Dive news, Koh Tao IDC Group, PADI IDC on Koh Tao, Thailand

Ban's Facebook's Groups!!!

Independent Facebook Group with over 1000 present and former Bans Divers:
http://www.facebook.com/search/?ref=search&q=bans20diving&init=quick#/group.php?gid=2210227659&ref=ts

Read about Simon Bowen a Ban's IDC Student road to the PADI Go Pro Challenge Runner
Up Award:
http://www.padi.com/scuba/blog/2009/09/runner-up-for-padis-go-pro-challenge.html

Add PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/jonas.samuelsson?ref=name

Interested in Technical Diving - check out Bans Tec Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Bans-Technical-Diving/188485516864?ref=mf

PADI Divemaster Trainees Facebook Group:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=208547555764&ref=mf

NEXT IDC STARTS ON THE 28th OF January 2010. COME NOW AND DIVE UNLIMITED AND PREPARE
BY LISTEN TO DM LECTURES, SKILL CIRCUITS, ASSIST ON COURSES UP TO 6 WEEKS BEFORE YOU
IDC STARTS - ALL INCLUDED IN ALL IDCs!!!

SUPER PACKAGE IF PAID AND BOOKED BEFORE THE 31th of January 2010: AVOID PRICE
INCREASE FOR 2010. PAY NOW AND SAVE MONEY AND GET MORE...
15 DAY IDC (extended programs for better learning), EFR INSTRUCTOR, O2 INSTRUCTOR,
ENRICHED AIR INSTRUCTOR, PASS GUARANTEE, Lunch during the IDC, T-shirt, Unlimited
diving up to 6 weeks before the IDC Starts, Celebration dinner after the IDC,
Assists with writing CV and to find a job, always PADI Coures Director conducting
all programs beyond Rescue Diver. All this with the most award winning IDC Program
on Koh Tao (Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development 2000 and 2007 - no
other IDC on Koh Tao ever won this PADI Award). Book now: jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com

Jonas Samuelsson
PADI Course Director, The Koh Tao IDC Group and Ban's 5-Star PADI Career Development
Center
jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com (facebook network thailand), Mobile: +66-8-228 778 38

Jonas ::

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What a year for Bans Diving Resort

Wow what a year for Bans Diving CDC/TEC Center and The Koh Tao IDC Group!

Bans got awarded the most prestigious award in the Diveindustry "Divecenter / Business of the year" in PADI Asia Pacific in competition with over 1500 Divecenters from Australia to China to Indonesia!

We hosted a group of over 20 PADI Staff that visited Koh Tao in April. Great to see Dr Drew Richardson, PADI #1 Worldwide, visit us for tour and dinner! Great fun!

Bans certifed over 9000 PADI Divers in 2009 and over 30000 fundivers came through our doors during the year.

The Koh Tao IDC Group and Bans CDC send over 110 IDC Candiates to the Instructor Exam with amazing scores that even impressed the most experienced PADI Examiner.

Diving Explorations... we discovered (jonas, peter and craig / bans tec) some 10 new caves and system in Khao Sok and in the north around the River Kwai. Amazing trips with very challenging dives. New expeditions is coming up for 2010. We have the grail of caves to find in 2010 which we will announce in march or so.

Jonas and Craig both got certified up to Cave Level 4 ANDI during the year and Jonas also achived the rating Instructor Trainer for Tec Deep 40-45-50, DSAT Trimix, Rebreaher, Cavern.

The Bans Tec with Craig, Tim, Amit and Jonas is in great shape and already courses like Tec Deep, Rebreather, Trimix, Cavern and Cave, Compressor Operator, Advanced Equipment, Gas Blender Instructor and much more.

Thank you to all of you - our friends and familys - that made all of this possible!

Best wishes for the new year and HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Jonas, Tim, Amit and Craig and the rest of the Bans Diving Family!!!

Jonas ::

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Amazing weather on the 'Rock'

Its amazing weather on the 'Rock' and its a lot of divers at bans diving! feel like high season lol!!!

The IDC is running excellent with 5 great candidates!!! Owen, Mar, Tom, Tim and Jerry. Excellent result so far during the IDC!!! lots of fun!!!

Bans Tec is doing great as well. Two new sets to be invested in the next few days and then we are up and running!!! Rebreather, Tec Deep, Compressor courses, Advanced Equipment Course, Cavern and Cave Courses! Trimix and CCR is coming within soon!!!

Koh Tao Seals - our children program is booking for christmas as well. Our inhouse bubblemaker instructor Joey is busy conducting seal team programs and bubble makers!!!

So all good on the Rock!!! lots of new stuff coming up at bans diving!!!

Labels: Bans Tec Diving, CCR, Khao Soks Chieow Laan Lake Cavern and Cave Diving, Tec Deep, Trimix

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BAN'S TEC ON FACEBOOK

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Bans-Technical-Diving/188485516864

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100% passrate on the november IDC!

congratulations to all our new Open Water Scuba Instuctors at Bans CDC, Sunshine Divers and Big Blue Divers (The Koh Tao IDC Group). Amazing scores on the Instructor Exam!!!). i just came back for the december idc from one of the greatest trips i ever done. almost 2 weeks in Israel - travelling from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the dead sea and up to the boarder of Lebanon. Truly amazing trip!

The December IDC started with 5 candidates! Lots of fun and great group! Tim is going to Canada in the mid december so i am taking the MSDT program this time!!!

Craig is kicking a.. with his BSAC Compressor course, gas blender and advanced equipment course - great job Craig!!! The Koh Tao IDC Group @ Bans CDC is the only divecenter offer "the super tec week" with Craig! highly recommended to everyone working in the industry or interested in all technical aspects of diving.

Amit is coming back in a few days and is going to run Koh Tao IDC Groups Tec Division "Bans Tec". Course offered are Tec Deep and Tec Deep Instructor, Gas Blender, Gas Blender Instructor, Enriched Air Instructor, Rebreather Instructor, BSAC Compressor Operator, Advanced Equipment Specialty Instructor, PADI Cavern Instructor Course, PADI Distincive Cave and PADI Distinctive Cave Instructor. Trimix with CCR is going to be offered in mid 2010.

Many of the above courses in only offered at BTD, Bans Tec Division. Again The Koh Tao IDC Group @ Bans Diving leading the way with new courses in Thailand and Koh Tao.

Bans Diving and The Koh Tao IDC Group is your one stop diving center. We got it all!

Bans CDC "The Ultimate Dive Experience - The Ultimate Dive Center"

Have fun and see you soon on Koh Tao!!!

Jonas Samuelsson
PADI Course Director
Bans 5-Star Career Development Center

Managing Director
The Koh Tao IDC Group Company Limited

www.bans-diving-resort.com
www.instructor-kohtao.com
www.kohtao-idc-group.com
www.visitkohtao.com

jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com
contact@instructor-kohtao.com

Labels: Bans Tec Division lead the way in Thailand Tec Diving Community

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new website for recreational diving @ bans diving

http://bansdivingresort.com/

Jonas ::

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Ban's 5-Star CDC Center

Did you know that Bans 5-Star PADI Career Development Center is the oldest CDC center on Koh Tao and the 1 out only 2 CDC Centers on Koh Tao among over 50 divecenters on Koh Tao and over 300 divecenters in Thailand.

Bans Diving Resort won the award Divebusiness/Divecenter of the year in Asia Pacific in competition with over 1500 divecenters in PADI Asia Pacific Region.

Dont look further - Bans is the Ivy League of Dive centers in Asia. Welcome to your professional training at bans diving resort.

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01226_4Q09TrainingBulletin.pdf

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Old IDC Crew Pack compared to Old

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4th Quarter Training Bulletin PADI 2009

4th Quarter Training Bulletin PADI 2009... What's in the New PADI IDC crewpak?
New Materials for the 2010 IDC Evolution

The 2010 Course Director update just wrapped at DEMA, and our new IDC crewpaks will be available approximately 20 Nov. 2009. I made a chart of what's in the new IDC crewpak versus the old one (please see below).

The big changes are:

* PADI's Guide to Teaching replaces the IDC Candidate workbook. This new product also includes teaching techniques and recommendations previously found in the instructor manual.
* Three books are now on a CD
(Best of the UJ, Children & Scuba and the Business of Diving).
* We now include the entire 2009 Specialty Instructor Manual instead of just the Project AWARE and PPB outlines.

If you have some of the old IDC crewpaks in stock (60033 or 60034): they're valid for use up until June 30th 2010. Course Directors have until 1 July to complete their CD update.

After that date, or if the Course Director is teaching the new "IDC Evolution," the student will need to purchase PADI's Guide to Teaching ala carte. The student may need to purchase a 2010 Instructor manual - if they didn't receive it as part of their 2010 Divemaster renewal.

What's in the PADI IDC crewpak?
(click image below to view a larger version)

(email subscribers may need to click through to view the chart above)

In order to teach the new IDC and utilize the new materials, Course Directors must attend an update. Read about the Course Director and IDC Staff Updates scheduled throughout the PADI Americas territory in 2009 and 2010. The key products of the new program are included as part of the update program cost.01226_4Q09TrainingBulletin.pdf

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Streamlined and Simplified 2010 PADI Instructor Manual

Streamlined and Simplified 2010 PADI Instructor Manual

PADI's Instructor manual in 1972 was under 100 pages. Over the next thirty-seven years, the manual swelled to nearly 1,000 pages.

Our 2010 instructor manual has been simplified, alphabetized, and binder-ized to make key standards easier to find. For a more extensive explanation of each course, instructors can refer to the 2009 instructor manual* and/or the new Guide to Teaching.

* and subsequent Training Bulletins.

All renewed instructors and divemasters will receive an email with a link to download the new manual in first quarter 2010.

Only the paper version is available for purchase now. Member price is: $96.50. The product (number 70120) comes with the binder and instructor manual pages only. It does not come with the other items shown in the photo above.

The fourth quarter training bulletin has some information on familiarizing yourself with the new manual (pages 2-3). If additional hints and tips become available I'll publish them to this website.

PADI's Guide to Teaching replaces the IDC Candidate workbook and can be used as a companion reference to the 2010 Instructor Manual. It includes the teaching techniques and recommendations that were previously found in the Instructor Manual.

Changes to PADI Divemaster crewpak
product number 60020

The new manual is part of the revised PADI Divemaster crewpak - which starts shipping next week. The product number stays the same (60020). Please see chart below with a list of what's in the revised PADI Divemaster crewpak (available in English only for now).

If you have Divemaster kits in stock - don't worry. The previous version of our Divemaster crewpak is still valid for use through 31 May 2010 (ref. pages 4 and 6 in the 4th Quarter Training Bulletin). After that date, Divemasters must purchase the new instructor manual if they're buying a "2009" Divemaster kit.

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The IDC candidates are doing great and completed second confined water presenation this morning. great group of 9 candidates from 7 different countries.

The New Bans Tec (part of The Koh Tao IDC Group) is doing better than anyone could expect. Courses in BSAC Compressor Operator (first and only on Koh Tao), DSAT Gas Blender Instructor, DSAT Advanced Wreck Diving, DSAT TEC Deep, Advanced Equipment and Technician Course (First and Only on Koh Tao), SEMI Closed Rebreather Courses are doing great!

Soon the first PADI Cavern Instructor Course (first and only on Koh Tao - Jonas Samuelsson is the only PADI Cavern Instructor Trainer on Koh Tao and one of less than 5 in Thailand) and ANDI LEVEL 1-4 Cavern and Cave Courses will also soon be available. We are even going to teach ANDI Cave Explorer courses in 2010 as the first divecenter on koh tao.

Lots of exciting adventures coming up at bans diving resort (cdc center) and the koh tao idc group with bans tec.

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IDC STARTS TODAY

IDC Started with orientation this morning. Candidates are: Samme (Belgium), Claus (Germany), Tom and John (England), Tavor and Ohad (Israel), Matthew (France), Luka (Italy), Dio (Greece). Staff is G (Blue Blue) Staff Instructor Candidates Andrew (England), Gary (England) and Jimmy (England). Really fun group - looking forward to the next three weeks!!!

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Ban's Tec with DSAT Instructor Craig

Excited about the 'premiere' of 'Bans Tec' new courses (some first on koh tao) all starts tomorrow morning. 1 week training including compressor operator and gas blender instructor (3 days), equipment technician (3 days) and O2 Provider ...Instructo
r. Bans Tec now offer Cave and Cavern Courses, DSAT Tec, Semi Closed Rebreather, Enriched Air and Deep, Advanced Equipment Courses and Gas Operator Course.

New Team for Bans Tec.

Jonas Samuelsson
PADI Course Director/ANDI Cave/Rebreather Instructor Trainer/Instructor Trainer (23 Specialties including Ice, Wreck and Drysuit)

Tim Hunt
PADI Course Director/Instructor Trainer Deep and Enriched Air/Tec Instructor

Craig Werger
PADI Staff Instructor/Tec Instructor/ANDI Full Cave Diver/Cavern Instructor/BSAC Compressor Technician

Amit Gal
PADI Staff Instructor/Tec Deep/Enriched Air Instructor/ANDI Cavern

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bull sharks at chumphon - 100%

amazing dives yesterday at chumphon with 30 meter vis and lods of sharks. blue sky and and sunny on koh tao day after day!!! going back for deep spec this afternoon, tim went for msdt wreck instructor spec to unicorn today. next idc starts on the 2nd of november.

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its amazing weather and diving on koh tao and no people!!!

excited about the msdt program starting today with deep dives and nitrox at sail rock and chumpon (20+++ meter vis yesterday), also finish off Tims tec deep course at sail rock with some 50 meter dives with stage cylinders.

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congratulations to a well performed idc and ie!!! candidates: micky, andy, jodie (big blue koh tao), sarah (sunshine koh tao), sasha, fab, andy, olle (bans koh tao), erik, linus (liquid adventures khao lak), rang (phi phi) and methan (blue lagoon divers andaman islands). great fun!

msdt starts 17th @ 5pm.

News from The Koh Tao IDC Group and Ban's Tec Division:
starting some new amazing programs at bans this coming months.

compressor operator
advanced equipment course
semi closed rebreather courses
tec 40,45,50
cavern and cave courses in khao sok and kanchanaburi

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idc started

Started an idc today with Eric, Olle. Linus, Andy x 2, Sasha, Fabian, Micky, Jodie, Mithan and Sarah. Gaz and Dave doing staff instructor course and Deano, Laura and Martin is staffing. Great group and lots of fun already!!! Tim and Jonas PADI Course Director.

11 idc candidates
2 staff candidates
3 idc staff
2 padi course directors

--------------------- The koh tao idc group 'tec' is moving forward with tec courses, cavern and cave courses, and trimix courses.
--------------------- ps also got a rebreather now so these courses will be available soon as well.

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amazing last weeks (and coming)

Been doing the first DSAT TEC DEEP COURSE in Kao Sok. 8 Dives on Koh Tao and 4 dives at
the lake between 40-50 meters. amazing to down around an old Tik Forest (submerged after the damm was build in 1980). Also did some dives in some new caves that we explored.

Doing MSDT Program the last few days. Photo today!!! Going to the northern part of thailand to explore some new caves on the 21 and then back to koh tao to teach an idc on the 28th.

exciting times ahead~!!!

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Tec Rec Cave Course Distinctive

You can now teach cave diving under the TecRec umbrella through the TecRec Distinctive Specialties process. If you’re a qualified cave diving instructor, you may submit a cave diver course outline for consideration and Cave Diveapproval by your PADI Office. Contact a DSAT TDD Technical Consultant for more information about qualifications and the minimum requirements for TecRec Cave Diver Distinctive Specialties.

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Excellent article about bans diving in denmarks largest newspaper

Excellent article about bans diving in denmarks largest newspaper,

The article was in the papers one or two weeks ago. It made it front page, as you can see on the pictures below. I think it looked great, hope you like it too. It might appear in a couple more papers during the fall as far as I'm told.

Gertrud Thisted Højlund It also got published on this travel website http://www.rejseliv.dk/thailand-paa-tre-maader

http://www.rejseliv.dk/thailand-paa-tre-maader

Labels: bans diving resort win the hearts of the danish divers

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Diving Gap Year Koh Tao

Welcome to The Koh Tao IDC Group Company Limited (Koh Tao's original IDC/CDC Center - teaching IDC, MSDTs, Staff Instructors on Koh Tao since 1998)

The Koh Tao IDC Group are specialists in the field of recreational and professional scuba diving, marine conservation and specialist diving adventures for people taking time out. Whether it's a gap year or a career break, our programmes are designed for people wanting a C.O.L. Experience (Change of Lifestyle Diving Packages).

http://www.idc-koh-tao.com/career/col/english.html

http://www.idc-koh-tao.com/career/col/english.html

Time for a Change of Lifestyle? Time to be C.O.L.

A career in diving can break you out of a nine-to-five rut, or open the door to adventurous part-time or full-time possibilities. Like many careers, PADI dive professionals are envied for the lifestyles they lead. Divemasters schedule and plan dives on yachts, as do Instructors, who also get to teach. Instructor Trainers travel to the world’s most exotic locations, while PADI employees are the eyes and ears of the dive industry. What do all these people share? They are all diverse individuals who love their jobs. There are endless possibilities and paths are available to take advantage of through PADI, it only takes desire to make it happen. Why not get paid for something that you love to do anyway?

As a PADI Member, you are a part of the most successful company in the industry. There are more than 4000 (and growing) PADI Dive Centers and Resorts around the world, and an overwhelming majority of dive operations are PADI Members. At any given time, there are more positions available for PADI leaders than there are dive professionals to fill them. The bottom line is that whatever dive career path you choose, your PADI credentials will get you where you want to go, faster and easier.

The Change of Life-Style Package takes you from a non-diver to a very experience instructor. There is no better way to start your diving career then being C.O.L.

Time for a Change of Lifestyle? Time to be C.O.L.

From Non-diver to Experienced Instructor

New All-inclusive Package - including all diving courses from beginner to a Master Scuba Diver Trainer, all PADI fees, All required PADI manuals (based on PADI requirements from 1 of January 2006) plus free access to free equipment rental.

PADI Open Water Course including PADI Open Water Manual and RDP Table version
PADI Advanced Open Water Course including PADI Advanced Manual
PADI Rescue Diver Course including Rescue Manual and Accident Management Slate
PADI Divemaster Course including all required materials for PADI Divemaster Course
PADI Assistant Instructor (PADI IDC Part 1)
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (PADI IDC Part 2)
PADI EFR Instructor
(DIIP) Diving Internship Training
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer including PADI Specialty Instructor Manual DVD Version
PADI Enriched Air Diver including PIC and PADI Enriched Air Manual and 3 EANx Tables
PADI Enriched Air Instructor including Specialty Instructor Outline
PADI Deep Instructor including Specialty Instructor Outline
PADI Night Instructor including Specialty Instructor Outline
PADI Navigation Instructor including Specialty Instructor Outline
PADI Multilevel Instructor
PADI Instructor Manual (Latest Edition)
IDC Candidate Workbook (Latest Edition)
PADI Application Fees (PADI OWSI, EFR Instructor, 5 Specialty Instructor Ratings)
PADI Instructor Exam Fee

Duration: 8 months
Price: 181,500 Baht

Accommodation can be arranged starting from 7,000 Baht/month.

The above all inclusive package if you already have a diver certification:

If you already are a PADI Open Water Diver
Price: 171,750

If you already are a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver:
Price: 163,200 Vaht

If you already are a PADI Rescue Open Water Diver:
Price: 150,250 Baht

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DSAT CHANGE STRUCTURE

Diver Levels

Tec 40

The entry point into the technical range, it provides a transition from recreational to tech. Although the use of full tech gear (doubles and wings) is preferred, it does allow modified use of recreational gear in some situations, provided the diver has two separate regulators, with one of the first stages fitted with a long hose. The intended working limit for a diver of this grade is 40 metres/130 feet with up to 10 minutes of non-accelerated decompression while breathing up to EANx50.

Tec 45

The diver now must wear the full ‘standardised’ tech rig, including wings and doubles, plus an additional deco cylinder. (Note that side mounted cylinders are an acceptable alternative to back mounted doubles throughout the TecRec range). The course will allow the diver to go to 45 metres/145 feet and make accelerated decompression dives using any mix of EANx or oxygen.

Tec 50

At the end of this course the diver will have the same set of skills and knowledge as the present Tec Deep Diver. As such it represents a high level of competency for a technical diver. Although the option exists to make the last dive of the course using trimix, it is intended as an air/nitrox rating and by the end the diver can dive to a maximum of 50 metres/165 feet and make extended, accelerated decompression dives.

Tec Trimix 65

This course opens up the advantages of trimix to the diver, and divers are qualified to make multi-stop decompression dives that employ EANx and oxygen for accelerated decompression, and any trimix with an oxygen content of 18% or more. They can dive to a maximum depth of 65 metres/210 feet.

Tec Trimix

This level is essentially the same as the existing course of this name. Therefore there is no numbered suffix after the course title — there are no limits are placed on how deep the diver can go after training, providing they build their experience gradually.

Instructor Levels

Tec Instructor

This is a new level of instructor in the TecRec range. The Tec Instructor will be able to teach the Tec 40 course.

Tec Deep Instructor

All existing Tec Deep Instructors keep the same credential, and will be able to offer the Tec 40, Tec 45 and Tec 50 courses.

Tec Trimix Instructor

Again, existing instructors of this level retain this credential and can offer any of the diver level courses in the range.

All these courses will be released in the next couple of months, so look for more news soon.

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http://tecrec.wordpress.com/about/

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NSS-CDC RECOGNIZE PADI CAVERN COURSE.

An update to this is as of last week the Training Committee of the Cave
Diving Section of the National Speleological Society has voted to
officially recognize the PADI Cavern Program. So this is great news for
you as an IT. ... Also keep your eye on the blog because there will soon be
announcements regarding DSAT Cave Diver training options that I'm sure
will interest you.

Alex Boulton
DSAT

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New Tec Rec Flowchart from 1 of September

DSAT CAVE COURSE RELEASED SOON? NEW TEC REC FLOWCHART AND STRUCTURE.

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Instructor Exam completed tomorrow.

