Won the PADI Renewal Competition

Yesterday when I went to check my snail mailbox I was very surprised to see a big packet I was not expecting. My surprise was even bigger when I saw PADI stamps on the envelope, so I've torn the wrapping and saw... PADI Encyclopaedia of Recreational Diving - the prize in this years Renewal Competition I have almost forgotten I've entered:). It's not the grand prize (return of the renewal fee) but still niiiiceeee:)

On-line magazines

The end of the year... time to pay the yearly PADI tribute (aka The Renewal Fee). The first one I have to pay (last year I finished the AI course in the last two months of the year so the application fee counted as renewal). But this year you can opt in for an online edition of the Undersea Journal to reduce your carbon footprint. Divers Alert Network Alert Diver magazine is available only online.

I don't like it. I mean it's OK the way PADI is doing it (switching to online edition is optional). I like reading these mags on the bus too much to even consider moving to the online version. Another thing is, that when you have the paper version your kind of obliged to read it, whereas when it sits in your email box you're not.

PADI Assistant Instructor course completed

Today was the last day of our Assistant Instructor course. This course is the first part of Instructor Development Course (IDC). IDC consists of two parts: the AI course followed by Open Water Scuba Instructor course. Usually they are taken together, but it's possible to do them separately, like we did. AI course focuses on in-water diver control, presentation (or lecture) preparation and conduct. During the course you also learn about PADI programs that can be conducted by Assistant Instructors. This are the same as Divemaster programs plus: Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Photography, Seal Team Missions and Project Aware Specialties. Additionally AIs can asses the surface skills during OWD course and give the lectures during that course. Another important part of the course is about general PADI standards and procedures and particular courses standards.

A part of the course also focuses on demonstrating skills underwater, however unlike the DM which stresses the quality of the demonstration, AI is about maintaining control underwater. The same goes for the open water part of the course: you are assigned two exercises that you must perform with a group of "students". These students are of course your fellow AI trainees or instructors, and each of them is simulating a problem, as assigned by the instructor. These problems range from collecting corals while you're not looking, through loosing parts of equipment, to trying to do an uncontrolled positive buoyancy ascent:) You, as their instructor, must maintain complete control over what they are doing and don't let them do anything stupid. The quality of your briefings and debriefings also gets rated.

At the end your diving knowledge is exam (same as during the divemaster exam).

I feel that during this course I've learned a lot about conducting lectures and presentations and also about diver control. Still, I feel that I need a little bit more experience before signing for my OWSI course and completing the Instructor Examination.

Off to Phuket

On 24th of October we're starting our voyage:) First we're going to Phuket in Thailand to do PADI Assistant Instructor course and hopefully find some employment in one of Phuket's divecenters. The peak season in Thailand is starting at the beginning of November so we hope that there will be some employment for two new PADI AIs. We're flying from Warsaw to Bangkok through Berlin and then to Phuket by AirAsia. We have booked a hotel for the first few days and then we hope to rent a house/condo. The last few days in Warsaw were very busy - we had to do some last moment preparations and also pack all our belongings as our friend are going to be renting our flat.

Mailing my PADI Divemaster Application :D

Today I posted the divemaster application to PADI. Apart from the filled in application form you also have to send them a recent medical examination stating that you are fit to dive, a recent photo and an authorization to charge your credit card. Don't try sending checks or other methods of payment - credit card is the fastest way. If you don't have a credit card you can always try asking your relatives :) It also doesn't have to be a real credit card (one that allows you to spend money you don't have) - you can try one of the so called eCards (card that pretend to be credit cards but work in a prepaid manner).

Hope the application will be processed quickly by PADI - I must have my c-card before going for the AI course on Phuket in the end of October.

Tropical destination chosen :D

We have chosen our tropical travel destination: it's going to be Phuket in Thailand. We're planning to do PADI Assistant Instructor course with Asian Divers a Polish diving center there, and then start working. Lot's of work ahead of us: finishing our masters thesis, finishing DM course, finding accomodation, visas, flights etc. But I can't wait to get there:D