• What are the hidden costs?
• What is the quality of the dive equipment received with the package and is it really mine after the course?
• What is the intern accommodation like?
• What are Mermaid's CDC facilities like?
• How many days will I need to study?
• Do many people attend the diving life program?
• Are there any AGE restrictions on the internship?
• When is the start date of the diving life program?
• How successful is your dive job Assistance scheme?
• Can I have references from passed and ongoing students?
• Can I stay at your center for more experience after the internship is complete?
• I have some family and friends coming out and/ or would like to return home for Christmas etc - is this a problem?
• What money does an instructor make in Thailand teaching scuba diving?
• What about Divemasters - can they earn a living?
• Why does it have to take 6 months for the training?
• How can I sign up?
• Is Thailand FEMALE friendly?
• Can I work part time to fund the course or split payments?
• What do I do about visas for Thailand?
• Will I need any inoculations (jabs) before my visit to Thailand?
• Do I need to have a medical examination?
• Are flights and transfers included within the cost?
• I am interested in becoming an Instructor, or possibly an MSDT/Staff instructor. What exactly is the difference between the three?
• As an OWSI (Open Water Scuba Instructor) what shall I be able to teach in scuba?
• Can I use my MOBILE Telephone in Thailand?

• What is the cost of living in Pattaya, Thailand? AND - How can I have access to MONEY?
• What else is there to do in Pattaya during my time off?
• Why is Pattaya such a great place to take a scuba dive intern course?
• What about Insurance, hospital facilities and the local recompression chamber?
• Is the qualification recognized world wide or only in Asia? - Can I get a job in many countries?
• How do I make the Bank Transfer? (Is banking in Thailand reliable?).
• Are the internships set in stone?
• Is Thailand safe for AMERICANS?
• I have a laptop / palm top and would like to use EMAIL - is there access - can I stay in touch with friends and family?
• Electrical goods - what voltage power points and what pin type do you use in Thailand?
• Are you (the potential intern) in the UK? Do you wish to speak with me direct?
• HOW CAN Mermaid's offer such great VALUE for money and DEALS and still make a profit?
• How much is reasonable to pay for an air flight - and which AIRPORT do I fly to?
• How do I get to the dive center from the airport?
• Is the traineeship deposit refundable?
• Can I work for the courses to have them FREE?
• I see problems in Thailand on the news - Is Thailand safe?
• Are the study materials and courses available in other languages?
• Do you have an interesting range of Specialty Diver courses that I can take?
• I like to keep fit - is there a Gymnasium in Pattaya?
• I would like to Study and learn Thai. Is this difficult and shall I have time during the dive program?

A. There are NO hidden costs for the diving internship programs at all. A dive intern / trainee shall pay nothing more than the stipulated course fees for the diving. All PADI fees for each course and the IDC and IE are covered. For every 1 baht more that you have to pay I shall refund you 2 baht. The dive equipment and intern accommodation is all included as explained (the utilities for the accommodation i.e. water and electric are your responsibility. This averages at between $25-50 US per month - this is with normal usage i.e. 3 showers per day and only using the air-condition when you are in the room).

If Bonus courses are offered with the internships - these are 100% FREE. There are NO bonus courses fees for manuals, certification fees or materials. ALL 100% free. No hidden costs.

A. All of the equipment supplied with the diving life traineeships is brand new high quality Scubapro, Suunto and Technisub gear. We're the only traineeship program to offer a Suunto dive computer with the package also. Made with extremely durable materials and well known brands the equipment is extremely suitable for a recreational scuba diving job. All of the equipment is yours to keep from the moment that we "kit you up". This equipment is your "tools of the trade" and will be needed for your dive career. A list of the intern scuba equipment package can be seen by clicking "Here - Dive Equipment". It includes every piece of dive equipment required to be a professional diver including a Suunto Dive Computer. (Also included in the professional packages is a pocket mask, reel and lift bag etc).