Its been some amazing weeks here on koh tao. one of our open water diver groups was diving with whalesharks on dive 2 of the course and the next day the same group was diving with some 50 pilot whales. pretty amazing eh? i was out myself with a group of pilot whales for almost 2 hours in the sunset 2 days ago. very very cool! the weather is great as well and the vis around 15 meter.

the instructor exam is completed tomorrow morning with confined water in bans pool. ie party in nellys tomorrow night. i am however going to khao sok for completion of my Cave course. going to be over there for 3-4 days. great diving and exciting expedition for sure! diving the temple cave mainly but also trying to discover some new caves and perhaps the temples that havent been found since the dam was created in 1980.

the next idc starts on the 24 of august so tim is taking this groups msdt program and i do the cave expedition and then we join up on koh tao and team teach the idc!

so much is happening at bans as always.

by the way the BANS Award party sponsored by PADI and San Miguel was increadible! 300 people attending for open bar and free food (lobster, crabs, sushi, thai food etc). everyone ended up in the pool after (not very safe he he but a lot of fun). party that will be remembered on the rock for sure!

pack your bags and come down!!! take care jonas and the bans idc crew!

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Whalesharks on koh tao

Did you know that Koh Tao is one of the areas in the world where divers most frequent encounter and dive with the largest fish in the world - the Whaleshark.

Most commonly is to see the whaleshark in march - april on koh tao, but i personally have seeen whalesharks in february, march, april, august, september. April 2005 we had whalesharks at chumphon pinnacle 21 days of the month. pretty amazing!

The Koh Tao IDC Group is going to start teach a Whale Shark Specialty Course which i believe is going to be a super hit among out divers. Look out for the Bans CDC and The Koh Tao IDC Groups whaleshark Specialty Course (teachers PADI Course Directors Jonas Samuelsson and Tim Hunt).

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Toronto Dive Club

check out our friends new site and dive center:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?view=feed&ref=cfrp&id=1696915235

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Ban's Diving IDC Candidate - Go Pro Challenge

Read about Simon Bowen, IDC Candidate at Bans Diving and The Koh Tao IDC Group, PADI GoPro Challenge Runner Up. Congratulations Simon!

http://divertodiver.scubadiving.com/tm.aspx?m=153041&mpage=1&key=𥗑

there is also a thread there about Bans Divings PADI Award 2009

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PADI Award winners on Scuba Dive

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PADI%20-%20The%20Way%20the%20World%20Learns%20to%20Dive%u2122.webloc

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Time to revive the old PADI Cave Dive Course?

Labels: Time to revive the old PADI Cave Dive Course?

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Ban's Diving IDC Candidates - Go Pro Challenge

Congratulations to Simon Bowen, former Candidate at Ban's CDC Center Koh Tao for the runner up price in PADIs GOPRO CHALLENGE 2009. Read Simon's story by clicking on the attachement.

Congrats again Simon from Ban's CDC and Bans Diving Resort.

SIMONBOWEN.doc

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Vacation on Koh Tao, Thailand

Things to consider while being on your most amazing vacation:

Ko Tao is a small island of app 21sq Km.It receives over a 100 000 visitors per year. To minimize your impact on the eco-system, notice that there are no garbage disposal facilities, so everything that can't be burned has to be taken away. Try to avoid plastic bags that are given out for every purchase you make. There is also no department to clean the roads or other public areas, so don't dump your waste on the open landscape. Water is scarce and electricity expensive, so don't waste them.

Welcome to Koh Tao, Thailand.

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Read about Koh Tao on wikitravel...

http://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Tao

Labels: http://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Tao

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Awards and reviews...

PADI announce Ban's Diving Resort "Outstanding Divecenter/Business of the year 2009" in competition with over 1500 divecenters and resorts in Asia Pacific. Read more about it on PADIs official website: http://www.padi.com/scuba/special-offers/special-offers-ap/member-awards-2009/

Would also like to congratulate crystal diving koh tao and PADI Course Director Matt Bolton for their achievement by winning the "Diver Retention Award 2009". Koh Tao wins 2 out of the total 5 Final awards in Asia Pacific area in competition with over 1500 dive centers and dive resorts. Not bad for our little 'Rock' !!! Says something about the quality that is offered on Koh Tao in terms of diver safety and educational quality!

check out latest article on travel examiners website:
http://www.examiner.com/x-10879-Baltimore-International-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d13-Scuba-Diving-on-Koh-Tao-Thailand-Bans-Diving-Resort

Read more reveiews on realtravel.com:
http://realtravel.com/h-352215-koh_tao_hotel-bans_diving_resort

Read more reviews on tripadvisor.com:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g303910-d594344-Reviews-Ban_s_Diving_Resort-Ko_Tao.html

Read more reviews on hotels2thailand.com:
http://www.hotels2thailand.com/review.asp?id=2111#7869

PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson awarded Course Director of the year in Thailand 2007: Read more:
--------------------------
NEWS NEWS NEWS. SPECIAL OFFER JULY - SEPTEMBER 2009: FREE ENRICHED AIR/NITROX INSTRUCTOR COURSE INCLUDING TWO NITROX DIVES FOR ANYONE TAKING THE IDC WITH BANS AND SUNSHINE DURING THIS PERIOD.

IDC/EFRI/ENRICHED AIR INSTRUCTOR/TEC DIVE POOL INTRO: 39900BAHT (INCLUDING PASS GUARANTEE, EXTENDED 14 DAY IDC, LUNCH, T-SHIRT, FREE 6 WEEKS UNLIMITED DIVING PRIOR TO THE IDC, EQUIPMENT RENTAL INCLUDED). BEST OFFER IN TOWN!!!
-------------------------------------

NEWS NEWS NEWS. SPECIAL OFFER JULY - SEPTEMBER 2009: FREE ENRICHED AIR/NITROX INSTRUCTOR COURSE INCLUDING TWO NITROX DIVES FOR ANYONE TAKING THE IDC WITH BANS AND SUNSHINE DURING THIS PERIOD.

IDC/EFRI/ENRICHED AIR INSTRUCTOR/TEC DIVE POOL INTRO: 39900BAHT (INCLUDING PASS GUARANTEE, EXTENDED 14 DAY IDC, LUNCH, T-SHIRT, FREE 6 WEEKS UNLIMITED DIVING PRIOR TO THE IDC, EQUIPMENT RENTAL INCLUDED). BEST OFFER IN TOWN!!!

Look no further... If you are interested in becoming a dive professional look no further... here is why...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Bans Diving Resort became the most popular divecenter in Asia in terms of numbers of PADI Divers certified in 2008
- Bans is one of the few PADI 5-Star Career Development Centers in the world
- 6 Fulltime PADI Course Directors employed
- Most award winning for its Instructor Development Courses in the gulf of thailand (Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development both in 2000 and 2007)
- Winner of "Diveresort/Divecenter Business of the year " in PADI Asia Pacific (choosen among over 1200 divecenters)
- Amazing packages with unlimited diving during the Divemaster and Instructor courses
- Extended IDC and Divemaster Course (Unlimited time during DM and 17 including exams during IDC)
- Unique Internship and MSDT Programs
- 140 rooms resort dedicated to divers
- 3 large diveboats and 2 swimmingpools
- located with restaurant and beach bar on Sairee Beach - the most popular beach on koh tao
- 8 different divesites each day to choose from
- Special monthly accommodation dedicated to dive professionals
- Over 98% pass rate based on over 1000 IDC Candidates certified since 1998
- Pass guarantee for each IDC Candidate (we pay next exam and offer next idc for free)
- Dedicated classrooms for professional courses with projectors, plasma tvs, computers
- Only PADI Course Directors teaching all courses from PADI Divemaster and up.
- Special equipment and material packages with great deals for all students attending professional programs
- Lunch, T-shirt, IE Party Dinner included in all IDC Packages
- Unique Diving Professional Course Packages
- PADI Course Director, Master Instructor, Staff Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer Internship Programs
- 'Unique 'Change of Lifestyle' Programs which takes you from non-divers to experienced instructor
- and most important perhaps an amazing atmosphere each day and each night together with 100s like minded divers from all around the world!!!| (FROM WEBPAGE) http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g303910-d594344-r23925796-Ban_s_Diving_Resort-Ko_Tao.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

Labels: AWARD WINNER 2009 LATEST REVIEWS

Jonas ::

0 comments

http://www.scubaspots.com

Check out http://www.scubaspots.com for more information about diving in thailand. Oldest and most comprehensive dictionary about diving in thailand.

Labels: http://www.scubaspots.com

Jonas ::

0 comments

We are putting packages together for Khao Sok. what you think?

Khao Soks Chieow Laan Lake Cavern and Cave Diving and jungle trekking

We are planning to put up packages for Khao Sok National Park . How does 3 nights and 4 days sound?
------------------------------------------------------------
Day one: Leave Koh Tao with Lompraya to Chumphon at 10 am.
Day one: arrive around 5 pm to the ' The Rafthouse' followed by dinner

Day two morning: 2 dives in the early morning (red cave and the temple), lunch
Day two afternoon: Khao Sok Jungle Trekking between 2 pm to 5 pm followed by dinner

Day 3 morning: 2 dives early morning (both in the The Temple), lunch
Day 3 afternoon: chill out time or kayaking alternative dive outside the raft house

Day 4 morning: Depart around 10 am to Chumpon, spend night in chumphon
Day 5 morning: 7 am or 12 am boat back to koh tao.
-------------------------------------------------------------
so all together 5 dives in Khao Soks wonderful caves "The Red Cave and The Temple (Khao Sok lake proper name is The Chieow Laan Lake). Jungle trekking plus kayaking. all meals included plus boat and bus (alt car), National park fee included as well.
-------------------------------------------------------------
sounds good? email us on jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com if this is something you would be interested in. Price would end up around 18000baht (or 29000baht including PADI Cavern Specialty Course)

Labels: Khao Soks Chieow Laan Lake Cavern and Cave Diving and jungle trekking

Jonas ::

0 comments

Pictures from Khao Sak Lake, Cave diving mecca

Jonas ::

0 comments

Back from our Cave Trip to the national park Kao Sok (3-4 hours drive from Surat Thani) one of the largest rain forest in thailand!!! amazing trip where we dived the caves in Kao Sok. The Temple we explored is one of the largest caves in thailand and an amazing dive. the accommodation is floating bungalows with 20 meter of lake underneath! you wake up with the sounds of the gibbons in the jungle (kao sok even have wild tigers still!!!). we are going to organize trips each month so look out for the next trip date. its really amazing!!!

would also like to apologize that no emails been going through the last week. it was no connection in kao sok so we couldnt reply while being there which resulted in that all our accounts got blocked due to many inquiries for professional diving courses on our site. the problem should be fixed by now. anyone who book and had to wait for a reply more than 2 days receive a FREE BANS T-SHIRT when they arrive. again i apologize for the hick up.

take care and see you on koh tao!
cheers jonas samuelsson
padi course director
bans 5-star career development center
the koh tao idc group company limited

check out latest article on TRAVEL EXAMINER:
http://www.examiner.com/x-10879-Baltimore-International-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d13-Scuba-Diving-on-Koh-Tao-Thailand-Bans-Diving-Resort

Jonas ::

0 comments

Congratulations to Simon Bowen

Congratulations to Simon Bowen (idc candidates bans diving 2008) for GO PRO CHALLENGE!!!
---------------------------------------------------
In July came the IDC. I was told that Jonas Samuelson was a highly awarded PADI Course Director, but to see him in action confirms this completely. Tim Hunt is able to hold your interest in all areas of the IDC constantly. After passing my mock IE exams, and with all of the study that had been done in the previous weeks, I was certain that I could pass my Instructor Exam with flying colors, and qualified with high scores in all areas.
---------------------------------------------------
From from Divemaster - MSDT Candidates: Simon Bowen's article for the PADI GO PRO CHALLENGE in PADI ASIA PACIFICs latest newsletter 'The Surface Interval'. Congratulations Simon!!!
---------------------------------------------------
http://www.padimembers.com/cgi-bin/reqpg.exe?ALUM/AP//+AsiaPacific/home

http://www.padimembers.com/cgi-bin/reqpg.exe?ALUM/AP//+AsiaPacific/home

Labels: BANS CANDIDATE WIN GO PRO CHALLENGE

Jonas ::

0 comments

NEWS NEWS NEWS. SPECIAL OFFER JULY - SEPTEMBER 2009: FREE ENRICHED AIR/NITROX INSTRUCTOR COURSE INCLUDING TWO NITROX DIVES FOR ANYONE TAKING THE IDC WITH BANS AND SUNSHINE DURING THIS PERIOD.

IDC/EFRI/ENRICHED AIR INSTRUCTOR/TEC DIVE POOL INTRO: 39900BAHT (INCLUDING PASS GUARANTEE, EXTENDED 14 DAY IDC, LUNCH, T-SHIRT, FREE 6 WEEKS UNLIMITED DIVING PRIOR TO THE IDC, EQUIPMENT RENTAL INCLUDED). BEST OFFER IN TOWN!!!

Look no further... If you are interested in becoming a dive professional look no further... here is why...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Bans Diving Resort became the most popular divecenter in Asia in terms of numbers of PADI Divers certified in 2008
- Bans is one of the few PADI 5-Star Career Development Centers in the world
- 6 Fulltime PADI Course Directors employed
- Most award winning for its Instructor Development Courses in the gulf of thailand (Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development both in 2000 and 2007)
- Winner of "Diveresort/Divecenter Business of the year " in PADI Asia Pacific (choosen among over 1200 divecenters)
- Amazing packages with unlimited diving during the Divemaster and Instructor courses
- Extended IDC and Divemaster Course (Unlimited time during DM and 17 including exams during IDC)
- Unique Internship and MSDT Programs
- 140 rooms resort dedicated to divers
- 3 large diveboats and 2 swimmingpools
- located with restaurant and beach bar on Sairee Beach - the most popular beach on koh tao
- 8 different divesites each day to choose from
- Special monthly accommodation dedicated to dive professionals
- Over 98% pass rate based on over 1000 IDC Candidates certified since 1998
- Pass guarantee for each IDC Candidate (we pay next exam and offer next idc for free)
- Dedicated classrooms for professional courses with projectors, plasma tvs, computers
- Only PADI Course Directors teaching all courses from PADI Divemaster and up.
- Special equipment and material packages with great deals for all students attending professional programs
- Lunch, T-shirt, IE Party Dinner included in all IDC Packages
- Unique Diving Professional Course Packages
- PADI Course Director, Master Instructor, Staff Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer Internship Programs
- 'Unique 'Change of Lifestyle' Programs which takes you from non-divers to experienced instructor
- and most important perhaps an amazing atmosphere each day and each night together with 100s like minded divers from all around the world!!!| (FROM WEBPAGE) http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g303910-d594344-r23925796-Ban_s_Diving_Resort-Ko_Tao.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

ScubaStacey 2 contributions, Atlanta GA, 2009

"I spent 3 weeks at Bans CDC to do my IDC. I had done my research years before and had been in contact with the main Course Director, Jonas Samuelsson. They are organized, responsible, disciplined, and most of all fun! All the things you want when doing a professional course. They give you unbelievable amount of attention and have organized the course to make sure you get the most out of it. I call it the Ivy League of dive instruction.

Of course - all kinds of people learn to dive there. And given this pyramid structure of instruction, you not only have your professional, but several other near-professionals working your dives and courses - so you know its safe and well looked after dives and equipment.

The rooms vary widely. Since I was on an extended stay and an extended budget, I stayed in their rooms across the road. Clean, with a fan, bed, private balcony and a desk. Costed $4 per night, which you can't beat. I think they cleaned it once a week which was also fine. The rooms on the pool area are a LOT nicer. The bar is pretty active and there are several other restaurants, shops, massage parlors etc within a very short walk. Its away from downtown, but still right on the path where you can get to everything. I thought it was pretty much perfect!

Liked â€” Away from downtown, quality of services, accessible to everything
Disliked â€” Sometimes the parties go late, and you can't always sleep until your neighbors do!

Visit was for Hobbies / interest / culture
Traveled with Spouse / significant other
Age group 25-34
Member since June 28, 2008

Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend? absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for Young singles, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Great pool scene, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for People with disabilities, Older travelers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for Beach / Sun

-----------------http://www.instructor-kohtao.com/career/idc_dates_2009/english.html
NEXT IDC STARTS ON THE 3 OF AUGUST. COME DOWN NOW AND DIVE FOR FREE AND PREPARE YOURSELF BEFORE THE IDC STARTS ALL INCLUDED IN THE IDC PRICE OF 39900BAHT.

So if you come now then you can do some 50 dives included in the idc plus assist on courses, listen to divemaster theory, participate in some 3 skill circuits etc - all included in the idc price of 39.900bath (other benefits pass guarantee, longer more comprehensive idc, t shirt, dvd from the idc, lunch during the idc, discount on accommodation, padi materials and dive equipment. Best idc deal around? We believe so!

Kind regards
PADI Course Directors Jonas Samuelsson and Tim Hunt
Bans 5-Star CDC Career Development Center (2645)
jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com

HI Jonas How is life treating you More iDC
I was looking throught the PADI job section whalst going mad in the west Indies and saw a Job Advert for Queensland OZ. In the Add it said anyone trained by Jonas Samualsson would be highly considered

You are famous all over the world

On my travels I went Diving in NZ and the lady there was trained by you!

Life must be good

Hope all is great, and dont work too hard

Ban's Career Development Center is the most award winning divecenter on koh tao and the only divecenter in the gulf of thailand who won the award for Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development twice (2000 and 2007). PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson and Bans Diving have been conducting IDC since 1998 on Koh Tao and celebrating 10 years of IDC in July this year.

Don't take our word for it - just ask the over 1000 successful diving instructors coming through Bans Diving Resorts instructor development courses since 1998.
Jonas :: 10:42 AM

FREE UNLIMITED DIVING 6 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE IDC. ASSIST, ATTEND DM LECTURES, FUNDIVE, ALL INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE PRICE!!!

E-mail address:
contact@instructor-kohtao.com
jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com

facebook: jonas samuelsson 'network thailand' (please add)

Phone and fax:
mobile number (jonas):+66-(0)228 778 38 (In thailand: 08-228 778 38)

office number: +66-77-456466
office fax: +66-77-456057

Contact information for The Koh Tao IDC Group's staff:
Jonas Samuelsson
PADI Course Director, The Koh Tao IDC Group and Ban's 5-Star PADI Career Development Center
jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com (facebook network thailand), Mobile: +66-8-228 778 38

Sofie Lisby
PADI Staff Instructor, The Koh Tao IDC Group, Internet/Customer Service
contact@instructor-kohtao.com

Tim Hunt
PADI Course Director, The Koh Tao IDC Group, Manager Divemaster Training Sunshine Diveresort and Bans Career Development Center, contact@instructor-kohtao.com, Mobile: +66-8-33901470

Pi Saran
PADI Course Director, Manager Ban's Bangkok Diving Center, University Professor and translator of PADI Open Water Manual into Thai language. contact@instructor-kohtao.com "att Khun Saran"

Natalie Hunt
PADI Course Director / Manager Sunshine Dive resort
contact@sunshine-diveresort.com
--------------------------

"We are proud of the Instructor Development Courses we offer here at Ban's Diving Resort. The focus of our course is to create an Instructor ready and comfortable to teach all levels from PADI Open Water Diver to PADI Divemaster after the Instructor Exam rather than just focus on materials needed to pass the Instructor Exam."

"Build on my experience during the last 10 years teaching Instructor Courses on Koh Tao we have created one of the most successful idc programs in the world - which ensuring your success during the Instructor Examination and more importantly after the Exams working as an instructor.

Our Instructor Course guarantees you to become the most employable instructor in Asia".

Jonas Samuelsson, PADI Course Director, Koh Tao, Thailand
--------------------

Jonas ::

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Jonas ::

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IDC Started with 6 new IDC Candidates

Started a new IDC yesterday with six excited idc candidates. Sameer (el salvador), joey, luke, harry (uk), frank and liam (australia). great group! i been taking the idc this time together with dom (hong kong/england) as staff instructor and tim focus on msdt/internship programs at the moment due to the fact that the course are overlapping.

general news on koh tao. its great weather and pretty busy. sitting here looking out on the beach and its quite a crowd on sairee beach out side bans diving. the diving is excellent with vis around 20 meters at the moment. whalesharks was spotted yesterday in south west pinnacle.

Jonas ::

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Member_Awards_Asia_Pacific_Winners_2009-1.pdf

Jonas ::

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DIVECENTER OF THE YEAR IN PADI ASIA PACIFIC IS...

BAN'S DIVING RESORT IS THE DIVECENTER OF THE YEAR IN ASIA PACIFIC!!! CHOOSEN BY PADI AMONG OVER 1500 DIVECENTERS AND RESORTS!!! WHAT A YEAR - MOST POPULAR DIVECENTER IN REGARDS TO NUMBERS OF CERTIFIED STUDENTS IN ASIA AND ALSO DIVECENTER OF THE YEAR IN PADI ASIA PACIFIC. BANS DIVING RESORT "THE ULTIMATE DIVERESORT - THE ULTIMATE DIVE EXPERIENCE"

CHECK OUT WWW.PADI.COM for more information about Bans Diving Resorts Award 2009!!!

http://www.padi.com/scuba/special-offers/special-offers-ap/member-awards-2009/

Jonas ::

0 comments

interested in PADI Divemaster Course on Koh Tao. Bans CDC Center and The Koh Tao IDC Group offer a PADI Divemaster course with unlimited dives - unlimited time (its true!!!) during your course for the same price as everyone else charging for a program with limited time and dives on Koh Tao! Best deal on the Rock!!!

Caren Österbern (21)
Stockholm , Sweden
Divemaster
How did you hear about Jonas? Recommended when I arrived here
Best thing about the Divemaster course? It's just rockin'! Everyone is so awesome and you learn so much
Future plans? Doing the IDC with Jonas in a couple of months

Labels: Ban's Diving Resort - PADI Dive Business of the year in Asia Pacific Region, nt

Jonas ::

0 comments

Congratulations to the Koh Tao IDC Group's, Bans CDC, Sunshine Divers, Big Blue Candidates that passed the Instructor Exam on the 25th of June! Also thanks to all IDC Staff, Master Instructors, PADI Course Directors participating in teaching the successful program! On the photo all staff and candidates after passing the Instructor Exam. Party with food, live music in Dirty Nellys Irish Pub!!!

Jonas ::

0 comments

IDC Start Dates 2009:
www.idc-koh-tao.com/career/idc_dates_2009/english.html

Day by Day IDC and IE Schedule:
www.idc-koh-tao.com/documents/IDC_Schedule2009.pdf

Change of Lifestyle Packages (all inclusive pro packages):
www.idc-koh-tao.com/career/col/english.html

Pro Diving Courses Prices:
www.idc-koh-tao.com/career/packages/english.html

Labels: Important IDC Koh Tao Links

Jonas ::

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Special June - September Offer for all IDC Candidates!

