Following a complete refurbishment and rebranding program of the center at the Centara Grand Mirage Hotel in Naklua, the store opened its doors to hotel guests and the local area.

The Mermaids Centara Grand Mirage Center is located in the stunning water park of this prestigious 5 star resort. The center is open 7 days a week, offering guests the opportunity to discover scuba diving and choose from dive products such as the popular Aqualung range of masks and fins. The Go Pro Hero range is also available.

The Pattaya store is currently undergoing refurbishment and details will be released soon.

“We are happy to extend the Mermaids facilities,” said Peter Waagensen, owner of Mermaids Dive Center. “The new stores will enable us to introduce more people to the underwater environment and scuba diving”

Mermaids Dive Center has been in operation in Pattaya since early 1990 and holds the prestigious PADI 5 Star Career Development Center rating. The main operations center is located in Jomtien and the Mermaids Talay Divers hotel is conveniently located close by. Mermaids Bangkok Center is located at the Amarin Plaza Center in the Outdoor Unlimited Zone.

The post Mermaids Dive Center is pleased to announce the acquisition of two dive centers located in Naklua and Pattaya appeared first on Scuba diving in Pattaya, Thailand with Mermaids PADI 5 Star CDC Dive Center.

The post Mermaids IDC, May 2013 appeared first on Scuba diving in Pattaya, Thailand with Mermaids PADI 5 Star CDC Dive Center.

The Wi-Fi enabled HERO3: Black Edition is the most advanced GoPro, ever.

No expense was spared during its development, resulting in a GoPro that is 30% smaller, 25% lighter and 2x more powerful than previous models.

Wearable and gear mountable, waterproof to 197′ (60m), capable of capturing ultra-wide 1440p 48fps, 1080p 60 fps and 720p 120 fps video and 12MP photos at a rate of 30 photos per second, the HERO3: Black Edition is the world’s most versatile camera.

Built-in Wi-Fi, GoPro App compatibility and the included Wi-Fi Remote (normally a separate $79.99 accessory) make the HERO3: Black Edition all the more versatile, still.

We have many of GoPro accessories in our shop in Jomtien:

• LCD Bacpac
• LCD Touch Bacpac
• Battery Bakpac
• Wi-Fi BacPAc
• Wi-Fi Remote
• Mounting Accessories
• Roll Bar Mount
• Chest Mount Harness
• Suction Cup Mount 2
• Surfboard Mount
• Helmet Front Mount
• The frame mount
• Side Mount
• Vented Helmet Strap
• Head Strap
• Tripod mount
• Curves Adhesive Mounts
• Flat Adhesive Mounts
• Grab Bag of Mounts

…and many more

The post GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition on sale appeared first on Scuba diving in Pattaya, Thailand with Mermaids PADI 5 Star CDC Dive Center.

In This Newsletter

We care about our environment

After hearing about a large fishing net draped over the HTMS Kut wreck near Koh Sak, Mermaids Environmental champions Zach Day and Emma Beecham organized a remove the net day for Friday 5th April. Everyone was very concerned about the damage this net could do to the Marine life and Zach and Emma soon had a number of volunteers ready to tackle the project.

Everyone left the dive center at 5.30am to take advantage of the slack current and optimal conditions to do the project and they were soon on the way to Koh Sak. The dive teams were allocated with some divers on twin tanks, some on sidemount and most on Enriched Air.

A scout team went onto the wreck to have a look at the net and its position. Back on board they briefed the other dive teams and allocated tasks to each team for the safe removal and lifting of the net. Over 2 dives we managed to remove the majority of the net and bring it back on board.

Thanks to everyone who took part on the day.

The New International School of Thailand (NIST) from Bangkok took part in a reef clean up at our site for the International Clean Up Day – Koh Sak. A mixture of all ages took part with some snorkeling and some diving. Over 2 dives the students and teachers collected over 30 bags of trash weighing in at approximately 120kg.

The students released any marine life that was caught up in any of the trash and took home items to be part of a sculpture they are making about the impact on man on the environment. These items included a large bag of shoes, a large bag of bottle tops, caps and straws.

Well done to NIST and your environmental efforts, see you again in September for the big International Clean Up Day.