A. The rooms are single with double beds (but can take 2 people with single beds if required) Air-Con, warm water, TV and a fridge. Security is very good and 24/7 also. They are basically mini apartments / condos / hotel style. The rooms are very clean and near the dive center for convenience. You'll be there amongst friends also. There is a real sense of community spirit. Details of ACCOMMODATION - click here! There are NO sharing of facilities - all apartments are SELF-Contained with private bathroom / shower. Any intern that wishes for a spouse or partner to stay with them is perfectly entitled to do so at no extra charge - you have the room and it is up to you if you have guests or not. Make it like home as it will be for up to 6 months. (If you have further needs i.e. a bigger family etc then room upgrades are available from approximately $100 per month extra. If you are coming as a couple then the rooms are fine for two people - and you get a discount too as the room only needs to be paid for once :-)

Some of the rooms have internet connectivity as interns like to bring laptops.

Please note: It is possible to share an intern room as a couple. If you are coming alone it is also possible to share a room but sharing a room is very difficult to organize before you arrive as no one will know you. Within 20 minutes of being here you will know all of the instructors and many of the interns. Some of the guys do team up and in the end share a room but generally prefer to have a separate and private lodging.

If you share as room it can be done by seeing if there is any one here that you get along with famously and they wish to share. If you share you save approximately $50 per month. Many people for the additional $12.50 per week like to enjoy their own space.

Please Note:

• The diving accommodation is a short walk along the beach front to the dive college. It is close to many restaurants, the beach front, convenience shops and internet cafes.
• Bedding and pillows etc are all supplied with the interns apartments.
• In-house laundry is available as a room service. This cost of this is very inexpensive.
• All leisure facilities like the swimming pool(s) are open to the diver interns.

If the accommodation is required to be extended for any reason the cost is approximately $200 per month depending on the room and season.

A. Please click here to view a summary of the dive center facilities

A. This can really be dependant on the dive student and also how advanced you are. For example if you are already a dive master and wish to take your time you can study 3-4 days per week and take on another activity also. Many people like to take a TEFL course or teach English also - there is a lot to do here in Pattaya. If you are a novice diver working your way up through the ranks we usually see the best results from a 5-6 day week (5 usually). This will comprise of approximately 2 days in the classroom and 3-4 days on the boat. DON'T for one minute think that this is a chore as all is extremely good fun and interesting. Some self study will be expected but hey, who is going to complain about studying under the palm trees :-)

As a general rule of thumb look at 75% of your time here being dive study related. I.e. if you are here for the 6 month program then 4.5 months will be study and diving with 6 weeks of leisure time. This "leisure" time can be used how ever you wish - for a little traveling, meeting friends or take advantage of our un-limited diving policy. You can jump on any one of our 3 boats for pleasure diving when ever you wish.

Splitting the Internships: There is no problem splitting any of the internships also. This is actually very common indeed due to their length. We have dive trainees coming here form all over the world with different commitments. Some interns like to return home for Christmas or a birthday etc - ALL OF THIS IS NO PROBLEM - all you simply do is let us know of your movements and you can simply pick the dive training back up where you left off the last time that you were here. You might wish to take the 6 month OWSI PADI Instructor training in 3 x 2 month segments, or 2 x 3 months segments (for example) - this is absolutely fine and has been done many times in the past.

A. We have always got a few interns / students taking a dive internship and diving life program at any one time - sometimes many people. This is great as it builds a sense of community and everyone can assist each other with study and practical exercises. Not only that but it gives you a good few social buddies too:-) Generally we have a new candidate or two interning each week - the course CAN BE STARTED ANY TIME (Official start dates of the 5th, 15th and the 25th of EVERY month of the year - year in and out). Interns can begin the course on any day of any week of any month - whatever schedule or date is convenient to them. 

Having a healthy amount of students allows us to actively operate and excel with Dive Career Development programs such as the MSDT and the PADI Staff.