Free Tec Intro for all IDC Candidates paying a deposit 2 weeks prior to the IDC Start.

- Tec intro where we teach you how to rig double tanks and achieve neutral bouyancy with double tanks and OMS Tec Rig plus free Ban's Diving T-shirt.

Jonas ::

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PADI SYSTEM OF DIVER EDUCATION - FLOWCHART. THE KOH TAO IDC GROUP AND BANS CDC OFFER ALL THE COURSES ON THE FLOWCHART (EXCEPT FOR A FEW SPECIALTY COURSES DUE TO GEOGRAPHIC REGION). Welcome to the most chosen divecenter in Asia!

Jonas ::

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Jonas ::

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DIVECENTER OF THE YEAR IN PADI ASIA PACIFIC IS...

Jonas ::

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IDC and PADI IE Dates 2010

2010%20IE%20Schedule%20Jonas.xls

Jonas ::

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Schedule for AI, OWSI, EFRI, IE

SCHEDULE FOR ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR, OPEN WATER SCUBA INSTRUCTOR, EFR INSTRUCTOR, INSTRUCTOR EXAMINATION... SEE HOW YOUR COURSE IS SCHEDULED...schedule2009.pdf

Jonas ::

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Jonas ::

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Big change regarding diveplanning - no more RDP

New Dive Computer Option for the PADI Open Water Diver Course.

Effective August 2009 you can choose to teach RDP Table version, ERD ML or Divecomputers. If you start teaching Divecomputers instead for the RDPs the students must:

- Read "How to use and choose dive computers" (new guide)
- Complete the Knowledge Review in the back of "How to use and choose dive computers" (answer key www.padi.com)
- Instructor use the new PADI Dive Computer Simulator to teach the use of dive computers before the dives
- Student answer revised Quiz 4 and final exam (download questions on www.padi.com) answer keys remain the same.

Not to surprising in my eyes considering how common dive computers are in the dive community today. important of course is that all instructors still spend time during module 4 and 5 teaching the students decompression theory, the importance of dive planning to keep nitrogen levels down, importance of monitoring depth, bottom time and surface intervals.

Remember the change is effective from August 2009, so continue teach the ERDP ML and or RDP Table version but start already now to use the "How to use and choose dive computers" as an extra presentations for the students during module 4 and 5.

thats it for today, bit busy going online now to buy stocks in Suunto!!!
Bye for now, jonas

Jonas ::

1 comments

Contact information for The Koh Tao IDC Group's staff:

Jonas Samuelsson
Head PADI Course Director: Ban's 5-Star PADI Career Development Center, Managing Director: The Koh Tao IDC Group jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com (facebook network thailand), Mobile: +66-8-228 778 38

Sofie Lisby
PADI Staff Instructor, The Koh Tao IDC Group, Manager: Internet/Customer Service
contact@instructor-kohtao.com and reservations@visitkohtao.com

Tim Hunt
PADI Course Director, The Koh Tao IDC Group, Manager Divemaster Training Sunshine Diveresort and Bans Career Development Center, contact@instructor-kohtao.com, Mobile: +66-8-33910470

Pi Saran
PADI Course Director, Manager Ban's Bangkok Diving Center, University Professor and translator of PADI Open Water Manual into Thai language. contact@instructor-kohtao.com

Assar Manuswin
PADI Course Director, Koh Tao, Manager www.dyka-i-thailand.se
info@dyka-i-thailand.com

Natalie Hunt
PADI Course Director / Manager: Sunshine Dive resort
contact@sunshine-diveresort.com

Mario Koesters
PADI Course Director, Senior PADI Instructor: Ban's 5-Star Career Development Center
marioskip@hotmail.com

Labels: The Koh Tao IDC Group's staff

Jonas ::

0 comments

Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend? absolutely!

“Great place to learn to dive - all levels” - Ban's Diving Resort

| (FROM WEBPAGE) http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g303910-d594344-r23925796-Ban_s_Diving_Resort-Ko_Tao.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

ScubaStacey 2 contributions, Atlanta GA, 2009

"I spent 3 weeks at Bans CDC to do my IDC. I had done my research years before and had been in contact with the main Course Director, Jonas Samuelsson. They are organized, responsible, disciplined, and most of all fun! All the things you want when doing a professional course. They give you unbelievable amount of attention and have organized the course to make sure you get the most out of it. I call it the Ivy League of dive instruction.

Of course - all kinds of people learn to dive there. And given this pyramid structure of instruction, you not only have your professional, but several other near-professionals working your dives and courses - so you know its safe and well looked after dives and equipment.

The rooms vary widely. Since I was on an extended stay and an extended budget, I stayed in their rooms across the road. Clean, with a fan, bed, private balcony and a desk. Costed $4 per night, which you can't beat. I think they cleaned it once a week which was also fine. The rooms on the pool area are a LOT nicer. The bar is pretty active and there are several other restaurants, shops, massage parlors etc within a very short walk. Its away from downtown, but still right on the path where you can get to everything. I thought it was pretty much perfect!

Liked — Away from downtown, quality of services, accessible to everything
Disliked — Sometimes the parties go late, and you can't always sleep until your neighbors do!

Visit was for Hobbies / interest / culture
Traveled with Spouse / significant other
Age group 25-34
Member since June 28, 2008

Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend? absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for Young singles, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Great pool scene, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for People with disabilities, Older travelers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for Beach / Sun
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This blog is currently rated a 5.00 out of a possible 5 based on 1 comment.

The Koh Tao IDC Group from:

http://www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/the-koh-tao-idc-group-career-in-diving-thailand.html

I did my instructor course (padi idc) and msdt and internship program with PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson and Tim Hunt in january 2009. It was an amazing program, i came 4 weeks prior to the idc and could dive for free before the idc (they even lend me equipment at no cost), the idc was extended and had many more open water, confined and academic presentations than padis minimum requirements. and on top of it all jonas and tim and the rest of their team made the idc so much fun! i used the above blog to read about koh tao idcs before coming to koh tao and it was through this web blog i came across this amazing program. can highly recommend!!! sam

Posted: March 28th, 2009 | More Reviews From KohTaoIDCGroup | Report This Comment

Jonas ::

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Some pictures from bans diving resort 2009

http://www.bans-diving-resort.com/facilities/information/english.html

Jonas ::

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Jonas Samuelsson IDC Started today: PADI IDC Candidates: Ga (Israel)l, Yu (Korea), Amit (Israel), Chloe (France), Benedicte (Austria), Ben (English), Gaz (Wales), Samir (El Salvador), Sam (England) and Liam (Australia).

PADI Staff Instructors: Justin (US), Nick (English), Dom (Hong Kong), Alex (Germany), G and Gaspard (France), Emmy (Sweden) and Laura (Canada)

PADI Course Directors: Tim (Canada) and Jonas (Sweden)
9:58am · Comment · Like

Carmi Bogot, Mike Sobel and 2 others like this.

Melissa Saglam at 10:58am June 8
PADI United Nations!

Mike Sobel at 11:51am June 8
how i miss that room and all that goes on there!

Chris Robinson at 12:06pm June 8
Jeez is the room big enough.....!!! Who says were in an economic slump.....!!! Enjoy....

Joey Curbishley at 2:49pm June 8
Good luck guys - see you for the July IDC

Jonas ::

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IDC Started today!!!

IDC Starting 9am this morning,
-------------------------------------------------------
PADI IDC Candidats:
Gal (Israel)l, Yu (Korea), Amit (Israel), Chloe (France), Benedicte (Austria), Ben (English), Gaz (Whales), Samir (El Salvador), Sam (England) and Liam (Australia),

PADI Staff Instructors:
Justin (US), Nick (English), Dom (Hong Kong), Alex (Germany), G and Gaspard (France), Emmy (Sweden), Jeff/Choppers (Aussie mate) and Laura (Canada)

PADI Course Directors:
Tim (Canada) and Jonas (Sweden)
-------------------------------------------------------

Labels: June 8th 2009, Koh Tao Thailand starts today

Jonas ::

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Ban's Diving Resort - PADI Dive Business of the year in Asia Pacific Region

Jonas ::

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Ban's Diving Resort - PADI Dive Business of the year in Asia Pacific Region

Jonas ::

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MSDT is completed today with the Instructor Team teaching Internship Training starting this afternoon. The schedule this time was the following (gives you an idea whats happening after your IDC, EFR INSTRUCTOR AND PADI EXAMS).

IDC AND IE completed in the 30th of May.

MSDT AND INTERNSHIP SCHEDULE:

1th of June: Orientaion and DEEP Specialty Instructor theory and 2 Deep Dives (40 meters)
2nd of June: Enriched Air Theory and Navigation Theory - 2 Enriched Air Dives combined with Navigation ex.
3th of June: Digital Uw Photo (co presenter Lorna - professiona underwater photographer wiht years of experience) and Underwater Scooter Presentation - 2 dives with different types of u/w cameras and scooters.
4th of June - Introduction to Tec Diving Dive and Night Dive
5-6th of June - Advanced Equipment Specialty (co presenter Engineer Mr Chai) including see how Hydro really works etc.
7-8th of June - Assist different areas of interest. Diveshop, Equipment repair etc.
9th of June - - - 2-3 months .... Team teach with senior instructors on open water, advanced, rescue, efr, specialties, dm courses (complete the program with some 7-8 Instructor Specialties and 150 certification all levels).

Hard to find a more comprensive MSDT and Internship Program than the one above. Price for the above training is only an extra 22000bath.

take care and see you on koh tao soon,
cheers jonas

Jonas ::

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PADI Member Award

http://www.padi.com/scuba/special-offers/special-offers-ap/member-awards-2009/

Jonas ::

0 comments

PADI member-awards-2009/

http://www.padi.com/scuba/special-offers/special-offers-ap/member-awards-2009/

Labels: PADI member-awards-2009/

Jonas ::

0 comments

member-awards-2009/

Now its official on PADI's Website. Check it out:

http://www.padi.com/scuba/special-offers/special-offers-ap/

Labels: member-awards-2009/

Jonas ::

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Winner of "Diveresort/Divecenter Business of the year " in PADI Asia Pacific (choosen among over 1200 divecenters)

Jonas ::

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Look no further...

If you are interested in becoming a dive professional look no further... here is why...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Bans Diving Resort became the most popular divecenter in Asia in terms of numbers of PADI Divers certified in 2008
- Bans is one of the few PADI 5-Star Career Development Centers in the world
- 6 Fulltime PADI Course Directors employed
- Most award winning for its Instructor Development Courses in the gulf of thailand (Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development both in 2000 and 2007)
- Winner of "Diveresort/Divecenter Business of the year " in PADI Asia Pacific (choosen among over 1200 divecenters)
- Amazing packages with unlimited diving during the Divemaster and Instructor courses
- Extended IDC and Divemaster Course (Unlimited time during DM and 17 including exams during IDC)
- Unique Internship and MSDT Programs
- 140 rooms resort dedicated to divers
- 3 large diveboats and 2 swimmingpools
- located with restaurant and beach bar on Sairee Beach - the most popular beach on koh tao
- 8 different divesites each day to choose from
- Special monthly accommodation dedicated to dive professionals
- Over 98% pass rate based on over 1000 IDC Candidates certified since 1998
- Pass guarantee for each IDC Candidate (we pay next exam and offer next idc for free)
- Dedicated classrooms for professional courses with projectors, plasma tvs, computers
- Only PADI Course Directors teaching all courses from PADI Divemaster and up.
- Special equipment and material packages with great deals for all students attending professional programs
- Lunch, T-shirt, IE Party Dinner included in all IDC Packages
- Unique Diving Professional Course Packages
- PADI Course Director, Master Instructor, Staff Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer Internship Programs
- 'Unique 'Change of Lifestyle' Programs which takes you from non-divers to experienced instructor
- and most important perhaps an amazing atmosphere each day and each night together with 100s like minded divers from all around the world!!!

Please email jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com for more information about your individual diving professional schedule.

Jonas ::

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Ban's Diving Resort - PADI Dive Business of the year in Asia Pacific Region

Labels: Ban's Diving Resort - PADI Dive Business of the year in Asia Pacific Region

Jonas ::

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PADI ASIA PACIFIC WINNERS - 2009

Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award

Region 12: Sipadan Scuba S-6528
Region 22: Global Dive S-6793
Region 23: Pro Dive Cairns S-8014
Region 24: Aquatic Adventures Glen Iris S-8298
Region 25: Asia Divers S-2736
Region 26: Ban's Dive Resort S-2645
Region 27: Diving Adventure S-6026
Region 28: Aqua Marine S-17289
-----------------------------------------------
FINAL WINNER OUTSTANDING (DIVECENTRE-RESORT)

BUSINESS AWARD PADI ASIA PACIFIC ALL REGIONS:

BAN'S DIVE RESORT, KOH TAO, THAILAND

Labels: AWARD WINNER 2009, DIVECENTER OF THE YEAR PADI ASIA PACIFIC

Jonas ::

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PADI Crew at Bans for Award Ceremony

Jonas ::

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New divecenter in Toronto!

Our friends Peter and Chris opened up a new divecenter in Toronto with all the services you can expect from a great divecenter. done your course in thailand and want to continue diving back home. check it out...

http://torontoscubaclub.com

Labels: http://torontoscubaclub.com

Jonas ::

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Amazing day on koh tao

Blue sky, sunny and hot, clear water, slight breeze... cant imagine a better place on earth a day like this. book your tickets, pack your bag, get a long long visa and come down to the 'rock'!!!

Jonas ::

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IE DATES FOR 2010 ONLINE

2010%20IE%20Schedule%20Draft%20Version%201.0.xls

We got the Instructor Exam dates for PADI Asia Pacific Region 2010 now. The dates will be up with the next week. if you need any information about the dates before that, please email me jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com for more information.

take care and talk soon,
cheers
jonas

Jonas ::

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PADI ASIA PACIFIC WINNERS - 2009

Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award

Region 12: Sipadan Scuba S-6528
Region 22: Global Dive S-6793
Region 23: Pro Dive Cairns S-8014
Region 24: Aquatic Adventures Glen Iris S-8298
Region 25: Asia Divers S-2736
Region 26: Ban's Dive Resort S-2645
Region 27: Diving Adventure S-6026
Region 28: Aqua Marine S-17289
-----------------------------------------------
FINAL WINNER OUTSTANDING (DIVECENTRE-RESORT) BUSINESS AWARD PADI ASIA PACIFIC ALL
REGIONS:

Ban's Dive Resort S-2645

Jonas ::

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PADI ASIA PACIFIC WINNERS - 2009

Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award

Region 12: Sipadan Scuba S-6528
Region 22: Global Dive S-6793
Region 23: Pro Dive Cairns S-8014
Region 24: Aquatic Adventures Glen Iris S-8298
Region 25: Asia Divers S-2736
Region 26: Ban's Dive Resort S-2645
Region 27: Diving Adventure S-6026
Region 28: Aqua Marine S-17289
-----------------------------------------------
FINAL WINNER OUTSTANDING (DIVECENTRE-RESORT) BUSINESS AWARD PADI ASIA PACIFIC ALL
REGIONS:

Ban's Dive Resort S-2645

Jonas ::

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Female padi instructors wanted

Friend of mine is looking for two female instructors for work in vietnam. one french speaking and one swedish speaking. email me on jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com for more information.

Jonas ::

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“Global Warming: Challenge or Opportunity for Koh Tao"

“Global Warming: Challenge or Opportunity for Koh Tao"

On this Saturday the 23rd, Assistant Professor Dr. Anond Snidvongs, the
director of Southeast Asia START Regional Center, will be visiting Koh Tao
to present his project and get feedback from the foreigner community on Koh
Tao. I know that you are probably very busy, but it would be extremely
helpful if you could attend this event. You have been invited because of
your assistance on Marine Conservation Projects. The schedule for the
meeting is below, and I have attached relavent background information about
this project. If you cannot attend, please send 1 person from your school
who has been attending the monthly meetings.

Saturday 23 May, 9.00 – 12.00
Location: The Temple Pavilion, (Near the Koh Tao School) (For foreign
participants)
A workshop on “Global Warming: Challenge or Opportunity for Koh Tao
Development”

GLOBAL WARMING: CHALLENGE OR OPPORTUNITY
FOR KOH TAO DEVELOPMENT
23 May 2009
Temple Pavilion

8.30 – 9.00 Registration
9.00 – 9.30 Introduction to the project and workshop
9.30 – 10.00 Presentation: Future climate change projection in 30 years of
Koh Tao and surrounding areas
10.00 – 10.30 Presentation: Impacts of climate change to marine ecosystems
10.30 – 12.30 Discussion/Brainstorming

- Conceptions of Koh Tao stakeholders on the impacts of future climate
change
- The development of Koh Tao: From past to present (1979 – 2009)
- The development direction of Koh Tao: From present to the future (2009
– 2040)

12.30 Lunch

Labels: “Global Warming: Challenge or Opportunity for Koh Tao

Jonas ::

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BANS DIVING RESORT AWARD WINNER

http://www.padi.com/scuba/special-offers/special-offers-ap/member-awards-2009/

Jonas ::

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PADI ASIA PACIFIC WINNERS - 2009

Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award

Region 12: Sipadan Scuba S-6528
Region 22: Global Dive S-6793
Region 23: Pro Dive Cairns S-8014
Region 24: Aquatic Adventures Glen Iris S-8298
Region 25: Asia Divers S-2736
Region 26: Ban's Dive Resort S-2645
Region 27: Diving Adventure S-6026
Region 28: Aqua Marine S-17289
-----------------------------------------------
FINAL WINNER OUTSTANDING (DIVECENTRE-RESORT) BUSINESS AWARD PADI ASIA PACIFIC ALL REGIONS:

Ban's Dive Resort S-2645

Jonas ::

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Drew Richardson on Koh Tao!!!

REMINDER...

MONTRA TONIGHT AT 6 PM FOR THE PADI PRESENTATION. SURPRISE SURPRISE. PRESIDENT DREW RICHARDSON HIMSELF IS DOING THE PRESENTATION. ONCE IN A LIFE TIME OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE MAN HIMSELF IN ACTION! AFTER THE PRESENTATION FREE BUFFE AND SPECIAL DRINK DEALS IN NELLYS FOR ANYONE PARTICIPATING IN THE SEMINAR. ANOTHER FUN THING HAPPEN LAST NIGHT. MIAMI INK CAME TO NELLYS FOR A DRINK LAST NIGHT. THEY ARE HERE AS A PART OF AN ASIAN TOUR. CHECK OUT NEWS FROM VYBE BAR WHERE THEY ARE GOING TO 'INK' SOME KOH TAO PERSONALITIES WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS!!! LOTS OF THINGS HAPPENING ON KOH TAO! PACK YOUR BAG AND COME DOWN IF YOUR NOT HERE ALREADY. IF YOU ARE ON KOH TAO - SEE YOU IN MONTRA TONIGHT!

Labels: PADI PRESIDENT DREW RICHARDSON ON KOH TAO

Jonas ::

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Fun and important dates to remember

Happenings the next few weeks on Koh Tao:
-------------------------------------------------------------
20th of May:
SUNKEN NIGHT BOAT SURVEY (only for experienced divers)

31th of May:
BEACH CLEAN UP

25th of July:
Deadline for submission of photos to SAVE KOH TAO PHOTO COMPETITION
-------------------------------------------------------------

Labels: Whats happening on Koh Tao?

Jonas ::

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PADI SEMINAR

Survival Training 2009:

Business of Diving for the 21st Century Focusing on the message that while you can’t change the circumstances
of the world you can change your attitude and response, Survival Training
2009: Business of Diving for the 21st Century is sweeping through the PADI
Asia Pacific territories.

Survival Training 2009:

Date: 16th May at 6.00 - 8.00 pm

Montra Resort, Koh Tao

DIRTY NELLYS IRISH PUB 8.00 pm - LATE; Free buffe and special drink deals for all attending the seminar. WELCOME TO THE LATEST PADI SEMINAR IN MONTRA AND DINNER IN NELLYS AFTER THE SEMINAR!!!

-----------------------------------------------------

After the seminar DIRTY NELLYS IRISH PUB put up a free buffe dinner and special drink deals for anyone attending the seminar.

-----------------------------------------------------

Jonas ::

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500 posts since 2004...

I am sitting here on samui with a cold heineken relaxing on the last night of the holiday. its been a great time but tomorrow i am heading back to the 'rock'. tim and i start an idc on the 12th of May. Looking forward to get going again with the idc. great bunch is starting on this course as well. this is the post number 500 since i start writing this blogger about idcs etc. time flies eh? take care all of you out there. Greetings to all former and future idc candidates!!! have fun and see you around! cheers jonas and the koh tao idc group team!!!

Jonas ::

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Pics with Jonas and PADI Legal Guru Richard Evans (PIC1) and Jonas with Chris and Jack (New Instructors april 2009)

check out more pics on

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?sid=834f5140df9a95f7fe6d29044e4eef47&eid=73837424479&ref=search

Jonas ::

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IDC GROUP APRIL

Jonas ::

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100% passrate again and again,

All candidates from Bans Diving (CDC), Sunshine Divers, Big Blue Diving, Sea-mester Yachts (The Koh Tao IDC'CDC Group) passed their Instructor Exam on Koh Tao in April.

All scores were over 4.5 (with an average of 4.7). pretty amazing. one examiner said that it was some of the best presentations he encountered as a PADI Examiner.

Sitting in the class room right now with the new MASTER SCUBA DIVER TRAINER Candidates FABRICE, DAVE, LORNA, ALI (The Slovenian Bull), Jonathan (Nick is back on Koh Tao to staff - Nick is a dm from big blue and later idc outside koh tao, Justin also here to staff - Justin is a MSDT recommended to come down to bans cdc by ANDY PHILLIPS from Utila Dive Centre).

Take care and see you soon on koh tao,

ps 2 whale sharks on koh tao yesterday. (sail rock this time - amazing pics!!!)

cheers jonas

Labels: Bans Koh Tao IDC 2009 100% Passrate again and again

Jonas ::

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'Mock' Instructor Exam started.