PADI Instructor Examinations

Congratulations to our latest PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors, Tyler Cunningham from the US, Jana Roos from South Africa, Kirk Green and Andy Mead from the UK and Alex Revithiadis from Australia. After attending the Instructor Development Course at Mermaids Dive Center with PADI Platinum Course Director, Russell Martin and his team, they successfully completed and passed the PADI Instructor Examinations with Rob Scammel, PADI IE Examiner on the 7^th April.

Congratulations also go to Marc Bounader and Jenny Hoge for their IDC Staff certification.

A BBQ was held on the 7^th April at Mermaids to celebrate this remarkable achievement. Malai and her team prepared an outstanding selection of salads and foods and Vlad cooked up a storm on the BBQ with his famous burgers and hotdogs.

Well done again everyone and look out for the next examination update in May.

For more information on becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, please email Sheena Walls, General Manager dive@mermaidsdivecenter.com

Also in the news for April

With lots of holiday for the schools and the Songkran festival, the US Embassy team in Bangkok came down to Pattaya and completed the Open Water certifications, well done to everyone.

David and John completed the Tec 50 course with Nic and some Trimix training. Nic will return next year to complete his full Trimix course. John also taught several sidemount courses.

The Quattro Plant Kawasaki team sponsored by Mermaids got their 2013 British Superbike Championship campaign underway at Brands Hatch. Well done Chris Walker, who starred with a set of excellent results.

Mermaids are at TDEX

Visit the Team at Stand P5 and buy your GoPro Hero camera

Mermaids will be at TDEX on Stand P5. This year the GoPro team will be on hand to offer technical advice on our most popular product the GoPro Hero Camera.

Smaller, lighter and 2x more powerful, again. The Wi-Fi enabled HERO3: Black Edition is the most advanced GoPro, ever.

No expense was spared during its development, resulting in a GoPro that is 30% smaller, 25% lighter and 2x more powerful than previous models. Wearable and gear mountable, waterproof to 197′ (60m), capable of capturing ultra-wide 1440p 48fps, 1080p 60 fps and 720p 120 fps video and 12MP photos at a rate of 30 photos per second, the HERO3: Black Edition is the world’s most versatile camera. Built-in Wi-Fi, GoPro App compatibility.

May special offers for equipment and courses

Buy any set of Fins and get 10% off

Scubapro Seawing Nova Fins at 7,587 baht (retail 8,430 baht)

The Seawing Nova combines classic SCUBAPRO fin technology with the latest innovations in hydrodynamic design and cutting edge materials. This fin has the power, acceleration and manoeuverability of a paddle fin with the comfort, efficiency and effortless speed of split fins.

• The articulated joint allows the blade to pivot and the entire blade is able to generate thrust. Pivot control technology ensures the most efficient angle of attack is maintained no matter how hard or softly you kick, generating thrust without drag or wasted energy.
• Variable pivot control ribs insures that the most efficient angle of attack is maintained across all strengths of kick.
• Ergonomic foot pocket with extended heel plate insuring ultimate power transmission with less leg strain.
• Wing tips arc upwards, increasing high-speed stability.

Scubapro Jetsport Fins at 3,191 baht (retail 3,546 baht)

• Big blade for a truly powerful response in the water.
• Drag reducing vents substantially decrease resistance on both up and down strokes.
• Three material blade construction optimizes flex and comfort to achieve a high level of performance.
• Quick release buckles.
• Ergonomic foot pocket.

Scubapro Jet Fin at 6,168 baht (retail 6,854 baht)

• Proven vented design decreases drag on the upstroke and enhances thrust on the downstroke
• Adjustable heel strap secures strap for ease of pre-dive preparation
• Spring heel straps available as an option.

Subgear Wake Fins at 2,497 baht (retail 2,775 baht)

• Light weight fin with paddle style blade
• Comfortable foot pocket

Buy any Swimming Goggles and get a free anti fog

Aqua Sphere is the premier swimming equipment manufacturer for swim training, fitness swimming and triathlon events with innovations such as Vista swim mask, Vista Junior Kid’s swim mask or the new Kayenne goggle. The Kayenne opens up the playing field – quite literally. Oversized lenses with a patented curved lens technology gives you style while providing an undistorted, expanded, 180-degree field of vision.Red, Black & Green
Blue Lens / Clear Blue, Blue Silver, White
Dark Lens / Black & Green
LADY – Clear Lens / Fuxia, Powder Blue

All Pinnacle products in store are on sale at 50%.

