The first question we often get asked when talking about wreck diving is ‘can we go inside’.  Scuba divers have always held a fascination by what the wrecks hide and hold within their bodies this is what makes the Wreck diver speciality course so popular. By taking this training and holding this license is the only way that wreck penetration is allowed.

Wrecks are manmade structure that have either been deliberately sunk or have had some event where they have sunk without intention. Over the time they become a new reef and attract marine life to it and become an artificial reef in their own right, offering a habitat for a variety of creatures.

The wrecks offer a new challenge for many divers, who are interested in the different terrain underwater, the history, or heritage that goes with the site.

There are many types of wrecks, most often they are ships, but can include, submarines, tanks, airplanes, or automobiles.

In the Phuket region we have many wreck dives on offer.

The King Cruiser, our largest wreck which was a car ferry that crashed in Anemone Reef on one of it’s journeys to Phi Phi.

Marla’s Mystery, deliberately sunk by Scuba Cat as an artificial reef at Racha Yai Island.

The Haruby and Andaman Eagle, also at Racha Yai Island, deliberately sank to give new dive sites.

Speedboat wreck again on Racha Yai that has been visited many times by divers over the years it has been underwater.

The Tuna Fish Wreck in Similans, again deliberately sank for a new dive site.

The Atlantis X again in the Similans, a dive liveaboard that ventured there in the closed season and suffered damage due to the weather, she sank on Island number 8.

With all these wrecks available to recreational scuba divers it is not surprising that the Wreck diver course is so popular at Scuba Cat.

Wreck diving offers great rewards but in return it can also carry greater risks, especially if penetration is involved, so to be able to do this the Wreck Speciality course is essential.

Most wrecks can be enjoyed simply by following the outline, but some require more complex navigation techniques, which are taught on the course.

The main concern with wrecks can be the need to monitor air and depth more closely, being aware on entanglement problems, so particular vigilance with streamlining, and sharp objects.

The Wreck diver course emphasizes the need to carry a knife, and use of gloves, along with good buoyancy control.

The course consists of 4 dives each building on the skills learnt in the previous dive, leading to the diver being able to penetrate a wreck safely.

The use of anti silting dive techniques, navigation, lines, and safety cylinders is covered within the course.

Buoyancy control is key to all aspects of diving and as such should feature heavily in your dive training.

During the open water course the basics of buoyancy control as mastered, with fin pivots, hovers and buoyancy checks, then during the Advanced Open Water the option of Peak Performance Bouyancy is one that is always recommended by  Scuba Cat Instructors.

Did you know you can take this one stage further with the Peak performance buoyancy specialty.

Have you ever wondered why some people use less air than others, why some look graceful and others not, some photographers get steady shots and others blurred, some hang still on safety stops whilst others dance around, and some divers sink like stones rather than having a controlled slow decent?

"Mid water safety stop"

All of these can be due to buoyancy control, or the lack of it. Most of us have seen the diver who leaves a dust cloud behind them as they swim, by controlling buoyancy better this can be avoided as well as the damage to bottom dwelling creatures and delicate corals.

As divers we are privileged and can enjoy a fascinating underwater world which few people have access to, but we should preserve what we see and avoid damage to it.

By having greater control in the water this become second nature.

Control is achieved by not being overweighed, this also often resolves the faster air consumption rates too. It also corrects body positioning to reduce the possibility of damage.

Overweighting is a common mistake made by many divers, and is easily rectified by taking the Peak Performance buoyancy course.

During this you will spend the time learning to be relaxed, using breath control and streamlining. By doing this you can swim slower and more controlled being able to stop without changing depth and look more graceful.

There is a lot a games to play during the course, which allows you to become more automated about the breathing patterns needed for each situation, and it makes it pretty fun too.

The Peak Performance Buoyancy course is one of the most useful ones you can take, with every diver who completes it improving in air consumption, control and grace. This specialty is the one that has an effect on every aspect of diving, underwater photo’s improve with a the increased steadiness of the dive. Depth is maintained rather than exceeded with more control, safety stops are never a struggle, and enjoyment of the dive due to less disturbance of the marine life is increased.

