Guests' comments.

Roger and Neal(his dive guide).

     This was my second trip with M/V Manta Queen II and it has been 8 fantastic days. We have seen so much stuffs!! The most special thing was probably the red fire Goby!! Rubb your nipples! It works!! Mantas!!! Special thanks to the Thais. They are super.
                                                                Roger Johnsson from Sweden
                                                                roger.johnsson@hotmail.com

Some part of guest's comments.

     This was my first time ever live-aboard diving trip and.. Oh!man what an experience... very thankful to all the crews, they made it unforgettable experience, both underwater and on the boat. Must try again!!
                                                                   Juan Alen from Spain

Clarity on shoes policy.

     In countries all over the world, it is a sign of respect for the household for guests and visitors to remove their shoes before entering a home. Most widely accepted as a cultural norm of Asia, it is also a courtesy to remove shoes in unexpected areas like on the diving boat as well.

     There are many people wondering why we can not wear shoes on the boat and this is the reason. More than just a nicety or a national custom, the habit of removing shoes before entering is just good sense. After walking into public restrooms, city streets, yards where there are animals, etc., You would not want to walk around your house with those shoes on. So the same as the Thai on the boat, they live on the boat and the boat is their home.

     On Khao Lak Scuba Adventures's boat, we always ask the guests to take there shoes off before they step on the boat and we give the shoes back to them when they are back to the pier.

Talk of the town part 06.

Right now you can read all sorts of news about various dive site closures on Thailand's West coast.

We would like to clarify the situation and let you know the truce to the best of our knowledge and experience.

There was coral bleaching that hit Malaysia and Thailand in May/June 2010. Shallow water hard corals down to about 15 meters on fringing reefs have been affected (fringing reefs are reefs around islands) but the bleaching has not much affected Soft Corals and has not significantly affected  the granite boulder sites we dive at so often.

The Thai Government has decided to close some reefs and we agree with their efforts to help protecting the reefs.

They have closed 17 dive sites all along Thailand's west coast but only 2 sites in the Similans have been closed, East of Eden and Beacon Reef.

For more details visit the special TAT - Tourism Authority of Thailand - Website.

"Green" diving practices as well as information on how to protect the fragile coral reefs provided by our experienced Dive Guides and Instructors are naturally part of any of our dive briefings. Divers coming back from our day trips are coming back with big smiles and great reviews, having had an excellent trip and of course, great diving.

To ensure the future of one of the most wonderful diving areas in the world we support the closure of this sites. The closures are at dive sites we would not visit for this very reason and this is not affecting the conduct of our Day Trips or Liveaboard cruises.

Please do not hesitate to contact Khao Lak Scuba Adventures if you have any further queries and we respectfully request you to not believe everything you read in the press. Some even announced wrongly that all of the Similan and Surin National Parks and in fact the whole Andaman sea area where closed.

Talk of the town part 05.