As the proud owner of a Pinnacle Aquatics product, you have dive gear that is unique and markedly better than anything else you could wear. You have a product that is the result of decades of testing and refinement, and the fruit of a labor of love.

• Visa kneepads
• Action gusseted panels under arm for superior range of motion
• Mesh finish on chest panel provides additional grip for surfing, boogey boards etc

Scuba Diving Course Offer

PADI 1st Aid, CPR and Rescue Course only 16,000 baht (retail price 20,446 baht)

“Challenging” and “rewarding” best describe the PADI Rescue Diver course. Building upon what you’ve already learned, this course expands on what you already know about how to prevent problems, and how to manage them if they occur.

The fun part about this course is rising to challenges and mastering them. Most divers find this course both demanding and rewarding, and at the end, say it’s the best course they’ve ever taken.

What You Learn:

• Self rescue
• Recognizing and managing stress in other divers
• Emergency management and equipment
• Rescuing panicked divers
• Rescuing unresponsive divers

Also in the news for May

• Regents School Pattaya commence the outdoor program for Year 7’s with snorkeling in Samaesan
• St Andrews International School and Harrows School begin Open Water Course training.
• Harrows School head down to Pattaya to attend a clean up the reef day at Koh Sak Island.
• BBQ on the 5th May to celebrate Instructor Examinations
• BBQ on the 18th May for Saturday Fun Day
• Apeks Technician Courses on the 28th or 30th May

Continuing the quest to become a PADI Rescue Diver

PADI 1st Aid, CPR and Rescue Course only 16,000 baht (retail price 20,446 baht)

What’s happening in June

• School trips and courses, Instructor Examinations
• BBQ on the 2nd June to celebrate the Instructor examinations
• BBQ on the 15th June for Saturday Fun day
• Dive the Khram Wreck every weekend
• Dive the Hardeep Wreck every day

For more information on the events, please contact: Sheena Walls on dive@mermaidsdivecenter.com

The post Newsletter May 2013 appeared first on Scuba diving in Pattaya, Thailand with Mermaids PADI 5 Star CDC Dive Center.

Continuing with the strong form he showed throughout 2012, Chris opened his account with an excellent seventh place in the opening 30-lap race, just three tenths of a second behind sixth placed Keith Farmer and ahead of former triple Champion Ryuichi Kiyonari as well as reigning Australian Superbike Champion Josh Waters and American PJ Jacobsen.

The second race followed a similar pattern with Chris again in contention for a top six position but when Tommy Bridewell’s Honda machine started throwing out water, he had to ease his pace slightly so as not to get caught up in an accident and it was enough for the pack behind to close up. Nevertheless, Chris brought the bike home for another solid eighth place and with 17 points from the two races, he’s slotted in to a more than useful seventh overall in the Championship table.

For new team member Buchan, it wasn’t the debut with the team he’d hoped for though as he suffered with technical issues all weekend, meaning he never got to complete either of the two races. However, the youngster rode hard all weekend, maintaining a professional approach at all times and, with a bit more fortune, the whole team are confident he’ll be joining Walker in the points at the second round.

National Superstock 1000cc Championship contenders Kyle Wilks and Steve Heneghan also experienced disappointment as they crashed out of the races, the former impressing greatly though as he battled for a top 15 position in his first 1000cc outing.

Pete Extance, Team Manager: “Chris had a very consistent weekend, and he was always in the top ten, enjoying an excellent first race to claim seventh and get his campaign underway in the style we’ve all become accustomed to. It looked like he’d better that in race two, but when Bridewell’s bike started smoking, it allowed Karl Harris and Peter Hickman to close up. As we all know, Chris always battles hard and he was rewarded with another top eight finish and a good solid start to the season.”

“Danny had no luck at all and suffered with technical gremlins all weekend but his time will come and, hopefully, at the next round he’ll be able to start showing his true potential and what we all know he’s capable of. A big thanks to John Murphy of the Quattro Plant Group and to all our sponsors for a great first weekend together and we’re all looking forward to the next round.”