The 'Mock' Instructor Exam started today with Confined Water Presentations and skill evaluation this morning. Right now, next to me in bans idc classroom, the candidates are writing a 50 questions open book standard exam and next a 60 question dm exam (physics, physiology, equipment, skills and environment and deco theory). tomorrow morning its open water and rescue evaluation and any make up exams in the after noon.

the padi instructor exam schedule is:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 april:
Montra Resort for Orientation and dm and standard exam (1 pm - 6 pm)

29 april
Montra Resort for Academic Presentation (8 am - 11 am)
Buddha view boat (1 pm - 6 pm) Open Water Presentations and rescue evaluation

30 april
(8 am-11.30 am) asia divers pool for confined water presentation and skill evaluation
1 pm - very very very late. DIRTY NELLYS Opening party after renovation with IE Ceremony followed by live band, free large buffe, drinks and some more drinks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jonas ::

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Bit windy on koh tao...

The wind picked up a little bit on koh tao but we expect the sea to be more calm within a day or so. The idc candidates are doing great with only a few days plus efr instructor and 'mock' instructor exam left to do.

Thomas, idc candidate, is setting up facebook group for this idc with many pictures. search for idc koh tao bans diving and you see some.

see you soon on the 'rock'

Jonas ::

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IDC started with 11 new excited Instructor Candidates.

IDC Candidates for April is: Olaf (Holland), Mark (Holland), Jonathan (Sweden), Fabrice (France), Greg (Australia), Dave (Canada), Oliver (Switzerland), Thomas (Polen), Jack (England), Dj Jaffa (England) and Chris (US).

Staff Instructor Candidates:
Melissa (Australia), Dom (Hong Kong) and Gaspard (France).

PADI Course Directors Tim Hunt (Canada) and Jonas (Sweden)

------------------------------------------------------------------

NEXT IDC STARTS ON THE 12 OF MAY. COME DOWN NOW AND DIVE UNLIMITED PRIOR TO THE IDC!!!

------------------------------------------------------------------

Labels: NEXT IDC STARTS ON THE 12 OF MAY

Jonas ::

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news april

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Whalesharks at Chumphon Pinnacle
Whalesharks at Chumphon Pinnacle. Bans students and fundivers spend 2 amazing
dives with the approx. 5 meter whaleshark.
Labels: Whalesharks at Chumphon Pinnacle

Jonas :: 11:14 AM
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Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award - Winner Bans Diving Resort
A panel of PADI judges then considered all of the finalists within each
region and we are very pleased to announce the following finalists and
winners of this yearâ€™s awards. PADI congratulates all of our Members on
the outstanding job you do training divers and we wish you the best of
success for the remainder of 2009.
Region 26 â€“ Hans Ullrich

Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award

Bans Dive Resort S-2645
Labels: Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award - Winner Bans Diving Resort

Jonas :: 10:57 AM
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Down load our unique IDC 17 day Schedule
IDC%202009%20March

--------------------------------
Check out http://www.instructor-kohtao.com/career/idc_dates_2009/english.html for start date.
Also please come down up to 6 weeks prior to the start date to dive unlimited and prepare yourself prior to the idc (all of this for free for all our idc candidates).
-------------------------------
Jonas :: 10:10 AM
0 comments
New IDC Started and Happy Songkran (New Years Eve)
IDC started with 10 new excited Instructor Candidates.

IDC Candidates for April is: Olaf (Holland), Mark (Holland), Jonathan (Sweden), Fabrice (France), Greg (Australia), Dave (Canada), Oliver (Switzerland), Thomas (Polen), Jack (England), Dj Jaffa (England).

Staff Instructor Candidates:
Melissa (Australia), Dom (Hong Kong) and Gaspard (France).

PADI Course Directors Tim Hunt (Canada) and Jonas (Sweden)

------------------------------------------------------------------

NEXT IDC STARTS ON THE 12 OF MAY. COME DOWN NOW AND DIVE UNLIMITED PRIOR TO THE IDC!!!

------------------------------------------------------------------
Jonas :: 9:45 AM
0 comments
Wednesday, April 08, 2009

PADI SEMINARS ON KOH TAO APRIL AND MAY...

PADI BUSINESS SEMINAR ON THE 20TH OF APRIL WITH HANS ULRICH

PADI LEGAL RISK SEMINAR ON THE 1TH OF MAY WITH RICHARD EVANS

(BOTH SEMINARS GIVES CREDIT TOWARDS MASTER INSTRUCTOR AND COURSE DIRECTOR RATINGS AND APPLICATIONS).

See you there, jonas
Jonas :: 1:54 PM
0 comments
Tuesday, April 07, 2009

A panel of PADI judges then considered all of the finalists within each
region and we are very pleased to announce the following finalists and
winners of this year’s awards. PADI congratulates all of our Members on
the outstanding job you do training divers and we wish you the best of
success for the remainder of 2009.
Region 26 – Hans Ullrich

Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award

Bans Dive Resort S-2645
Labels: Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award Bans Dive Resort S-2645

Jonas :: 10:07 PM

Jonas ::

0 comments

Whalesharks at Chumphon Pinnacle

Whalesharks at Chumphon Pinnacle. Bans students and fundivers spend 2 amazing
dives with the approx. 5 meter whaleshark.

Labels: Whalesharks at Chumphon Pinnacle

Jonas ::

0 comments

Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award - Winner Bans Diving Resort

A panel of PADI judges then considered all of the finalists within each
region and we are very pleased to announce the following finalists and
winners of this year’s awards. PADI congratulates all of our Members on
the outstanding job you do training divers and we wish you the best of
success for the remainder of 2009.
Region 26 – Hans Ullrich

Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award

Bans Dive Resort S-2645

Labels: Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award - Winner Bans Diving Resort

Jonas ::

0 comments

Down load our unique IDC 17 day Schedule

IDC%202009%20March

--------------------------------
Check out http://www.instructor-kohtao.com/career/idc_dates_2009/english.html for start date.
Also please come down up to 6 weeks prior to the start date to dive unlimited and prepare yourself prior to the idc (all of this for free for all our idc candidates).
-------------------------------

Jonas ::

0 comments

New IDC Started and Happy Songkran (New Years Eve)

IDC started with 10 new excited Instructor Candidates.

IDC Candidates for April is: Olaf (Holland), Mark (Holland), Jonathan (Sweden), Fabrice (France), Greg (Australia), Dave (Canada), Oliver (Switzerland), Thomas (Polen), Jack (England), Dj Jaffa (England).

Staff Instructor Candidates:
Melissa (Australia), Dom (Hong Kong) and Gaspard (France).

PADI Course Directors Tim Hunt (Canada) and Jonas (Sweden)

------------------------------------------------------------------

NEXT IDC STARTS ON THE 12 OF MAY. COME DOWN NOW AND DIVE UNLIMITED PRIOR TO THE IDC!!!

------------------------------------------------------------------

Jonas ::

0 comments

PADI SEMINARS ON KOH TAO APRIL AND MAY...

PADI BUSINESS SEMINAR ON THE 20TH OF APRIL WITH HANS ULRICH

PADI LEGAL RISK SEMINAR ON THE 1TH OF MAY WITH RICHARD EVANS

(BOTH SEMINARS GIVES CREDIT TOWARDS MASTER INSTRUCTOR AND COURSE DIRECTOR RATINGS AND APPLICATIONS).

See you there, jonas

Jonas ::

0 comments

Labels: Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award Bans Dive Resort S-2645

Jonas ::

2 comments

CD Update completed

Around 50 PADI Course Directors from all over Asia completed the PADI CD Update yesterday in Grand Mercure Fortune Tower. Topics that was brought up was among others:

- E-learning for future IDCs... presentation that you might see online in the future are Diveindustry, Business of Diving, Project Aware, How to teach RDP and more. changes are launched in november 2009.

- E-learning PADI Advanced Course

- Changes of the evaluation criterias for academic and confined water presentations, one change for example is that in the future we are combining Briefing and Demonstration criterias for the evaluation, another is a simplification in general.

- New instructor manual (around 100-120 pages only). pure raw data only in the future instructor manual. the recommendation for teaching etc is going to be find in the IDC Candidate work book and online www.padi.com

I keep you updated with other changes that might happen within the next few months. you can read more about some of those changes in the PADI Training bullentin Q1 2009.

on a private note, i am still in bangkok, flying back on thursday. and back on the rock on friday. for books etc please talk to Tim who is going back already tonight to Koh Tao.

Take care and have fun out there!

Cheers jonas, bangkok

Jonas ::

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Thai New Year Celebration on the 13-15 of April

Due to Thai New Years Festival (13-15 of April) we decided to start the April Instructor Development Course on the 11 of April and take 13-14 of April off. Bans%20Logo%20-%20EPS.eps

Labels: idc koh tao in all languages, Songkran, Thai New Year Celebration on the 13-15 of April, Thailand

Jonas ::

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now available on blogcatalog.com

http://www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/the-koh-tao-idc-group-career-in-diving-thailand.html

Jonas ::

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Congratulations to our new instructors on koh tao!!!

100% passrate once again for the Koh Tao IDC Groups (Big Blue, Bans and Sunshine and more) IDC Candidates March 2009. All 13 passed with amazing scores. all scores higher than 4.5 out of 5.0 (3.5 is passrate). Great result on the written exams too!!!

12 started the Internship and MSDT with Wreck diving at unicorn, equipment spec, nitrox spec, deep spec and digital underwater photo. Great dive at Unicorn (with MS Trident) the other day!!!

Next start date is the 11 of April (see reason for change of dates below.. thai new years - Songkran)

take care and talk soon! cheers jonas

Jonas ::

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Ban's win PADI Award for Outstanding Contribution in the Dive Industry

Bans 5-Star CDC Center won the prestigious PADI Award for outstanding contribution in the Dive Industry. Bans CDC received this award for being a leader within the diveindustry and being one of the most progressive divecenters in asia. The award is presented by PADI Regional Manager Hans Ulrich later on this month.

Congratulations also to Sunshine 5-Star IDC Center (sister company to Bans CDC) and Crystal 5-Star CDC Center for winning PADI Awards in other fields.

Koh Tao divecenters lead the way within the Asian diveindustry once again!!!

Good job to all instructors and divemaster who worked so hard during 2008.

Thank you, PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson

Jonas ::

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Thai New Year Celebration on the 13-15 of April

Due to Thai New Years Festival (13-15 of April) we decided to start the April Instructor Development Course on the 11 of April and take 13-14 of April off.

Thai New Year is also called as Songkran. It is celebrated for three days from April 13 to April 15 every year on the Gregorian Calendar. Songkran falls on the hottest time of the year in Thailand. It comes from Sanskrit and means 'a move or change'. The date of Thai New Year was set according to the astrological calculations.

Traditions play a very vital role in presenting a true picture of New Year celebrations in Thailand. Traditional activities are performed with serious dedication by the people of Thailand. A most common tradition of throwing water over one another is performed with fun by the people. It is conceived to bring good rains all year ahead. This is called Rohd Nam Songkran, meaning 'The Pouring of Songkran Water'.

So come now to Koh Tao and enjoy free unlimited diving prior to the IDC and then have fun on Songkran and also become an Instructor - all in April - not a bad month!!!

-----------------------------------

Jonas ::

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The Koh Tao IDC Groups IDC Candidate won GO PRO Runner up price 2008

Congratulations to Simon Bowen who won the PADI's GO PRO RUNNER UP PRICE 2008. Simon is a Ban's Diving and The Koh Tao IDC Group IDC and MSDT Candidate 2008.

Now its time again for the challenge... is Bans CDC and The Koh Tao IDC Groups students take home the price again? Read the 'how to do' below and submit now!

PADI Launches 2009 Go Pro Challenge!
Inviting all non divers, divers and professionals

What are you waiting for?
Do you dream of living the dive life but haven't taken the plunge? Want to
spend your days diving instead of sweating it out in an office? If so, now's
the time to jumpstart your career as a PADI Professional by entering the 2009
Go PRO Challenge Contest. The PADI Go PRO Challenge consists of two contests:

The Go PRO Challenge Testimonial Contest with a $10,000 US worldwide
cash prize
Go PRO Challenge Professional Rating Contest with a DOXA dive watch,
recognition and other prizes to the winner in each of five worldwide
regions

Labels: on

Jonas ::

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Congratulations all new EFR INSTRUCTORS!!!

Congratulations to our 14 brand new EFR Instructors @ Ban's Diving Resort and The Koh Tao IDC Group. Thanks to Gaz who came and filmed the afternoon session with the skill practice etc. The film which also going to include tomorrow mornings 'moch instructor exam' confined session and open water session is going to be shown in Dirty Nellys Irish Pub on the 19th of March.

Instructor exam starts on the 17th of March with Instructor Exam Party in Irish Pub on the 19th.

Have fun and see you soon on koh tao!

regards jonas

Jonas ::

0 comments

R U up for being paid to dive?

PADI Needs Underwater Models--- wanna get paid to dive?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:19pm

R U up for being paid to dive?

See the details here:
http://tinyurl.com/cevyc6
tinyurl.com
Source: tinyurl.com

If you’re passionate about diving, love to travel and want your 15 minutes of fame- here’s your chance! PADI and Diving Science and Technology (DSAT) are currently casting PADI Divers to star in upcoming projects.

Jonas ::

0 comments

NEW PADI COURSE DIRECTORS FROM BAN's

Contratulations to Bans Career Development Center and The Koh Tao IDC Groups new PADI Course Directors.

NEW PADI COURSE DIRECTORS FROM THE KOH TAO IDC GROUP AND BANS CDC:

Peter (Holland - Bans IDC 2001 and 8 IDC Staff with Bans and the KTIG), Mario (Germany - working for Bans since 1998), Mike (USA - Staff Instructor/Master Instructor Internship Bans Diving since 2007). Also congratulations to Justin (Crystal Diving) and Patrick (Asia Divers).

The course was completed a few days ago in Kota Kinnabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Labels: NEW PADI COURSE DIRECTORS FROM THE KOH TAO IDC GROUP AND BANS CDC:

Jonas ::

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9th of March PADI Member Forum

Dirty Nellys Irish Pub on koh tao hosted koh taos yearly PADI Member Forum together with PADI Regional Manager Hans Ulrich. The member forum was attended by around 100 diving instructor and dive masters on the 'Rock'!

Next event in Dirty Nellys Irish Pub is the montly PADI Instructor Exam Party with free buffe, live music. the party starts already 1 pm in the afternoon and close late late late. Date 19th of March

Also remember St PATRICKs Day on the 17th of March!!! Huge party in nellys with live music, special drink offers on guiness etc. last year we had some 400 people partying the hole day to late in the evening!

-------------------------------------------------------

The Instructor Course March is working very well with a great group. so lots of fun and learning!

IDC Candidates in March is Nicklas, Diana, Craig, Sam, Carolin, Louisa, Ali, Daniel, Sandra, Rico, Paul, Japi and Janick (14 candidates this idc/ie).

Staff is Gee from Big Blue, Emmy (freelance/Master Divers), Assar, Jonas, Tim from Ban and Sunshine Divers.

-------------------------------------------------------

Jonas ::

0 comments

www.tatnews.org 1:43pm
Source: www.tatnews.org, THAILAND WAIVES VISA FEE AS PART OF DRIVE TO REVIVE TOURISM

February 24, 2009, Bangkok — Continuing its efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai government has agreed to exempt the fee for tourist visa applications for a three month period, effective 5 March, 2009 to 4 June, 2009

www.tatnews.org

Labels: THAILAND WAIVES VISA FEE AS PART OF DRIVE TO REVIVE TOURISM

Jonas ::

0 comments

The Koh Tao Underwater World Festival 2009

The Koh Tao Underwater World Festival 2009
2 days of music, dancing, and fun for a good cause
Host:
Marine Conservation Koh Tao
Type:
Causes - Fundraiser
Network:
Global
Start Time:
Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 9:00am
End Time:
Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:00am
Location:
North Sairee Beach Coconut Groove
Email:

Labels: The Koh Tao Underwater World Festival 2009

Jonas ::

0 comments

diving with two 12 meter whales at southwest pinnacle, koh tao

picture of one of the whales at southwest pinnacle this week on koh tao, thailand.

Labels: 12 meters whales at southwest pinnacle, koh tao

Jonas ::

0 comments

IDC Started today!!!

IDC Started today with Sandra, Nicklas, Sam (all from Sweden), Craig (Canada), Diana and Carolin (Germany), Ali (Slovenia), Andy (Oz), Rico (Switzerland), Jopie (South Africa), Janikk (Denmark) and Paul (Holland).

PADI Course Directors:
Assar, Tim and Jonas

Staff Instructors
Gee (Big Blue) and Emmy (Freelance)

All together 12 different countries in the classroom - pretty amazing - like a little United Nations! The conditions are perfect at the moment with clear water and blue sky! Going to be a fun 2-3 weeks up until the exams on the 17-19th of March!!!

Take care and see you soon on koh tao!
Cheers jonas samuelsson
jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com

Labels: PADI IDC Koh Tao Thailand starts today

Jonas ::

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Tim on a fundive a few days ago...

Jonas ::

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Amazing weather on koh tao!

IDC and Instructor Exam completed for February! All Bans Koh Tao candidates passed with great scores! congrats to alice, scott, mark, becks, pablo, eva and sebastian. congratulations to alex who passed his staff instructor course with flying colours.
Next idc starts on the 2th of March with around 10 candidates! pack your bags and come down! weather amazing, lots of people, great vis, whaleshark season starts next month and for another thousand reasons - come down to koh tao!!! take care out there and see you soon! regards jonas

Jonas ::

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Only at Ban's Diving Resort - Concert with Grammis Winner

Jonas ::

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beachparty2009 with bans diving and resedagboken

Event Info Host: Resdagboken & Dyka i Thailand
Type: Music/Arts - Concert
Network: Global
Time and Place Start Time: Sunday, February 15, 2009 at 7:00pm
End Time: Monday, February 16, 2009 at 3:00am
Location: Ban's Diving Resort, Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Thailand
Contact Info Email: resdagboken@europeiska.se

http://www.resdagboken.se/beachparty2009

TIMBUKTU ON KOH TAO! GRAMMIS WINNER PLAY ON SAIREE BEACH, BANS DIVING RESORT!!!

Jonas ::

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Ban's Diving Resort and Resedag boken

Bans Diving Beach Party 2009

Event Info Host: Resdagboken & Dyka i Thailand
Type: Music/Arts - Concert
Network: Global
Time and Place Start Time: Sunday, February 15, 2009 at 7:00pm
End Time: Monday, February 16, 2009 at 3:00am
Location: Ban's Diving Resort, Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Thailand
Contact Info Email: resdagboken@europeiska.se

http://www.resdagboken.se/beachparty2009

Jonas ::

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January 2009 IDC and MSDT / Internship team on a deep dive with sharks at chumphon pinnacle

Jonas ::

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All IDC Candidates are already in teaching status and can start to work less than a week after the padi instructor exam

> PADI extends its congratulations to you on your recent
> accomplishment of becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba
> Instructor! We're sure you're eager to begin your instructional
> activities, therefore, we've elected to notify you of your status and
> other important information by this correspondence.

Jonas ::

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wreck diving during the msdt at bans cdc center

Great wreck diving day at Unicorn with Ban's Diving, the Koh Tao IDC Group the Trident Team. 25 meter visibility and blue sky!!! Wreck diving at Unicorn is included as one of the 5 Specialties our Internship / MSDT Candidates takes!!! (others are equipment, deep, digital uw photo and enriched air.

IDC STARTS ON THE 5TH OF FEBRUARY, 9 AM, 2009!!! COME OVER AND JOIN US!!!

Jonas ::

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Amazing MSDT Program completed

Amazing MSDT Master Scuba Diver Trainer Program completed yesterday. great program and so much fun!

we completed Wreck diving with trident (unicorn) and had 25 meter vis over there, we did a digital photo spec with MI Mike (photographer for 25 years in the states), we completed deep dives at chumphon with the grey reef sharks, me and pi chai taught equipment specialty course and we all played around with dvps at green rock!!!

so now all 6-7 new instructor interns are starting team teaching at bans and sunshine divers. its very busy, the vis is great again, the sky is blue, the sea is calm!!! whaleshark season starts in a few weeks!!! this is my favourite time of the year!!! pack your bag and come now!!!

cheers jonas

Jonas ::

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Jonas and Tim is lost once again

jonas and tim is lost once again on the bans boat - last day of the january idc. the day before the instructor exam starting.

Jonas ::

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Picture from the last open water session of the january idc group

On the picture:
Jonas, Tim, Mike and Laura (staff), candidates Alex, James, Noe, Celia, Pierre, Tavaz Katan Mo and Chris

Jonas ::

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Next IDC starts on the 5th of February

Our next idc on koh tao starts on the 5th of February. Come to koh tao already now and enjoy free diving and preparation prior to the idc start. the weather is great now and the visibility is around 15 meters (and getting better for each day).

email: jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com for more information.

Jonas ::

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Did you know that you make around US$1500-2000 per month as a PADI Instructor on Koh Tao? And that accommodation cost from US$150 per month? Diving is an amazing profession for many reasons... diving, traveling, all customers is happy, blue sky, beach, sun etc but you also make a good salary. Maybe its time to change your life? E-mail us on - and ask as how you can live this amazing lifestyle!!!

Career in Diving - Getting paid to do something you enjoy

Entering the professional world of scuba diving brings exciting challenges and endless possibilities: There is the chance to explore nature’s fascinating underwater creatures, and the opportunity to share your professional knowledge and experiences with students who want to learn. Scuba diving is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in the world. Imagine entering a realm that artists can only imagine in their wildest dreams, and on a daily basis!

Jonas ::

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Check out 'new' website...

same same but different... looks the same but include bit more information about accommodation and entry level program at bans diving resort on koh tao, thailand.

www.bans-diving-resort.com

Labels: www.bans-diving-resort.com

Jonas ::

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PADI IDC Starts today

IDC Started today with 7 candidates. Alex (USA), James (England), Cecil and Noel (Switzerland), Mo (Israel), Pierre (Sweden) and Chris (Canada/England). Staff instructor is Laura (Canada - from Aquarius Divers Pattaya). Platinum PADI Course Directors Jonas Samuelsson and Tim Hunt is teaching the program.

IDC 8 - 22 of January
Instructor exam 23-25 of January
Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Internship 27 - ...

Next idc starts on the 5th of February 2009

for more dates:
http://www.instructor-kohtao.com/career/idc_dates_2009/english.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
check out www.bans-diving-resort.com for information about PADI Open Water Course, PADI Advanced, PADI Rescue Diver,
PADI Divemaster Course. Also information about accommodation on Koh Tao. PADI IDC Koh Tao.

Labels: PADI IDC Koh Tao Thailand starts today

Jonas ::

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Merry Chistmas and Happy New Year

Bans Diving Resort and The Koh Tao IDC Group is wishing all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The next idc starts on the 8th of January, 2009.