Similan & Surin – Dive Sites closed – Khao Lak Dive Operators Reaction

Articles - Focus Khao Lak
Written by Hualan, Khao Lak Echo.
Sunday, 23 January 2011 12:24
Damaged corals at the Similan Islands: Not everywhere On January, the 17th 2011 the  Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has announced the closure of several dive and snorkel sites at Khao Lak's two diving paradises, the Similan and Surin national parks after the coral there was found suffering from bleaching. During the following days after the release of this announcement various reactions from operators in the tourism industry, marine biologists and government officials have been issued. On Saturday, 22nd of January the following press release was issued by the Khao Lak Dive Operators Forum regarding the situation: Following recent media coverage on the coral bleaching event in the Similan and Surin Islands, Thailand, the Khao Lak Dive Operators Forum (KLDOF) have issued following statement: Due to higher than normal sea water temperatures in 2010, some of the hard corals around the Similan and Surin Islands have been damaged by coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is a well-known phenomenon and has occurred several times in various parts of the world over the past century. The term covers an event where the symbiotic colored algae living inside the coral are released due to stress (high temperature, for example). When the algae have been released, the coral appears white, hence the term “coral bleaching” If you would like to have more information about coral bleaching please click on the following link to see a presentation from Dr Mark Eakin, the Coordinator of NOAA’s Coral ReefWatch program. http://www.climatewatch.noaa.gov/ In the Similan and Surin Islands, the highest impact has been on hard corals in shallow water, where the sea temperature is generally higher than in deeper water. Members of the KLDOF have been very happy to observe a speedy recovery of certain types of coral, especially soft corals, which appeared to have suffered from the bleaching effect as well. Corals located deeper than 12 meters have suffered no or very little damage. We as dive operators are passionate about the environment in which we live and work. Therefore we are very concerned about the condition of the reef. It is proven that there is absolutely no connection between diving and coral bleaching, but we feel the need to be even more careful around the reef to prevent further stress. With more than 25 named dive sites, the region offers ample opportunity to dive and snorkel. Our recommendation would be to temporarily close the dive sites most affected in the Similan Islands, namely East of Eden, Beacon Reef and Breakfast Bend. These dive sites are located on the east side of the islands. Dive sites on the west side have only been minimally affected and have many colorful corals and a wide range of marine life. Famous dive sites such as Elephant Head Rock, Koh Tachai Pinnacle, and Richelieu Rock still offer great diving. The stag horn coral at Koh Bon has been affected; however there have been a record number of Manta Ray sightings this season. In addition, we think it would be worth considering re-opening some of the dive sites around the southern Similan Islands, such as Fantasy Reef, which has had a number of years to recover. Simultaneously, the KLDOF has contacted several scientists, organizations and universities specializing in monitoring and improving coral health. In previous coral bleaching events there has been successful recovery of damaged reefs, as the temperature drops. Projects are being started to monitor the development of the corals and other individual projects are ongoing. We will continue to observe all rules and regulations implemented for this region and offer our assistance to the National Park Head Offices involved. Additionally, we will re-enforce our strict rules for visiting divers on the boats operated by us, in terms of the policy “absolutely no touching, feeding or harassing marine life and no rubbish thrown overboard”. We, the dive operators and dive community in Khao Lak, are eager to do everything within our possibilities to protect and conserve the wonderful underwater world. Khao Lak, Thailand, January 22nd, 2011 The Khao Lak Dive Operators Forum is a forum for boat operators in Khao Lak, Thailand. Members represent 26 dive shops, arranging snorkel and/or diving trips to the Similan and Surin Islands.

Talk of the town part 04.

     I'm going to the Similan on the 26th and 27th with Thai TV channel 3, will let you know more about this in the next few days.

Below is a very good article in Bangkok Post.

Coral 'needs years' to recover

EXPERT SAYS CLOSING DIVE SITES ONLY ONE MEASURE OF MANY NEEDED TO BATTLE BLEACHING

• Published: 23/01/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Closing popular diving sites will provide only short-term relief to the problem of coral bleaching, but cost the tourism industry millions of baht a year, industry experts say.

No easy solution to bleaching.