The series now moves on to Thruxton, Hampshire with round two taking place next weekend, April 12-14.

Pictures by Tim Keeton - Impact Images

Phil Wain
Freelance PR

The post Mermaids sponsored Chris Walker stars for Quattro Plant Kawasaki appeared first on Scuba diving in Pattaya, Thailand with Mermaids PADI 5 Star CDC Dive Center.

Congratulations to Tyler Cunningham, Jana Roos, Andy Mead, Alexander Revithiadis and Kirk Green for passing the IE. Congrats to Marc Bou Nader and Jenny Hoge on becoming IDC Staff Instructors.

The post Mermaids IE, April 7, 2013 appeared first on Scuba diving in Pattaya, Thailand with Mermaids PADI 5 Star CDC Dive Center.

Thanks to everyone who woke up early on Friday to remove the net from HTMS Kut!

The post Net Removal Expedition, HTMS Kut appeared first on Scuba diving in Pattaya, Thailand with Mermaids PADI 5 Star CDC Dive Center.

Whilst on a dive in Pattaya, Thailand at a little place called Hin Chalam, we noticed a large amount of netting had recently been left there and that it was covering and damaging a significant amount of the reef. We decided to do something about it and preserve the already endangered eco system around Thailand. It took a while to organize and find a time that we could get a group of people together to help clean it up, but we finally made it, and here it is:

The Hin Chalam net retrieval started off at the Mermaids Dive shop at 8am. Our team of 12 were all there and ready to go.  The team consisted of divers of all levels. We arrived at the Samaesan pier, loaded up the boat and then relaxed for the 1hr 40 minute journey out to Hin Chalam.

After an hour and half it was time for the boat brief. This was my first boat brief but luckily it was with friends and divers so it went well.

With 2 teams of 4 divers and 1 team of 3 we all kitted up and took the plunge. The aim of the day was to retrieve the mass amounts of fishing net that had been recently dumped on the reef and was covering coral and entrapping many marine creatures.

Once we located the net we saw how much there really was and what damage it was doing. Our teams split off and started to work on different parts of the net to free it. After 25mins we had most of the net free and we had started to lift it using an SMB. After returning to the surface and hauling the net into the boat, it was back down again and searching for the next net. We found a couple of smaller ones so sent them to the surface too.

Our second dive consisted of one big team of 8 divers. Within 10 minutes of them going under they had surfaced again, this time with another very large net.

All in all it was a fantastic day, we retrieved around 40-50kg of netting and everyone had a good time. We rescued a significant amount of marine life from the net and unfortunately found many more that had already died. Hin Chalam is now on its way to recovery and divers could dive it once again and see its natural beauty.

A big thank you to everyone who participated and helped us continue to keep our reefs alive.

Zach Day
PADI Divemaster in training

The post Hin Chalam Reef Clean up appeared first on Scuba diving in Pattaya, Thailand with Mermaids PADI 5 Star CDC Dive Center.

In This Newsletter

Mermaids TEC Xplorer Day 23rd March

Thanks to all the participants that joined the Mermaids Tec Xplorer day at the pool. Divers of all levels had the opportunity to experience twin tank diving with David Hildreth, Tec Instructor and Mermaids Course Directors, Russell Martin and Sanya Lohitnavy. Also, on hand was Tim Hunt, PADI Regional Manager to explain the advantages of technical diving and the courses available.

Tec 40 is the entry point into the technical range provides a transition from recreational to tech. The diver is qualified to complete up to 10 minutes of non-accelerated decompression while breathing from one additional deco cylinder of up to EANx50. 
(Depth is limited to 40m)

Once divers had experienced twin tank diving, they then moved to John Bishop, Mermaids Instructor for an introduction to Sidemount Diving and the benefits of taking the Sidemount Diver Course.

Sidemount is a scuba diving equipment configuration which has diving cylinders mounted alongside the diver, below the shoulders and along the hips, instead of on the back of the diver. Sidemount is becoming increasingly popular specialty training for recreational diving, with several diver certification agencies offering recreational and technical level sidemount training programs.

