The video footage of the Thai Girls, thanks Matt for all your work on that day, I know it must have been hard work!

http://youtu.be/Ets-aK7lPsc

Good at taking underwater photos, but not quite sure if yours are good enough? No problem Scuba Cat Diving is here to help you………

Capture those perfect moments of the wonder and adventure of the underwater world with the Digital Underwater Photography specialty. Are you are a snorkeler, scuba diver or just an aquatic enthusiast? Do you want to capture those underwater memories for life? Maybe you already take pictures, do you want to improve their quality and learn from a professional? Well now you can with the DUP you will receive expert instruction on how to take the perfect picture. The Digital Underwater Photographer specialty course has made taking great photographs above and below the surface easier than ever. With the guidance of a Instructor you will develop your skills to easily obtain captivating underwater photos.

Take advantage of our Summer Specials……….

‘s Digital Underwater Photographer specialty will introduce you to the exclusive SEA Method of digital underwater photography – shoot, examine and adjust, and is available for divers, snorkelers and in fact anyone who loves to take pictures. There is no minimum age limit or experience required.

‘s Digital Underwater Photographer specialty course explains the fundamentals of underwater photography, from choosing a camera that suits your needs, helpful camera techniques, choosing your subjects wisely, and finally, learning to use software to maximise the quality of those photographs.

Submit your best underwater or diving lifestyle photo for t 2012 Member Card photo contest. You will have the opportunity to have your photograph, name and / or website printed on the 2012 Diving Society membership card used throughout the world!

Photos must be submitted by 22 September 2011.

Member Card 2012……………..It could be you???

Ask Sarah for more details………

Manta Rays have to be one of the most spectacular and majestic creatures in the ocean.  Sighting this magnificent ray is often a highlight in a diver’s experience.  In Thailand, we have one of the few populations of Giant Mantas in the world. There are several sites that they can be seen on a regular basis and these are only accessible by liveaboards.

"Giant Manta Ray"

Scuba Adventure’s program maximises the chance of seeing mantas.

Scuba Adventure

The sites include Hin Daeng and Hin Muang on the Southern itinerary and Koh Bon and Koh Tachai on the Northern  itinerary.  Last high season was spectacular on the Southern sites.  Normally, mantas are seen on the Southern sites in April and May, but we had them for the whole season. We couldn’t believe our luck when on the first trip of the season we had 3 mantas on the first dive on Hin Daeng and the second dive we had 6!!!!!! That wasn’t sightings, but mantas!!!

Manta Madness

Mantas have their unique markings. The black and white on their underside is how mantas are identified.  We were so lucky as mantas were seen on virtually every trip much to the excitement of the customers. There was one trip where not only  the customers were diving they were able to snorkel with the mantas too.

A truly amazing experience for everyone on board.

For more almost twenty years I coveted my Scuba certification.  Justifying a new hobby, especially one such as scuba diving, is impossible without including my wife.  Unfortunately she was uncomfortable in the water, let alone under it.  Add children to the mix and it becomes impossible right?  Not so fast.

I did gain my Open Water certification as did my wife, 11 year old daughter and 10 year old son.  Together we gained a new way to experience the beauty of life and the sea achieving it all with Scuba Cat Diving in Phuket, Thailand. I can’t say this would have come to fruition without Sarah, and the support of the entire professional staff.

Deb, Connor and Alexa

My wife, Deborah and I took our children, Alexa and Connor, out of school in the U.S. and embarked on a one year trip around the world.  Deborah is a professional portrait photographer and I a travel writer and filmmaker (http://www.coastlines-tanlines.com).  Together we set out to create a book of fine art, which we recently published called, “Portraits of Our World” (http://www.portraitsofourworld.com).

We wanted to avoid Europe and the typical destinations, instead focusing on Southern Africa, the Middle East, India, SE Asia and Australia.  We home schooled each step of the way using our daily life as the laboratory.  The value of the scientific education our kids received while completing the course of study at Scuba Cat Diving was unparalleled for their age.

