It’s been sizzling hot for the last couple of days, so what better way to cool off than a PADI Divemaster skills session in the swimming pool 
Yesterday afternoon three of Simple Life’s soon-to-be PADI Divemasters – Sophie [UK], Mike [Australia] and Nick [UK], underwent assessment by Jeff for their scuba diving skill demonstrations, problem identification & solving abilities.
Image: Jeff gives an opening briefing on how to perfectly perform PADI’s pre-dive buddy checks
The Divemaster skills session took the format of the guys demonstrating skills, then Simple Life’s PADI course director Jeff assigning simulated problems which the guys would have to identify and remedy. This is essentially a re-creation of what happens every day out on the boat when PADI Divemasters take rusty divers for scuba review sessions, or assist in the training of new divers.
Image: Nick and Mike check that their cylinders are full and the regulators are functioning properly whilst gearing up
With the Simple Life boat headed out to Koh Nangyuan with several entry level dive courses running, to maximize our time, rather than heading out in the boat we elected to use the swimming pool – the ideal conditions mean we can get a lot done, and really focus on the technical aspects of more than 20 scuba skills both at the surface and underwater.
Image: Sophie performs the giant stride, deep-water entry – often the safest and easiest way to enter the water from a dive platform
Image: PADI Divemaster Trainee Nick jumps in with his deep water entry
Image: Jeff briefing the three Koh Tao Divemaster trainees on the proper procedures for PADI’s 5 point descent
Image: Sophie take her turn delivering a simulated scenario teaching Nick and Mike the 5 point descent
Image: Simple Life’s PADI Course Director Jeff assigns problems to Nick and Mike, whilst Sophie’s ears are out of range (underwater!)
Image: Simulated ‘troublesome student’ Nick descends below the surface
Image: Jeff giving a debriefing to the PADI Divemasters in training
Nick, Sophie and Mike are shaping up well and progressing steadily through their Koh Tao PADI Divemaster training. I expect it won’t be long till they’ll be doing this for real