The GoPro Sales Team promoted the GoPro Hero 3 range of cameras and their technical team helped with any questions on the operation of the camera.  The GoPro Hero 3 Black edition is the most popular HD camera worldwide. Mermaids Dive Center is the exclusive distributor in Pattaya for GoPro Cameras.

The next Tec Xplorer Day will be in November 2013.

PADI Instructor Examinations 3rd March

Congratulations to our latest PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors, Raj Bhandri and Daniel Burns from the UK and Tim Blandin from the US. After attending the Instructor Development Course at Mermaids Dive Center with PADI Platinum Course Director, Russell Martin and his team, they successfully completed and passed the PADI Instructor Examinations with Rob Scammel, PADI IE Examiner on the 3^rd March.

Congratulations also go to Jon Barron, for attending and passing his IDC Staff Instructor Course.

The PADI Instructor Development Courses are held at Mermaids Dive Center, followed by the examinations with PADI in Pattaya. To qualify for training as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, you must:

• Be certified as a diver for at least six months and as a PADI Divemaster or a PADI Assistant Instructor
• Be certified as an Emergency First Response Instructor
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have proof of CPR and First Aid Training within the last 24 months.
• Be fit for diving and submit a Medical Statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months

A BBQ was held that evening at Mermaids in honor of Raj, Danny, Tim and Jon. Everyone joined in to celebrate this remarkable achievement. Malai and her team prepared an outstanding selection of salads and foods and Vlad cooked up a storm on the BBQ with his famous burgers and hotdogs.

For more information on becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, please email Sheena Walls, General Manager dive@mermaidsdivecenter.com

Also in the news for March

Once again, we were in the pool doing try dives at the 3^rdBangkok Patana School Fun Day on the 2^nd March.  42 children joined us to experience diving and we are looking forward to seeing them in the ocean to continue their adventure.

On the 17^th March, we completed the Open Water, Advanced Open Water and Rescue Courses for the seniors at Bangkok Patana School. Congratulations to Alex C, Alex B, Isabel, Alex McD, Sophia, Jack and Aaron – Happy Diving.

NIVA International School in Bangkok invited Mermaids to their pool to host a Discover Scuba Diving workshop. This was so popular with the students; they booked to experience the ocean dive on the 29^th March in Pattaya.

Mermaids Staff and Students committed to preserving our environment removed a huge net covering most of Hin Chalam at Samaesan on the 11^th March. Many thanks to Zach Day and Emma Beecham for rounding everyone up to take part in keeping our environment safe for the marine life.

Family Day was the theme on the 16^th March with Mermaids 4 heading out with 4 Bubblemakers doing their first ocean dive, congratulations to Ty, Callum, Poppy and Julie. Congratulations also to Lizzie and Sydney for completing their Junior Open Water on the day and to Livi for Discovering Scuba Diving.  Harry and Alfie aged 5 were on the snorkel team and only have a few more years to wait until they can dive. Thanks to all the divers of all ages on the boat, we had a super day out and were happy to get back to the center for the BBQ, thanks to Malai and her Team and to Vlad; you saved all the tired Moms having to cook dinner.

Sanya Lohitnavy, Mermaids Course Director and his team held a Discover Scuba Diving event in Bangkok on the 16^th March. Welcome to our new Thai Divers embarking on their Open Water courses.

Welcome back to Regents School, Pattaya for the Outdoor activity event on the 21^st March. A group of students and 2 teachers headed down to Samaesan. First stop was to look at the bat cave, followed by a workshop on Discovering Snorkeling. After the snorkeling session and lunch, the students were treated to a boat workshop, explaining all the terminology and the workings of a boat. Responsible interactions with the environment and learning about eco systems soon had everyone racing to get back in the water to put their knowledge into practice. Thank you to David and Garrie for organizing and congratulations to Gun, BM, Ice, First, Jack, Cent, Bank, Folk, Win, Bill, Story and Yu for taking part.

Garden International School Divers had a day out in Samaesan on the 30^th March. The dive club is expanding with new and old divers. Congratulations to Coco, who completed her Open Water Course on the weekend.

