Question 1

Do you recommend booking accommodation together with the diving?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer accommodation ourselves, but we recommend staying not too far from the dive school. We can recommend Nirvana Guesthouse, Sens Paradise or Montra Resort, which are all within walking distance.

Question 2

How can I book a dive course or fun dive?

Accepted Answer

You can request a booking by filling out the form on our website as completely as possible. We will contact you as soon as possible.

Question 3

Will I receive a physical card after my course?

Accepted Answer

After your I.D.D course, you will receive a one-time free hardcopy diving license or a digital version for your wallet (Apple/Android) from us.

Question 4

What is the main difference between an I.D.D. and a PADI certification?

Accepted Answer

I.D.D. is a European diving association that offers a free one-year membership including worldwide dive insurance after your course. PADI is a training system without these benefits. Both certifications are ISO-recognized and valid worldwide.

Question 5

How long is my diving certification valid?

Accepted Answer

All diving certifications you obtain with us are valid indefinitely and worldwide.

Question 6

I have a PADI certification, can I take a follow-up course with I.D.D.?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is no problem. Because all diving certifications are recognized worldwide, you can easily enroll in a follow-up course from one organization with a certification from another.

Question 7

What am I allowed to do once I have earned my Open Water certification?

Accepted Answer

With an Open Water dive certification, you are allowed to dive independently with a buddy worldwide. The certification is valid indefinitely.

Question 8

What exactly does an introductory dive involve?

Accepted Answer

An introductory dive is a one-day experience where, after a short preparation at the dive school, you will go for a dive in a beautiful, shallow bay with an instructor in the afternoon.

Question 9

I already have my Open Water certificate, what is a good follow-up course?

Accepted Answer

After your Open Water, you can continue with the Advanced Open Water course to expand your skills and be allowed to dive deeper. Of course, you can also do a few fun dives first.

Question 10

What does the Advanced Open Water course entail?

Accepted Answer

The Advanced course takes 2 to 2.5 days and consists of five dives, including a deep dive and a navigation dive. The goal is to further expand your diving skills and knowledge.

Question 11

Why should I take the Rescue Diver course?

Accepted Answer

The Rescue Diver course is an important and educational step in learning how to prevent and recognize problems. You will become more aware of your own safety and that of other divers.

Question 12

Can I also do just a Night Diver or a Wreck Diver dive without a full course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can do a single 'Adventure dive'. This is one dive from the Advanced Open Water course, such as a Night Diver, Underwater Photography, or Wreck Diver dive.

Question 13

Can we learn to dive together as a family?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer tailor-made solutions for families. We can arrange a dive course exclusively for your family, so you can have lessons and dive together.

Question 14

How long does the Open Water course take and what will I learn?

Accepted Answer

The Open Water course takes 2.5 to 3 days. You will learn the basic knowledge and skills to dive safely and complete four open water dives.

Question 15

How do I learn to dive?

Accepted Answer

At Impian Divers you can learn to dive with an Open Water course. It takes 2.5-3 days and costs ฿9,000 (I.D.D) or ฿11,000 (PADI). We teach in Dutch and English.

Question 16

Do you also offer E-learning?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer both I.D.D and PADI e-learning as preparation for your course. Access is provided after the first day or earlier upon request after a deposit.

Question 17

In which languages can I be taught?

Accepted Answer

By default, our diving lessons are taught in Dutch, English, and German. French is also available upon request.

Question 18

How long is access to e-learning valid?

Accepted Answer

PADI e-learning remains valid for 1 year; after that, you must complete the course within the year.

I.D.D e-learning is valid for 2 months after you begin, and then you must complete the course within 6 months.

Question 19

Which freediving course do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer a 2-day 'basic free diver' course for 6,000 THB. Please note, the website mentions that this course is currently not available.

Question 20

I want to become a diving instructor, can I do that with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a complete trajectory from beginner to diving instructor, also known as 'Zero to Hero'. This is a program of 4 to 6 months.

Question 21

From what age can my child learn to dive?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age for an introductory dive and the Open Water course is 10 years. For children from 8 years old, we offer the Bubblemaker program, where they go up to 2 meters deep.

Question 22

I would like to learn how to dive, where should I start?

Accepted Answer

For beginners who have never dived before, the introductory dive is a good start to try it out, or you can start directly with the Open Water course to obtain your first diving certification.

Question 23

Which dive site is recommended for Underwater Photography?

Accepted Answer

White Rock is one of the most popular dive sites for photography. The rock structures and diverse marine life provide a great composition for beautiful photos.

Question 24

I would like to dive on a wreck, is that possible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for divers with an Advanced certification it is possible to dive on the H.M.S. Sattakut. This is a 48-meter long former navy ship located at a depth between 27 and 32 meters.

Question 25

Which dive site is best for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Dive sites such as Japanese Gardens, Mango Bay or Aow Leuk are very suitable for beginners. These have shallow sandy bottoms and beautiful, calm reefs.

Question 26

Can I also see turtles or sharks while diving?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Koh Tao is known as 'Turtle Island' and you can see turtles at spots like Shark Island. Young blacktip reef sharks are often seen at Aow Leuk.

Question 27

How many wrecks are located at Koh Tao?

Accepted Answer

There are three shipwrecks at Koh Tao that experienced divers can dive on: the H.M.S. Sattakut, H.M.S. Hanhak Sattru and H.M.S. Suphairin.

Question 28

At which dive site do I have the best chance of seeing a whale shark?

