Scuba Diving Internships FAQ's - Page 5

Scuba diving internship frequently asked questions continued. Please do also feel free to mail me personally any time for expansion on these answers and answer any further questions that you have.

Dive Internship FAQ's - Page 1 - Page 2 - Page 3 - Page 4 - Page 5 - Page 6

Q. Are the dive internships set in stone?

A. NO. The dive internships do have a certain structure to them as is set out on their individual pages but we like to think that we're flexible to peoples' scuba diving training needs and requirements. For example the length of the dive internship can be changed, specialty courses added or exchanged for others that might hold more appeal to you, upgrades on dive equipment or diver accommodation can be arranged if you wish and we can even reduce the amount of course content for those that wish for the bare bones. The best thing to do as always is contact me for a full break down of the dive courses and an assessment of your specific needs. We are extremely affable and flexible.

Tailor your own course - choose all diver courses that you feel will suit your diving needs and Mermaids can make a tailored package for you.

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Q. I have a laptop / palm top and would like to use email - is there access - can I stay in touch with friends and family?

A. There are internet cafes on literally every corner that you can use for between $1 - $2 per hour - hence very in-expensive indeed.

If you wish to use the internet at the dive shop then we have a FREE terminal that all of the dive interns are welcome to use at any time of the day - this is always connected.

If you are coming with a Laptop or Palm top and it has Wi-Fi - then we have a FREE ADSL Wi-Fi connection that you can use. The range is superb and reaches as far as the open air Thai restaurant out of the back of the dive center. It's great being able to check email over a great lunch (and for FREE). For details of how to connect your computer to our "in-house" Wi-Fi" Network then please click here...

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Q. Electrical goods - what voltage power points and what pin type do you use in Thailand?

The power points in Thailand take the two flat or round pins at 220 Voltage. The power is the same as the US. Please note that if you require power and pin converters, they can be purchased here very easily and inexpensively. (There is some good power advice here - POWER - courtesy of Thai Guru).

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A. YES. We have several members of dive staff that are American. 40-50% of our scuba interns and certainly the majority of my friends and colleagues here are from the US. Thais have a collective term for westerners - the word, "Farang". Farang basically translates to westerner or foreigner - Thais DO NOT differentiate between nationalities. You would NEVER hear a Thai saying, "The Englishman came in first followed by the Swede and Dutch lady. The American came to the ball with the South African man". Sorry to give such a bad example but really; this would never happen - we are all the same here - all just westerners. Thailand is very American friendly and generally people friendly.

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Q. Is the dive traineeship deposit refundable?

A. The deposit for the dive internships and trainee programs will not be refunded under any circumstances. We are aware that your plans may change so our policy is to be 100% flexible on course starting dates. We have had dive candidates postpone for as long as 1 year due to circumstance changes - this is no problem. In the event of a major emergency we will also give you the option to credit your payment to an interested friend or relative - (you never lose your deposit, it can be credited for dive courses, pleasure diving or trips to anyone that you know). Mermaids are a serious dive training facility that prepares to receive you in the highest manner with the accommodation being booked, instructors having scheduled your courses and your materials in stock. We commit to your education 100% and will deliver. We accept you as a student as soon as the deposit is laid, as this shows a commitment to us, giving you 100% full support for your lead up to your adventure/ career change/ dive job etc...like any training facility or university in the world - the deposits and full course payments are non-refundable but join us and you'll reap the benefits...

...It's best to be totally frank and honest about this. We all know where we stand.

Contact me if you wish any further details on the policy or program alike.

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Q. Can I work for the diver courses to have them FREE?

A. No. We offer a unique dive training package but NO working for dive courses. We don't do this for a couple of VERY good reasons. Firstly and most importantly, it is completely illegal to work for courses or any form of payment in Thailand unless a work permit is held. I don't know any dive center that will pay up to $3000 for a work permit to utilize resources to train someone - sorry to be harsh but it's better to be clear and factual. Any shop that offers this is operating an illegal practice (if not offering a work permit) and has an alternative method to part you from your hard earned money. Secondly (and actually, equally as important), we have seen that where there are "work for courses", generally the training of the "intern team member" is usually sub standard as the "intern team member" always takes a back seat to the paying customers.

We charge for 1st class instruction producing highly employable dive professionals but in an all inclusive package. Long term this is beneficial as you are always treated as a customer and yet get real experience. All accommodation etc is included. We state ALL of our costs up front and the cost is FULLY INCLUSIVE - there are no hidden costs. We offer very unique dive training with courses that cannot be offered any where else in Asia but are internationally recognized. We have built a strong reputation of producing highly employable scuba professionals, to the point where dive operators contact us for staff - you will be trained to the highest standard. The program is very simple - we offer a 1st class and very reasonably priced service. We take your dive education very seriously to make you dive employable and the service is chargeable. It's a very simple and fair business transaction and one that I am sure that you'll enjoy as a professional diver. When you are trained to instruct or work as a pro diver - you'll soon learn that you do not pay your bills or put food on your table by having someone carry tanks for you and you training them for free in return.

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Dive Internship FAQ's - Page 1 - Page 2 - Page 3 - Page 4 - Page 5 - Page 6