs that is scheduled smack into the middle of the Chinese New Year holiday and will take place on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' and is scheduled to start 26th January.

See you there,

Camille

PADI IDC Staff Instructor course started on Phuket, Thailand

PADI IDC Staff Instructor course started on Phuket, Thailand

Today a brand new PADI IDC Staff Instructor course started on Phuket, Thailand with Sam in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia'. Ideally I can start a PADI IDCS course a day before the start of the PADI IDC, since we can cover a lot of ground allowing us to meet performance requirements in a more relaxed way.

Sam is also my seventh PADI IDCS Instructor candidate this year, bringing the total tally of PADI IDCS Instructors I trained to 45.

PADI IDC Staff Instructor course started on Phuket, Thailand; Sam during his evaluation training, watching some PADI videos and get the hang of how to evaluate PADI IDC candidates in the classroom and during confined- and open water dives.

Tomorrow we start the online IDC presentations with two candidates and on Friday we start the actual PADI IDC with an additional candidate. 

After having mastered the theory exams, IDC Staff course related power point presentations and watched the evaluation videos, there are still a few more performance requirements that Sam needs to meet, like completing a PADI skill circuit, presenting a knowledge Development or classroom presentation and a confined water presentation. For each section he also needs to get slightly higher passing grades compared to the IDC candidates. The pressure is on!

More to follow later, on Sam's PADI IDC Staff Instructor course and on the progress of the PADI IDC candidates during their program. Stay tunes!

In the meantime, if you're interested in participating in a PADI IDC Staff Instructor course or a PADI IDC program, your next opportunities will be the last PADI IDC in Thailand and possibly in all of South East Asia, scheduled to start 9th December on Koh Phangan, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers', this is followed by the first PADI IDC in 2017 which is scheduled to start 10th January on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia' and this is followed by a PADI IDC that falls completely in the Chinese New Year holiday period, scheduled to start 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers'.

See you there,

Camille

Testimonial by Sonja of the October - November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand

Testimonial by Sonja of the October - November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand

Here's a freshly received testimonial by Sonja of the October - November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC 'All 4 Diving' on Phuket.

It was great to be able to teach Sonja, who is now working in Khao Lak at PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon' for the season and I hope to see her there when the February 2017 PADI IDC is scheduled to start there on the 22nd February. That's also where she was supposed to attend her IDC but we decided to merge the Khao Lak October program as a one off with the Phuket IDC for October and that's how Sonja ended up in  class of 16 IDC candidates on Phuket in the October - November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket that I team taught with my good friend and fellow PADI Course Director Richard Reardon.

Testimonial by Sonja of the October - November 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand; From left to right near Kata beach at the closing ceremony for the November 2016 PADI IE on Phuket, myself, Sonja and BK, the PADI Examiner who for this occasion came all the way over from South Korea

Thanks to Sonja for taking the time out for writing this testimonial, it's much appreciated.

Here's Sonja's testimonial;

I recently finished my OWSI as well as a few specialties together with Camille. A great experience! I contacted Camille months before my IDC started and he was very helpful with the entire process, from booking to accommodation and transport. Camille created a very relaxed feeling throughout the training, which led to having an easier time focusing on my studies. Going to my IE could not have been easier as Camille kept encouraging and supporting me through the entire time.

Hope to see you soon in Khao Lak, the next PADI IDC there is just around the corner!

If you like to join one of my PADI IDC programs, you next opportunity will be the very last PADI IDC of this year in Thailand and possibly in all of South East Asia and your last chance to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor this year and this program is scheduled to start 9th December on Koh Phangan, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers', which is followed by the very first PADI IDC for me in 2017, scheduled to start 10th January on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center ' Dive Asia' and this is followed by a PADI IDC program on Koh Lanta, Thailand that falls completely in the Chinese New Year holiday, scheduled to start 26th January, in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers'.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you would like to receive more information on any of these programs.

See you there,

Camille

Next PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand starts 9th December 2016

Next PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand starts 9th December 2016

The next PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand starts 9th December 2016 in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Haad Yao Divers' and will be the last PADI IDC program to be held in all of Thailand this year and possibly even in all of South East Asia.

Next PADI IDC on Koh Phangan, Thailand starts 9th December 2016

Come and join us and become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor before the end of the year. Our classes are usually small and you receive lots of personal attention in an informative and laid back atmosphere on the relaxed island of Koh Phangan.

Your Platinum PADI Course Director, myself, Camille Lemmens, has plenty of experience and will prepare you not only to pass the PADI IE but also to be come a good instructor once you passed the PADI IE. The passing rate of his candidates is very high.

Don't hesitate to contact me for more information.

Next year's schedule starts with a PADI IDC on 10th January on Phuket, Thailand in conjunction with PADI CDC Center 'Dive Asia', followed by a PADI IDC which is scheduled to start 26th January on Koh Lanta, Thailand in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Blue Planet Divers' which falls completely inside the Chinese New Years holiday period, make sure to use this to your advantage and this is followed by a PADI IDC on Phuket, Thailand again, in conjunction with PADI CDC center ' Dive Asia' and this program is scheduled to start 8th February.

See you there,

Camille