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Dive Master certification in the Philippines
Posted November 2nd, 2012 - 7:20 pm by from Oakland, United States (Permalink)
Hey Couchsurfers,

I am commercial diver with around 150 hours harvesting sea cucumbers in south east Alaska. Recreationally I have only taken the PADI open water course and four dives beyond that. This winter I am planning a three month trip with my partner to continue my scuba training and eventually pursue work as a PADI professional or a diver for marine science projects.

Would you recommend that I participate in a Dive master internship for all of the necessary PADI courses or could I pursue the courses individually as I travel through the islands?

Can anyone recommend a specific dive center or island where I might find an environment that is more professional than vacation resort?




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Posted November 3rd, 2012 - 1:03 am by from Mactan, Philippines (Permalink)
Hey Zack,

You're always welcome to come to Cebu for dive courses. Diving cannot get any better than in Cebu and surroundings of Cebu. Diversity of marine life is just amazing.
Regarding to teaching i am a scuba dive instructor and i can help you up to Dive master level. If you want to proceed to instructor level then my friend can help you.



--
Scuba Haven/ Petri Kolmonen
Punta Engano Road, Lapu-Lapu City 6015, Cebu, Philippines
Tel. +63 -917-515-6447
Email. petri.kolmonen@gmail.com
Skype. gonzo03
Web. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scuba-Haven/173916119385180
Blog. http://hotchiliasia.blogspot.com


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Posted November 3rd, 2012 - 5:32 am by from Toronto, Canada (Permalink)
By that do you mean take the pre-DM courses as you travel thru? That's possible but the DM course will be an internship under an instructor. Take petri's word for it! There is no better place to do the DM course or other courses for that matter but in Cebu! :)

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Posted November 6th, 2012 - 8:43 pm by from Oakland, United States (Permalink)
Thanks Petri and Isabel for the response. I think Cebu is where I will go first. It sounds like with Cebu, Malapascua and Bohol there are a lot of dive areas that I could visit before starting a DM internship.

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Posted November 8th, 2012 - 1:56 am by from Mactan, Philippines (Permalink)
Zack let me know if you need assistance with DM course. I am a dive instructor in freelance basis but internship can be arranged in co-operation with a good dive shop. Cheers!

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Posted November 12th, 2012 - 1:11 am by from Manila, Philippines (Permalink)
It is my experience that dive gear is significantly more expensive here than in the US. With the possible exception of a wet suit (that you can get made locally), all other gear is imported which means you will pay import taxes, duties, and VAT on top of normal US prices.

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Posted November 6th, 2012 - 8:48 pm by from Oakland, United States (Permalink)
Petri,

How difficult is it to find scuba gear in the Philippines? As a private instructor do your students have access to reliable rental gear or bring their own?

Right now my plan is to only pack my dive computer and my mask. Everything else I would rent or buy wherever I am diving. Any advice for me?

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Posted November 24th, 2012 - 6:53 am by from Cebu, Philippines (Permalink)
Zack,
I dove with an awesome diver operator in Moalboal, Outer Reef Adventure...I asked about dive master training and they are PADI certified training though passing the test sounds like the simple side of it...the practical experience/internship is what will take the time and energy..suggest you take a look at them...

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Outer-Reef-Adventure/139628019445486

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