We first had the opportunity to try out the Scuba Cat fleet when we went out on a Day Cruise on Scuba Fun to Racha Noi back in 2005.  My Wife, Amy and myself, Carl McKay were on a larger family vacation and we were all aboard, some certifying, some diving in what was our first visit to Phuket. We feel in love with Phuket, the water, the people.

"Scuba Fun"

We have been back almost every year since.

……..Second trip to Scuba Cat

Our family had encouraged us, to move up to the next level of diving:  A live-a-board.  A what-a-who?  Hadn’t done that before and after an explanation of the location at the Similan Islands, the boat and what we could see, we went for it.

"MV Scuba Cat"

The first trip was three diving days.  We arrived from Scuba Sport, the transfer boat, to the remote Scuba Cat Boat.  We didn’t know what to expect.  Surprise was our first expression.  Out in the middle of this clear blue water, we find some islands, a few boats and this mobile diving “experience” – I think you have to look at Scuba Cat, not only as a dive boat, but a place that you quickly connect with new faces that work on board and other guests who are there for the same reason.  It’s like going to a convention and finally everyone has a story to share, because you simply showed up and attended.

"Ready to Dive"

I think what made the experience so nice was how easy the diving became.  Setup in the back of what I think is one of the best ever designed platforms, wide open where easily four people can enter at the same time safely.  The crews at the back are able to help and quickly learn everyone’s needs and are always looking out for you.  They wash your gear off after every dive and clean up for the night too.  Easily you can do five dives in a day!

"........Splash!"

The Dive Masters, are comforting, knowledgeable and don’t stray from the manual; safety was always first.  The orientations prior to every dive spot on.

My Wife was in a peculiar position.  Unlike me, I was up for every dive.  She is safety conscious and honestly does a great check every time.  No shortcuts.  I was a Husband who wanted to have her on every dive.  What I needed to learn was that by doing that put her in a rushed mode and her comfort zone was being tampered with.  I just love doing stuff with her.

"Amy, Andy and Kate"

This is where Sarah came in and became Amy’s most trusted Dive Buddy and now a dear friend.  At that time, Sarah was on board as a Divemaster, now she’s the Queen of the fleet.

"Amy"

As mentioned earlier, Amy is safety conscious.  She likes to drop down when she is ready.  Diving shouldn’t be stressful as it is a vacation and why bother if you are worried.

I would go off with the rest of the family, Amy, still not too many dives in, was guided by Sarah. The perfect combination; Sarah’s experience and understand built confidence in Amy’s skills.  In a nutshell, they would usually jump in last and take their time.

"The Family"

Amy has since moved towards Advanced.  In addition, while most folks don’t care for night diving, within the first two days Sarah and Amy were down at night!  It blew me away.

Something that weighed heavily in building that trust was when Sarah approached us both to discuss an issue with Amy.  She was moving towards Advanced certification with the additional dives she as doing and taking tests on board Scuba Cat.  Sarah said that she didn’t want to move Amy towards Advanced, but offered an Adventure certification.  Simple put, given Amy’s regularity with diving and her comfort, she didn’t want to put Amy in a situation with another Dive Company somewhere out there and their expectations be a burden to her and put her at risk.  It allowed her to learn, move forward with skills and build confidence, but not rushed.

There are a lot of outfits that push you to move quickly through the certification because it makes revenue, I’ve seen some real bad skills and people call them selves Advanced.  Example:  No touchie, just lookie…  Yes, “Advanced” folks touching! NO!

I know that strays from the intent of this entry, but I am trying to show the consciousness of the now owner and integrity over selling another certification.

Diving is a great sport, opens travel to a whole other world, but like in any other sport you need to know your comfort level.  The addition of water isn’t to be scared of, it needs to be respected on every dive.  Experience isn’t the only factor, relearning and doing every check is important too.

Back to the “Cat” – Every Divemaster has been great, the food, amazing and the deck crew always smiling.  By the way, a reminder, if someone is taking extra care of you, it’s good to remember them when they are saying bye to you.  These folks work hard and are another fail safe in an experience on any boat.

"Island 8"

We have been out to the Similan Islands five times now.  Every moment leading up to the transfer boat and the first glimpse of Scuba cat are Exciting.  Meeting new people, bumping into old friends, and sharing new stories.  The tough part is leaving.  A magical experience;  There may be other boats, but Scuba Cat was one of the first.  We just wish it were closer to get to…  I always say “Bye for now” then I know I will be coming back to visit and see great people soon too.

Similan National Park

The Similan Islands National Park is world famous for white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, beautiful sunsets and amazing huge boulder formations. Here you will find some of the most amazing natural scenery Thailand had to offer.

"Donald Duck Bay"

They are easily the best dive sites Thailand has to offer and very rank high in must visit list of Dive Sites in the world.