A. NOT AS SUCH. You do need to be 18 years old in order to become a PADI professional i.e. Divemaster or above. Having said that there is no reason why we can't train 17 year olds to Rescue diver certification and then wait for the following training - as indeed we have. There is NO maximum intern age for the inturnship. We have trained people from 17 - 59 years of age. I would not be surprised to have a 60 year old++ join the program at some stage. Due to the fact that there are younger guys and gals that would like to get involved in the scuba diving industry we added the Master Scuba Diver program that takes dive trainees up to the highest possible recreational scuba diving qualification ready for when they turn 18 and they can them become a dive professional and work in the dive industry. Details of the Master Scuba Diver Trainee program can be seen here.

A. The "Diving Life" program is a continuously running program that can be joined at any one of three dates every month. We have interns that are attending college with set holidays and semesters, gap year students, ex-forces re-settlement divers, trainees that are working overseas jobs, interns from the forces that have set time frames etc - we have to be flexible on the enrollment date and this is to assist you. The start date of any of the dive trainee programs should not be a factor for anyone as they are only 10 days apart. - Please see here for the scheduled start dates.

The weather does not affect the dive intern program as we are sheltered from the monsoon to a very large degree and are lucky enough to have a 365 day dive season. The main bulk of the rain is from May - Oct but this again does not interrupt the program. This is superb as it allows any dive trainees to arrive and complete their dive training in one sitting instead of having to carefully choose when they arrive and/or having to go to another area to complete. It tends to rain for an hour or so and then you'd not know that it had been raining. The chart below is a very general guide - it can get a lot hotter here in the months of Dec - April.

As you can see from the chart above (courtesy of our good friend at Asiadivesite) - we have GOOD diving conditions ALL year around. Pattaya is the ONLY place in Thailand that allows for this and hence perfect for the internships allowing for unbroken training - this coupled with the diverse training sites that we have make it perfect for hardy intern dive training.

A. In the entire time that Mermaids CDC have been running the diver intern program (since late 1999/January 2000) Mermaids have been able to assist in placing all qualifying candidates that wished to for dive work in either Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam for diving jobs. Mermaids now have contacts in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, Crete, Egypt, Honduras, Belize, the Bahamas, Greece, The Cook Islands, Cyprus, Crete, Mexico, North America, Turks and Caicos, Canada, Malaysia, UK, Spain and Portugal. Turks and Caicos are actually becoming the most popular destinations for dive work.

I for one appreciate that the possibility of work is one of the most important questions any diver looking to turn professional diver can ask. Mermaids trained me through the instructor program and dive job availability was my main question. Although it was not a "diving life" trainee package that we have now, the late Steve Blumenthal found me dive work within 10 days of becoming a dive instructor. The quality of dive training that Mermaids offer ensures that excellent and employable PADI dive instructors are produced. The place where I had work requested that Steve give another Mermaids trained diver for another employee just days after I started. With Mermaids scheme and some effort on your behalf, dive work can easily be found.

NOTE: October 2006 - Diversjobs announced an exclusive partnership with Mermaids Career Development Center. Partnered with the longest serving dive jobs board in the industry and receiving an exclusive service from them - job hunting has never been so swift. As a PADI CDC dive center Mermaids has strived so hard to ensure that what you are training for i.e. a dive job is absolutely achievable. As a Mermaids trainee you shall have full assistance in finding a dive job that suits you. Once a Mermaids diver the service is for life! Use our resources and partnership with Diverjobs.com any time a dive career move is required. Make a great start to your scuba diving career.

A. Why, certainly you can. All you need to do is mail me and I can supply you with a few recent and older students/candidates so that you can hear it from the customers point of view. You can also check out Mermaids scuba diving intern references! If you require any further email addresses to contact and correspond with passed and present dive students - please do ask. There is no better impartial advice that you can receive!

A. Of course you can and we try to actively encourage it without any pressure. The reason being that you are much more attractive to a diving employer with a little experience. Mermaids being an active Dive Career Development Center offers the MSDT (Master Scuba Diver Trainer) program and PADI Staff instructor rating - These programs are designed to allow maximum experience prior to finding dive work. This experience is not essential but has been seen to assist in scuba dive employment.

