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Mermaids Dive Intern Testimonials...Page 2
My Life at Mermaids!!
My eight months at mermaid just flew by. It was a great experience and really opened my passion for diving. This was the third time I returned to Mermaid to dive. I was so pleased with my last two visits that I did not even consider to enroll in any other intern program. There are so many things that brings back memories when I look back, but the large amount of SangSom at Roskilde bar has wiped out most of it :-) Stephen Blumenthal. If I had any problems or questions he was there to help. I would like to quote him: "I just want everybody to be happy". I became an Instructor after a hard but good IDC and I would like to say hello to everyone who participated in July IDC 2006. "That's a Lars" Instructor "God damm it" Lars Johansen - PADI Instructor July 2006
Simon Avavoine My first trip to Mermaids was on Holiday. My first impression was “look at all of those people; this must be a good dive school”. I carried out my first day’s diving with Lance and Russell, as part of my Advanced course, I had a great time. The staff made sure that I was happy and I knew exactly what was going on. At the end of the day we sat and had a beer and chatted about the day and what would happen the following day. That experience made me know that I had made the right choice in school. It also changed my life! I
wanted to be an instructor and I knew where I wanted to carry out my training. The actual experience, when I sit back, exceeded my expectations.
Having a fantastic time, people are
great and really welcoming, our initial concerns that it might not be the best
place to come as a 'couple' have been completely unfounded, couldn't have been
made more welcome and we are both sincerely looking forward to completing our
IDC...............thanks again ... for the experience...!
Having
already attained MSDT rating and accrued a reasonable number of certifications I
felt it was time to continue my education by taking the Staff IDC Instructors
course. Although my initial training was at another dive centre in Pattaya I
felt I would benefit greatly from broadening my horizons and taking the course
with the Mermaids Dive Centre. The
quality of instruction was far higher than I expected and I benefited it greatly
because of it, during the entire course all new modules of training were done
directly with the course director Russell should who explained in great
detail all the new skills I learned and how to apply them. Anyone that has the
opportunity to work directly with Russell should do so, here is a no nonsense
approachable course director who is only to happy to share his experience with
you in a very open manner. The other thing that impressed me was Master
Instructor Claus while listening to him it was obvious that Claus is very
knowledgeable in a number of areas especially in the theory and standards
section of the course. I felt that had I asked Claus a question on standards or
performance requirements he could quote it word for word and probably off the
top of his head tell you page and paragraph that the information could be found
on. Have I improved my knowledge and ability through Mermaids Dive Centre? With
out doubt yes? I
feel by far the most interesting part of what I saw was the actual students that
had come all the way through the Mermaids system. It was obvious that they
had bonded as a unit and because of the friendly manor and almost family
attitude that is prevalent at Mermaids these bonds are close and strong, in my
opinion life long friends had been made in that group. I was welcomed into there
circle with no reservations and made to feel as if I belonged there with them.
For that I would like to thank each and every one of them and wish them well in
there careers. I was fortunate to be allowed to go with them to there IE
and share with them there highs and lows, (what lows there were none they all
flew thru it). They also allowed me to join in on the IE celebrations and it was
a party to rival all parties. In short I can honestly recommend divers that if you want quality instruction in a friendly open no nonsense manor then you could do worse than consider Mermaids. Colin Stuart - IDC Staff Instructor 487679
Hi PJ/ Steve I just wanted to say thanks again for the most amazing four months I've ever had. Having made it to DM I will be back in August (or thereabouts) to finish off the IDC/IE. You guy's run an awesome operation over there and the training and support I received were unparalleled. The instructors that took me under their wing/s have given me the best start I could ask for in getting into the dive industry. So thanks again and see you soon. Cheers Jeni Chapman
Open Water - OWSI Internship 2006 - John and Vicky - South Shields - England. Whether it's a life experience, fun, adventure, making seriously good friends or a career in diving you're after...we have both found that the Mermaids internship offers all of this and much more! Together we have had so many new experiences, seen things we never thought we would, and most importantly had a good laugh. Seriously, we have had the time of our lives here and look forward to diving with you soon.