April special offers for regulator sets

Scubapro, Apeks and Aqualung Regulator sets at 10% off

Scuba diving is an exciting and fantastic activity that can be practiced by everyone, anywhere in the world. It follows that regulators, being the most important piece of equipment to a scuba diver, need to adapt to an enormous range of different environmental conditions, individual breathing behaviors and personal preferences. There is a large choice of various first and second stage regulators that can be combined to make up numerous kinds of regulator systems. Some of these regulator systems will work more efficiently than others depending on diving conditions and scuba diving behavior, as their mechanisms and designs teamwork better together.

Scubapro MK2 Plus First Stage, R295 Second Stage, R295 Octopus and U line Pressure Gauge at 19,550 baht (retail 21,723 baht)

The MK2 first stage epitomizes reliability and its implicity. Its standard piston design is ideal for divers who don’t want to get bogged down with an overwhelming amount of bits and pieces, but still want the peace of mind that comes with a sound piece of equipment.

The R295 second stage offers an ideal balance of quality, comfort, and reliability. The downstream valve means you can dive breathing easily – both literally and figuratively. The R295′s streamline design, minimal weight, and orthodontic silicone mouthpiece mean jaw fatigue and pain will be a thing of the past. Its streamline shape also means that drag is practically a thing of the past.

Scubapro MK25 First Stage, S600 second stage, R295 Octopus and U line Pressure Gauge at 33,936 baht (retail 37,707 baht)

Newly restyled for 2013, the S600 is continuously evolving and is in its 5th edition. Timeless design and chrome plated marine grade brass make this high performing system a classic. With a top performing balanced piston first stage paired with the high performance air balanced second stage; this combination is Scubapros’s most popular regulator combination. The S600 truly matches the MK25′s characteristics and thanks to its adjustment possibilities, it adapts to all diving conditions and all diver preferences. Ease of breathing is the essence of this system.

Apeks XTX100 Regulator, XTX40 Octopus and Apeks Single Pressure Gauge at 32,218 baht (retail 35,798 baht)

The Apeks XTX100 still tops independent regulator reviews and is respected as one of the best regulators in the world. To improve on this has not been easy. The new XTX100 takes all that is good from the current version and offers even more. The regulator has been brought right up to date with stunning looks and Apeks have also made functional improvements.

The 1st stage has been redesigned to offer improved gas flow which now enables this to accept a 5th port. The 2nd stage is now made with active protection against infection as all moulded parts are produced with an additive that kills MRSA, protects against E-Coli, bacteria and fungi, and is also very effective against viruses, mould, yeast and algae.

Apeks AT20/US4 Regulator, AT20 Octopus and Apeks Pressure Gauge at 17,472 (retail 19,414 baht)

The first stage has 4 medium pressure ports The medium pressure ports on the US4 first stage are on the body of the 1st stage itself. It now has only one high-pressure port as opposed to two on the UST version. This regulator has been finished with as much care and attention to detail as any of our regulators, but is most suitable for warm water resort diving. A good quality, warm water regulator at a very good price.

Buy any Dive Bag and get a free 5ltr Extreme Dry Bag

Aqualung Medium Mariner Mesh Bag at 2,620 baht and Aqualung Large Mariner Mesh Bag at 2,875 baht

The Aqualung Mariner Mesh duffel bag will handle loads large or small and are built to withstand the rigors of your scuba adventures. Made of heavy duty PVC mesh with 2” nylon support webbing. Nylon D rings for optional shoulder strap. Available in the following sizes and colors:

• Large: 28.5” x 16” x 16” in black
• Medium: 26.5” x 13” x 3” in Black, Blue and Neon Yellow

Scubapro Dive n Roll Wheel Bag at 11,144 baht

• Large wheels to easily transport gear
• Durable hard lower case
• Coil zipper
• Removable backpack
• Large external pocket
• Dimensions: 45 x 42 x 71cm, Weight: 6.7kg

Free Extreme Dry Bag worth 488 baht

Extreme Dry Bags are suitable for any water sports and outdoor activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, hunting, rafting, boating and fishing. Made from extremely durable polyurethane, designed specifically for wet environments. Available in Blue, Black and Yellow.

All Pinnacle products in store are on sale at 50%.

As the proud owner of a Pinnacle Aquatics product, you have dive gear that is unique and markedly better than anything else you could wear. You have a product that is the result of decades of testing and refinement, and the fruit of a labor of love.