If you are a new diving instructor from elsewhere then you are more than welcome to join us for a short 1 month or 3 months internship providing you with many certifications and specialties taking you to Master Scuba Diver Trainer or Staff Instructor rating. This will allow you within a traineeship to gain teaching dive certifications with students whilst learning and honing many more dive skills.

As a Mermaids dive intern you are welcome to stay diving with Mermaids for the rest of your accommodation entitlement no matter if you have been certified as an instructor. This allows the diver to wind down pleasure diving and staying with friends. If you wish to stay on further and gain more unlimited diving then we have a month package for 20,000 Thai baht (approx $550) - this includes unlimited diving and 1 month accommodation. This is actually very good value for money when you consider that 1 days diving is retail $90.

A. This is not a problem at all. It is very common for dive interns to have family or friends over visiting them - or maybe the intern wishes to return for a mother's birthday or Christmas etc- as mentioned this is very common. Simply take all of the time that you need and then return to continue from the state of training where you left off. All of your equipment and materials will be safely stored in your personal locker and safely awaiting your return.

If any of your family or friends would like to gain scuba certifications or take day trips here (hey, you could lead them!) then they receive an automatic 20% discount on all regular scuba diving courses and dive trips.

A. Now this is the most commonly asked question:-) Mermaids can offer the very best opportunity for scuba diving employment with a fantastic diver jobs service. Obviously dive work offers a fantastic "life style" of living in a beautiful tropical country and working your passion for a living - but that's just it - YOU DO NEED TO MAKE A LIVING!!! I know some instructors that earn $500US per month and are happy with that as they are on a pension and do it as a hobby (Cost of living coming up). I also know some instructors that earn $1500++US per month - it's down to you and how hard you are prepared to work. Bare in mind that you'll be whistling on your way to work also.

Q. What about in other countries?

A. We have seen a trend in western countries that the starting salaries tend to begin approximately 20% - 50% higher than Thailand's industry. This is in general but an average from what we have seen.

A. There is an income to be earned with working in the scuba diving industry for sure. You will find that Instructors generally earn more than Divemasters due to the amount of duties that they can perform over and above. Always remember that "life-style" is very important. I recently (2004) placed 2 dive masters in positions where they are on $600 per month as a standard wage. This is not a great deal but when you factor into that the cost of living and that their housing is provided - it's actually quite respectable. On the flip side of the coin I know some dive masters that work just for the diving experience and do not get paid - but they get their FREE diving. When you turn "dive pro" (Divemaster being the first rung) you get many advantages. On top of the wealth of knowledge that you should have if trained well you'll generally be entitled to diving discounts where ever you go and get the chance of FREE diving if you assist. Some shops do not hire Dive masters as they have the DMT's (Dive master trainees) paying them for the privilege of the experience. The best paid DM's that I know are a couple who earn approximately $75 per day each. Now here - that's good money. Different dive shops and different countries alike have different policies but you'll generally be able to find work as a Divemaster pretty much anywhere if you apply yourself. As a divemaster trainee through one of our apprenticeships you will be more highly employable than most at the same dive level. You'll have additional specialty certifications and will have had dedicated dive tuition to make you a first class dive professional and not "just a DM".

A. PADI the governing and certifying body, stipulates that you need to be an "Open Water Diver" (from any diver agency) for a minimum of 6 months prior to applying for your instructorship. If you come to us with NO experience (as many do) then it will take a minimum of 6 months to complete - realistically 7 months. If however you are an Open Water diver or Advanced (for example) diver already and have been for 2++ months then the training can be achieved in 3 - 4 months. Note that if you come with no experience then realistically the program is approximately 7 months in length. This is the 6 months to be an open water diver and then an additional month required for taking the IDC (Instructor Development Course) and also the IE (instructor Exam).