The Marine and Coastal Resources Department is pressing ahead with a plan to close 10 popular diving sites in five provinces to limit the impact of tourism on severely damaged coral.
The sites attract about one million tourists a year, and could be closed for up to 14 months.
But diving operators say tourism is but one cause of the bleaching phenomemon, and if the diving sites are closed for as long as proposed, taxpayer help may be needed to keep some companies alive.
"Diving companies are being singled out for blame, when the main cause is a warming of sea temperatures," said one disgruntled company head.
Some coral reefs may need several years to recover, not just a matter of months, they say.
Veteran marine biologist Thorn Thanrongnawasawat said closing the coral reefs will give the coral time to recover, but more permanent solutions are still needed.
He said man-made dive sites should be developed to help relieve pressure on popular coral reefs. Artificial reefs should also be produced, and coral transplanting considered.
"Closing the dive sites gives the coral an opportunity to revive.
"This does not mean that the coral will revive automatically, however. It really depends on how we tackle other factors that may affect them such as water pollution," said Dr Thorn, who heads the department of marine science at Kasetsart University's faculty of fisheries.
Scientists believe the main cause of the bleaching is the warming of the oceans, which forces zooxanthallae, an algae which coexists with the coral and gives it colour, to extract itself from the coral. Many coral reefs in the Andaman Sea have turned a pale yellow or white colour and gradually died.
The diving sites facing temporary closure to allow coral to recover from bleaching are located in Hat Nopparattara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Krabi; Mu Koh Surin Marine National Park (Phangnga); Mu Koh Rang National Park (Trat); Koh Tao (Surat Thani); and Koh Pai and Koh Kang Kao (Chon Buri).
Defending the proposed closure, the department says that without immediate action, the corals may be lost permanently, which would cause even more economic damage.
Dr Thorn said the closures which stand to affect tourists the most are in Surin and Tarutao Marine National Parks, where up to 80% of corals have bleached.
Some tourism operators say the extent of the damage has been exaggerated.
Fabian Teruel, general manager of Khao Lak Scuba Adventure and a member of the Khao Lak Diving Operator Forum in Phangnga province, said news about coral bleaching has hurt local businesses.
Many tourists mistakenly believed that coral leaching was widespread.
At some sites, such as the Similan Islands, bleaching had affected only only a few dive sites.
Customers had asked about the closures, and some threatened to cancel bookings.
"We can still dive in several spots. We want to make clear that some islands such as Surin may have been affected, but there are several other places like the Similan islands which have not been affected much by the phenomenon," Mr Teruel said.
The government was wrong to blame divers for destroying coral reefs.
Most divers were environmentally conscious, and would not try to harm the coral.
Jannee Jandamneornpong, manager of the Phi Phi Scuba Diving Centre, said operators were willing to cooperate with the closure but the government should come up with measures to help them survive.
Tourism businesses on the island had yet to recover fully since the 2004 tsunami.
"We are business operators, but we are also concerned for the environment. Without a quality environment, we cannot survive," said Ms Jannee.

Similans today.

    It's a sunny day, calm sea. Today is my day off, I'm going snorkeling and diving at the Similan islands with Khao Lak Scuba Adventures, the company I'm working for. As soon as I hear the sound of the 3 engines speed boat, my heart beat faster, I feel so excited. The speed boat is so big that some of us can lay down on the seat and have a nap. This speedboat can take 40 passengers but we were only 20 people, I didn't feel crowded. A few needed to use the toilet on the speed boat, how nice, we have toilet on the speedboat : - )
     It takes only 1 hour 15 minutes to get to the Similans by speedboat. Everybody gets on the big boat that is waiting for us there (MV Seagull) and have some fruit, tea coffee and toast. After boat briefing and some food, I get back on the speedboat again to go snorkeling at Similan island number 8, Donald Duck bay. I see big parrot fish, Unicorn fish, Clown fish, Surgeon fish, Turtle and many more. I swim to the beach and walk around, the sand is white, soft and fine like powder. 
     After 1 and half hour snorkeling, the speedboat bring me back to the big boat for lunch. Oh my Buddha, good food, good taste and variety of choices. I have to tell myself not to eat too much.
     After lunch, I go diving at Three Trees on island number 9. We have mild current, the visibility is about 20 meters. After a few minutes into the dive I see big Dog tooth tuna and then Giant moray, Clown trigger fish, school of big Barracuda and again big dog tooth tuna and then Peacock Mantis shrimp, Turtle, Banded sea snake and end my dive with Giant Puffer fish. There is a big rock at about 20 meter that cover with colorful soft coral, Yellow sea fan and Table coral. There are many small fish, Grouper and shrimps living around the rock.
     Everybody in the group come up with big smile. It's a very special day for me. Can not wait until my next day off.

Talk of the town part 03.

