Mermaids Dive Intern Testimonials...Page 1

Each of the dive interns that we have at Mermaids Dive Career Development Center in Pattaya, Thailand all have a great time combined with 1st class dive training. As mentioned over the web site the camaraderie here is superb and many have made friends and dive buddies for life. It is fine for me to tell you this time and time again but please check out some of the diver testimonials from the actual dive interns. I shall be collating these from now on from all dive training interns.

Please note: All testimonials are written 100% by scuba diver interns at/from Mermaids Dive Center. The dive interns here have complete freedom to write what-ever they wish. There is no coaxing, putting words in their mouths or writing for them i.e. fake - Damian then said "Wow your facility is the biggest and best that I have ever seen in the world" etc LOL. Please feel free to contact us for email addresses of interns to correspond with.

Jeff Santos... (Check IDC May 2005)

Hey everyone,

I just want to thank you all for a great 8 months in Pattaya. When I saw the website offering a scuba diving internship in Thailand I was a bit skeptical, but I have to admit it was one of the smartest moves I have made up to this point in my life. When you consider that I had NEVER been diving before coming to Thailand , and now I am a PADI professional, it is unbelievable. The hands on training provided by mermaids staff is second to none. They went out of their way to take the time to make sure I mastered the skills necessary to become not just a competent diver, but to excel and that's what made it so special. So thanks to all you instructors, Russell, Claus, Manx, Dave, Tom, B1, B2, Ian, and of course Desi for all the knowledge You gave me. The many friends I have made in Thailand will be friends I keep in touch with for many years to come. To my Long-stay brothers, Jay, Lee, James, Alex 1, Alex 2, Pete, and Steve, You guys are the best! I was really lucky to meet a great bunch like yourselves. To heath, Keep hugging those trees my man, I am sure I will be following in your footsteps soon. About Pattaya, hard to find the proper words to the describe this town. It is the one place I have ever been where the excitement of a big city is wrapped up in a small town (by American standards anyway). There is something for everyone here. One of my favorite moments was on Paul Manx's (one of the Instructors) B-day. Like 12 of us went bungee jumping into that lake, then partied the rest of the night away on Walking Street. What a great night. Well thanks again all and for all you new interns, enjoy it while it lasts, because it will go quicker than you can possibly imagine. Peace, Jeff Santos

Lee C

They say life say life is what you make it ! In that case for the last 8 months I've been making a great fool out of what the accepted definition of work is !!!! Diving out here is only a very small part of the experience .. The people you'll meet are friends for life and the experiences are something you will talk about forever.. A Small incident on my first night in Bangkok and it's become legend.. No doubt you'll all hear about it on your arrival.. That said, enjoy the diving, and you'll see something new every day... Enjoy every day and you'll fall in love with Thailand... After 8 months here ( my IDC is less than 3 weeks away ) I am still finding things on my doorstep I have missed for the last 7 months... I mean thing like the best kebab van in south east Asia and a Mexican restaurant to shame all other.. Oh and yesterday I saw my first shark in Pattaya ( no monster but it had a mean look in his eye - honest ) .. Come out here and enjoy it, live it but most of all take a bunch of photo's as when your memory is old and fuzzy (beer more than age ) they'll always provide irrefutable proof of the fish you saw, the elephants in the street and of course the guy that drank to much and danced on stage ...... I May well see some of you out here , if not all I ask is :- 1) Take care of Peter ( he's fragile ) 2) Savor every day out here ... The smells are fantastic ( mostly ) and the roadside food is safe ( mostly ) 3) Remember to bubble !!! ( that will make more sense when your out here ) Lee C PADI Professional - 480262

Aaran L. (Mermaids Dive Intern)

Right then, not too good at this kind of thing but for Pj i will give it a go. it all started in august 04 when i sent him a email, that was the best 5 minutes i have spent in front of a laptop. I got to mermaids with no scuba training at all, none, zero, zip, but i'm a DM now working in Cyprus with my girlfriend Lucy who is a OWSI, (we met at mermaids) and i now see just how good my training was because not every one has been trained to the high standards of mermaids.

If your thinking of joining the mermaids family because that's what it is, book it now because if you don't you will miss out on a few things, like;

Toto, Lulu and the girls who will be happy to get you an ice cold beer before you have put your gear away.

The bhat bus rides that you take with 25 others (that's if you can beat our record) on the way to walking street.

Captain Gai and the chicken boat who always has a smile and a helping hand.

Frosty" who sounds like Santa when he's laughing at you down at 30 meters!

Chicken on a stick this one i will leave for you to find out!

Harvey. (Check IDC July 2005)

Arriving in a new place, trying to advance a new career is always going to be scary, but the welcome I received from everyone at Mermaids instantly put me at ease.  Having been here for over three months now, I can say that this is by far the most professional outfit in this area, with fantastic instruction and instructors who are always willing to help no matter how busy they are.