Enjoy your holidays and see you on Koh Tao in 2009.

Jonas, Tim, Sofie, Assar, Natalie, Mike, Sean and the rest of the Bans and Koh Tao IDC Crew

Jonas ::

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Airport opened - business as usual in Thailand!!!

Tuesday December 02, 2008, Web www.bangkokpost.com

Suvarnabhumi to welcome incoming flights

(BangkokPost.com) - The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Tuesday accepted the Airports of Thailand (AOT)’s demand to allow incoming flights to use Suvarnabhumi airport after the Constitution Court dissolved the People Power, Chart Thai and Matchimathipataya parties on charges of electoral fraud.

The first incoming flight to the international airport is expected to be within 24 hours.

The Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced that Suvarnabhumi will resume full operation on December 15, starting 6pm.

Cargo services are now ready at the airport.

Jonas ::

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Check out panorama view over Bans Resort Hill Top Rooms

Bans added the Bans Resort Hill View and a new swimming pool to its resort in 2007/2008. The Hill Top Rooms got an amazing view over Sairee Beach and is the perfect spot for a sunset view from the rooms private balcony. the beach is just a 5 minutes walk and the new large pool is just some 100 meters aways from the rooms. My favourite rooms at Bans Diving Resort (that is the reason why i lived here my self since 6 months or so - i can highly recommend it).

check out for yourself at www.bans-diving-resort.com (under facilities click 'explore the location' where you get a 360 degree panorama view over the Hill Top Resort at Bans Diving and the Koh Tao IDC Group.

Jonas ::

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Koh Tao overview map and divesites

check out updates on our new domain name. lots of new features like this koh tao map and divesite.
http://bans-diving-resort.com/dive_sites.html

Jonas ::

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The rain is about to stop soon after a 2 week rain period. November is the rainy month in the Gulf of Thailand and now we are almost in to december where its getting dryer climate with blue sky again!!! We needed the rain for next year though so it was good that we got some rain this month. The next season looks exciting and starts of with a big christmas and new years party at Bans Diving on the beach!!! Come down now and learn to dive or become a dive instructor and teach others how to dive.

Jonas ::

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Same same but different...

New website with bans diving resort as domain name might help our customers to easier to separate Bans official websites with those of travel agents etc. the new bans diving site is called ...

www.bans-diving-resort.com

... and is very simillar to previous websites that we have, but got more information about accommodation and entry level and advanced courses.

new email address is:

contact@bans-diving-resort.com

Jonas ::

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Bans Diving teaching New PADI O2 Course

Mike (PADI O2 Instructor and Applicant for Course Director Training Course in Borneo 2009 taught one of the first PADI O2 Specialties today for 3 students. Everyone enjoyed the course and learned a lot. The PADI O2 Provider Specialty is going to be available on a weekly basis from now at Bans 5-Star CDC Career Development Center. Both Tim and Jonas is getting through ratings as PADI Instructor Trainers for the PADI 02 so soon you can also take you instructor course with us.

Bans Diving Resort - "the ultimate diveresort - the adventure diveadventure'

Jonas ::

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Its like a little United Nations - very cool

IDC Started today with 8 candidates and staff. On this IDC we got Imin (Indonesia), Alejandro (Mexico), Kim (Norway), Ben (England), Malcolm (Australia), Donna (England), Christian (Germany) and Oscar (Sweden). Plus staff Jonas (Sweden), Tim (Canada), Sean (Argentina) and Gui (France).

Amazing with 10 different countries from 5 different continents (Asia, South America, North America, Europe, Australia).
Not many other situations in life do you meet so many different cultures, languages and countries in the same room with all having the same passion - the love for diving!

So happy that i choose diving as my 'industry'!!!

Next IDC Starts on the 6th of January! You can come already now and dive and prepare yourself (for free) prior to that date. So if you come now then you can do some 50 dives included in the idc plus assist on courses, listen to divemaster theory, participate in some 3 skill circuits etc - all included in the idc price of 39.900bath (other benefits pass guarantee, longer more comprehensive idc, t shirt, dvd from the idc, lunch during the idc, discount on accommodation, padi materials and dive equipment. Best idc deal around? We believe so!

Kind regards
Platinum PADI Course Directors Jonas Samuelsson and Tim Hunt
Bans 5-Star CDC Career Development Center (2645)
jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com

Jonas ::

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We are so lucky...

PADI Instructors can work in over 180 countries in the world. Being a PADI Instructors is going to take you to place you never seen before - meet people that you never would have meet otherwise. Imagine to wake up in the morning, go out diving and get paid while doing it.

Jonas ::

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The New ERDP Multilevel. Effect now. Divemaster and IDC Candidates only need to have the RDP Table version and The ERDP Multilevel version during their Divemaster Course, IDC and Instructor Exam.

The ERDP Multilevel is available at Ban's Diving Resort Retail store on Sairee Beach.

Jonas ::

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Whaleshark at Chumphon

A whaleshark was spotted at Chumphon Pinnacle 2 days ago. We had whaleshark encounter more than 10 times around Koh Tao the last month!!! Next IDC Starts on the 24th of November and the first IDC during 2009 starts on the 8th of January. You get 6 weeks of unlimited diving and preparation before you IDC. You can assist on 3-4 courses, participate in divemaster lectures, attend 2-3 or more skill circuits and of course just dive (if your lucky with the whalesharks!!!). All this included in the IDC Price!!! Few divecenters in the world offer the same preparation course!!! Normally the Preparation Course is around 2 days and most IDC centers charge extra for it. At Bans Career Development Center its 6 weeks and included in our IDC Price!!!

Jonas ::

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November News from the Koh Tao IDC Group

Next IDC Starts on the 24th of November.Friday, November 14, 2008

100% Passrate for all Ban's IDC Candidates!
Once again all The Koh Tao IDC Groups Candidates passed the instructor exam completed yesterday the 13th of November. Congratulations to Mich and Mickael (Sunshine Divers), Chelsea, Anna, Chris, Lior, Matt (Bans CDC), Dan, Helen (Big Blue). The PADI Examiner said yesterday that this was one of the most fun groups he ever worked with! Congratulations once again!!!

PADI Course Directors Jonas and Tim, Staff Instructors Gee and Dino (Big Blue) and Sean and Mike (Bans Diving).

Next IDC (and the last one for 2008) starts on the 24th of November!!! Come down now and dive and enjoy yourself!!! Cheers Jonas Samuelsson (jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com)
Jonas :: 12:00 PM

November 2008. Did you know that Platinum PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson is the only PADI Course Director on Koh Tao who received one of the highest individual PADI Awards "Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development" (Jonas even received it both in 2000 (from PADI Asia Pacifics Regional Manager Rick Ray) and in 2007 (from PADI Asia Pacifics Regional Manager Hans Ullrich). This award is only given to a few PADI Course Directors every year worldwide. PADI Course Director is teaching IDCs every month for The Koh Tao IDC Group @ Ban's PADI 5-Star CDC, Career Development Center.

Check out customers videos on youtube.com. find link on www.kohtao-idc-group.com/divediary.htm

Did you know that....
The PADI 5-Star Career Development Centre (CDC) is awarded to PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Centres (IDC) that dedicate their businesses to professional development beyond regular instructor training. These businesses offer vocational oriented continuing education training to prepare individuals for dive industry careers and provide job placement services within the dive industry. PADI Members and the dive industry at large benefit from the PADI 5-Star Career Development Centres’ commitment to professional development and excellence, including their unique ability to provide qualified candidates to fill industry employment needs.

Of the more than 220 PADI Dive Centres in Thailand, eight have achieved the CDC rating. Ban's Diving got its CDC Rating awarded during 2006.

Jonas ::

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Buys on Koh Tao after fullmoon

Great weather on Koh Tao today and very busy after the full moon party on Phangan two days ago. Start to use our new classrooms today. 6 new classrooms, all with air con projectors tvs dvds teaching materials. The new diveshop with retail and booking is going to be open around christmas. Beautiful shop across from bans resort office on Sairee Beach. Bans Diving is leading the diveindustry and with our new classroom building we are taking one step ahead again. We also got a new diving boat for highseason. Bit larger than the Bans Fundiver boat (around 23 meter long), great with 3 large diveboats at bans diving plus the sunshine diveboat. the next idc starts on the 24th of November! Come down now and enjoy free diving and preparation before the idc starts!

Jonas ::

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100% Passrate for all Ban's IDC Candidates!

Once again all The Koh Tao IDC Groups Candidates passed the instructor exam completed yesterday the 13th of November.
Congratulations to Mich and Mickael (Sunshine Divers), Chelsea, Anna, Chris, Lior, Matt (Bans CDC), Dan, Helen (Big Blue). The PADI Examiner said yesterday that this was one of the most fun groups he ever worked with! Congratulations once again!!!

PADI Course Directors Jonas and Tim, Staff Instructors Gee and Dino (Big Blue) and Sean and Mike (Bans Diving).

Next IDC (and the last one for 2008) starts on the 24th of November!!! Come down now and dive and enjoy yourself!!!
Cheers Jonas Samuelsson (jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com)

Jonas ::

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Next IDC Starts on the 24th of November

6 weeks preparation course included in all IDCs!!!

Did you know that you can come and fundive, assist on courses, attend divemaster lectures and skill circuits up to 6 weeks prior to the IDC starts!!! Many IDCs pride themselves having 2-3 days preparation course, with bans cdc center and the koh tao idc group, you get 6 weeks preparation course before the IDC starts. you also get pass guarantee included in all IDCs, lunch during the IDC, t-shirt, and you can borrow diving equipment without any charge during your divemaster course and IDC (we know that many of our candidates are travellers and to cater to you we offer equipment rental without any extra charge).

Also look into our unique 'Change of Lifestyle' and 'DIIP, Diving Instructor Internship Programs'.

We are one of the first CDC centers in Thailand (out of 220 divecenters in Thailand only 8 are CDC Centers) and we believe that we offer one of the most progressive IDCs in Asia and perhaps the world to a very competitive price.

Looking forward to teach you to become and Instructor and introduce you to this amazing profession!

Regards Jonas Samuelsson, PADI Course Director, The Koh Tao IDC Group. Bans CDC Center

Jonas ::

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Bans Technical Diving Launch

Ban's Diving Resort launched technical diving a few days ago under the name 'Ban's Elite'. Now under the management of Matt and Rich, both technical diving instructors, we are going to be able to offer courses through DSAT (Diving Science and Technology - which is a part of PADI). We are proud to take this step and are excited to teach our first TEC DEEP course later on this month! Email jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com for more information.

Jonas ::

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Great day on the idc!

Great day on the idc with academic presentations by the idc candidates. lowest score today was 4.0!!! congratulations to all candidates. this afternoon i did a presentation about continuing education and tim a presentations (conducting the presentation as i write this blog) about 'how to teach advanced open course and specialties'.

the next IDC Instructor Development Course starts on the 24th of November!!! Book now and get free unlimited diving prior the course start on the 24th. You can also attend dm lectures, assist on courses, lead divers etc to prepare yourself before the idc!!!

The next idc is the last of the year for idc on koh tao (instructor exam is in the middle of December.) after we take a christmas and new years break and start the first idc 2009 on the 6th of January!!!

take care and see you soon on koh tao! (save money by paying online for your idc - 3% savings plus a free bans t-shirt).

contact as jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com if you have any questions etc. or contact@instructor-kohtao.com.

Jonas ::

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Ban's is a CDC Center.. but what does it mean?

"The PADI 5-Star Career Development Centre (CDC) is awarded to PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Centres (IDC) that dedicate their businesses to professional development beyond regular instructor training. These businesses offer vocational oriented continuing education training to prepare individuals for dive industry careers and provide job placement services within the dive industry.

PADI Members and the dive industry at large benefit from the PADI 5-Star Career Development Centres’ commitment to professional development and excellence, including their unique ability to provide qualified candidates to fill industry employment needs" (from PADI ASIA PACIFIC UPDATE BULLETIN, FOURTH QUARTER 2008)

Of the more than 220 PADI Dive Centres in Thailand, only eight have achieved the CDC rating.
Ban's Diving got its CDC Rating awarded during 2006.

For more information check out www.cdckohtao.com

Jonas ::

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Check out Ban's Divings Hill Top Rooms with amazing view

check out the following videos on youtube to get an idea about what Ban's Resorts new Hill Top Delux rooms looks like. You got an amzing view. swimmingpool just below and just a close walk to the beach. (i loved it so much that i am living there myself now). Can highly recommend!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3EO8ZGB2zM

check out the beach outside the Ban's Diving Resort:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WglimnnJvSc

Both videos is made by customers at Ban's Diving. For more videos search ban's diving' on youtube.com. these videos describe where we are located and can offer than 1000 words on a website can do.

want to book diving and accommodation at bans diving?
email jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com or contact@instructor-kohtao.com

Jonas ::

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eRDPML Safety Stop Prompt

All PADI Members should be aware that the new eRDPML may not always prompt users when a safety stop rule applies. Decals with the following text have been created to address this:

“Caution:
“Planning Multilevel Dives,” in Section Four of the Instructions for Use, states that the eRDPML will prompt you if a required safety stop applies (Rule 2). However, depending upon the specifics of a multi-level profile, this may not always be the case. Simply always doing a safety stop of 3 minutes at 5m/15ft, as is recommended for all dives, will resolve any question.

Jonas ::

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Advanced Open Water Course - online

As announced in the Fourth Quarter 2008 Training Bulletin and The Undersea Journal, the next step for PADI eLearning® is the Advanced Open Water Diver Course Online. Using a registration procedure similar to the Open Water Diver Course Online, divers must affiliate with a PADI Dive Center or Resort to begin their online independent study. The price is the same – $120 US – which means that the newly released PADI eLearning Access Pass can also be used for this program.

7 Dives are going to be available to choose from... i keep you posted when Ban's Diving decide to start to offer this option.

Jonas ::

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whalesharks and idc start! i love koh tao!

Started the idc today with orientation and dm exams! everyone did well with just small improvement areas! great group and lots of fun on the first day!!! we also had whalesharks today at chumphon!!! ...and they call this work he he!!!

next idc starts on the 24th of November. for all dates 2008 and 2009 see:
http://cdckohtao.com/career/idc_dates_2008/english.html

Jonas ::

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IDC Starting tomorrow...

Excited about starting the idc tomorrow with 12 canidates from Big Blue, Bans Diving and Sunshine Divers. Would like to welcome Anna, Cat, Chelsea, Chris, Matt , Lior (from Bans), Michael, Mike and Celia (from Big Blue)and Dan, Helen and Donna (from Big Blue).

We also have a group of very strong staff from Bans (PADI Course Directors Jonas and Tim), Sean and Mike (Master Instructors/Staff Instructors) and Gui and Dino (Big Blue) and last, but not least, David 'Janson' from Buddha View.

Great group from some 10 different countries! I keep you updated about their progress to become instructors!!!

Cheers jonas

Jonas ::

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Instructor Exam October 2008

Dates for the next Koh Tao Instructor Exam:
Koh Tao 11-13 November, 2008.

Jonas ::

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Ban's Course Director sells material to discovery channel

Khun Saran, PADI Course Director, Bans Diving Bangkok, filmed a Jawfish hatching down in Bali. This is the first time anyone got this event on camera! Discovery Channel is already got the footage and is going to broadcast the video sometimes next year.

Congratulations Khun Saran.

Check out more about the Jaw fish:
http://www.tropicalfish.at/saltwater/jawfish/jawfish.html

Jonas ::

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PADI new beta version of padi.com adn more...

Check out PADI on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PADI-Professional-Association-of-Diving-Instructors/5785888111

Are you a PADI Member? Check out new beta version of the padi pro site! This is your chance to have any inputs before it goes 'official'.
http://www.padimembers.com/cgi-bin/reqpg.exe?

Jonas ::

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Would like to apologize if you have been trying to email Bans Diving Resort and The Koh Tao IDC Group through

contact@idc-in-thailand.com
contact@idc-koh-tao.com
contact@instructor-kohtao.com

the last few days. because of a large amount of spam emails blocking our server some emails have not reached us the last few days. the problem should be solved by now. again please accept out apology for the inconvenience.

Kind regards
Jonas samuelsson
padi course director
bans diving resort/the koh tao idc group

-----------------------------------------------------
Message from Sofie Lisby (IDC Internet coordinator)
anyone who been trying to email us without reply the last 3 days, please email us and tell and you will get a free Bans Diving T-shirt when arriving at our resort. cheers sofie lisby
-----------------------------------------------------

Jonas ::

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25 meter visibility at Chumphon this afternoon!

Went diving this afternoon with my friend Chris Clark, owner of ace marine images, at chumphon pinnacle. chris and i worked together at Big Blue Diving almost 10 years ago. chris latest project is to produce a documentary about whalesharks and koh tao which hopefully BBC is going to broadcast sometimes next year. Its a great project and i am proud to be given a chance to participate, however small, in spreading awareness around the whaleshark.

check out acemarineimages.com for more information

Next idc starts on the 27th of October with some 10 candidates. All candidates is already here and got their materials and started to complete knowledge reviews etc. Looking forward to get back into another idc!!!

Cheers jonas

Labels: bbc documentary about whalesharks, koh tao

Jonas ::

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Great day diving at chumphon - 25 meter visibility today

Went diving this afternoon with my friend Chris Clark, owner of ace marine images, at chumphon pinnacle today. chris and i worked together at Big Blue Diving almost 10 years ago. chris latest project is to produce a documentary about whalesharks and koh tao which hopefully BBC is going to broadcast sometimes next year. Its a great project and i am proud to be given a chance to participate however small in spreading awareness around the whaleshark.

check out acemarineimages.com for more information

Next idc starts on the 27th of October with some 10 candidates. All candidates is already here and got their materials and started to complete knowledge reviews etc. Looking forward to get back into another idc!!!

Cheers jonas

Labels: Whaleshark doc for BBC

Jonas ::

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Check out Carmis blogg from idc

Carmi wrote a blogg about his experience from our IDC. Check it out: http://cbogotthailand.blogspot.com/... within soon we are also going to featured in a diving magazine in Australia where one of our x candidates writing a full article about his experience going from the decision that he wanted to sell his business in Melbourne to travelling to thailand and becoming and instructor with bans diving to start working as a padi instructor in italy! fun read - i keep you updated when the article is coming out!!!

Jonas ::

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Ban's introducing the new eRDP Multilevel

Starting from the 27th of October Ban's Career Development Center and The Koh Tao IDC Group introducing the eRDP Multilevel during the IDC. All candidates attend a lecture on how to use the new planner and are also allowed to use it during the IDC Exams and during the Instructor Exam.

Within soon Ban's Diving Resort / Career Development Center also start to introduce the new eRDP ML during the PADI Open Water Diver Course and during the PADI Advanced Open Water Course and also within very soon during the Divemaster Course.

For more information on how to get hold on your own eRDP ML email jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com

Jonas ::

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Save money - pay online!

Ban's Diving Resort and The koh Tao IDC group started to accept online payments for booking of diving and accommodation. Save 3% by paying online on all courses and receive large discounts on accommdoation during your diving!!! email jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com or contact@instructor-kohtao.com and talk to Sofie Lisby or Jonas Samuelsson for more information.

Jonas ::

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100% passrate again and again...

Congratulations to all bans diving / koh tao idc groups candidates that passed the instructor exam on the 16 of October. 100% passrate again! congratulations to Carmi (israel/usa, Laura (england - got 100% on everything during the instructor exam!!!), and peter (australia).

Next idc starts on the 27th of October!!!

Cheers jonas

www.instructor-kohtao.com for idc / ie dates during 2009!!!

Jonas ::

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divecenter looking specifically for candidates trained by bans

Simon Charles Smith wrote at 2:52am
HI Stranger
How is life treating you More iDC

I was looking throught the PADI job section whalst going mad in the west Indies and saw a Job Advert for Queensland OZ. In the Add it said anyone trained by Jonas Samualsson would be highly considered

You are famous all over the world

On my travels I went Diving in NZ and the lady there was trained by you!

Life must be good

Hope all is great, and dont work too hard

Simon

Jonas ::

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Great day on the idc!

conducted confined water training this morning, 33 degress in the pool! tomorrow we are running academic, legal risk and adaptive teaching presentations for the idc. all working well - great group and lots of fun!

take care and see you soon on koh tao!
jonas

Jonas ::

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understand swedish?

if you understand swedish please read http://www.lundaliv.se/images/stories/pdf/Lundaliv_5-08_web.pdf where you can see
my collegue PADI Course Director Assar in an article about swedish people working abroad. congratulations assar and thanks for the kind words about me being your 'mentor' ... cheers jonas

http://www.lundaliv.se/images/stories/pdf/Lundaliv_5-08_web.pdf

Jonas ::

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Friends open business in borneo, sabah

Contratulations to Ravi and Tracy to their 'new-ish' business in Sabah, Borneo!

IDC 2009 KOH TAO IDC GROUP GO BORNEO!!!

Sounds pretty cool right!?! Keep you updated about news regarding IDC 2009 BORNEO!!!

Contact Info

Website:
http://www.sensiborneo.com
http://www.orientexplorer.wordpress.com
Location:
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Jonas ::

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IDC Started !!!

http://instructor-kohtao.com/career/idc_dates_2009/english.html

Jonas ::

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IDC Started !!!

Started a new instructor development course today with three excited students! three weeks of teaching and then the exam! great group - going to lots of fun! the weather is nice on koh tao with sun and few clouds. take care and see you on koh tao!

if you use paypal to pay deposits on your courses you get special offers during october and november. email jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com or contact@instructor-kohtao.com and state the course you are interested in and we will tell what special offer you can expect!

have fun out there and see you soon on the 'Rock"!!!

Jonas

Jonas ::

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Skill practice for the candidates today

Pool session for three of the idc candidates this afternoon.looking forward to start the idc tomorrow - great group!

NEWS FOR OCTOBER 2008!!!

BANS ELITE... Ban's is starting techinical diving in October, we are going to offer technical diving through DSAT (part of PADI Worldwide). we are doing this together with Trident Technical Divers (Jamie and Stu). Very exciting! Ban's is a leader in the diveindustry for recreational diving and now we are taking a step to reach the same level within the Technical Diving Community.
In the near future you are going to see all levels including Trimi.

Email jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com for more information about prices and what courses are available!

cheers jonas

Jonas ::

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Jonas ::

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Back from the holiday...