      The Similan Island's National park is still open. The only 2 dive sites that have been closed are Beacon Reef and East of Eden. All the rest are still open and it is business as usual. The other dive sites are still pretty and waiting for you to visit. Below is the information I got from the news paper and the government.

     "An exceptionally hot period in 2010 maintained water temperature at a high level for so long that 50 percent of corals or more in some areas died from bleaching.

Khun Sunan said tonight that the closures, which could be wound back within three years depending on coral regrowth, would ensure the coral reefs recovered.

The ban on diving would also assist any potential bid by Thailand for UN World Heritage listing for Phuket and the Andaman region, based on its marine treasures, he said.

The list of diving sites where divers could from tomorrow incur a penalty of between 1000 baht and 10,000 baht is:

In Phang Nga province - Mo Koh Surin Island, Ao Sutep, Ao Mai Ngam, Koh Ster, Ao Pakkard; Mo Koh Similan, East of Eden, Ao Faiwab.

In Krabi province - Nopparat Thara Park, Phi Phi, Hin Klang.

In Satun province - Hat Chao Mai National Park, Koh Cher; Mu Ko Phetra National Park, Koh Bulon Mai Pai, Koh Bulon Don; Koh Tarutao National Park, Kohtakiang, Koh Hin Ngam, Koh Rawi, Koh Dong.

In Chumporn province - At Mo Koh Chumporn, Koh Maprao. (in the Gulf of Thailand)"

     Join Khao Lak Scuba Adventures's day trip and live - aboard to the Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu rock from November until May.

 

Talk of the town part 02.

After reading recent reports about the coral bleaching in the similans we the dive operators in Khao lak would like to respond. We agree with the assement of theThe Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) that drastic measures are needed to help the reefs recover. The east coast is in particular need of help with East of Eden, Breakfast Bend & Anita's reef the worst affected. Other sites on the west coast haven't been as badly affected and continue to offer good diving. As there are sites that have been closed for many years around islands 1,2,3 & 8 perhaps it would be a good idea for those to be opened again so that the existing sites on the west coast dont get over loaded. Sites further north like Koh Bon, Koh Ta Chai & Richelieu Rock were not as badly affected and already signs of improvement can be seen
As dive operators we understand the need to protect the environment & take necessary measures in educating all divers old & new about their impact and how to avoid damaging the marine environment. We also educate our Thai boat crews & emphasize the fact that NO rubbish is to be thrown into the sea and all garbage is returned to the mainland for disposal. All Live - aboard boats have been fitted with septic tanks for many years now & are only emptied when in the open sea & never when in the confines of the marine park boundaries.
It has been implicated in some news reports that divers have been or are responsible for the bleaching of the reefs which is just not true. Bleaching is a natural occurring phenomena that happens all around the world at various times & is mostly due to the sudden increase or decrease in the seas temperature. You can find out more about this at http://www.marinebiology.org/coralbleaching.htm
In the meantime the diving at the Similan Islands is still very good at most sites & many divers continue to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world that the Similan Islands have to offer. We will work together with the relevant agencies to ensure that everything possible is done to help this wonderful resource regenerate its self.                                                                                        Check the news from Phuket Wan, today. 

Talk of the town part 01.

     This is what happening. We read the news Diving paradises may be closed
and this news Surin, Similans May Be Closed

     On the 18/01/11, many of diving schools in Khao Lak was gathering together for an important meeting. And this is what we were talking about.
  
