FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here we aim to help you answer the most common questions about SCUBA diving, travel, amenities and activities in Phuket
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About SCUBA
What is SCUBA?
As described in simple wiki: SCUBA Diving is a sport where people can stay underwater for a duration using a tank filled with compressed air.
SCUBA stands for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
SCUBA stands for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
There are many internationally recognized organizations dedicated to training and maintaining safety standards for recreational SCUBA diving. The largest collection of these different agencies can be found at the WRSTC - The World Recreational Scuba Training Council, through its members the WRSTC aims to establish world wide minimum training standards. *Please note that there are other SCUBA Training Agencies not associated with WRSTC that are just as valid as any listed on the WRSTC site
Internationally recognized SCUBA organizations have standards, rules and regulations for safety and enjoyment purposes. All training organizations have different certification levels to allow for progression into more challenging environments, deeper depths, more complex equipment, advanced decompression theories etc..
The common ones found in Phuket at the moment are PADI and SSI.
Equipment Used in SCUBA
Regulators
The regulator comes in two different types, DIN and Yoke. The common one around Phuket is Yoke. They regulate the pressure of air from the cylinders, with 2 stages. The first stage regulates high pressure to medium pressure, the second stages are what we breathe from they are reduced to surrounding , breathable pressure.
Mask, Fins, Boots etc..Boots, masks, fins, etc are just like any other pieces of equipment. It comes down to functionality and needs.
For example some may prefer full foot fins for its ease, others may like wearing boots for colder waters.
Masks
Some people have real difficulty finding the right mask for their face type, again many different variations from many different brands and materials. Although a lot of the time it comes down to misuse; over-tightening of the straps, wrong positioning of the band or just plain panic causing tense facial muscles letting in water
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Tanks
Two different types again, can be made from aluminium or steel the common one around Phuket is aluminium. 12L is the standard size filled up to 200Bar or 3000PSI, although should you need other sizes we usually have them available as well.
Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
A buoyancy control device is essentially a life jacket which you can add or remove air. There are many variations depending on brand and needs, usually beginners will get taught in a jacket style BCD.
Fins
Fins come in many different shapes, materials and sizes now, from the classic- navy seals to the split fins each have a purpose and function. Like most equipment, ask to try different brands and types from your local dive shop. |
Where can we go SCUBA diving in and around Phuket?
Local Sites
Beach dives are usually done on the west side of Koh Phuket, it is one of the simplest ways to go, just turn up at the dive center pick up a tank with your DM and walk off to the divesite. Please find more information on our Beach dives page
Long tail boat trips are also a great way to visit islands nearby, we head off at our own relaxed pace usually to a quiet and uncrowded site where we can do one or two dives according to your choice. Please find out more on our Long-Tails page
Day Trips
There are a lot of boats that leave from Chalong Pier in Phuket, for a single day trip. Some are 2 dives only where as others may be 3 dives, they go to different sites depending on the boat and perhaps the day. Please find out more information on our Daytrips page
Liveaboards/Overnights
Overnight trips on dedicated liveaboard scuba boats, can allow divers to reach sites that are more remote. From Phuket you can access North Andaman Islands or the South Andaman Islands
About you
I cannot swim, can I go SCUBA diving?
Yes and no, we can take you out SCUBA diving, in-fact there are many divers who are not good at swimming, what they do know is how to use the equipment properly and at least master an established method of kicking (NO CYCLING!!!), its difficult for us to break your habits within a few days. If you have the time ask us about pool sessions, where you can practice mastering kicks and getting used to your equipment.
I have a pre-existing medical condition, is it possible for me to go SCUBA diving?
Please check with a certified GP, there are many clinics around Phuket's main districts, the usual costs are between 200-500THB for a checkup. You can find the medical questionnaire here
I have special needs, what services can you provide for SCUBA diving?
There are many divers that have had special needs come through Phuket, we can arrange support on a case by case basis. Please use the contact form to fill out the specific description of your needs and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Some thoughts on accommodation and getting around
Phuket is a large island, with continuous development. Hotels, Guest Houses, BnB's, Hostels etc.. there are so many to choose from all over the island. This can be tricky when trying to find a suitable residence for your visit. Online booking platforms are very useful in this regard however keep in mind the activities you are interested in pursuing during your stay in Phuket.
Please note that the charges and distance mentioned below are mainly based on the boats that are operate from Chalong pier. There are however many others that may leave from other piers closer to your residential area. However most SCUBA companies use the services of Chalong pier.