A. Simply contact me and I shall send you the booking form. Easy as that.

A. I thought that I’d add this to the FAQ’s as this is a frequently asked question, certainly by the ‘lone traveling’ female. Thailand is generally very female friendly. Out of all of the countries that I have traveled in personally I have never heard so many women say how safe they feel in a country such as Thailand. There are no “shirt tuggers” or “hasslers” like you in many countries. Western women here tend to have as much safety and freedom as any of their male counterparts. Pattaya city is a great place to scuba train and generally have fun. Granted there is the night life that appeals to a certain audience (usually male orientated) but this can be found throughout Thailand and basically S. E. Asia alike. It does not mean that we need to visit these places. Pattaya hosts so many wonderful pass-times there is something here for the young, the old, the male or the female. Scuba Dive and train, interne and learn, but let’s also dine well, go to the cinema, play golf, water ski, paraglide, mountain trek…there is so much to do here that it is a shame for anyone to miss out, female or male.

Sonja Collier, a dive intern from the UK took a lone female travel around Thailand and the neighboring countries. You can see Sonja's travels here...

Increasingly Mermaids is receiving female dive interns and many couples. If you travel here alone you will not be alone unless you wish for your personal space.

Please do ask for female references so that you can email them directly if you wish for an impartial view.

A. This is a very commonly asked question. Unofficially some candidates do teach a little English here for some spare change. This is good fun as you can learn Thai also but do not rely on it as a great income. As an English teacher usually the rules applying to work permits are different but PLEASE still be aware that working in Thailand in any capacity (as with most countries in the world) without a work permit is completely illegal. The best thing to do is ensure that your finances are in order and enough to cover the cost of the course & any relevant living expenses. This way you are able to concentrate on the dive training and being the very best instructor to get out there, dive and earn some real money.

Many people often ask if they can gain bar work / employment, waiter / waitress work or hotel work etc as a form of income - this is impossible. All service jobs such as these are STRICTLY reserved for Thais as they protect their labour force. All of these types of jobs are not available and if you could find one you would be breaking the law to work in this capacity.

As for split payments throughout the course, this is not possible. In order to join the program the entire course must be paid for prior to course commencement. We accept 40% as a booking and deposit but the remainder must be paid on arrival. If you pay the full course fees in advance then additional incentives will be given for this - contact for more details of "Full payment incentives".

A. Most countries' citizens are granted an automatic 30 days tourist visa on arrival, however as you have probably figured this will not be long enough. We need to assist you to gain a student visa for your stay here in Thailand.

On booking we issue you a "Letter of invitation to study with us in Thailand" and also a copy of our "company registration document". Armed with both of these documents you will be able to use these to support your application and gain a student visa for your stay. A very good visa can be achieved easily with the correct paperwork which we ensure that you have. Please note that for those traveling with partners we will assist the partner with a visa also.

Once here in Thailand you will need to make border trips to maintain a valid visa status - this is easy to do and having interns here there is always a travel partner. Basically you will be able to maintain 3 months in the country on a student visa but then you will need to hit the border to reactivate your visa (commonly called a "visa run"). Pattaya and Jomtien host many companies that make these trips daily. Generally a bus collects the "runner" early morning to make tit to the border and to return mid afternoon. For the more adventurous of us we turn these essential runs into a short break - Many of the interns take short breaks and a couple can be seen here - Alex's trip - Sonja's trip

A.. Please do consult your local physician with regards to this matter but generally Hepatitis, Typhoid, Polio and Tuberculosis shots are required. There is no risk of Malaria where we are based and hence there is no need for any Malaria pills. Japanese encephalitis is often mentioned by Doctors but this is not required for Pattaya/Jomtien.

Pattaya has extensive medical facilities. All major chemists such as "Boots the Chemist" are here and hence any prescriptions and general medications can be found.

A. If you are reasonably fit then it is fair to assume that you will be able to dive with no problems. Once you turn DMT (Dive master trainee) you will need to have a physical examination here (approximately $3US - not expensive) in order to be signed off as a professional diver. 

Before you begin diving with us you will need to complete the PADI medical form. This is a very simple form that has "YES" and "NO" answers. You will be asked a series of simple questions with regards to your medical history. Simply answer them truthfully. If any of the questions are answered wit a "YES" then a doctor will need to be seen prior to your diving - This is a PADI policy (and a good one). 90% of guys and gals that have to see a doctor CAN STILL dive - it is just a precautionary measure.

