Hi

I do plan to talk to the relevant Consulates & now I have found this, read all that I think I need to know, but as a starting point thought I could post for some help to set things in motion?

Myself & a Mate are planning to move to Thailand to further Scuba Dive qualifications. I'm in UK and he resides in the Channel Islands. We hope to attain the relevant PADI Qualifications, initially to Divemaster level & potentially leading into Instructors. Our aim is to find employment with a Dive School and work as Divemasters to gain experience. With sufficient knowledge we may consider our own school/centre in Thailand. My Mate has his own Marketing and Graphic Design business in The Channel Islands and will be continuing to work on this remotely from Thailand. He has offered me Freelance work with him in this to attain an income whilst in Thailand.

I have so many questions, so am looking for as many pointers/Implications/Must Do's, Must Nots etc

Many Thanks if people can point me in a direction on obtaining more info on this.

Thankyou

Andrew

What you friend want to do, working remotely from Thailand is illegal as he doesn't have a work permit. For any work in Thailand, including volunteer work, one need a work permit.

Regarding becoming a dive master there are some problems as to getting the right visa and if you need a work permit or not. The problem is if it is a registered educational facility where you will be training or not. If not I'm not sure if they will see a course as divemaster as working or not. I think people working in that business can advice you best.

Phuket is probably one the best place in the world for PADI courses; there are very many shops here for such, some highly qualified, and costs are far better than other places. Also many diveboats, both liveaboard and day-trips, that need divemasters, although it may be difficult to get a job with such. Best is to come down here, look around to check out the shops and find a place to stay.

A key consideration is the seasonal nature of the work. Phuket dive season is mid-October to mid-May, a function of the prevailing winds. On the other side of the peninsula Samui has almost complementary season, so perhaps could shift around. But again, finding the job will not be so easy.

Work permits come with the job, don't even think of working without one because none of the boats or shops will take a risk just to help you. If they need you they will help you get permit. Re your friend, I have seen fair amount of jobs for such in Thailand, but very low pay. If he does the work in TH for overseas clients then he needs work permit (hard to get); doing such without permit would depend on just how ballsy he is. If found out he gets booted and possibly blacklisted. If found out.