After being away in Hong Kong and Macau i am back in the office preparing the idc starting on the 29th of September. We have 4 candidates starting this program with me and tim teaching together for the first week and only me during the second week (tim is going for a holiday to canada to see his family). went for dpv/nitrox dive with the internship/msdt candidates from the last idc yesterday. amazing dive! great visibility (been pretty poor the last week, but finally clearing up). the grey reef sharks was back outside baracuda rock as well (dived with 4-5 yesterday). so all good over here. the october idc starts on the 27th of October. Come down now and dive with us (for free 4-6 weeks prior to the idc!!!) and prepare for the idc.
looking forward to see you over here!

Jonas ::

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100% passrate on the exam 9-11 September

Congratulations to bans diving and koh tao idc groups candidates that passed the instructor exam on the 11 of September 2008.

The majority of the new instructors are already enrolled for master scuba diver trainer and internship program that started a few days ago.

next idc starts on the 29 of September. Come down now to enjoy free diving, asssisting, refreshing of dm theory prior to the instructor exam!

Jonas ::

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29th of September - next idc!!!

Next Instructor Course starts on the 29th of September, 900. Please send us an email and ask about details on jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com.

Jonas ::

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In bangkok with friends

in bangkok with my friend Gal at the moment, Tim is teaching the next few days of the idc until i come back. having a great time coming back to koh tao in the next week or so. take care and see you soon. if you are in bangkok give me a call on 08-57987362. e-mail on jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com for more information about next idc or call me and meet me up in bangkok. cheers jonas

Jonas ::

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PADI IE DATES 2009

2009_IE_Schedule_Version_1.3.pdf

Jonas ::

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PADI IE DATES 2009

2009_IE_Schedule_Version_1.3.pdf

Jonas ::

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100% passrate on the ie !!!

All passed on the instructor exam that was completed on the 23 of August. Congratulations to our 5 super duper great instructors that all passed with scores close to full mark!

New Instructors on Koh Tao in August with the Koh Tao IDC Group and Bans Diving:
Jade (New Caledonia), Rene (USA), Chris (England), Bird (Thailand) and Tom (England).

New IDC Starts tomorrow the 25th of August (with Jonas) and MSDT/Internship. Five Candidates starting Internship/MSDT Program today (with Tim) at 5pm).

Jonas ::

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Book now and save money on the idc.

The summer special price of 39900 bath for the idc is over at the end of september. starting from the 1 of october the price goes back to its normal price of 44000bath. if you book and pay deposit for the idc (even later date) before the end of September you save yourself 4100bath. for anyone taking the exams after the 1 of october padi waiver the fee for the membership of the 2009 (savings of approx 6000bath) so if you take the idc in the end of september (instructor exam is in october) you get the best of two worlds!!! still summer special price of the idc and savings on the membership fee for 2009 - total saving of approx 10000bath!!!)

email jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com for more information and check out www.cdckohtao.com for more information on the idc dates etc.

have a great day!!!

jonas samuelsson
padi course director
koh tao idc group. bans 5-star career development center

www.instructor-kohtao.com
www.idc-koh-tao.com

Jonas ::

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**Important Dates**

Started part 2 of the idc today with dive industry, business of diving, gen standards and procedures and prescriptive teaching presentations from the idc candidates. below are some dates with events that might interest you.

**Important Dates**

· Aug. 8-10, National Marine Science Team coming

· Aug. 15th. Second Biorock Commitment due

· Aug. 18th. Biorock Meeting, 7pm in Dirty Nellies

. Aug 25th. IDC Starts at Ban's Diving with PADI Course Director Jonas and Tim

· Aug.29th. Clean-up planning meeting, 7pm Dirty Nellies

· Aug. 30th. Sairee Clean-up/afterparty

· Sept. 5th. Marine Branch Meeting

· Sept. 22nd Begin Biorock Building/deployment

Jonas ::

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The eRDPML is the next generation electronic dive planner

PADI Introduce the Electronic Recreational Dive Planner for Multilevel Dive Planning

The eRDPML is the next generation electronic dive planner. Like its predecessor the
eRDP, the new eRDPML is not a dive computer but an electronic dive table that
allows the user to plan single level and multilevel dives. While the first
generation eRDP provided the same information as the Recreational Dive Planner
(RDP) table, the eRDPML provides the same information as The Wheel, in an
electronic format. The eRDPML helps maximize bottom time by allowing dive planning
in two-metre/fivefoot increments.

I guess students are going to find it easier with the DM Theory and Instructor Exam dive theory using this new version of the ERDP. Might change the way we teach module number 4 and 5 during the PADI Open Water Course and also might put more focus on the actual computer diving part during the Adventure Dive "Multi level and Dive Com'.

Lets see if we decide to switch to the use of the ERDPML instead of the Tableversion of the RDP in the future.. I guess it depends on the price tag for this 'super planner'.

Also a questions might be if the standards might change regarding the 3 table requirement for all diveprofessional. i keep you updated regarding any details i get regarding the ERDPML.

Jonas ::

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IDC Started !!!

IDC Started today with Jade (Marine Biologist from New Caledonia), Chris (Ski instructor from England, Rene (Also Ski Instructor US) and Tom (Accountant Manchester England). We also have three Staff Instructor Candiates (all from July IDC!!!), Chris (Sweden), Lance (England) and Sean (Argentina). Staff Instructors is Chris (England/Dive center owner Phuket) Gee (France/Instructor Big Blue Koh Tao), Mike (Instructor Bans Koh Tao and of course Tim and Jonas (PADI Course Directors Bans Diving/Sunshine Divers).

Great group - going to be so much fun!!!

Next IDC Starts on 25th of August.

Jonas ::

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PADI Instructor Exam dates Koh Tao 2009

2009_IE_Schedule_Version_1.3.pdf

Jonas ::

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Windy on koh tao...

Its been really windy the last few days on koh tao. the sea has been pretty ruff as well. today the weather is a bit better with less wind and it looks like the 'blue sky' is back tomorrow.

despite the weather, koh tao has been busier than ever. lots of students starting everyday, mainly for the open water course, but lots of people decided to stay after fullmoon and continue their education up to Rescue and Divemaster level.

august is one of my favourite months on koh tao with both great weather and excellent diving conditions. so now is the perfect time to come over!

want to stay in paradise? the next instructor course which pretty much guarantee that you will find a job in some of the worlds most beautiful islands starts on the 4of August. for more information: www.cdckohtao.com (or email jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com)

Jonas ::

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latest news from the bio rock group

i. ScubaJunction has generously pledged 50,000, and gave 5,000 at the meeting to
start off the school commitments.

ii. Jonas Samuelsson from Dirty Nelly's and Koh Tao IDC Group gave 10,000 baht to encourage other non-diving business involvement

UPCOMING DATES

· July 29th-Mae Haad Clean-up and after party planning meeting, 7pm
Dirty Nellys (1st Biorock commitments from schools due)

· July 31st-Land/Underwater clean-up 2pm, Mae Haad
· July 31st-After party and fundraising event, 7pm Vibe Bar, Sairee
· Aug. 5th-Save Koh Tao Marine Branch meeting, 7pm, Chalok gov't building

Chad Scott
Save Koh Tao
Marine Branch

www.MarineConservationKohTao.com

Jonas ::

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100% ONCE AGAIN! BAN'S CANDIDATES PASS WITH GREAT SCORES

Congratulations to Jeremy (Australia) and Gabor (Hungary) who passed with almost 100%on all the exams, close to 5.0 on all presentations. Very impressive! Jeremy is running Camel Safaris in Australia and Gabor got a restaurant in Goa India.

Congratulations once again from the idc crew!!!

Ban's is busy with diving customers. the beach is amazing outside my office and the water is very clear and calm. cant get any better! come over to enjoy and take some diving courses!!! want to live in paradise?

A career in diving can break you out of a nine-to-five rut, or open the door to adventurous part-time or full-time possibilities. Like many careers, PADI dive professionals are envied for the lifestyles they lead. Divemasters schedule and plan dives on yachts, as do Instructors, who also get to teach. Instructor Trainers travel to the world’s most exotic locations, while PADI employees are the eyes and ears of the dive industry. What do all these people share? They are all diverse individuals who love their jobs. There are endless possibilities and paths are available to take advantage of through PADI, it only takes desire to make it happen. Why not get paid for something that you love to do anyway?

check out: http://instructor-kohtao.com/career/col/english.html

NEXT IDC STARTS ON THE 4 AUGUST!!! COME AND DIVE FOR FREE NOW BEFORE YOUR IDC!!!

Jonas ::

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Assistant Instructor Course completed

Congratulations to Jeremy (Australia) and Gabor (Hungary) who both completed the Assistant Instructor today. They have passed all requirements with flying colors! Day off tomorrow and the next day we are starting Part 2 of the Instructor Development Course.

The Internship / MSDT Program also is on its way and the candidates completed Enriched Air, Wreck, Digital U/W Camera, Deep, Equipment and Fish Id Specialty Instructor Programs. All the guys are now team teaching with senior instructors at bans and sunshine divers (all the instructor candidates from the last Instructor Exam got their teaching stauts already - so thanks to PADI Asia Pacific for processing our IDC Candidates paperwork so fast!!!)

Have fun and see you on koh tao! Next IDC Starts on the 4th of August!

Cheers
jonas

Daryl who completed an IDC with as a few months wrote and article about the Instructor Course which is going to be features in the Australian Diving Magazine "The

Jonas ::

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Great idc day!

Today we conducted an equipment course together with Dave, owner of AQUATECH Koh Tao. the 7 hour presentations went through all aspects of equipment maintainance including hydrostatic testing and visual inspections in Dave's workshop. the presentation was attended by 12 Internship and MSDT's students, IDC Candidates and DMT's. Renee a new IDC Candidate for the august program arrived yesterday and joined on a skill circuit this afternoon in Ban's Divings amazing new pool. Welcome to Ban's Diving and Sunshine Divers!

Upcoming Dates:

· July 5th-Marine Branch Meeting, 7PM Chalok Ban Kao Gov't Building

· July 18th-Biorock Meeting, 7pm Dirty Nellie's

· July 31st-Underwater clean-up

Chad Scott

Save Koh Tao

Marine Branch

www.MarineConservationKohTao.com

Jonas ::

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Raising the bar for all professional courses

As one of only 5 PADI 5-Star Career Development Centers in Thailand we are leaders in diver training and we always looking for ways of increasing the standards for all our courses.

To better train you we have made a decision, starting from 1 of June, that all courses beyond Rescue Diver - including PADI Divemaster, PADI Assistant Instructor, PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer is conducted by PADI Course Directors.

This is the staff conducting the Ban's Diving and Sunshine Divers professional courses:

Natalie Hunt and Tim Hunt (PADI Course Directors) DIVEMASTER Courses
Jonas Samuelsson and Tim Hunt (PADI Course Directors) ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR AND OPEN WATER SCUBA INSTRUCTOR AND MASTER SCUBA DIVER TRAINER.

We also raise the bar by going out to guarantee that we always have a PADI Course Director conducting all evaluation (academic, confined, open water) during your idc. we use staff to assist us, but there is always a PADI Course Director there in the water directly supervising you and giving you feedback.

If you want to become a dive professional - train with dive professionals

Jonas ::

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MSDT/Internship and IDC Starting

MSDT Specialty Instructor Training started yesterday with deep instructor training at Chumphon. Me and Tim (both PADI Course Directors) conducted the program to 40 meters surrounded by 5-6 sharks - very cool. Tim took the new instructors to Unicorn (included in all our internship/msdt packages) which is a nice wreck north of Mango Bay at 35-40 meters. I started the idc today with Jeremy (australian dm from Rainbow Divers/Vietnam) and Gabbo (dm from hungaria and restaurant owner in Goa, India. Small group this time with me, chris, shannon teaching the course.

we also start a idc preparation and dm week tomorrow conducted by Natalie Hunt (also PADI Course Director) which is going to cover 2 skill circuits, leading workshop, lectures in 5 topics like physics, deco theory etc exams and so on. great refresher for all idc candidates already here for the next idc starting on the 4 of August.

So lots going on related to training for dmts, divemaster preparing for idc, idc candidates just started their idc and our new instructors signed up for the msdt/internship training.

Jonas ::

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Congratulations to Ban's New Instructors

100% passrate again on the Instructor Examination!

Congratulations to our instructor candidates that passed their instructor exam with flying colors on the 26th of June! PADI Examiners George, Rob and Thomas from PADI Asia Pacific came over and conducted the examination over 2 1/2 days.

Simon (England), Agnus (Hong Kong), Lance (England), Chris (Sweden), Rune "Tips" (Denmark), Pascal (USA), Sean (Argentina) and Louise "Lo" (England)

Also congratulations to our new staff instructors Wardy, Shannon and Alan!

Staff teaching the program was: Tim and Jonas (PADI Course Directors), Mike and Peter (Staff Instructors/Master Instructors)

Simon (England), Lance (England), Chris (Sweden), Rune "Tips" (Denmark), Pascal (USA), Sean (Argentina) and Louise "Lo" (England) are all doing Internship and MSDT Training with us starting today.

Jonas ::

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News on the 18th of June

Ban's Career Development Center on Koh Tao organised a meeting together with the 'Save Koh Tao' Foundation on the 18th of June. During the meeting that was attended by some 30 divecenter owners and managers on koh tao discussions related to conserving the underwater environment was discussed. Next meeting is going to be held in Dirty Nellys Irish Pub (affiliated with Bans Diving).

The instructor development course is completed today with only EFR Instructor and 'mock' instructor exam left to complete priro to the PADI Instructor Exam on the 24-26 of June. PADI Course Directors Jonas Samuelsson and Tim Hunt conducted this program with PADI Examiners Thomas, George and Rob conducting the PADI Instructor Exam.

Next IDC Starts on the 30th of June;

Special Summer Deal: 33.900 baht for IDC only (add only 6000bath for EFR Instructor Course). This include 15 day idc (average idc length is 8-9 days), pass guarantee, guarantee that padi course directors are conducting all evaluation, dvd and tshirts, lunch.

Ban's Career Development Center is the most award winning divecenter on koh tao and the only divecenter in the gulf of thailand who won the award for Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development twice (2000 and 2007). PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson and Bans Diving have been conducting IDC since 1998 on Koh Tao and celebrating 10 years of IDC in July this year.

Don't take our word for it - just ask the over 1000 successful diving instructors coming through Bans Diving Resorts instructor development courses since 1998.

Jonas ::

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Important upcoming dates:

18th-Biorock metting, 7pm Dirty Nelly's

19th-Save Koh Tao, Marine Branch update meeting (location & time
TBA)

21st-Tanote Restoration day

24th- Logistical meeting for Nang Yuan Clean-up, 7pm Dirty Nelly's

26th- Nang Yuan Underwater Clean-up

5th-Save Koh Tao Marine Branch Meeting, 7pm Chalok Gov't Building

Jonas ::

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Strong wind and big waves on koh tao...

It's been a strong wind and fairly large waves on koh tao the last few days. diving boats are still going out for diving in the morning and the afternoon. hopefuylly it all will clear up within the next few days. going out tomorrow morning with the idc crew for their first open water presentations. descents, cesa's, lift bag use, navigation etc. might skip out on the surface skills tomorrow he he!!! take care and see you on koh tao (by that time the sky is blue and the sun is shining again!!!)

(check out http://windguru.com/int/).

Jonas ::

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Dates for the next idc...

COURSES DATE JUNE / JULY
--------------------------------------------
IDC Orientation 30 JUN
IDC - AI 1 - 5 JUL
IDC - OWSI 7 - 11 JUL
EFR Inst 12 JUL
Remedial 13 - 14 JUL
IE 15 - 17 JUL
Nitrox Diver/Inst 18 - 19 JUL
Internship 20 JUL -
--------------------------------------------
Special price: 39.900 baht extended idc including EFR Instructor, lunch, pass guarantee, t-shirt, dvd from the idc, unlimited preparation and diving 4 weeks prior to the idc.
--------------------------------------------

Jonas :: 5:10 PM

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Regional Manager conducting lecture

RM Hans Ulrich conducted the presentation PADI System of Diver Education for our 8 IDC Candidates that started the idc yesterday. Presentation was very informative and also very funny!

Jonas ::

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thinking about a career in diving?

then this is the website for you!

information how to work in the diveindustry and what courses and materials needed to reach that goal:

http://instructor-kohtao.com/career/col/english.html

Jonas ::

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Beautiful day on koh tao

Blue sky and clear water outside my office here on koh tao! visibility is great out there. idc is starting with 7-8 candidates on monday at 900.

we just came back from koh samui where friends and family opening up Royal Samui Golf & Country Club (check out www.rsgcc.co.th/image-gallery.html). the opening day
was so much fun with Football golf. (in my team Vivian Andersson, Man United - other players was Ian Rush, Liverpool and Peter Reid, Chelsea.

Great day and evening! the first 9 holes are ready to play on within the week! best view out of all golf courses in the world!!!

take care and see you soon on koh tao for some diving (or samui for some golf)!!!

cheers jonas

Jonas ::

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IDC Candidates preparing...

The IDC Candidates taking the idc starting on the 9th of June Sean (england), Simon (england), chris (sweden), lance (england), agnus (hong kong), tips (denmark). few others are on their way and will arriving within the next few days.

staff: course directors jonas and tim, staff peter (new way diving), darren (big blue), mike (bans diving), pauli (bans diving).

so one on one ratio - candidates to staff!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL PRICE DURING SUMMER 2008:
IDC INCLUDING EFR INSTRUCTOR: NORMAL PRICE 44000 BAHT, NOW ONLY 39.900 BATH
33.900 (without EFR Instructor)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jonas ::

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Aware meeting and ice hockey tonight in nelly's

Project Aware meeting in Dirty Nellys irish pub at 1900 tonight and NHL Icehockey at 2000! Check out Project Aware Foundation on facebook.com and become a 'fan'. see you tonight.

Jonas ::

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Amazing day ...

Today is an amazing day on koh tao! the weather is great, blue sky, calm sea, visibility is back to +20 meter in most sites. whaleshark spotted yesterday again.
hard to get better than this! i off to the beach - taking a day off! have fun and see you soon on koh tao!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
IDC starts on the 9th of June.

Remember our special offer of 36.900 baht for idc and efr instructor

Jonas ::

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Dates for May/June Environmental Projects

- May 27th: May clean-up logistical meeting, 7 pm @ Dirty Nellie's
- May 30th: Underwater clean-up in Ao Leuk/Tien Og
- June 1st: Treasure Hunt Fundraiser for the Secret Garden
- June 5th: Marine Conservation Koh Tao meeting, 7 pm in Gov't Building
- June 18th: BioRock planning and fundraising meeting, 7pm @ Dirty
Nellie's
- Late June: Restoration Day in Ao Tanote

Jonas ::

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The Koh Tao Fundraising Treasure Hunt

The secret garden conversation group is conducting a treasure hunt on koh tao to raise money for the local kids on koh tao. The Koh Tao IDC Group and Dirty Nelly Irish Pub is a proud sponsor of the project. for more information please email us on contact@instructor-kohtao.com or direct to secretgarden.kohtao@gmail.com (att:duncan). please join us and the secret garden in supporting the local school and other conservation projects on koh tao.

VYBE 1 OF JUNE, 2008

Jonas ::

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Whaleshark during deep instructor training

Wow what a day!!! we started the msdt / internship training yesterday with a deep dive at chumphon pinnacle. on the boat was itay, noa, janine and course directors jonas and tim. we came out as the second boat on the divesite and .... there is was... the whaleshark came up to our boat even before we had time to moore up on the bouy.

the whaleshark was a 'baby' and had a length of 3-4 meter. it stayed with us until we had to leave for the objective of the day. 40 meter dive - instructor specialty training. however it was not the end of it. on the safety stop the 'baby' whaleshark came again and stayed with us for, what became an extended, safety stop of 15 minutes!!!

later that day we also was diving with turtles (both during the msdt navigation and night dive - both at white rock) and plenty of stingrays.

another amazing day on koh tao and they call this ... a job!!!

-------------------------------------

last night we also organised a presentation conducted by a team of scientist that is building structures underwater to increase the growth of corals. very interesting project and i will keep you updated about it - we are going to need volounteers very soon!!!

Jonas ::

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100% passrate on the ie once again

Ban's Career Development Centers candidates all passed the instructor exam on the
17th of May. All achieved very high scores on all presentations (min score was 4.4 during the instructor exam (low 1.0 high 5.0). Congratulations to Janine, George, Noa and Magnus.

All 4 is starting their internship program and msdt today in the afternooon. Wreck diving, digital underwater photo, deep instructor etc etc. lots of great things coming up.

the exam party in dirty nellys irish pub was a great success with a video for all bans diving candidates from the idc. free buffe with food for over 100 amd live music was provided by dirty nellys irish pub.

congratulations again to all candidates!!!

next idc starts on the 9th of June.

Jonas ::

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NEWS: SUPER SPECIAL SUMMER 2008 PRICE DEAL ON IDC AND EFR INSTRUCTOR:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
39.900 baht (including efr instructor) *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* does not include padi fees and padi materials

IDC DATES 2008:
http://cdckohtao.com/career/idc_dates_2008/english.html

Check out our career packages on:
http://cdckohtao.com/career/packages/english.html

Next idc starts on the 9th of June!!!

FREE UNLIMITED DIVING 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE IDC. ASSIST, ATTEND DM LECTURES, FUNDIVE,
ALL INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE PRICE!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jonas ::

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New domain name for koh tao idc group

http://www.cdckohtao.com new domain name!!!

Ban's Diving Resort and Crystal Diving are the only divecenters on koh tao who got recognized by PADI as PADI 5-Star Career Development Centers. This is the highest rating a divecenter can achieve within the padi system.

To better try to meet the expections of the divers who would like to achieve a career in diving we have register a new domain name and web site called:

http://www.cdckohtao.com

this site is going to provide you with information that you are going to need if you are interested in becoming a dive professional.

ban's diving is the most awarded divecenter on koh tao and offer instructor development courses on a monthly basis on koh tao. we have been teaching diving career programs since 1998 and have one of the most progressive and innovative programs and courses in PADI Asia Pacific area.

next idc starts on the 9th of June

Jonas ::

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Assistant Instructor Course

The April/May PADI Assistant Instructor Course is completed tomorrow with last open water presentation in the morning and project aware and coral reef presentations in the afternooon. everyone have done very well so far and passed all requirements to become assistant instructors already before tomorrows presentations.