April special offers for PADI Dive training

PADI Open Water Course only 13,000 baht (retail price 16,775 baht)

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to scuba dive, discover new adventures or simply see the wondrous world beneath the waves, this is where it starts. The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular scuba course, and has introduced millions of people to the adventurous diving lifestyle.

The fun part about this course is… well, just about all of it because learning to dive is incredible. You breathe underwater for the first time (something you’ll never forget) and learn what you need to know to become a certified diver.

The Open Water course consist of 3 segments:

• Knowledge Development (online or in our classroom) to understand the basic principles of scuba diving
• Confined water dives (swimming pool) to learn basic skills
• Open Water dives to review your skills and explore

Included in your course costs are the PADI manual and certification fees, all equipment required for your course, lunch on the boat days and a PADI Professional Instructor.  The course is over 4 days, but can be split based on your schedule.

Another option is to sign up to PADI E Learning, which enables you to complete the knowledge development online and just do the water work with us over 3 days. All you will need to do to start E Learning is visit http://www.padi.com/padi/elearning/default.aspx?irra=2694 and sign up. The cost of this is $130 AUD to PADI on sign up of E Learning, then only 11,000 baht to complete the course with Mermaids.

PADI Advanced Open Water Course only 12,000 baht (retail price 15,536 baht)

Exploration, Excitement, Experiences. They’re what the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is all about. And no, you don’t have to be “advanced” to take it – it’s designed so you can go straight into it after the PADI Open Water Diver course. The Advanced Open Water Diver course helps you increase your confidence and build your scuba skills so you can become more comfortable in the water. This is a great way to get more dives under your belt while continuing to learn under the supervision of your PADI Instructor. This course builds on what you’ve learned and develops new capabilities by introducing you to new activities and new ways to have fun scuba diving.

You’ll hone your skills by completing five adventure dives over 2 days that introduce you to Navigation, Deeper Water Diving up to 30m and 3 more adventurous dives of your choice. Why not choose the wreck dive and visit our famous WW2 shipwreck, the Hardeep.

Another reason you’ll love the Advanced Course, is that you and your Instructor choose from 15 types of dives to complete your course. You can try your hand at digital underwater photography, underwater scooters and much more. To take this course, you must be a PADI Open Water Diver  (or qualifying certification from another training organization)

PADI Rescue Course in May at 16,000 baht (retail 20,446 baht)

“Challenging” and “rewarding” best describe the PADI Rescue Diver course. Building upon what you’ve already learned, this course expands on what you already know about how to prevent problems, and how to manage them if they occur.

The fun part about this course is rising to challenges and mastering them. Most divers find this course both demanding and rewarding, and at the end, say it’s the best course they’ve ever taken.

What You Learn

• Self rescue
• Recognizing and managing stress in other divers
• Emergency management and equipment
• Rescuing panicked divers
• Rescuing unresponsive divers

To enroll in the PADI Rescue Diver course, you must

• Be 12 years or older
• Have a PADI Adventure Diver certification (or have a qualifying certification from another organization)
• Be trained and current for first aid and CPR within the previous two years, this course is included in your course fee.

What else is happening in May

• BBQ on the 5^th May, come and celebrate with our new PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors
• TDEX Dive Show on the 16^th to 19^th May at the Queen Sirikit Center in Bangkok
• Social BBQ on Saturday 18^th May for everyone to join in after a days diving
• Apeks Technicians Course on the 28^th May and the 30^th May
• Dive the Khram Wreck every weekend
• Dive the Hardeep Wreck every day

For more information on the events, please contact: Sheena Walls on dive@mermaidsdivecenter.com

The post Newsletter April 2013 appeared first on Scuba diving in Pattaya, Thailand with Mermaids PADI 5 Star CDC Dive Center.

Spread the cost of your purchases with Mermaids Dive Center and Kasikorn Bank.

Use your Kasikorn Credit Card at Mermaids Dive Center for any dive services, dive courses or equipment purchases over 3000 baht, and receive 0% interest for up to 10 months.

The post Interest Free Shopping with Mermaids Dive Center appeared first on Scuba diving in Pattaya, Thailand with Mermaids PADI 5 Star CDC Dive Center.