Mermaids Dive Intern Testimonials...Page 2

My Life at Mermaids!!

I've just passed my PADI Instructor Exams with great thanks to Mermaids. The Instructor Development Course is well structured with a happy balance between classroom, pool and ocean training that gives an excellent path to the exam. The training staff are very friendly, approachable and flexible in their teaching methods - all round a good bunch and I've met some really good friends here too. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard work and challenging at times but a little pain for so much gain - no problem!!

Next stop for me is Master Scuba Dive Trainer, again with Mermaids who I am more than happy to recommend to anybody thinking of taking any PADI education programs.
Steve Dunn
PADI OWSI 639949

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.

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.

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 (March IDC 2006)

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 (March IDC 2006)

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 (March IDC 2006)

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 started my Open water with Desi I made it thought that Thanks Desi). After that it was full throttle I did my advanced, Rescue and my dive master course. After the DM course at Mermaids being a DM is great they teach you how to run the boats and organize diving activities and help out on courses. After completing my IDC/IE (Instructors) in March I had the confidence in getting a job. Three weeks after completing my Instructors I sent out my CV/Resume to many jobs all around the world. I ended up find out that there are lots of diving jobs everywhere. I was overwhelmed I had offers in Fiji, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Honduras, Hawaii and Turks and Caicos. Well I ended up getting a great job in Grand Turk in the Turks and caicos Island in the Caribbean working at a small dive center. So now Im living my dream that I set out for last august when I went to Mermaid to start my diving career.

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