Next IDC Starts with an orientation on the 9th of June with the last day of the instructor exam on the 26th of June. we have a special summer offer where you can take the idc only for 30900baht (plus padi materials and padi fees). included in this price is pass guarantee, unlimited diving 4 weeks prior to the idc, lunch, dvd and t-shirt of your idc plus our extended 15 day idc with many more presentations than required by standard - with the intent of teaching you not only to pass the instructor exam but become a confident instructor after the padi exam.

for more information about this very special summer price contact us on

jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com
contact@instructor-kohtao.com

take care and see you soon on koh tao for your new career as a PADI Instructor!

ps did you know that the PADI Instructor certification enables you to work in over 180 countries in the world and that there is a lack of instructors in many of those countries. if you love travelling, people, beaches and of course diving... what could be a better career!

for more information please see www.instructor-kohtao.com or email us on jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com

Jonas ::

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IDC in June...

Next IDC, Instructor Development Course here at Bans 5-Star Instructor Development Center starts on the 9 of June and is completed on the 26 of June. Ban's CDC IS teaching a 14 days idc, rather than the usual 8-9 days, to give you more practice time both with exams, open water, confined and classroom presentations.

IDC Start Date: 9 of June, 2008
Instructor Exam: 26 of June, 2008

We are having some really great summer offers. Please email us and we tell you more.

Ban's 5-Star Career Development Center - your diving college.

Jonas ::

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idc started

IDC started yesterday with me and tim teaching the program over here on koh tao. Anna, Janine, Magnus, Noa and Gilles (idc staff course) is taking the program this time! instructor exam is on the 13-15 of May - please join us in dirty nellys on the evening of the 15th for a celebration party for the guys!

just got a radio message from our boat, right now at white rock - just outside bans, and there is a whaleshark over there swimming around our open water and advanced students! not to bad to see a whaleshark on dive 3 and 4 on the open water course eh??

enjoy and see you on koh tao!

jonas

Jonas ::

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Lots of things happening on koh tao!

Sorry for not writing for a while on the blogger. its been very busy on koh tao with ltos of activities, and great diving! we completed an instructor exam on koh tao on the 17 of april with many happy faces and many new happy instructors!!!

msdt and internship training is about to start up and a trip to unicorn (wreck north of koh tao) is planned for the msdt guys on the 26 of of april!

Last night koh phangan held its monthly fullmoon party and the first reports says it was busy but very peaceful!!! many painted fullmooners have arrived already this morning to koh tao and, after some sleep, ready to start their open water courses.

next idc starts on the 28 of april with 4-5 idc candidates!!! looking forward to start up a new program with these guys!!!

take care out there and see you soon on koh tao!!!

jonas samuelsson
bans career development center and the koh tao idc group

ps congratulations to crystal diving and matt bolton who received the padi award during this years diving expo in singapore.

Jonas ::

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Next idc starts 31 of march.

100% passrate again! congratulations to irina, andy, mike and roel who all passed the idc and ie in february. great group where all is starting the internship program already. next idc starts on the 24 of february with tim and jonas.

happy st patricks day! last night was amazing with celebration of st patrick in dirty nellys irish pub. over 400 people was dancing to the livemusic.

so 100% passrate for the first 3 idc in 2008! take care and see you on koh tao!

cheers jonas

Jonas ::

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Bans Diving lead the way...

Bans and Sunshine dives is the only group of divecenters on koh tao that was given 2 platinum course director ratings for 2008. another example of how dedicated bans diving and sunshine divers are in training diving professionals.

Platinum Course Directors 2008:

Koh Tao IDC Group:
Tim Hunt, Sunshine Divers
Jonas Samuelsson, Bans Diving

Jonas ::

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Eco warriors in action

Bans Diving and Sunshine Divers organised a clean up outside Mae Haad on Koh Tao yesterday. Great turnup and lots of fun. Buffe, raffle for all who participated in dirty nellys irish pub after the cleanup. an introduction of project aware was also conducted in nellys for anyone interested. educational materials was given by padi as a way to encourage environmental projects for kids on koh tao. tim hunt led the dive site clean up and jonas samuelsson led the project aware for kids in the evening. great day (and night!!!).

Jonas ::

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100% passrate on the ie !!!

Congratulations to all Bans and Sunshine Candidates that passed the instructor exam on the 14 of February! 100% passrate again for our candidates!!! everyone is continuing with the instructor internship and mdst course. orientation tomorrow with nitrox, wreck, digital underwater photo etc. trips to sailrock, chumphon and the wreck unicorn is scheduled for the guys the next few days! best diving in the gulf of thailand!!! next idc starts on the 24 of Feb. Take care and see you soon on koh tao! regards from the koh tao idc group

Jonas ::

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Amazing day on koh tao!

Today is an amazing day on koh tao with clear blue sky and great visibility! Perfect day for a day on the sea! lots of divers went out to chumphon to see the sharks today/. rumours had it also that there was a whaleshark there this morning. lets see when the boats are coming back later today!!! our new kayaks from hobycat proved very popular as well as 15 people went out today on a kayak tour to koh nangyuan for snorkeling and relaxing on some of the nicest beaches in the world. so all good over here. the idc candidates are having fun and preparing their first presentations as 'role playing' instructors. so looking forward to an exciting day tomorrow as well!

so pack your bags and come over!!!

cheers jonas

Jonas ::

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New IDC Started today

New IDC Started today with 4 IDC Candidates. Sam (England), George (Russia), Mailaika (Switzerland) and Rob (Wales) is attending this idc taught by PADI Course Directors Jonas Samuelsson and Tim Hunt.

The weather is great and its very busy down here after the fullmoon on koh phangan!

take care and see you on koh tao!

cheers jonas

Jonas ::

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Great weather for MSDT Deep Dive!

Internship training starts today with 4 msdt/internship instructors! Today we are doing deep dive theory in the morning and 2 dives at chumphon with the grey reef sharks. tomorrow we are heading off in the morning to unicorn with trident! next 3-4 days we are conducting digital photo, navigation/search recovery and enriched air diving programs!

jonas and tim

Jonas ::

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Ban's Diving only divecenter with two Platinum CDs

Ban's Career Development Center received two PADI Course Director Platinum Ratings (the only divecenter on koh tao and one of the few in the world). Both Tim Hunt and Jonas Samuelsson received this rating that is given out to less than 100 PADI Course Directors in the world. Another reason to take the IDC with the Koh Tao IDC Group and Bans CDC Center/Sunshine IDC.

Bans Diving and Sunshine Divers is participating in a clean up dive outside Mae Haad on the 12 of February. Please join us to clean up the pier area!!! 5-6 Diveschools are participating in this effort to keep koh tao clean!

Jonas ::

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100% passrate once again

Congratulations to all 8 that passed the Instructor Exam with very high scores and no makeups on the 17 of January 2008! Great start of the year! The candidates for the program was Andrew (England), Martin (Ireland), Ewan (England), Emmet (Ireland), Karin (Sweden), Vegar (Norway), Janek (England) and Anton (Holland).

The next idc starts on the 28 of January and a few candidates already arrived and start to prepare for the start date!

The weather is great down here and the sea is calm with visibility of around 20 meters.

Internship and MSDT training starts tomorrow with deep dives at chumphon with me and tim! Unicorn wreck dive that we include (only one koh tao to include unicorn in our internship programs) is conducted on the 23/1.

Take care and see you soon on koh tao!
Jonas

Jonas ::

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Happy New Year!

The Koh Tao IDC Group with Sunshine Divers and Bans Diving would like to wish all friends a happy new year! Hopefully we see eachother underwater sometimes next year!!! Jonas, Tim, Assar, Sofie, Mike, Derek and all other staff at Bans and Sunshine!!!

Jonas ::

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Ban's CDC Center, Sunshine Divers with Tim, Jonas, Assar, Sofie and the rest of the team would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2007 was a great year for us at Bans Diving and Sunshine Divers. Its been a busy year where we upgraded a lot of our facilities and teaching 1000's of divers.

We have 12 idc dates scheduled for next year and we already now getting in candidates for the programs.

The next idc starts on the 2 of January with cds Jonas, Tim and Assar!

Have the best of holidays and thanks once again for all the support you been given our business over 2007!

Best regards,
Jonas

Jonas ::

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in melbourne at the moment

So arrived in Melbourne for a few days. then off to a wedding in nz and then 4 days visiting PADI Asia Pacific in Sydney. Having a great time over here! IE with PADI Course Director Tim Hunt and 5 candidates is starting tomorrow. Best of success to all of those guys!!! Take care and enjoy! I am back in Thailand on the 31 of December and flying to Samui on the 1 of January! Cheers Jonas

Jonas ::

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Congratulations to last idc candidates

Super team finished off their instructor exam on the 21 of November!!!

Congratulations to our new instructors on koh tao who completed the instructor exam on the 21 of November. New instructors are Anne, Gaspard, Peppe, Gaz, Adam, Brad, Sussi and Jeffe. Great scores on the instructor exam! The Instructor Exam was held by PADI Examiners Thomas and Rob from PADI Asia Pacific.

From the staff at Bans Diving, Big Blue Diving , Phoenix Divers, Sunshine Divers and New Way Diving a big congratulations to all of you!!!

The next instructor exam is held on the 11-13 of December with IDC Candidates Magnus, Henrik, Rowen, Greg, Jimmy and Alex. Great team who all already passed the Assistant Instructor Course with high scores.

After this IDC and IE we are taking a christmas break and starting the next idc on the 2 of January 2008.

Ps i am going to spend christmas time in melbourne and sydney - anyone down there who feel like having a pint send me an email!!!

Have fun and see you around!!!

Jonas

Jonas ::

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The PADI Award Gala winners with Koh Tao IDC Groups Jonas Samuelsson and Natalie Hunt (first row, left of the picture) with Vice President Henrik Nimb and other PADI Staff.

Jonas ::

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idc started...

Instructor Development Course November/December started today. Five candidates and two IDC Staff Instructor Candidates joining the program this time. Two course directors teaching the course (Jonas and Tim) and 4 Master Instructors/Staff Instructors participating in the logistics and as backup during the evaluation. Bans Diving and the Koh Tao IDC Group got as the first divecenter on koh tao the unique Course Director guarantee. The 3 A's. Always a Course Director (All Confined, All Open Water, All Academic / Always a PADI Course Director. We guarantee you that we always have a PADI Course Director evaluating your presentations! Take care and see you soon for you IDC!

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Happy Loi Kratong!

Happy Loi Kratong! Today is the Loi Kratong in Thailand which is one of the most wide spread and popular 'events' during the year. “Loi Krathong” is traditionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which usually falls on some day in November. The floating of a ‘Krathong' – a banana–leaf cup – is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Khongkha or Ganga, the River Goddess. Some believe that the ritual is meant to worship the Buddha's footprint on the bank of the Narmada River, while others say that it is to pay respect to Phra Uppakhut, one of the Lord Buddha's great disciples. Lots of fun for all both locals and thai. Here on koh tao we are celebrating first in mae haad wiht local 'celebraties' singing and then flowers at sairee beach outside bans in the evening.

IDC Starts on the 26 of November with 5 candidates! Staff CDs Jonas and Tim!

Take care and happy loi kratong!

Jonas ::

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IDC Started on yesterday

IDC with 9 candidates and 5 idc staff instructor candidates started their course yesterday. Jonas, Tim and Assar(all course directors) and jamie (master tec/course director) is teaching this program. We also have staff instructor jessie, jeff (choppers) and Peter (New Way Diving) participating in this course. All together 11 different countries from 5 different divecenters on koh tao! Lots of fun and a great group. All pre-assessment exams went well yesterday and tomorrow we are conducting the first confined water presentations/evaluation!

Next idc starts 26th of November!

Have fun out there and see you soon on koh tao!

cheers jonas

Jonas ::

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Jonas ::

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Marine Diving Fair/Beach Resort Fair 2008

Exhibition Title: Marine Diving Fair/Beach Resort Fair 2008
Date : 4-6 April, 2008 (Three days)
Place: Sunshine City Convention Center Hall C,D Ikebukuro, TOKYO JAPAN
Visitors in 2008: about 50,000 people
Produced by : Marine Divin Fair Organization & MARINE ART CENTER CO., LTD.
Supported by : MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, Ministry of Economy, Trade and
Industry,

Jonas ::

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New divecenter partner for bans diving...

Diving in England!

Interested in diving in 'cold' water and explore wrecks and other interesting divesites when your coming back home? Our new partner in Swanage offer all of this and much more.

They also offer continuing education for anyone interesting in learning more about different specialty activities like wreck diving and dry suit diving!

For more information please see www.swanagediving.co.uk.

Take care and enjoy the wrecks out there!

Cheers Jonas Samuelsson, PADI Course Director Koh Tao, Thailand

Jonas ::

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The original Koh Tao IDC Group

The Koh Tao IDC Group has been established since 1998 and is a thai company limited teaching idcs for the most prominent divecenter on koh tao - Ban's 5-Star Career Development Center (the largest and most popular* divecenter in Asia. Ban's and PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson is also the most awarded padi divecenter in Thailand. Read our blogger, started during 2004, to see some of the steps that resulted in the most progressive and popular idc center in PADI Asia Pacific's region.

*Popularity based on numbers of PADI certification during 2006.

Jonas ::

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Raining a lot on koh tao

Its raining a lot on koh tao at the moment. Hopefully it 'goes away' within the next day or so. The diving is still good with alright visibility and calm water. we are not going to lack water in our water tanks for the next few years at least.

But dont worry its clearing up soon and we once again got blue sky and spectacular sunsets outside bans diving resort.

next idc starts on the 4 of november and we have around 8 signed up plus 3 idc staff instructor candidates. jonas, tim, assar, choppers, jessie is teaching this program.

Video Gaz (switch is finally taking his idc after three years of video at bans!!! very cool!!!)

Jonas ::

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100% passrate on the september/october idc

Congratulations to Trevor, Reedo, Wardy, Nori and Shayne who passed with the Instructor Exam on the 18th of October. Great fun on the instructor exam party! MSDT/Internship Training starts on the 27 of October and the Next idc starts on the 4 of November!!! Around 8 signed up so far for that program and 4-5 candidates are taking the staff instructor course.

So all good over here. Tim is coming back from Canada on the 26th to run the MSDT Program this time. Wreck diving to Unicorn on the 31th if anyone is interested!!!
Sail Rock on the 29th!!! Take care and talk soon!!! Cheers Jonas

Jonas ::

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IDC Completed - 'mock ie' tomorrow

BUSY WEEK FOR THE KOH TAO IDC GROUP AND BANS 5-STAR CDC CENTER...

IDC Completed yesterday with Shayne, Matt 'Wardy', Reedo and Trevor. Everyone passed the IDC Requirements with flying colours. 4,8 (5.0 highest) on the last academic presentation!

Congratulations to 6 new EFR Instructors from Asia Divers and Bans Diving Resort (taught by Koh Tao IDC Groups PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson cooperation with SSS Recompression Chamger).

Today me and Gary 'Gaz' (Manager SSS Recompression Chamber) taught a EFR Instructor course for the above plus two candidates from Asia Divers. Congratulations to Liz (Asia Divers), Kim (Asia Divers), plus above four boys from Bans CDC Center. The program was conducted in Bans Diving Resorts beautiful and modern IDC classroom with a spectacular view over Sairee Beach.

Tomorrow Mock Instructor Exam starts to polish the skills and knowledge prior to the 'real' exam starts with PADI Examiners Rob and Thomas on the 16-18 of October.

NEW OFFER FROM PADI ASIA PACIFIC AND BANS 5-STAR CDC CENTER... COMPLETE YOUR MASTER SCUBA DIVER PROGRAM AND RECEIVE FREE APPLICATION/CERTIFICATION. VALUE WORTH $55.

Jonas ::

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Part 2 of the idc started today!

Congratulations to Wardy (England), Trevor (Ireland), Reedo (England) and Shane (Australia) who completed their Assistand Instructor Course two days ago. All 4 boys continued directly with IDC Part 2 today with an Instructor Exam conducted by PADI Asia Pacific on the 16-18 of October! Great group - great fun! Confined in the morning and how to teach the PADI Open Water Course tomorrow afternoon.

Tim Hunt (PADI Course Director The Koh Tao IDC Group/Sunshine Divers) is in Canada at the moment and coming back in time for the MSDT / Internship Program after the exams.

Assar Manuswin (PADI Course Director The Koh Tao IDC Group) is coming back tomorrow after a trip to Ranong where he applied to become Thai Citizen)

Come down to Koh Tao and take advantage of the fact that you can dive and prepare for free prior to the idc. Can you do as many dives you want? equivalent of the cost of the IDC? Yes you can! 2 dives per day max. Find a better offer somewhere else?
Free dm theory review, skill practice is also free for all our idc candidates!!! For more information about this unique offer for all Bans Diving Resort/ The Koh Tao IDC Groups idc candidates email jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com

Jonas ::

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P r o j e c t A W A R E A s i a P a c i f i c

Conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and
action.

Unit 3, 4 Skyline Place
Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
Australia
Direct: +61 2 9454 2891
Fax: +61 2 9454 2999

Visit Project AWARE: www.projectaware.org (for contact about local environmental projects on koh tao and bangkok please contact jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com)

Jonas ::

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PADI Supports Suanlum Kids Project in Bangkok

Hi Jonas

Thanks for your email to Henrik which has been forwarded to me as
Manager for Project AWARE Asia Pacific.

Your efforts are to be commended and we can certainly help you by
providing a package of resources including 100 AWARE Kids activity
books, decals, posters and brochures. We'll also include 5 teacher's
guides and DVDs. These have some great activities and games for kids
which you'll be able to use.

We'll also add in some Bubblemaker goodies too.

Please let me know if there is anything else we can do to assist - Eva
may be interested in applying for a grant from Project AWARE for marine
conservation work. If Eva is interested please ask her to contact me
directly.

Best wishes
___________________________________

Joanne Marston
Manager, Project Aware (www.projectaware.com)
------------------------------
For more information about suanlum kid project please contact jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com or www.suanlumkids.com
Thank you for your support! jonas samuelsson padi course director koh tao idc group/bans 5-star cdc center

Labels: padi

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Blogger with 335 posts / news since 2004...

News News News...

some of the bottom posts might not be idc or koh tao news anymore, but lots of fun to read back and reflect on. on this blogger there been 335 posts published so far. if you having thoughts about taking the idc or just curious about how the koh tao idc group developed since 2004 (the year this blogger published its first post) go to the bottom part and scroll through. since then we taught over 350 instructors (since 1998 we taught over 1000 instructors on koh tao and trained over 10 PADI Course Directors). Its been an amazing saga so far and now when we plan our schedules and programs for 2008 i think we just started. so excited about some new and amazing packages and programs for next year. Thinking about taking the idc during 2008, check out below and see our offer worth over 40.000baht if you book your idc already this year!

Koh Tao News with The Koh Tao IDC Group!!!

Jonas ::

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Jonas ::

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Assars new website - in swedish

Interested in getting information in swedish about how to become a PADI Instructor and get a 'license' work and travel in more than 183 countries in the world (amount of countries PADI is represented). Check out our own PADI Course Director Assar Manuswin website http://www.dyka-i-thailand.se ... great information (that is if you read swedish).

The staff from the Koh Tao IDC Groups PADI Course Directors and Staff Instructors teach in english but support the lectures in
Swedish, Danish, Thai, French, German. If you want a translator for any other languages - its all included in the price of the IDC. We can find translator in the majority of the languages including Japanese, Korean and now also Kantonese (Chinese).

We always working on improving our services and products here at Bans 5-Star Career Development Center and The Koh Tao IDC Group (including Sunshine Divers see www.sunshine-diveresort.com). our unique translation service is a part of that ambition.

In 2007 we received the award outstanding contribution to instructor development on koh tao due to this fact.

for more informationa about how to become a diveinstructor and work in this area:

http://www,idc-in-thailand.com

jonas samuelsson padi course director

Labels: idc koh tao in all languages

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SPECIAL OFFER - 40.000 BAHT VALUE FOR IDC CANDIDATES

Thinking about taking the INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT COURSE (IDC) 2008? Special offer if you book now!!!

Book your idc and pay a deposit during 2007 and pay this years IDC Prices. Also SPECIAL if you book and pay deposit this year - get 8 WEEKS OF FREE SCUBA DIVING (max 2 dives per day) prior to the IDC!!! Assist on courses, attend dm theory lectures, skill practice in the pool and lots of fundives - all for FREE!!! Around 50 dives- value approx. 40.000baht!!!

Save money and dive for free!!! Book your idc today!!!

Download the following page for all Instructor Development Course Dates 2008 with Ban's 5-Star Career Development Center/The Koh Tao IDC Group/Sunshine 5-Star IDC Gold Palm Resort.

idc%20dates%202008-1.doc

Prices 2007:
IDC 44.000 Baht
PADI Material (all required instructor materials): 17.900 Baht

Expected prices 2008:
IDC 48.000 Baht
PADI Materials (all required Instructor Materials): 19.900 Baht
==================================================
Save 6.000baht plus get free diving for approw 40.000 baht if you book now!!!
==================================================
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ban's 5-Star Career Development Center with PADI Course Directors Jonas Samuelsson and Tim Hunt is the most PADI Awardwinning IDC Center in the Gulf of Thailand. Don't play dice with your education! We been teaching over 1200 instructors, 500 medic instructors, 600 EFR Instructors and over 1000 Specialty Instructors. Want to become a pro - do your idc with pros!!!

Winner of Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development (both 2000 and 2007). No other IDC Center in the gulf of Thailand did ever receive this award. We received it twice from PADI for our part in developing IDC Candidates in Asia)

Jonas ::

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Demonstration outside Embassy of 'Myanmar' today

Demonstrations outside the embassy of Myanmar today in Bangkok. I just passed the embassy, sathorn road, on my way to the airport (flying to samui today and then koh tao to teach the next idc). Join forces - support the burmese people today!

-------------------------------------------------------------

We need to raise an urgent outcry to send a strong message of solidarity to the Burmese people, and to persuade UN Security Council members to pressure the generals and stop the crackdown

Burma is ruled by one of the worst military dictatorships in the world. This week Buddhist monks and nuns began marching and chanting prayers to call for democracy. The protests spread and hundreds of thousands of Burmese people joined in -- they've been brutally attacked by the military regime, but still the protests are spreading.

I just signed a petition calling on Burma's powerful ally China and the UN security council to step in and pressure Burma's rulers to stop the killing. The petition has exploded to over 200,000 signatures in a few days and is being advertised in newspapers around the world, delivered to the UN secretary general, and broadcast to the Burmese people by radio. We're trying to get to 1 million signatures this week, please sign below and tell everyone!

http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_burma/tf.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK
Thank you for your help!