MV Scuba Cat Live aboard cruises around these Islands for 6 months of the year allowing divers of any level and snorkelers to take in this amazing beauty in one of the most relaxed atmospheres of all liveaboards in the Similans. She has a unique liveaboard schedule allowing a stay from 2 days 1 night, with a maximum of 20 customers staying on board. We are proud to have so many customers who come back to us year after year – I am sure you will agree after a trip on board.

"The Cat"

Rob Fraser-Thomson is one of our many repeat customers’ with Scuba Cat Diving.

“I started diving in Thailand in 1999 whilst doing my IDC with a company based in Kata. It wasn’t for another 2 years that I returned to Phuket after working in Italy. I had heard good things about a company called “Scuba Cat Diving”, during the IDC from other students and other divers, so decided to book my trip with them.

The MV Scuba Cat is based in Simians during the high season, a spectacular group of islands north west of Phuket. Unlike other liveaboards, the boat is permanently based in the islands, customers are carried to the liveaboard via minibus and speedboat, the Similans are a long way from the mainland so this saves much time. You can be diving within 30 minutes of arriving on the boat, after the boat and dive briefing off course.

I have heard people mention that the transfer takes a long time but most the other dive companies take longer to sail from the mainland, the Similans are far out to sea and a world-class dive site.

During the low season the MV SCUBA CAT is based at Racha Yai, a group off islands south of Phuket, it is usually quieter at this time of the year but the diving is just as good. If you have a good eye, this area is rich in the smaller species you don’t spot in the Similans.

"The View during low season"

Captain Min and his crew are always a bonus being very helpful to new divers on the boat and the old ones! The dive guides are very competent and professional, the only problem I have ever had was with triggerfish.

I still try to do 2 trips a year on the MV Scuba Cat, both to the Similans and Racha Yai. Although I have been on MV Scuba Fun day trips and MV Scuba Adventure, I prefer the MV Scuba Cat with its large dive deck and open plan design.

10 trips and 500 dives later, having seen many other companies and their boats, Scuba Cat is the only company who I would book with and I have no intention of changing.”

"Rob"

5 days and counting……………………See you again next week

Scuba Cat Diving will be bringing a small piece of Phuket, Thailand to you in the UK later this year.

Dive 2011, NEC, Birmingham, England , 22nd and 23rd October 2011.

This is the 5th consecutive year that Scuba Cat Diving has had a presence at Dive, this is the biggest Dive Show held in the UK. The show is organized by the Diver Group and has been held annually since 1991.

We will be celebrating of our 5th Anniversary of attendance with special offers and promotions, a free live aboard trip  plus 10% discounts on all bookings made with us at booth 1265 on the Asia Pacific Showcase during the show!

"MV Scuba Cat"

This year representing Scuba Cat will be Sarah, Kath and Clare. If anyone wants to drop buy and buy any of us girls a coffee that will be fantastic, make it a wine………… and you have gained a friend for life!!!!!

After sharing a drink and a chat with us, why not spend time looking around the rest of the show you will get ideas for the latest kit to bring with you on return visit to Thailand along with some fantastic free to enter seminars hosted by top name diving professionals.  Two of the UK’s best-known Diving Celebrates will be there, Paul Rose and Monty Halls. Also Mark Powell, a well-known technical diver, will be addressing the controversial issue of Solo Diving, plus many more famous names………

Do you enjoy underwater photography and would like to know more or update your camera equipment? For the first time Dive 2011 presents “Photo Zone” the area will include exhibitors of leading camera and accessory suppliers, alongside many experts with advise for you on getting the perfect picture.

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to free dive?  Take part in a 10-minute relaxation and breathing lesson followed by a free diving simulation.

Scuba Cat Diving, 5 Star CDC Center are looking to strengthen our instructor team
for high season 2011/2012.The position will be involve working in Phuket and in the Similans.
Instructors on the team can earn good money. How much you earn is upto you. I am looking for self motivated team players with good sales skills. You need to be able to sell to non customers, continuing education and equipment to customers. This increases your earnings. If you think this is you, cool, send me your CV and we can meet up.
If you are interested or know anyone who is please contact us.
Languages are an advantage but all will be considered, a good personality will shine through every time!

Come and Join the team at Scuba Cat Diving

Priority will be given to those with a valid work permit for Phuket.

Scuba Cat Diving to visit Dive 2010

Scuba Cat Diving, Phuket, Thailand will once again be at Dive 2010, NEC, Birmingham, England on 30 October 2010 til 31 October 2010

Drop by and see us, again we will be on Stand 1265 in the Asia Pacific Showcase, get 10% discount off your next trip or course with Scuba Cat and also have a chance to win a liveaboard onboard MV Scuba Cat.

As one of the largest 5 * CDC centres on Phuket, Scuba Cat Diving’s liveaboard MV Scuba Cat sails the waters around the Similans, while Scuba Adventure takes divers on exciting safaris beyond. Also on offer is a full range of courses, from Bubblemaker up to professional Instructor level, along with nitrox, rebreather and trimix courses and career internships.