So what are you waiting for, sign up  for your  Peak Performance Buoyancy  Speciality today………become a great diver and continue your adventure

I first discovered Scuba Cat Diving, Phuket, Thailand 7 months ago when I had nearly decided to stop diving after completing an Advanced Open Water course that fell far short of standards and left me feeling uncomfortable and lacking in confidence in the water……

Today, I am nearing completion of my Dive Master Course at Scuba Cat.

While taking my Advanced Open Water course on a Similans Liveaboard, I saw the same course being taught far more comprehensively by an Instructor (Kiwi)  from Scuba Cat.  As a newly certified Open Water diver I didn’t want to question my advanced training but through comparison and several experiences in the water that put my safety in jeopardy, it was clear that my training was incomplete and rushed.  After speaking with Kiwi  relaying some of my concerns he told me to stop by the Scuba Cat Dive shop  in Patong when I finished the liveaboard.

When I arrived back in Patong I went to see Scuba Cat. General Manager, Sarah, was already aware of what had happened and she offered to put me on one of their boats free-of-charge to receive the training that I should have received during my course.  In short I had not met the performance requirements that would make me an Advanced Open Water diver, however I had been signed off anyway. At this point in time I had no connection with Scuba Cat and here they were prepared to reteach the course for me to ensure that I was a competent AOW diver.

The next day I went to Racha Yai to repeat the navigation, deep, and peak performance buoyancy portions of my course.  From the moment I got on the boat I felt very well taken care of.

Racha Yai Island

Tony, my Instructor went through all of my equipment set up and briefed me on what we were going to do.  It was taught in a very accessible manner and I felt prepared and ready for my dives.  Whilst in the water, we covered all of the performance requirements that an advanced diver should demonstrate.  The training was very comprehensive and I felt my confidence returning in the water.  There was no question in my mind that I was going to continue diving and that that Scuba Cat was the only choice.

Several months on  a Rescue Diver course, 5 specialities and a Master Scuba Diver later) I am now in the middle of my Dive Master training.

How far I have come from those few months ago when I was ready to give up diving because of a poor learning experience!

The Dive Master course is the first rung on the professional ladder.  It is challenging and exhausting but so much fun.  I am training with several other people and there is a great sense of camaraderie. We complete an extensive range of classroom training, pool training and open water training and our learning encompasses even more than what is required by standards.  We assist on multiple courses and have access to experienced instructors that are a wealth of information and incredibly supportive in our learning.  I have assisted on a few courses now and it is really a great opportunity to see and participate in different teaching practices.  All of the Scuba Cat Instructors are very vigilant about making sure that their students meet the performance requirements but their methods are varied and to have exposure to that is a good learning tool.

As a repeat customer and now a Dive Master trainee, I would say that the one thing that has kept me coming back to Scuba Cat is their commitment to quality and excellence.  We repeat skills and tasks over and over again and our training is not just about doing something once and then being signed off.  There are multiple opportunities to practice and hone our skills.  Of course as Dive Master trainees we make lots of mistakes but even those are turned in to valuable learning opportunities.  Our mistakes also are fodder for the instructors who love to tease us. I, for one, will never again forget to pack my wet suit for a cold and rainy day of pool training!

As trainees, we a representing the company and therefore are expected to abide by the company code of conduct.  We have responsibilities just as the staff members do and our assistance is required in order to keep things running efficiently and effectively.  During the course you learn that your scope of responsibilities lies well beyond being in the water with customers. In many ways, we are relied upon more than some of the instructors as customers feel more comfortable talking with you as you are nearer their level in terms of dive experience.

One of the most magical parts of this course is being there for the first moment that someone takes their first breath underwater.  As we are in the ocean so much it is easy to forget the magic that surrounds you on a daily basis and it is always a reminder of how lucky I am when I get to share that experience with a new diver.