Jonas ::

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IDC Dates 2008 Koh Tao

Here are the IDC Instructor Development Course Dates for 2008 on Koh Tao including PADI Instructor Exam.

idc%20dates%202008.doc

Jonas ::

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suanlumkids.com

my friend Eva Henriks is about to start up a non profitable organisation for raising money with the ambition of creating educational projects for less fortunate children in Bangkok. the website name is www.suanlumkids.com. its a great cause. if you have any ideas how you could help this kids please contact eva on:

Address:

196 Witthayu Road
Lumpinee Sub-district
Phathumwan district
Bangkok 10330
Thailand Contact us by:

Email: send us an email
Phone: +66 (0) 870950100

check out facebook on: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6301112059

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Fullmoon party on phangan!

sleeping under the fullmoon?

Tonight the monthly fullmoon party is taking place on our neigbouring island koh phangan. boats goes from koh tao to phangan at 5 pm and after a long party the boat departure from phangan back to koh tao around 5 am. the trip takes around 2 hours one way. couple of cool beers on the way over and voila your there. its very hard to find rooms on koh phangan so this might a good option for the one that would like to go to the party but avoid having to sleep on the beach or search for a room for hours before the party starts.

the party boats is easy to find on koh tao. just walk into any booking agency on koh tao and they sort you out!

have a great party!!!

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Dates for the last 3 IDCs 2007

OCTOBER

IDC Orientation 01/10/2007
IDC - AI 02/10/2007 06/10/2007
IDC - OWSI 08/10/2007 12/10/2007
EFR Inst 13/10/2007
Remedial 14/10/2007 15/10/2007
IE 16/10/2007 18/10/2007
Nitrox Diver/Inst 20/10/2007 21/10/2007
Internship 22/10/2007 - - - - - - - -

NOVEMBER

IDC Prep 04/11/2007 - - - - - - - -
IDC - AI 05/11/2007 09/11/2007
IDC - OWSI 11/11/2007 15/11/2007
EFR Inst 16/11/2007 - - - - - - - -
Remedial 17/11/2007 18/11/2007
IE 19/11/2007 21/11/2007
Nitrox Diver/Inst 23/11/2007 24/11/2007
Internship 25/11/2007 - - - - - - - -

DECEMBER

IDC Prep 26/11/2007 - - - - - - - -
IDC - AI 27/11/2007 01/12/2007
IDC - OWSI 03/12/2007 07/12/2007
EFR Inst 08/12/2007 - - - - - - - -
Remedial 09/12/2007 10/12/2007
IE 11/12/2007 13/12/2007
Nitrox Diver/Inst 15/12/2007 16/12/2007
Internship 17/12/2007 - - - - - - - -

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Internship program huge success

Tim Hunt (manager sunshine diveresort and course director koh tao idc group) is conducted an internship training program as a post idc course for previous idc candidates. yesterday wreck specialty course with trident to unicorn with great visibility and an amazing day. today dpv and deep specialty instructor programs and tomorrow dup (digital uw photo and multilevel spec instructor courses). all together 9 instructors participated in the program and lots of smiles after the dives yesterday according to reports i got from tim and the rest of the staff. good job to all the staff and thanks to all candidates that signed up for the course.

i am in bangkok at the moment having a great lunch in paragon. love this city! jonas

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Scubacats liveaboard in Similan Islands!

Scubacats liveaboard in Similan Islands! Book your liveaboards to Similans Islands with Koh Tao IDC Group and recieve special prices! Do a diving course at bans and recieve 10% discount on all ScubaCats liveaboard trips. Book now! jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com (for more information about prices and departure dates please see www.scubacat.com)

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New cooperation between ScubaCat and Koh Tao IDC Group

The Koh Tao IDC Group and Scuba Cat phuket have started to cooperate on liveaboard trips to Simillan Islands and Hin Deang and Hin Muang (south of Phi Phi island). We can now offer quality liveaboard trips to these destinations to very competetive prices for all our students. Working together with ScubaCats Christophe Pace for many years i can guarantee you a high quality trip with professional staff and outstanding service. You can either book through www.kohtao-idc-group.com or www.scubacat.com (you receive 10% discount on all ScubaCats liveaboards if you can show proof of taking a diving course with Bans Diving, Koh Tao IDC Group or Sunshine Divers). If booking directly refer to me (Jonas Samuelsson) and the fact that you are one of our students and get 10% discount on any trip organised by ScubaCat.

For more information about the trips please email jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com (you can also book directly with ScubaCat on www.scubacat.com att:christophe pace).

Jonas ::

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idc completed!!!

idc completed with an instructor exam on the 20 september with a great idc party in nellys. thanks to gaz who made a dvd (included in the idc price) for all idc candidates. so so funny!!! i am in samui today to see me cousin and then bangkok for a week or so. tim hunt (manager sunshine and course director koh tao idc group) is meeting candidates and get them prepared for the 1 of october idc. i believe we have around 8 candidates for this program with me and tim teaching; cd assar might also join during the second week (assar is applying for residency in thailand and meeting having interviews with the review board until the 9 of october). tim is starting msdt and internship programs tomorrow and starts off with a wreck instructor program to unicorn in conjunction with cd jamie and his boat the trident! we are including the wreck trip in all the internship programs now. it was so a success last time we tried it so now we include it on all courses!!! great trip.

dont forget to add me on facebook.com.. then we can talk directly over there if you have any questions etc about the idc or diving on koh tao in general. take care and talk soon!

cheers jonas

Jonas ::

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Beach, divesite clean up and bbq

Busy but fun day today at bans diving. coducting efr instructor course for 6 participants plus organising beach clean up in the morning and dive site clean up in the afternoon. free bbq and t shirts to everyone participating in the event.

This event is a part of a larger event conducted today all around the world "The international Clean up day"... participate and get involved. .. want to make a difference today? at bans we are changing all light bulbs to energy saving light bulbs today.... do the same... according to a magazine i read "if all people in france changed their light bulbs to energy saving ones.. that would result in a energy saving on a scale that they could close one nuclear reactor in france"... amazing eh?

have fun and stay green! jonas

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Important personnel changes announced.

Bans 5-Star CDC Center and The Koh Tao IDC Group Announces Reorganisation

Important personnel changes announced - No change in customer service

It is with great regret that Ban's 5-Star CDC Center has received and accepted the resignation of Claes Gosvig, PADI Course Director/Manager Internship Instructor Training, who is stepping down for personal reasons.

Claes Joined Ban's Diving 4 years ago. Through outstanding dedication he has been a forfront in the development of our Instructor Courses at Ban's Diving and The Koh Tao IDC Group. Claes has showed great passion, skill and determination to create a successfull instructor and internship program on Koh Tao. He will be sorely mssed and we wish him all the very best.

As a result of accepting Claes resignation, effective immediately, Tim Hunt, PADI Course Director Sunshine 5-star Gold Palm Resort, will be promoted to the capacity of fulltime PADI Course Director and Manager for Post IDC Program at Bans Diving, Sunshine Divers and The Koh Tao IDC Group.

Jonas Samuelsson, Head PADI Course Director Bans 5-Star CDC Center and The Koh Tao IDC Group.

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http://www.scubazine.com

New link partner with the Koh Tao IDC Group. Thanks guys! cheers jonas

http://www.scubazine.com

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Beach Clean up at Bans Diving!

Green day at Ban's Diving and Sunshine Divers!!!

Please join us when bans diving and sunshine divers are cleaning up the beach on sairee beach at 1600 on the 15 September. BBQ on the beach around 1730 the same day. you can even keep the gloves after the clean up!!! take care and see you on the 15 September. (Just show up in bans office 10 minutes before, no registration is neccessary!

cheers

Jonas "The Hulk" Samuelsson

Jonas ::

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Equipment Specialty Course,

Thanks to Jp and Bear (Sunshine Divers) and Greg, Alex, Rose and Paul (Bans Diving) who participated in the the Specialty Equipment Course conducted by Dave (Aqua Tech). Equipment Repair, Hydros, Visual all was covered. Thanks esp. to Dave for a great presentation this morning! Cheers Jonas

Jonas ::

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"Koh Tao - The new paradise for divers".

"Koh Tao - The new paradise for divers"

Attaching a link to the swedish version of Metro News. The news paper are writing an article with the title
"Koh Tao - The new paradise for divers".

The reporter loved koh tao and wrote that Koh Tao is the most beautiful of all islands he visit in Thailand. He wrote that Sairee Beach is the "hottest" area on Koh Tao to live at and to meet people. (Ban's Diving Resort is located on the central part of Sairee Beach).

Great write up about Koh Tao. Thanks to Johan Oberg who wrote the article. Please send me an email next time you come down and i sort you out with some diving and accommodation!

http://www.metro.se/se/article/2007/09/02/18/2117-45/index.xml

Jonas ::

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IDC Started...

IDC Started today with Dave, Davo, Saga, Nori-san and Marcel. Staff Instructor Candidates are Beth, Derek and Mike. Teaching this course is PADI Course Directors (4 CDs in one program - pretty good ratio for 5 candidates eh?) Jonas, Tim, Claes and Assar plus Staff Instructor Hans. 11 Countries in the classroom - pretty international! Today we started with the orientation and pre-assessment exams. tomorrow padi system, confined water presentations and discover scuba diving! great group and lots of fun!!! cheers jonas and the cd crew~~~

Jonas ::

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padi instructor exam dates for 2008

E Dates 2008
The IE Dates are now published for Asia Pacific. The IDC starts with an orientation 14 days prior to the Instructor Exam Dates. Book now and recieve 2007 prices!

IE Dates 2008 on Koh Tao:

15-17 January (this idc is going to start on the 27 of December and have a few days break around New Years Eve)
12-14 February
11-13 March
15-17 April
13-15 May
24-26 June
15-17 July
19-21 August
09-11 September
14-16 October
11-13 November
09-11 December

Looking forward to hear from you guys regarding your instructor training.

The Koh Tao CDC Group / padi course directors jonas, tim, claes, assar...

Jonas ::

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Instructor exam dates for 2008

Jonas ::

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Great weather and very busy!

Its very busy over here and the weather is amazing! clear sky and good visibilty. Starting the idc on monday with 5-6 students. Take care and have fun! jonas

Jonas ::

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facebook.com...

now you can find us on http://www.facebook.com..

try http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=717705659 (my personal one) and one of the ban's diving facebook groups.. this is the largest i think http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=717705659 (got 480 something "friends" right now and more added everyday).

cheers jonas

Jonas ::

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Fullmoon'ers are arrving...

Fullmoon party happen two days ago and today is the big day on koh tao when 100's, if not 1000's of divers are arriving on koh tao to start their diving courses. "dammsugar farfar"

IDC Starts on the 3th of September! Looking forward to meet you over here!

Take care and have fun!

jonas

Jonas ::

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Medical Statement prior to a diving course

On Koh Tao we have medical doctors onsite and recompression chambers is available both on koh tao and in samui. however there is no diving physician on the island so if you have medical conditions like astma, diabetes etc i highly recommend you to see a diving physician in your home country prior to arriving on koh tao. diving is very safe but its always better to be on the safe side.

safe diving to all of you,
jonas samuelsson
padi course director bans diving resort/the koh tao idc group.

10063ver201_MedRecStmtGen.pdf

Jonas ::

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New updates related www.dykningthailand.dk

Check out padi course director claes gosvig new divemaster and instructor site updates on his website for idc in danish

http://www.dykningthailand.dk

Jonas ::

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Assars new website - in swedish

check out assars new website in swedish... http://www.dyka-i-thailand.se .

Jonas ::

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koh samui at the moment...

i am arrived on samui today and is going to stay for 4-5 days or so. anyone over just give me a call and i meet you up for a beer. tim and natalie went to bangkok today and then to australia. tim is coming back for the next idc. claes is in the shop for any enquires about the idc (or email me on jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com)

Jonas ::

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cool and useful weather website..

check out http://www.windguru.com/int/index.php?sc=30397. lods of interesting data like wave heights, wave speed, temperature etc for the gulf of thailand.

Jonas ::

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100% passrate on the exams.

congratulations to paul, rose, "coffe", greg, matt, melissa, jimmy and noelle. great scores on all segments of the ie. padi examiners this time was rob and thomas from padi asia pacific. the instructor exam was conducted on bans boat, crystal pool and buddha classroom. rescue evaluation during the instructor exam was conducted by tim (sunshine divers), jonas (bans diving) and guy (asia divers).

the instructor exam party was held in dirty nellys with live music, free buffe for 100 or so people. very busy and great fun!

next idc start on the 3th of september with course directors tim, jonas and claes.

Jonas ::

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PADI feature manager team at sunshine divers.bans

Conratulations to PADI Course Director Tim Hunt (Manager Sunshine Divers and CD for The Koh Tao IDC Group) and his wife Natalie Hunt (Co-manager Sunshine Divers) for being featured in the latest Surface Interval (PADI Membership Newsletter).

Tim and Natalie got a full page spread with information about how they managed to grow their business three times over a 6 months period. First time a manager team from koh tao got feautured in the PADI Surface Interval. Very cool. Congratulations to Tim and Natalie Hunt!

If you are a PADI Member check the article out on...

http://www.padimembers.com/ap/surfaceinterval/index_011.htm

To get in contact with Tim or Natalie please check out...

http://www.sunshine-diveresort.com

PADI Course Director Tim Hunt is a fulltime PADI Course Director for the Koh Tao IDC (CDC) Group. Next IDC with Tim is starting on the 3th of September.

Jonas ::

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Office website in bangkok...

if you travel through bangkok please visit our bangkok office for information about how to get to koh tao with train, bus or flight... check it out please. Mr Boyd is the Man... he can assist you with any travel arrangements while in bangkok. this is Boyds "private" website and Bans diving is not taking any responsibility if any information is not accurate. please check www.instructor-kohtao.com or amazingkohtao.com for bans divings official websites. however this website gives you information about the reservation office Boyd is running in Bangkok.

check it out...... http://www.kohtaobansdiving.com

Jonas ::

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New language websites...

Check out PADI Course Director Claes new site in danish http://www.dykningthailand.dk/ and PADI Course Director Assar site in swedish http://www.dyka-i-thailand.se/. here you can find information, in swedish and danish, about koh tao as a travel destination and diving courses from PADI Open Water Diver to high levels of professional diving courses. you can also book accommodation and diving through these sites.

Jonas ::

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assistant instructor completed

congratulations to all 8 who passed the assistant instructor course yesterday. tomorrow we start part 2 of the idc. the instructor exam starts on the 13 of august.

august is one of the busiest months on koh tao so i recommend you to prebook accommodation and diving prior to arriving on the island. the diving is great at the moment with over 20 meter visibility on the majority of the divesites around koh tao. you can prebook you accommodation on contact@instructor-kohtao.com

the next idc starts on the 3 of september. some idc candidates are already here preparing for the course by attending dm lectures and skill curcuits. just send as an email on jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com for more information about the instructor course here at bans 5-star career development center.

Jonas ::

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IDC Started and going strong...

8 candidates, 3 course directors and 3 very experience staff instructors joined up and are now in the middle of the assistant instructor program. This morning we completed a confined water session with skill practice and rescue assessment.

Asia Divers 5-Star IDC Center Koh Tao with Course Director Guy is also joining up on this idc to practice with our candidates and our staff. Asia Divers IDC is doing there training for confined and open water in bans facilities and bans staff.

Next week Jamie (PADI Course Director/Master Tec) is conducting a presentation about technical diving for our idc candidates.

So all together during this idc 5 PADI Course Director are a part of developing the IDC Candidates to ensure that everyone is getting the best quality training course for diving professionals.

For more information about how to join Koh Tao IDC Groups professional diving programs email
jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com (or add jonassamuel@hotmail.com on messenger to speak directly).

Jonas ::

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idc starts tomorrow...

IDC Starts tomorrow with 8 candidates... PADI Course Directors teaching is Tim Hunt, Claes Gosvig, Jonas Samuelsson and Staff Instructor Jeff and Jessie.

Orientation at 900 tomorrow with an instructor exam starting on the 13-15 of August.

Dates on the next one:

IDC Orientation
03/09/2007
- - - - - - - -
IDC - AI
04/09/2007 08/09/2007
IDC - OWSI
10/09/2007 14/09/2007
EFR Inst
15/09/2007
- - - - - - - -
Remedial
16/09/2007 17/09/2007
IE
18/09/2007 20/09/2007

Jonas ::

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Announcement from PADI Regional Manager

Jonas ::

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Happy Birthday - Dirty Nellys

Tomorrow its 2 years since we opened up Dirty Nellys Irish Pub. Nellys has become the one of the most popular meeting places on koh tao with not only the largest selection of beers on the island (lods of draft beer... kilkenny, guiness, strongbow, asahi and many more), live music and great food, but also as a meeting point for the island. The loft which is the upstairs part of Nellys function as a meeting room for PADI and other organisations. lately we have been organising legal and sales seminar there and in the future we having an interesting list of presenters in areas like environment, photography and business/legal issues.

Tomorrow night we are celebrating Nelly on her birthday with free food for all. Great deals on drinks and livemusic!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NELLY'S!!!

Jonas ::

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Award winner 2007.

Platinum* PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson (Ban's CDC Center / Koh Tao IDC Group) receives as one out of only three PADI Course Directors in Asia/Australia the prestigous award

"Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development". Here on the picture with other Asian award winners (the awards was presented by PADI Vice President Henrik Nimb). Jonas Samuelsson received this award both 2000 and 2007 and is the only PADI Course Director on Koh Tao who recieved this award.

Jonas ::

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Very hot and very busy!

Koh Tao is packed with people right now. its very busy and a great buzz on the island. the weather is great with blue sky and the diving is amazing with visibility iover 20 meters.

IDC Starts on the 29th of July and we have around 8 signed up for the program. 3 course directors are attending the full program (from day one to the last day of the ie) and 3 master/staff instructors are also joining the program. The course director team (not counting the staff instructors) have over 10.000 PADI Students certified including 1200 OWSI PADI Instructors, 500 Medic First Aid Instructors, 400 EFR Instructors and approx. 800 Specialty Instructors certified between them. World Record?

Most likely the total most experienced PADI Course Director Team in the world!

On this IDC we start to implement the unique "ALWAYS A COURSE DIRECTOR" philosophy. To be able to provide you with better service and simply a better overall program we have PADI Course Directors conducted all segments of the idc (not only a few presentations like in many other centers in the world.

If you "surf" around and looking for a divecenter to take you idc with - ask them first if they offer this guarantee - if they don't you never sure who is conducting your idc - relatively inexperienced staff instructors?

Jonas ::

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PADI Sales seminar a success...

PADI Regional Manager Hans Ullrich conducted a very successful sales seminar with over 40 people attending in dirty nellys last night. So all together over 160 people attended the two seminars organised by PADI together with Dirty Nellys Irish Pub. Not bad eh!?! Thanks to PADI for the presenations - great benefit for all members of the organisation.

Jonas ::

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Reef sharks at white rock this morning...

Ronen (one of bans instructors) was out with his students to complete dive number 4 of the open water course. white swimming around the divesite several reef sharks were spotted at the south point of white rock. common to see at chumphon pinnacle but very rarely seen at white rock. very cool!

Jonas ::

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Wreck diving on koh tao!!!

Everyone from the last Instructor Course and Instructor Exam (all together 8) continued with the internship program at bans diving and the koh tao idc group. we are now conducting deep dive workshops, enriched air diving, digital underwater photography etc with the guys. today we are having a special treat for them...

WRECK DIVING AT UNICORN!!!

We rented a specially fitted technical diving boat and took all the guys to a wreck an hour or so outside Koh Tao. The wreck is covered with corals and surrounded with fish!

Take care out there and see you soon on koh tao!
jonas

Jonas ::

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Most successful Legal Risk seminar in Asia

Koh Tao beat Australia, Cairnes with the most attended Legal Risk Seminar ever organised. The previous record was 116 people and yesterday in Nelly's over 120 PADI Divemasters and Instructors attended the seminar held by Richard Evans, PADI Legal Department.

Thanks to all PADI Divemasters and PADI Instructor who really show that they care about student safety by attending the seminar.

More seminars are coming up. I am working on organising a few more for next months.

Have fun! Jonas Samuelsson

Jonas ::

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Seminar in Legal and Business

Richard Evans, Legal Risk Seminar, 21th July, 19.00 (PADI Legal Department)

Hans Ullrich, Business and Sales Seminar, 22th July 19.00 (PADI Asia Pacific/Sales)

Both events are held in Dirty Nelly's Irish Pub, Mae Haad.

Jonas ::

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8 happy new instructors / assistant instructors

Congratulations to all of the new instructors on koh tao. the instructor exam was completed on the 19th of July with PADI Examiner Richard, Thomas and Robert.

Jonas ::

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BAN'S UNIQUE GUARANTEE. FIRST IN THE WORLD.

Ban's raising the bar for PADI Standards on Instructor Development Courses.

We believe that you deserve the most qualified instructors teaching your instructor program. As a result of always offering the highest standard for all levels of courses we now guarantee that
all evaluation of our Instructor Development Courses are conducted by a PADI Course Director.

All academic evaluation.
All confined water evaluation.
All open water evaluation.

Always a PADI Course Director.

All presentations in confined water, open water and academic presentations are evaluated by one of Bans Diving/Koh Tao IDC Groups PADI Course Directors. This to ensure that you receive the most accurate and consistent instruction every time. Feedback needed to become a successful PADI after the PADI Instructor Exam.

Ban's is the most progressive and awarded divecenter in this area and once again Ban's Diving and the Koh Tao IDC Group are raising the bar for PADI Courses. By setting the standards even higher than the already strict requirements from PADI, Ban's Diving and the Koh Tao IDC can offer you one of the most comprehensive IDC, Instructor Development Courses in the world.

Ban's CDC and the Koh Tao IDC Group - partners leading the way in the diveindustry.

For more information please e-mail us on contact@instructor-kohtao.com or jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com

First CDC on Koh Tao
6 Fulltime PADI Course Directors
Largest and most popular Divecenter in Asia
Amazing facilities on the beach
PADI Award Winner year after year
PADI "Always a Course Director" Guarantee
Instructor PASS Gurantee
4 weeks of free diving and assisting prior to the idc start
Unique Internship Programs
14 Days IDC (compared to 7-8 days in most areas

Jonas ::

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