     "We had a 1,5 hour very constructive meeting with 12 dive operators represented.
     It was decided that we prepare a press release with some factual data on coral bleaching in general and acknowledge that parts of the hard coral has been severely affected in shallow areas. We'll express our concern for the situation and our commitment to do everything possible to prevent further stress on the damaged coral - for instance we'll recommend closing the dive sites on the east coast, namely Anita's Reef, East of Eden, Beacon Reef and Breakfast Bend. We'll  emphasize that there are still 20+ great dive sites out there. We also announce our efforts to obtain reliable data from various organizations and universities.
     Further, we are looking into areas that have previously been affected by coral bleaching: what were their approaches and what was the outcome. I have some experience with that from the Caribbean and will collect information together with publications from Coral-List. Other members will collect information from organizations such as Project Aware, Green Fins, Coral Watch, Frontier and discuss possible research projects. We'll contact PTA and TDA. I know a coral transplant expert and have worked on a project with him, I'll contact him to suggest a research project for some of his PhD's
     The press release should be finalized within a couple of days and we'll use it re-actively at first - Abraham will co-ordinate this. We agreed that we should not create additional publicity on the issue, but rather just respond to incorrect or incomplete information.
     We'll meet next Wednesday, Jan 26th at 11:00, again to discuss the results of our inquiries and set up a long term strategy. The press release is our crisis management. We'll invite government officials to attend the meeting.
     With the press release we hope to spread the awareness that Similans and Surins are still great dive locations, counter some of the published misconceptions about coral bleaching, as well as improving the image of divers in general - since a lot of the discussions on the web inadvertently end up accusing divers of destroying the underwater environment. We also aim at minimizing mis-information and confusion caused by differences in the reports of dive operators concerning the conditions out there."

Good diving insurance.

     Want to dive but forgot to take out any Insurance? Khao Lak Scuba Adventures would like to suggest you INDEPTS insurance. Hopefully you'll never experience an accident whilst diving, but they do happen. The costs involved can be high and this is the last thing you or your loved ones need to worry about whilst you're being treated. Insurance gives you the peace of mind that you have sufficient cover to guard against the costs incurred as a result of a diving accident.
     If you do not have your own dive insurance, you can add Indepths insurance to your package which covers all dive accidents, including decompression accidents. It can be easily added at our dive center for 175 Baht per day. Ask any of the staffs at Khao Lak Scuba Adventures for further details.

Khao Lak Scuba Adventures II, grand opening 16/01/11

     Our new shop Khao Lak Scuba Adventures Retail Outlet offers a full range of diving gear from global brands such as Aqualung and Technisub is opening now from 10am - 9pm. Below are the pictures of the grand opening party on the 16/01/11.

This is the view from the other side of the road.

Khao Lak Scuba Adventures team.

Thank you technical diving team for coming.

Ton (in black pants) and Mong (in brown pants) our drivers.

They drove from Phuket to this party, impressive : - )

Free finger foods and drinks for everybody, yahhhh!

It was a lovely evening.

     If you come to Khao Lak, please visit us at Khao Lak Scuba Adventures retail shop. We give 5% discount on all diving and snorkeling gear at the moment.

His name is Carlos.

     Fabian's son was born on the 15th of January about 5pm at Takuapa hospital. The baby and the mother are in  good health. Fabian name him Carlos.

Fabian is in love.

 Fabian's girlfriend (Nok), look a bit tired but happy after the operation.

Easy baby, sleeping all the time.

Where are the glasses?

Hello daddy!

Save Shark.

     Khao Lak Scuba Adventures would like to help save sharks by telling everyone to watch Sharkwater and spread the word.

Ways you can help save sharks:

Thank you for your passion and support! You can help save sharks by telling everyone you know to watch Sharkwater and spread the word. We need to give sharks a new image and make ocean conservation a part of our daily lives. Click here for more about saving sharks and to send this to a friend.

Ways to get involved:

1. Watch and tell your friends to see Sharkwater. Find out more at www.sharkwater.com.
2. Tell teachers and students to watch Sharkwater, then download the study guides at www.sharkwater.com for info and photos about shark conservation.
3. Don’t eat shark fin soup—refuse to eat at restaurants that serve it; encourage others to do the same.
4. Dive and snorkel with sharks. The more money that goes into shark tourism the more people will realize the value of keeping sharks alive.
5. Find out if your country is one of the 17 countries that have banned shark finning. If not, write your local government official asking them to ban shark finning.
6. Demand that your country stop the sale/importation of shark fins.
7. Start a letter writing campaign to the Secretary General of the UN requesting international bans on shark finning and the importation of fins. 
8. Visit www.seashepherd.org and similar organizations such as www.oceana.org and www.wildaid.com, to take action to save sharks.
9. You can donate to help save sharks at www.sharkwater.com.