The Dive Master course is a serious commitment and I could not recommend Scuba Cat more highly.  In just a few weeks, I feel that I have learnt so much.  The staff are supportive and I feel that I am part of a team.  Every day offers something new to learn and I feel confident that when I am signed off as a Dive Master I will have been trained to the highest standards.

Hi Sarah,

Didn’t have the chance to meet you when we were in Phuket last 2 weeks.. you must have been busy and so did us…

It was a great diving course we’ve had… I “love” your team, everyone was so cool, supportive and welcoming.

During the open water course, i thought i will never dive again.. Trust me, I hate the mask clearance so much that I almost quit. Thanks that Kiwi ( Instructor) made me hang on there.. He and (the other) Sarah (Divemaster)were very helpful and supportive especially to me – as I guess i needed it more than my friends

Now when it’s all over I missed it so much. I give the blame to the turtle whom we met in one of our dives. hehe…

I look forward to join you guys again when I return to Malaysia for my vacation. I might drop by in Patong for short diving excursion again.

Thanks again to ScubaCat team for making my dream comes true, especially to Sarah and Kelvin the Kiwi. You ROCK!!

Cheers,
Sue

Suhanida Abd Gani

If you have had a good course or dive experience with us let the world know, Scuba Cat Diving have reviews on both Trip Adviser and Google

Phuket has a long tradition of festivals and many have now become world renowned with tourists planning their holidays around these events. Here are a few of the many festivals that can be enjoyed by all.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Chinese New Year falls within the month of January or February. The date changes on a yearly basis as it is depicted by the track changes of the moon. The celebrations are in Phuket Town and last for 2 days, where there are lively multicoloured dragon processions, traditional music and dance. There are also many firecrackers. Throughout Phuket Town Chinese houses are decorated. The living room of each house will have a vase of flowers, platters of oranges and tangerines and a tray of 8 varieties of dried sweet fruit. Entrances of shops and houses are festooned in red banners and decorations to encourage good luck and happiness for the coming year. Red is the colour that symbolizes happiness and it should be worn for a sunny bright future. It is said that appearance and attitude during the New Year sets the tone for the rest of the year. Traditionally, children, unmarried friends and close relatives are given “lai see” which are little red envelopes with money inside to wish good fortune. Food is also an important factor during the New Year celebrations. It is considered that tofu and bean curd are unlucky, so they are avoided. Oranges and tangerines are symbols of abundant happiness and should be taken as a gift if you visit friends or family. It will also ensure a long lasting relationship with the person you are visiting.

THAO THEP KRASATRI AND THAO SRI SUNTORN FESTIVAL 13^th MARCH

This festival is in memory of the two sisters Khunying Muk and Khunying Chan who led the defense of the Island against the Burmese in 1785. The celebrations include fun fairs and stage performances throughout the week.  There are a variety of food stalls offering mouth watering delights.  The sisters were bestowed the titles of Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon by King Rama 1. A statue of the sisters was erected at a crossroads near the centre of the Island in recognition of their invaluable service to the country.

TURTLE RELEASE FAIR 13^th APRIL

This festival coincides with Songkran.  Turtles, both Hawksbill and Green are bred in captivity at the Phuket Aquarium. Once the turtles are mature enough they are released into the sea. The ceremonies are held at Cape Phanwa, Nai-Yang and Mai Khao beaches. The release of the turtles is a program that has been put into place to help preserve the turtle population.

SONGKRAN 13^th to 15^th April

Songkran has without a doubt become one of the major tourist attractions, however it is one of the most important of Thai festivals. Traditionally Songkran is a time for visiting family and paying respect to elders including family members, friends, neighbours and monks. It is also a time of cleansing and renewal.  Homes are often given a thorough cleaning. More importantly, it is an opportunity to clean Buddha images from household shrines as well as Buddha images at Temples. This is done by pouring water mixed with Thai fragrance gently over the images. This ritual is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming New Year. The throwing of water is believed to originate as a way to pay respect to people. The “blessed” water that had been poured over the Buddha images is captured and is then gently poured onto the shoulder .

