Finding the right Scuba Instructor and Dive shop can sometimes be a challenge. When you are in an unfamiliar place, such as a holiday destination, or simply starting your new hobby, you want to be sure you dive with the best people you can. As with anything that requires professional training or support there are things you want to be confident of. When you learn to drive a car you want an instructor you are comfortable with and that the company they work for is reputable. The same goes for Scuba diving. When looking for a good dive company and instructor there are a few things you should consider.
• Recommendation. If you have been told of a good dive shop with great instructors from other divers then you are immediately more confident of your choice. Having someone you trust speak positively about the dive shop is very reassuring. Any testimonials you read also speak volumes for the dive shop.
• Reputation. Has the shop been around a while? Dive businesses that have years under their belt do so because they are doing something right. That something is looking after the customer. If you find a dive business that is very quiet while other businesses are busy does pose some questions. Maybe it is new but check it out. You may find a new shop is very keen to please so they should not be dismissed. Go in and see.
• Facilities. They should have good equipment, comfortable classrooms, and the use of a suitable swimming pool and dive boat. Many shops have concessions with hotels who promote diving for their guest and therefore use their pools. Once again go in look around. Is the equipment old or new? Do they sell dive kit? There is no excuse for selling dive equipment and renting old worn-out kit. Will you be comfortable on their dive boat? Some shops have speed boats (can be a little bouncy) while others (as in the Pattaya dive shops, Thailand) use converted fishing boats for a more leisurely day.
• Flexibility. A good dive shop should be flexible in the service they provide to their customers. Sometimes it is more convenient to take a dive course over two weekends instead of four days straight, this should not be a problem. The Scuba instructor and dive shop who put their own timetable first may not be the one for you.
• Cost. It is often said, "you get what you pay for." Compare prices with each dive shop. You may find that they are all charging the same price (as in the Pattaya dive shops, Thailand) but maybe you get free enriched air or a better lunch on one than the other. Dive course prices are normally competitively priced and therefore similarly priced within the local area.
• Local knowledge. Instructors who freelance between a few dive shops may have information that is useful in terms of the good, bad, plus and minus of individual shops and dive sites. They should be willing to sit down and answer your questions. Ask them if they would be your dive buddy on a fun dive so you can evaluate their ability before booking a course.
Lastly, remember you are the customer and only do what you feel comfortable with. Scuba diving is fun and not something to get stressed about. The more confident you are with your choice of dive shop and Instructor the more enjoyable the dive experience.
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