You can see and see the scuba divers medical form here.

A. Air Flights are not included within the cost of the package. This would be virtually impossible for us to do unless we only accepted interns from certain countries. As we have such a broad range of intern candidates from Canada, US, South America, UK, France, Germany, Holland, Japan, Australia, New Zealand - it would be very difficult to have a fixed price. The package price is for all of the activities and accommodation whilst here. Transfers once you are in Thailand can easily be arranged for you. We can arrange for a car transfer to collect you at Bangkok airport (Suvarnabhumi Airport) and deliver you to Jomtien - that is as long as you wouldn't like a night in Bangkok first!

An OWSI (Open Water Scuba Instructor) is the first instructor rating in the PADI system. Essentially this allows you to teach Open Water, Advanced, Rescue diver, Divemaster and Assistant Instructors. This is a great rating and one that allows those serious to enter the dive industry for employment.

An MSDT is an OWSI with specialty areas of instruction and also a minimum of 25 students under their belt for experience. An MSDT will be an instructor in 5 specialty diver areas - these might be Wreck diver, Deep diver, Enriched Air diver, Night diver and Drift diver for EXAMPLE. There are many to choose from. An MSDT will have certified 25 student divers to gain the MSDT rating. The divers can be trained in any area. At Mermaids we like to ensure that the MSDT candidate gets a good spectrum of experience in teaching by teaching Open water, Advanced, Rescue, DM and the specialty areas. This gives them great experience.

As a PADI Staff instructor you will gain your first taste of 'instructor training'. At this point you shall be working with the Course Director running the Instructor Development Course. Assisting the PADI CD and grading the new instructor candidates on their performance as potential instructors. This is a fantastic program. Not only does this rating show a dive center that you have some very good experience and take diving seriously - it also opens a few more doors as many dive centers offer IDC's. Due to this if you can be useful to the CD (usually the shop owner) on the IDC's and your estimations in their eyes will increase. This rating will make you very employable.

See the MSDT and PADI Staff Instructor Internship details ... 

A: Great question. The certification named OWSI (Open Water Scuba Instructor) is a little misleading as some believe that you can only teach the PADI open water course. This is not true.

As an Open Water Scuba Instructor you shall be able to teach diving in:

• PADI Open Water
• PADI Advanced Diver
• EFR (if you take an internship through Mermaids the EFR Instructor rating is included)
• PADI Rescue Diver
• PADI Divemaster

Q: Can I use my Mobile Telephone in Thailand?

A: Mobile phones / cell phones can indeed be used in Thailand, and we have a coup-le of very good services. Thailand has several very good Mobile Networks but  DTAC and AIS networks are the most prevalent. Both of these companies can be used with Western Handsets. Simply on arrival we can show you where you can gain a SIM card for your phone. Once you have your Thai SIM you sell be able to make local and international call at very inexpensive rates. This also means that you shall not have to pay any charge for incoming telephone calls from abroad when your family or friends call you. To have a mobile telephone here in Pattaya is a good way for family and indeed new friends here to stay in touch.

SIM Cards in Thailand are very inexpensive indeed. Once you have your SIM card the phone services are simply 'pay as you go'. This means that for $2 - $15 you can 'top up' your calling credit. Each time you call someone your credit is adjusted to show your new balance. Simply keep the phone in credit to make and receive calls.

The mobile telephone services Thailand have good international call rates also. However, if you have a laptop then Skype or a similar VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) can be used. Mermaids Hotel and Dive Centers have FREE ADSL WiFi Internet for use by our divers. If you have a good VOIP you shall be able to make free international calls to family and friends..

© Copyright 2003 - 2009 Mermaids Dive Center - (PADI Dive Career Development Center with 2 in-house PLATINUM Course Directors) -  CDC - Learn-In-Asia Co., Ltd. Jomtien, Pattaya, Thailand. The original scuba diving internship training globally.