The diving here may not be the best in the world, but there are some superb wrecks, and ripping currents which provide valuable experience.  Unlike sites in the Andaman Sea, diving here is all year round, so you can take your time.  When you do finish, most people leave with jobs to go to.

The nightlife here is like nowhere I have ever been, and is really something you have to experience first hand to understand. 

I have made many good friends here, some of who have already left and are dotted around the globe, but we all stay in touch via email.  With all these outstanding invitations to visit, I'm not sure where to go first, Dominican Rep., Egypt, Spain....  Happy Days!!

Alex G. AKA Sharky (Check IDC May 2005)

What can I say, I've just come back from the most memorable 9 months of my life! I was a little unsure about sending my hard earned cash to people I'd never met before but it couldn't have been more worthwhile! The instructors and people of Mermaids have not only taught me so much but also become good friends. The atmosphere they create makes you feel part of the family. Thank you B1, B2, HMS, Manx, Claus, Russ, Tom, Frosty, Lance, CS, Nori, Ian, Wayne. You guys have been great! i have also made some great friends who I WILL see again! The list is too long but you know who you are, you lovely people and you really made the ride great! I cannot think of a better training ground that combines great courses, facilities, instructors and friends. Thank you all and when I'm diving with my beloved sharks, I'll be thinking of you all (especially you Tom! Don't worry they're harmless, though the big ones do like the odd SEAL!!!). I will be back very soon!

Sharky #482744

Bruce R.PADI Instructor (check IDC January 2006)

I was initially scheduled to do my dive training elsewhere in Pattaya but was put off at the last moment due to some doubts about them. I met with Steve and Pj and did not hesitate to book with Mermaid's CDC. Everything here has been as expected and no false promises are given and you pay your money and you receive everything that you expect. I have had no problems at all or complaints about any offered by Mermaids.

The quality of the instruction and the professionalism is excellent. There are so many instructors to choose from, you can in some ways decide whom you wish to learn from.

The level of some of the instructors is amazing especially their backgrounds. It really shines through on how much they teach you. In some levels of diving it helps to have instructors team teach you.

I have enjoyed every minute here. Being located in Jomtien is the best option as you can relax and if you want to go into Pattaya you can easily do so.

Mermaids have fantastic staff.

Hi Mermaids,

Since i did not get a chance to before flying off on Monday, i just wanted to say thank you for the experience that you and the rest of your staff provided for me. I had a remarkable time, one that i will never forget. if i ever decide to continue with my instructor's certification i will definitely be headed your way, and i hope i can return to Thailand soon even if it is not for that reason! please keep in touch and thank you again!

happy holidays,

C Settar

P Tuck - West Virginia

I am currently finishing up my dive master course at Mermaids Dive School and I plan to continue on to the Instructor level. So far I have found the instruction to be extremely professional and intimate. There are many other students at the school; however, every class I have taken has been either just I or one other student. The instructors are there everyday for you to ask questions and get instant feedback on your performance. The atmosphere is very laid back and they are willing to work around your schedule to suit your needs.

Once you finish your rescue course you begin as a dive master trainee and this is where you learn the most and have the most fun. You get to see what it is like to work in the field as you are on the boat diving everyday with customers. You are responsible for leading dive teams, assisting instructors by demonstrating skills to other students and conducting dive briefings based on your personal knowledge of the dive sites. No two days are the same and there is something new to learn everyday.

I have been here for about two months and I have found that out of everything I have done the one thing I enjoy the most is hanging out with the friends that I have made from all over the world. After we finish up a "tough day at the office" we all gather at the local pub next door to have a few beers and tell stories about diving or about our past lives in the "real world".

This has truly been a unique experience in my life and I can honestly say that I made the right decision for myself.  I don't know what the future has in store for me, but I can say that it won't be in an office or cubicle sitting behind a computer for eight hours a day. I hope that this has helped provide some insight and given you something to think about for your future.

Marc N. (Check IDC May 2005)

I am now working in the Dominican Republic for Dressel Divers and having a good time. My first certifications have gone through, I´m learning a lot but am at a good level for a newbie instructor. Thanks to you, Klaus, Tom and Russel. I´m a happy man.

Russ S. (Check IDC June 2005)

A big thank you to Mermaids and all the staff which have made my dream possible. Another 100% result for the IE which I was so happy to be included in. Many great memories and friends have been made at Mermaids and that's what makes it all worthwhile.

After we left Thailand we continued traveling visiting Viet Nam, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Kenya, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Costa Rica. I dove in most of them and boy! What an eye opener. I always knew that Mermaids was a professional organization, but seeing how other dive shops are operated made me appreciate the training I received even more.

