Gap Year Diving Thailand | Koh Tao PADI Divemaster Internships

Koh Tao Scuba Diving Internships: FAQs

Here's a list of responses to some of the common questions we get asked about our Thailand PADI scuba diving internships:

Can I take a break midway through the diving internship to meet friends or go traveling in Thailand?

Yes - no problem. If you've traveled all the way to Thailand, it's certainly worth taking a short break from the Koh Tao scuba diving internship to see some more of this amazing country. All that we ask is that you give us a bit of notice, so we can schedule your scuba diving training around your travel plans.

Will there be other people starting the scuba internship at the same time as me?

Yes - most likely. Although our scuba diving gap year internships run as a rolling program (so you can begin whenever you want), we try to synchronize internship start dates so that a few people join around the same date. That means that you have someone to go through the dive training together with. If you drop us an email letting us know when you plan to travel to Koh Tao to start the scuba diving internship, we can give you more details.

How many scuba diving interns / Divemaster trainees are there at Simple Life Divers?

This varies throughout the year. Usually there are about 10 internship trainees each at various stages of training. It means the dive school has a nice atmosphere with lots going on, but it's not hectic. You'll get more than enough attention and time from the instructors, yet there are plenty of people to hang out with and enjoy your time on Koh Tao - the balance is just about right.

What happens if for some reason I can't complete the scuba diving internship?

We'll always try to help you as much as we can, by giving you a refund based on the percentage of the course which you've completed. For more info see scuba internship cancellation policy and early departure.

I'm already a certified diver. Can I get a reduction on the cost of the diving internship?

For sure. Either we can discount the overall cost of the Koh Tao scuba internship or we can give you a great deal to exchange this credit for alternate dive training with Simple Life. Drop us an email and we'll be able to give you full details.

Is there an option to upgrade from the standard scuba diving equipment package?

Yes. The standard equipment package which comes as part of our scuba diving internships is professional, brand named equipment and more than adequate. However if you have some spare cash and are willing to spend a bit more, there are some upgrade options which are worth considering. When we're putting together your scuba gear package, we can talk you through the merits and functions of each item so you can make an informed decision.

I've already got some of my own scuba diving equipment. Can I get credit for this?

Yes - again we'll either offer you a discount on the cost of your scuba diving internship or can give you a great deal if you exchange that credit for additional training or equipment upgrades. If you email us the details, we'll give you a breakdown.

How long before traveling to Thailand should I sort out my visa?

Usually the Thai consulates are pretty quick and efficient to sort out visas for Thailand. But it wouldn't be wise to leave it till the last minute, especially if you plan on making a postal application. A few weeks prior to your planned Thailand gap year internship start date is fine.

Are there charges to use the ATMs in Thailand?

The Thai banks usually make a small charge per ATM transaction, but so long as you take out cash in reasonable 'chunks' it's pretty insignificant. You may also incur a charge from your own bank - that's something worth checking out prior to your departure. For more information see budgeting and money for Thailand diving internships.

How long before my scuba diving internship start date do I need to pay the deposit?

We ask that you pay the deposit 2 months prior to your dive internship start date. This gives us enough time to get everything ready for your arrival. If you're in a rush and don't have that long, most likely we'll be able to fit you in, but you should drop us an email asap to check. See scuba diving internships booking procedure.

What happens if I need to change my start date for some reason have to cancel?

Switching your start date is no problem. All that we ask is that you let us know of any changes asap. If for some reason you need to cancel your dive internship, provided you give us sufficient notice we'll give you with a full refund, less administrative charges. Again see Thailand dive internships booking procedure.