We began our research as the phase of our trip that would take us to Phuket, Thailand  drew closer.  Sitting in a hotel room in the hills of Kerala, India I suggested we consider all getting our Scuba Diving qualifications.  My wife laughed, neither of the kids knew how to swim!  Oh yes, that swim problem…

Choosing the right company to do your certification with can be daunting.  We used our slow internet connection in India and were more confused then when we started.  Undeterred we came up with a short list, deciding to visit each once in Phuket.

Our first order of business after arriving in Phuket was to find a home to rent.  This minor detail dispatched we headed into town to sign up with one of the companies on our list.  We were immediately impressed with Scuba Cat Diving.  The staff was welcoming, the facilities were clean, the instructors professional and they showed great willingness to certify the kids seeing them as a wonderful challenge, not a burden.

We were never concerned with the classroom work for the kids.  They were doing extremely well in school, which is what allowed us to take them out in the first place.  We studied with them in the evenings after a spicy Thai meal and ensured they paid attention in class.  They completed all of their exams on their own, as required, with no issues.  There was still that swimming problem…

"like an elephant’s skin on a mouse"

Classroom complete and with the pool work next, Sarah gave complete focus on ensuring that the kids succeeded.  What patience and perseverance she had!  We had problems all around.  My son at 10 was no larger than most 7 year olds. With no fat on his body he would quickly become to cold to proceed.  The wetsuits were not small enough for him so we combined two at a time.  He looked like a miniature Michelin man.  Both my daughter and my wife struggled with the underwater mask clearing drill, to the point of both almost walking away.  Eventually my son did walk away, with one day to go, my hear sank.  He had no problem with the water, he was just too cold and fed up with it.  Keeping me in check, Sarah let him walk.  The next day she cajoled him into trying again, he agreed and ultimately passed the pool phase.  There was still that swimming problem…

Will you be my buddy?

Once the pool is complete the open water work begins.  One must pass a swim test in order to enter this last phase.  Ours was to swim around the dive boat one time.  We could no longer put off that swimming problem.  Let me tell you what motivation can do for a soul.  We had the good fortune to rent a very nice home while living in Phuket, one with a large pool.  Every day after dive school, the kids would practice swimming in this pool.  When the big day came to swim around the dive boat they did with no problem.  My kids were ecstatic, my wife and I proud and Sarah relieved (that all her hard work had not been for naught).

The remainder of the dive course went without a hitch and the whole family gained their qualifications.  The kids were limited to depth for a few years thereafter due to their age but every operator we dove with honored their credentials.  I was so impressed with Scuba Cat I personally continued on to get my Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver Specialty, Wreck Diver and Enriched Air Specialty.  The only reason I did not gain more education was that my time in Phuket had come to an end.

Certification complete - Smiles all around

Since their training Connor and Alexa have had the great fortune to dive on The Great Barrier Reef near Herron Island.  They also got their first night dive in Kona, Hawaii watching manta rays swoop over their heads.  The ray’s mouths were bigger than the kids.  Most recently they dove near Coiba Island in Panama, which is the northern most island in the Galapagos chain.

We are quite proud of our children’s accomplishments and experiences diving.  None of which would have been possible without the professional attention of Scuba Cat and most especially Sarah.  I recommend that if you are looking to learn to dive, refresh your skills or increase your certification you do it with Scuba Cat.  All I ask is when you are done diving for the day, you lift a cold Singha and mention me in a toast.

Another big thank you to Geraldine Richard who completed her internship with us during 2010. She also completed all courses with Scuba Cat Diving from Divemaster to IDC Staff Instructor.

Scuba Cat Diving Phuket Thailand Instructor Internship

“Scuba Cat Diving Phuket provides the best facility to accommodate any candidate who is interested to go pro. All team members in the organisation demonstrated high professionalism and provided a strong support line. I had the most remarkable time and gained so much going pro and I find myself loving each minute of this career. Could not have happened without the strong and wonderful support of the folks who invested their time, personal time and energy.”