Thank you!

Facts about sharks

• Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years
• There are 375 shark species
• Sharks are intelligent and can be trained
• 100 million sharks are killed each year for their fins
• The largest shark is the Whale shark, averaging 9 metres (30 feet) in length—the size of a large bus
• Whale sharks are not aggressive. They eat zooplankton, small fish and squid.
• When a shark loses a tooth, a new one grows in its place
• Mako and Blue sharks are the fastest swimming sharks
• Sharks can take hours or even days to die after being finned
• Sharks are a critical part of marine ecosystems

Tachai Pinnacle.

Tachai pinnacle is at the southern tip of Koh Tachai. There are actually two pinnacles joined by a sandy saddle. It is a dome shape surrounded by large boulders, with the deepest area on the southern side about 30 to 45metres and the top of the big pinnacle is about 13metres. To the west you will find large boulders, some of which have formed swim-through. Colorful soft corals and sea fans dominate the northern area. The top of the big pinnacle is a wide flat plain with bush and mountain coral. I have seen both Manta rays and Whale sharks here (but not at the same time hahaha). I usually see Leopard sharks, sometimes three to four of them in the same dive. That makes Tachai pinnacle one of my favorite dive site.

 Tachai pinnacle is famous for its strong current, especially during full moon. The good thing about strong current is we see more fish for example big school of Chevron Baracuda, Bluefins travally and there are more actions on the reef. In addition, it is possible to find Jenkin’s rays, as well as Whitetip and Blacktip reef sharks, Batfish, Snappers and Fusiliers are common here.

When the current is strong, divers cannot swim around the entire rock, but only half way. You should descent with the mooring line and use the rocks to guard yourself, keep close to the rocks and try not to stray into mid-water, otherwise you will waste both your energy and air supply. Join our MV Manta Queen I and II to dive at Tachai Pinnacle from November to May.

 

Invitation.

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Business Partners,

 

On behalf of Khao Lak Scuba Adventures, it is my great pleasure to invite you and your staff to the grand opening of our Khao Lak Retail Outlet

at the Sea View Plaza Building, first floor (above MC Donalds) on the 16.01.2011 from 4:00 pm until late.

 

Finger food and draft beer will be provided.

 

Khao Lak Scuba Adventures Retail Outlet offers a full range of diving gear from global brands such as Aqualung and Technisub.

 

As Khao Lak is continuously developing we feel that this new retail outlet will reflect positively on all water sport businesses in the area providing

a better service towards our clients.

 

We look forward to seeing you.

 

Kind Regards

 

Fabian Teruel

Managing Director

 

KHAO LAK SCUBA CLUB Pa Ltd

13/47 Moo 7, T. Khuk Khak, A. Takuapa

82190 Phang Nga, Thailand

 

Tel.:  +66 (0)76 485602

Fax.: +66 (0)76 485 607

 

HOTLINE: +66 (0)898 713 455

 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/khaolakscubaadventures

Blog:          http://khaolakscubasadventures.blogspot.com

 

www.khaolakscubaadventures.com

What to bring on the live-aboard?

     If you have never been on a 4-days/4-nights live-aboard, maybe you are wondering what should you bring with you if you get to go with Khao Lak Scuba Adventures on the live-aboard. This are my suggestions, hope they will be useful for you.

Diving gear or snorkeling gear if you want to use your own.

2 towels (we don't have for you on the boat)

3 bikinis for girls, although 2 pairs of swimming trunks is enough for guys (try not to wear wet clothes, they can cause skin diseases in this humidity)

Enough medicine for any conditions you may be suffering.