The Songkran festival has evolved into a huge water fight with the emphasis being on fun rather than the spiritual and religious aspects.  People in the streets are doused with ice cold water, which is quiet welcoming as this festival is at the hottest time of the year with temperatures sometimes reaching 40 degrees!!

CHAO LE BOAT FLOATING FESTIVAL

This festival is performed bi-annually in May and October at the Sea Gypsy villages in Phuket. Small decorated boats are made which are set adrift by the villagers at night. Prior to the boats being launched into the sea the villagers place small wooden dolls, nail clippings and strands of hair inside. The gypsies also perform the Ram Rong Ngeng, a local dance, around their boats. It is said that this ritual drives away evil spirits and brings good luck. This festival is not attended by many tourists, so it does retain the rustic Thai ambience.

VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL

The Vegetarian festival is an annual event that takes place in Phuket Town during the 9^th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, so it normally falls late September to early October. The festival began in Kathu in 1825. This district at the time housed most of the migrant Chinese tin miners. There were so many that Chinese, performers came from China to entertain the population. However, during the 9^th lunar month Phuket was hit by a fatal epidemic and many lives were lost. After a while it was realized that during the first 9 days of the month no one had paid homage to the 9 Emperor Gods (Kiu Ong lah). A Chinese performer returned to China and invited the Kiu Ong lah to Phuket. During the next year the Phuket Chinese refrained from eating meat, drinking alcohol, sex, quarreling, telling lies and killing. The epidemic stopped and since that day a yearly celebration has taken place.

The Chinese population of Phuket will always wear white during the 10day festival and they will follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet. It is also a time where sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese Temples and Shrines. One of the highlights of the festival is where people possessed by the Gods parade with various piercings on the body with sharp implements. The participants appear to have no pain or signs of injury. There are also aesthetic displays where people walk over hot coals barefoot and climb ascending ladders with bladed rungs. These entranced devotees are known as “Ma Song”.

PATONG CARNIVAL

Patong Carnival is an annual event at the beginning of November. This 3 day event marks the beginning of high season and offers a range of activities and street parades. The Beach Road is fringed with food and beverage stalls. This gives tourists and locals a chance to sample a variety of fine cuisine from the various regions of Thailand. There are also a many stalls selling local products which are unique to Thailand.

LOY KRATHONG

Loy Krathong is the most picturesque and beautiful of all the Thai festivals. It is celebrated every November on the evening of the first full moon. This beautiful festival is a festival of lights. Loy means to float and Krathong means leaf cup or bowl. The stunning floats are made of cellulose banana tree trunks and are decorated with flowers, banana leaves, candles, 3 incense sticks and coins. Once the candles and incense sticks are lit a wish should be made before letting the float drift away in the current of the sea, river or canal. It is considered that the flame is longevity, fulfillment of wishes and release from sins. It is also considered to be a romantic night for couples and it is believed that couples who make a wish together are thought to stay together forever.

There are different legends surrounding the origins of this festival. The most popular version is that it is an expression of gratitude to the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Kongka for providing the people with water for their livelihood.  Some others believe that it originates from Buddhism and that the offering of the krathong is a tribute of respect to the footprint of Lord Buddha on the sandy beach of the Narmaha River in India, as well as to the Great Serpent and dwellers of the underwater realm. The final thought is that it is possibly derived from a Hindu festival that pays tribute to the God Vishnu, who meditates at the centre of the ocean. It is believed that the young Queen Nang Noppamas began the tradition in Sukhothai in the 13^th Century. It is an exquisite festival and should not be missed.

PHUKET KING’S CUP REGATTA

Phuket over the years has become a major venue for the sailing fraternity. The King’s Cup has become Asia’s largest and most popular regatta with the event being held during the first week of December. It was started in 1987 to celebrate the King of Thailand’s 60^th birthday. The event is organized by the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in conjunction with Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, The Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket .It has continued to grow on a yearly basis and offers racing of many classes of boats, enabling sailors of all vessels to enjoy the regatta.