PATONG:
This is the most concentrated area for tourists and hotels alike, with a wide selection of accommodation, activities and transportation, most tour operators for SCUBA diving or otherwise will have free transfers to and from Patong, so you cannot really go wrong here.
KATA/KARON:
Slightly less crowded than Patong, still both these beaches are well within the operators transportation. These two areas are quieter than Patong, with less bars and clubs around, you often find more families with children heading to the beach. It is still very easy to find operators that pick up and drop off from both these areas.
RAWAI/NAI-HARN:
Up and coming development around these areas, means that there are a lot of hip and trendy restaurants and cafes serving anything from local Thai food, to fusion dishes. Staying around the very Southern part of the island there are many nice and small beaches, some have protection all year around from the monsoon. Although getting transportation from certain operators may incur additional charges.
CHALONG:
Chalong is the area which most dive boats operate from. The pier is large enough and big enough for day-trip boats as well as some live-aboards. Staying around this area makes it easy for most companies to transfer but you are limited to very few walking streets and the beach is not as clear as others around the island.
PHUKET TOWN:
Phuket town is getting very popular with back-packers, due to the number of hostels and poshtels popping up in the area. The Sunday walking street also attracts a large hip, crowd, out to enjoy the food, live music and street graffiti on show. Although getting from Phuket town to one of the beaches may be difficult. Getting boat operators to transfer from this area usually cost extra.
KAMALA/KALIM/SURIN:
These beaches lie north of Patong, they are relatively quiet and family friendly, most are further away from the main activities and attractions which means going on Daytrips may have an additional cost for transfers. There are however some very nice beaches that tend to be a lot quieter than the Southern areas of Phuket.
NORTH ISLAND; BANG TAO/NAI THON/NAI YANG/MAI KHAO:
These areas are north Phuket and close to the airport. There are some big resorts with nearly private beaches around. You are also located close to the airport, which may be convenient for many. During high season, when the wind switches from the west to the east there are some great dive-spots accessible by long-tail boats around here. But should you need to travel down to Chalong for the larger day-trip boats, the only option is private transfers.
Please note that the charges and distance mentioned below are mainly based on the boats that are operate from Chalong pier. There are however many others that may leave from other piers closer to your residential area. However most SCUBA companies use the services of Chalong pier.
PATONG:
This is the most concentrated area for tourists and hotels alike, with a wide selection of accommodation, activities and transportation, most tour operators for SCUBA diving or otherwise will have free transfers to and from Patong, so you cannot really go wrong here.
KATA/KARON:
Slightly less crowded than Patong, still both these beaches are well within the operators transportation. These two areas are quieter than Patong, with less bars and clubs around, you often find more families with children heading to the beach. It is still very easy to find operators that pick up and drop off from both these areas.
RAWAI/NAI-HARN:
Up and coming development around these areas, means that there are a lot of hip and trendy restaurants and cafes serving anything from local Thai food, to fusion dishes. Staying around the very Southern part of the island there are many nice and small beaches, some have protection all year around from the monsoon. Although getting transportation from certain operators may incur additional charges.
CHALONG:
Chalong is the area which most dive boats operate from. The pier is large enough and big enough for day-trip boats as well as some live-aboards. Staying around this area makes it easy for most companies to transfer but you are limited to very few walking streets and the beach is not as clear as others around the island.
PHUKET TOWN:
Phuket town is getting very popular with back-packers, due to the number of hostels and poshtels popping up in the area. The Sunday walking street also attracts a large hip, crowd, out to enjoy the food, live music and street graffiti on show. Although getting from Phuket town to one of the beaches may be difficult. Getting boat operators to transfer from this area usually cost extra.
KAMALA/KALIM/SURIN:
These beaches lie north of Patong, they are relatively quiet and family friendly, most are further away from the main activities and attractions which means going on Daytrips may have an additional cost for transfers. There are however some very nice beaches that tend to be a lot quieter than the Southern areas of Phuket.
NORTH ISLAND; BANG TAO/NAI THON/NAI YANG/MAI KHAO:
These areas are north Phuket and close to the airport. There are some big resorts with nearly private beaches around. You are also located close to the airport, which may be convenient for many. During high season, when the wind switches from the west to the east there are some great dive-spots accessible by long-tail boats around here. But should you need to travel down to Chalong for the larger day-trip boats, the only option is private transfers.