Things that you need everyday like toothbrush, toothpaste, sun protection cream.

     Make sure you bring enough underwear for 4 days, 2 t-shirts and 2 pairs of shorts to wear during a day and in the evening.  We have cups on the boat but it's a good idea to bring your own water bottle. And don't forget to bring money for soft drinks or beer and tips.                                                                                      
     If you can live for 4days without soap and shampoo please don't use it. Also try to use sun cream as little as possible because these chemicals are bad for the environment. When you use them on the boat, they will go into the sea.
   

Visit our new shop.

New Khao Lak Scuba Adventures's shop.

On top of McDonald, Khao Lak.

Thai artist painting Similan's map inside our shop.

We have diving and snorkeling gears for sell.

Fins for sell.

Fully equipped retail outlet.

Aqualung & Technisub

The way to diver's happy land.

     Our shop will be open soon for this high season. All Khao Lak Scuba Adventures guest will receive a 5% discount voucher during check in to use at our Retail Outlet.

Let's go diving with Mr.Pan.

     Mr.Wichan Mekchay (Pan) is an experience Thai Divemaster of Khao Lak Scuba Adventures. He has been diving almost everyday since 2005 and start diving at the Similans 4 years ago, his favorite animal is the Manta Ray, He believe that every dive is a good dive the only bad dive is the dive that you don't make it back to the surface (he said that for fun) Pan have been in the tourist business for longer than 10 years, he speak very good English and can tell you a lot about Thailand. He knows the dive site very well and has very "good eyes"...  You will feel like diving with your best friend when you go diving with him because he is very friendly and sociable. Come to dive with Pan from December to May, he will make your diving holiday much more interesting than ever...

Yehhh! I'm a Divemaster now.

Congratulations to Mr. Jerome Rohmer who just finished his divemaster course with Khao Lak Scuba Adventures. This is what Jerome had to say: Thank you Khao Lak Scuba Adventures for making this happen for me. I was a chef in France and I wanted to do something different and more challenging which is why I wanted to do divemaster course. I'm so glad that I made the right choice to do the course with Khao Lak Scuba Adventures. I've learn a lot from all the experienced dive professionals who work here. I really enjoyed the time I spent with my instructor and the rest of the staff who work here. Thank you for the good hospitality that they showed to me. I had an experience that I will never forget.
                                                                                         Jerome Rohmer
                                                                                         jrohmer2002@yahoo.es

Want to reduce air consumption.

     Have you ever had to cut a dive short because you are low on air? Try these air scuba diving tips to reduce your air consumption.
          - One thing that will improve your air consumption is more diving. The more comfortable you get in the water, the less air you are going to use.
Have you noticed if you are on a week long scuba dive vacation you use less air at the end of the week than you did during your first dives? It's a function of being more comfortable and relaxing under water.                                                                                        
          - You should breathe in deeply and exhale slowly. Don’t skip a breath. Breathe at the same tempo, long inhalations and exhalations
          - Stop Moving, you should use a minimum of movement. The more you are moving around underwater, the more air you will use. Keep your hands out your side(or whatever position you are comfortable with). You don't need them to swim for the most part so don't use them.      
          - Streamline everything, make sure you have nothing dangling from your gear setup. This will create drag and increase air consumption. So get rid of those scuba accessories you don't use and have everything clipped and close to your body. This has the added benefit of not damaging the coral from dangling equipment.
          - Be sure to use the right amount of weight and distribute it properly in the weight belt and in any pockets in the buoyancy compensator. This can help develop the correct dive profile. Adjust accordingly for tank size and material. Carrying extra weight makes a huge difference on air consumption.
          - If you still use up air a lot quicker than your buddies, dive slightly shallower, where the air you breathe is less dense and allows you to dive longer.
          It's normal for beginners to use a lot of air. Your air consumption improves the more you dive. Khao Lak Scuba Adventures has experienced instructors and Divemasters who are happy to give you advice about everything that relates to diving, come to see us to improve your diving skills.