JL

Lee Smitten (Check IDC May 2005)

Well they say that your school days are the best days of your life......true but I think that was the diving school days in my life. Throughout my 8 months in Thailand with Mermaids I have met so many new and great people and I will always remember my days there. All the instructors who brought me up from Open water to Instructor have been excellent and I owe it all to them (and PJ of course) :) Special thanks to Claus, Manx, Tom, HMS, SB1 for the help and training during the IDC, also to Lance who guided me through my Divemaster Training and to Russell who made me and Open Water diver even after calling him an Aussie. Special thanks to Pj for for a great time on the Similans trip - memories that will never fade. Never forgetting of course the longstay crew, Alex, Jason, Stuart (the savoy bar & Grill), Aine, Lucy, Jeff, Linda, Sue, Rosie, Russ, Alexia, Cliff, Will, Slinky, Lee, Beou, Martin, You have all been a great laugh. Keep in touch...Lee S

Lucy D - PADI Instructor through Mermaids (Check IDC of January here)

Hi PJ

Thought I’d better send something to you even though I must have told you a million times what a great time I had, I know it will sound biased but what the hell, it’s all true.

OK, so if you’re reading this you’re either and old intern in which case hello and hope you’re doing great, or you’re thinking about joining PJ and Mermaids.  I’m really not sure where to start because I just had the best time ever doing my training in Pattaya.  The school and the instructors there are 1^st class, and I’ve found out just how good they are since I’ve started working as an instructor myself (so to all the instructors, I owe you a huge thank you,).  I was in Pattaya for about 8 months and didn’t want to leave, I joined as an open water diver and ended up an instructor (many thanks again to the instructors on my IDC, especially Claus who made me do the presentations even though I hated them).  I am now working in Cyprus and have realized how lucky I was to get the training I did from all at Mermaids.  If you’re reading the LIA website and thinking that it all sounds too good to be true then you’re right, it does sound that way, but everything on this website is 100% true, it is the most unbelievable deal and I have to thank PJ and SB1 again for making it such a great course.

I’m trying to write this without sounding biased but I can’t so if you do decide to hand over your cash and move half way around the world I can guarantee you a few things from Mermaids and PJ:

1, you will have the time of your life, and you will not regret one single minute.

2, you will meet some of the best people you could ever wish to meet, lifelong friends.

3, you will work hard and have fun, but the training you get will be first class.

4, you’ll find out what PJ means when he says “do you fancy meeting up for a couple of quiet drinks” J  

5, you either end up staying longer than you planned or going back there, or like in my case, both.  

To any old interns, please stay in touch, and to any new one’s please feel free to ask me any questions you’ll get an honest answer, e-mail holli25x@hotmail.com  

Hope that will do, I tried to keep it sort of short J 

Trent O. (Check IDC May 2005)

There are plenty of dive schools out there...but that's all they are...just dive schools. Mermaid's Diving Life Internship is an all encompassing experience. I spent 4 months from Open Water to Instructor and I wouldn't trade it for anything. You show up when you want, vacation when you want, take courses when you want in virtually whatever area of diving you want, and there are always plenty of extremely capable instructors to help you out whenever you need it. Everyone is always smiling and having a great time whether it be in the classroom, out diving, or in the bar. There were 18 people in my IDC/IE and everyone passed - these instructors make sure you have the skills you need to succeed. They care, their hearts are in it, and we had a great time every step of the way. Mermaid's offers truly first class dive instruction, but what's more is that you automatically join a network of fun-loving, supportive and dynamic people from all walks of life to spend your duration with. You'd be a fool to become an instructor somewhere else. Get ready for the time of your life!

It's funny I remember Jason always saying he wanted to go live in a small beach hut on an island and teach diving. I could never really see myself doing that I thought I would get so bored. But now here I am if I'm not on the boat looking at clear blue water from the beach to a dive site then I am sat outside the shop looking at the clear water from the shore. It reminds me so much of the Similans..... only I haven't seen any Manta ray yet!!!!!! On my first dive here however I saw 4 white tips and an eagle ray so that was cool.

Steve Harding

PJ’s  website summed it all up for me, I’d gone from working on a bungee tower in the US to five years working in an uneventful office in the UK and felt that living for the weekends was losing its appeal. I’d always wanted to try scuba diving and so gave PJ a call, two weeks later I was in Pattaya.

The Mermaids Internship program grew exponentially during my 8 months from “zero to hero” and provided me not only with a level of training and instruction second to none in S.E Asia but many good friends to boot. The community feel encompassing Mermaids is probably the reason all my good buddies keep going back to Pattaya, either that or the gogo bars! During the four or so months of teaching at Mermaids after my IDC I knew I had found my calling. Now I have a passport to the world, job satisfaction and all for less than £4000 inc. Life’s too short and fortune favours the brave etc etc……………. Cheers to all the staff at Mermaids, I’ll see you again in April 2006. The drinks are on PJ!

Steve

MSDT #483197