Lauren - Divemaster Intern December 2005. I have only great things to say about Mermaids CDC. Right from the first day I arrived to the day I left I was looked after and helped through my stay no end. Any problems I had (which were next to none) were looked into and sorted asap. My parents were obviously worried about me being so far away from home, but when they came to visit me at the end of my stay their worries evaporated when they saw how friendly and also professional everyone one is and how good the general atmosphere at Mermaids is. All the dive instructors/divemasters were fantastic during all the courses and diving I did. I made some of the best friends while I was there, both with people doing similar things to myself and the more qualified divers too, even with the people working in Toto's bar next door! Had I not had to return to England to start university I would definitely have stayed longer and most likely would still be there now. I found it really inspiring how much fun you can have and how much you can learn at the same time! Lauren
Ben Liversage (March IDC 2006) Had the best 7 months of my
life!!! Great people and great instruction. I have made some life long friends. I would recommend this to anyone!
I was only at Mermaids for two months,
but the operation made a lasting impression on me. It is well organized and the
staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. Pattaya and Samae San's dive sites
offered a fantastic learning environment. My time there saw me complete 5
specialties, ERD/PERT 1 and my Divemaster certification. I learned a lot through
these courses and vastly improved my diving skills. Ian H.
Dave A - HMS - intern / Staff instructor - serious technical diver. (Mr. Rescue Diver). Hi my name is Dave and for my
wrong doings I was very quickly re-tagged HMS and that would appear to have
stuck since I arrived at Mermaids in Nov 2003….nearly 2 years have passed and
now I find that I am leaving and looking back at myself and those who I met
along the way…albeit with all my kit marked HMS. I came to Mermaids from The
Gambia (small country surrounded by Senegal/W Africa) where I was working….I
decided that I would do something different….and came across PJ’s website (www.learn-in-asia.com)
…after 3 or 4 months of questions, some reasonable and some now that I look
back…just plain absurd, I paid my money. I did have some initial
concerns about sending my money to where “the Thai what bank?, is’nt
Thailand just full of the worlds criminals and where all money scams start and
finish….Well that could well be true…If my view is worth anything at
all…..your money is safe and you’ll find that it is the best thing that you
will ever do….. I have met some of the
world’s greatest individuals from students, ex spec-ops, police and the just
plain Odd-ball…most are just run-aways
of some sort or another….yes myself included and as such have decided that the
world is just a very colourful place. Well….just a little about
what I have managed to get myself involved with here…I have gone from a
complete novice to tech diving and am now embarking on rebreather diving….Dec
05 Update now have my own KISS
Rebreather… I could go on for hours about
how this, that and the other are brilliant, perfect….that is not the
case…..nothing is, however what I can say is….if you are looking for a
challenge and a chance to push yourself in ways that only the few have the
chance to…..then get yourself here…. Mermaids is without doubt the
single most influential point of my new life…..don’t they nick name the
course Zero to Hero? Makes you think… There are far too many at
Mermaids that I have helped me and been good friends….they know who they
are… Good luck to all Cheers HMS
Dana (March IDC 2006) Steve, How are things in Thailand? I sure miss the warm water there, it is on average 11 C here. but the kelp beds and the wrecks are amazing dives. so it is worth wearing the 7 mil. I decided to only work at sea world part time and I got another job with a dive boat company as there head dive master, In return I of course get paid but also I am able to use there rental equipment for the classes I teach as well as my students getting half price to dive off the boat. so it worked out good for me. So things are good in Sunny San Diego. Thanks again steve for everything, I really feel like I got a strong dive education from your dive shop working on the dive boats everyday just came natural after going through the internship.
