fanchom

Not many helpful responses so far from people apparently in the know. Rather disapointing really.

BTW - what do the 3 boxes mean next to my name? Does this have something to do with my warnings?

Thanks - any advice from a "pro" would be appreciated.

Dr and Fester - will you be supplying work permits for these positions? You do realise the penalties for employing someone without supplying a work permit?

I believe 100,000 naht fine and or up to 2 years in prison.

I find it hard to believe that you are on bail for a visa violation. Passports can be with-held as my was for 40 days. However, bail you and why 27,000 baht? Why did you spend 5 days in jail? Usual protocol is for such an offense to be in court withihn 2 days, fined and then deported.Bail is EXTREMELY rare concerning visa violations.

I take it that you will be deported in 8 days then and "black stamped" - Is this a likely outcome?

I take it that you are going through the legal system the legal way. If this bail money (not to be expected back) was another form of payment then 27,000 would not be enough to pay off the desk sergant once you have made it to the actual police and away from immigration.

Topcat. Sorry to hear about your story. Where do you think that you will go to live next? Also, are you allowed any time to make arrangements for any fixed assets that you have here?

Why was my post deleted? Surely it would be more fitting to erase your snide and unfunny quip.

For up-to-date and factual VISA information try http://www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php - hear it from the horses mouth and not cut and pasted.

Please assist with this asap.

A very good friend of mine runs a web forum board in Thailand about Thailand and he wants me to assist.

The site is non-profit making, in fact there is no income being generated what-so-ever. In order to assist him with his project do I need a work permit?

The reason that I ask is that I know a handful of Christian workers here in Thailand and even they as volunteers (non paid staff) teaching English and "spreading the word" have to have work permits. A good friend of mine has come here to raise money for a charity by doing something that is going to take 6 months; he has enough money of his own, is not old enough for a retirement visa and had to gain a Non-Imm B to get a work permit for his worthy cause.

The web site that my friend controls will eventually be a money turner (just like thaivisa) through banner ads and affiliates. Do I need a work permit in order to administrate the board?

In todays climate I would like to do everything above board. Any advice here, especially by people in similar situations would be most appreciated.

You're so right again.

Am I right in thinking that over 3 million people dive regularly around America annually? If so then your statistics are not so bold and brash (although I do admit that even 1 is too many).

Diving is not dangerous unless you are a F idiot. There again though many people consider people from that side one and the same anyway. All Americans have to have the bigger car, house, bank balance etc so why not the most horrific accident stats also - I bet some are proud. Try reading "The Last Dive" and maybe you'll understand why so many accidents happen. You are right that some people get bent when even within their tables and computers - it woyuld be interesting to know which tables, certifying body and why they were allowed to dive any way.

As mentioned - diving is dangerous if you do not take it seriously and respect it.

Millions and millions of people enjoy this great sport every day of every year - they must all be suicidal or American surely.

My very bst regards...

Let's end this boring tripe for other posters' sake. I was just logging on to say one nice thing.

There's always someone that knows bet....

My training has taught me to be safe, acknowledge the dangers but do not blow them out of proportion. It is people like you that would eventually bring an end to diving.

Thanks for your comments.

So...if I were to boast to having 16 years (more than 15) experience of being a dive instructor that would be ok? What if I were a diving instructor who renewed fees for 16 years but only took one student per month every month. Does that make me a more qualified instructor? Than someone that has been an instructor for maybe 2 years but taught everyday with no holidays? How does that work?

This makes me laugh heartedly. So many comments on other boards you hear people say play ground comments like "well I've been in Thailand for 10 years - I know more". It's like saying, "My brother is older than yours and #### duff you up". Age and time are relative but have no real bearing on experience. I have only been in Thailand for 5 years yet can speak, read and write to a fluent advanced level. I know certain people that have been here for 25 years that could not order Som Tam from a Som Tam stall.

Would you ask the 25 year stayer to translate documents, converse with parties after an accident or give you a guided tour?

Still, this guy MUST know more than I as he's got 20 years (of arrogance) under his belt on me.

This is not an argument but a mere statement. You seem to be a very accomplished diver from you first postings on the topic that could be told - but where do the years come into it?

Just my point of view - sorry for any offense or if anything is taken out of context.

My very best regards...

Fanchom

Dear Sir (?),

I completely agree.

One on one is fine and if with experienced divers taking an advanced or further course then maybe a ratio of 2:1 is fine.

Any more than that and you are absolutely correct that a dive master should be present. The actual PADI standards have higher ratios than these but I err on the side of caution always.

My internship for the dive master course was 7 months alone. During this time I did see a divers (own) equipment fail (BCD low pressure inflator stuck and he was shooting to the surface). During the pre-dive inspection I noted where his vents were at the bottom of his jacket (BCD). I grabbed the vents and we were able to make it slowly and safely to the surface whilst the instructor was able to ascend safely with the couple students to ensure all was ok.

Common sense prevails.

How many very experienced divers or instructors become careless and callous BECAUSE they have the experience. Fresh meat is sometimes good.

My very best regards to you sir...

Fanchom

Again I take on your comments. I was just trying to give justice to the company that I went through as I found them totally professional.

People do fail the courses. On my I.E there were two guys that failed. I will have to get Pete to update the web site then as it reads wrong. It is all SUCCESSFUL candidates have been placed in jobs.

The two guys that failed did so on minor things but they will be made by Steve and Pete to intern for an additional 2 months before being allowed to re take. If they wish to retake before they will have to attned a different school.

You seem very down on PADI and state that diving is dangerous. If it is treated correctly, the parties involved are sensible, the equipment is well maintained, nobody dives beyond their level of training, direct supervision is maintained etc blah blah blah then it is as dangerous as a game of football but a #### of a lot more fun.

As mentioned I understand your comments etc but feel that you have a rather personal hang up on this subject for one reason or another. You really should not judge the facilities until you have dived through this company etc - this may well change your mind.

My very best regards to you...

Fanchom

I take on board your comments 100%. However saying thatn you must understand that it is intensive 6 days per week and an internship giving a minimum of 100 dives. Personally I got in 260.

I should imagine that most people that learn to dive learn with an instructor with only months of experience.

PADI (you are right Put another Dollar in) states that you must be an Open Water diver for 6 months before applying for your INSTRUCTORSHIP, hence the 6 months is minimum. I personally continued my training as an intern to work up to MSDT which was well worth it.

I really do take on your comments but I was just stating that I would not fault the program or facilities.

I suppose your skepticism would lead to not employing any fresh graduates for a job, having your TV repaired by an electrician with only 1 years experience etc... I know that Scuba Diving is a little different but if treated sensibly then it is extremely safe. I know of instructors that have 15 years experience but as they have been at it so long they are now burned out and do not stay updated with standards etc...In a way I like to think that I am FRESH as completely up to date with standards, have brand new equipment (for me and students) and am more cautios to stick to regulations than many long timers.

My very best regards.

Hey All,

I trust that all are well.

I have just completed a diving life program at www.pjscuba.com/instructorpackage.htm and it is fantastic. You will probablyt have to form your own company to gain a work permit at the end like I am doing right now but excellent value for money and they really do find you work.

Fanchom