Hey Steve, So I'm getting ready to leave tomorrow. I just want to say thank you so much for everything. This has been a truly wonderful experience that has opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. I have gained an entirely new confidence from my time here. For the most part the instructors have been amazing, providing me with great feedback and encouragement. I could not have asked for more from the training I have received. In case I don't get to see them before I go, would you please send my warmest thanks to Sue, Russell, Desi and Claus. There is so much more I would love to have done here. Perhaps I'll be back to do my MSDT or possibly pursue some technical diving. So many possibilities :-). Thank you for your offer for a recommendation, that would be wonderful. You have a great thing going here and I am hope your success with the program will continue to flourish Thanks again Steve Zoë
Dean Horne I have spent 3 months at
Mermaids going through to Instructor level. The first couple of weeks were
daunting as I did not know any one and I was in a different country. After the
initial getting to know period it has been an experience that I shall never
forget – a very enjoyable one! I think that if you are an outgoing person you
could not go to a better place, Pattaya is great! Mermaids is run to give you the experience of a busy dive shop – the ups and the downs and it does this very well.
Marcus Law I was nervous about sending
money to a far away company that I read about over the internet. After making my
investment and traveling from the US I found that the people that I was
corresponding with the other side were for real and my impression of the shop
was above average for the location. They have excellent instructors and a lot of
friendly interns. I went through my advanced open water to Divemaster first and
went back to the US
. Steve Blumenthal was very helpful with this. At this writing I have been back
for 2 months and am ready to take the IE today and tomorrow. Again with the help
of excellent instructors. PS. One bit of personal advice
go straight through to instructor in your first trip. Good Luck!
Adam Pierce Mermaids dive center provides
unequivocal experience and support for those willing to work hard and accept the
knowledge and experience of the helpful friendly staff. They also offer a range
of courses at all levels from open water to instructor and also including
technical and gas blending.
Luke Lowder Living in Thailand
has been a great experience, and it is nice to come away from a 4 month vacation
with a skill you can use to earn a living. Mermaids has the best reputation in
Pattaya of all the dive shops with many instructors who teach without pay simply
because they enjoy teaching diving. I recommend Mermaids as a good
way to spend a few months in a great place without getting bored.
Brian Yarger I really enjoyed my experience
at Mermaids. All of the instructors are very knowledgeable and helpful. The
amount of diving you get to do provides experience and education that could take
years to gain elsewhere. I’d definitely recommend coming to Mermaids if you
are serious about a career in diving.
Andy Moss My time at Mermaids has been
educational but most of all extreme fun. What makes Mermaids Dive School ? The people do; the interns, the
customers, and the instructors. Mermaids is regarded highly in
Thailand
and believe me you’re going to enjoy your time here!
Jon Piott I have been here for 7 months
and Mermaids is a great place to learn how to dive, all the staff are so
friendly. THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE AT MERMAIDS! Last
July I was at work in Regina, SK Canada selling mobile phones. I need to do
something different I was tired of my 9-5 job stuck in a suit and tie. I
previously just returned from Cancun, Mexico and wanted to have that life-style.
So I looked up on the internet and found Mermaids Dive Center in Pattaya,
Thailand. So I emailed PJ a couple questions on the school and with in less than
a day my questions came back. wow that was fast. So after talking with PJ I
signed up for the dive for life program and quit my job. I sold my car and
bought a flight out to Thailand. 2 weeks later I was there on the other side of
the world. I highly recommend Mermaids Dive School because of the Excellent teaching standard that they follow and the friendly helpful staff. Thanks SB1, Russell, Clause, Desi, and Mali for all you help in getting me to where I am today.
Danny Moore - OWSI I
had only planned to stay at Mermaids for 4 months but ended up staying for 8
months! As
I’m sure most people are i was a bit nervous arriving in Thailand , i had no
idea what to expect, but i shouldn’t have worried i received all the help i
needed from the first day i arrived to my last day in Thailand. The instructors were very good and would 'go the extra mile' to make sure you understood the theory work. As
for Pattaya if you like cheap food and putting your feet up on the beach for a
quiet night you will love it and if you’re a party animal then you really will
be in your element! The
truth is Pattaya caters for everyone. I
loved my time there and am already planning a return trip! Danny M - OWSI |
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