Accepted Answer

Chumphon Pinnacle is the most famous spot for spotting whale sharks, although the chance is still 50%: you either see one, or you don't.

Question 29

Is there emergency oxygen and a first aid kit on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on board our boat, 100% oxygen with delivery equipment and a comprehensive first aid kit are available for emergencies.

Question 30

Is the air in the dive tanks of good quality?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we guarantee clean air by changing our compressor filters every 25 hours.

Question 31

Which tank sizes do you have available?

Accepted Answer

We have standard 12 liter cylinders. Additionally, we have 8 liter cylinders for younger divers and 15 liter cylinders for divers who consume more air.

Question 32

How do you ensure that the diving equipment is safe?

Accepted Answer

Our diving equipment is maintained to the highest standards. Regulators receive an annual service, tanks are visually inspected yearly, and everything is hygienically cleaned after use.

Question 33

Can I do a night dive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, night diving is possible with a minimum of 2 divers and if weather conditions allow. You need an Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) for this.

Question 34

What is the difference between the morning and afternoon dives?

Accepted Answer

During the morning trip, we usually head to the deeper dive sites such as Chumphon Pinnacle or the Sattakut wreck. In the afternoon, we visit the shallower bays such as Aow Leuk or Mango Bay.

Question 35

What is the maximum number of people per diving group?

Accepted Answer

We always dive in small groups with a maximum of 4 divers per dive leader. This ensures a personal and safe diving experience.

Question 36

How long can we dive during a fun dive?

Accepted Answer

Dive times of one hour are possible with us. This is naturally dependent on your own air consumption and that of your buddy, as well as logistical planning.

Question 37

I am a certified diver. Can I join you for fun dives?

Accepted Answer

Certainly, every certified diver is welcome to join us for fun dives, regardless of which diving organization (PADI, SSI, I.D.D., etc.) you obtained your certification from.

Question 38

Can I dive with my children during their course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is possible, as long as we can plan this in time.
We call this a refresh course Plus.

Then you will go through the complete course together.
But without e-learning and diving certificate.

We charge the following (per person):

Day 1:
Exercises in shallow water followed by 1 fun dive: 2,500 THB

Day 2:
Exercises in shallow water followed by 1 fun dive: 2,500 THB

Day 3:
2x fun dive: 1,800 THB

Total per person: 6,800 THB

Question 39

What are the dive school's opening hours?

Accepted Answer

We are open daily from Monday to Sunday, from 08:45 to 18:00. Bookings close at 17:00.

Question 40

Are you also open on public holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but we have adjusted opening hours. On Christmas Day we are open from 12:00-18:00, on New Year's Eve from 08:45-12:00 and on January 1st we are closed.

Question 41

Ear pain from snorkeling

Accepted Answer

When you go underwater without equalizing (even at around 1–2 meters), the pressure increases, and it’s quite normal for it to feel painful.

We provide clear instructions on how to deal with this during the course.

Question 42

How can I transfer via Revolt?

Accepted Answer

1. Click on transfers at the bottom of the bar
2. Click on the plus sign at the top right
3. Click on international transfer
4. Change the country to Thailand
5. Enter the amount (4,000 THB per person)
6. Click on business account

Account holder name
Diving Impian Divers International Thailand

Account number:
8782093898
(enter manually)

Bank: THE SIAM COMMERCIAL BANK PCL
Swift/BIC: SICOTHBK

Address:
44/63 Mu 1, Tha Rua Road
Ko Pha-Ngan
Surat Thani

Postal code
84280

Please mention your full name in the payment.
Email the transfer download to booking@impian-divers.com
Once the deposit is received, we will send a confirmation and your booking will be finalized.

Question 43

How can I transfer via Wise?

Accepted Answer

1.   Click on "receiver" at the bottom

2.   Add "receiver"

3.   Change currency to THB (Thailand)

4.   Click search "on Wise"

5.   Fill in: info@impian-divers.com

6.   Name: Robert Reinier Louis Marie RHEMREV

Question 44

Which facilities do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We have three air-conditioned classrooms, lockers for your valuables, and free coffee, tea, and drinking water available, both in the school and on board.

Question 45

Are you a Dutch dive school?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are the only dive school on Koh Tao that operates entirely under Dutch management and we have a permanent team of Dutch instructors.

Question 46

Are you an eco-friendly dive school?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are an eco dive school. For example, our boat has special wastewater tanks on board, so that toilet water and compressor fluids are not released into the sea.

Question 47

Do you have your own dive boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have our own boat which is officially registered for diving activities. The boat has a filling station, various sizes of tanks and all necessary safety equipment.

Question 48

Is there a difference in insurance between PADI and I.D.D.?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With an I.D.D. course, you are insured through I.D.D. Netherlands and for 1 year worldwide after the course. With a PADI course, you are secondarily insured through our Thai business insurance, with a deductible of 6,000 THB.

Question 49

Does my standard health insurance cover the costs of a diving accident?

Accepted Answer

Possibly not in full. Medical costs in Thailand can be high and diving is sometimes seen as an 'extreme sport'. It is important to take out additional travel or health insurance that covers this.

Question 50

Am I insured when I take a dive course with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, during a dive course, you are covered through us by a secondary insurance for specific dive-related accidents such as decompression sickness. However, a good personal travel and health insurance that covers diving remains necessary.

Question 51

Where is Impian Divers?

Accepted Answer

Impian Divers is located on the main street of Mae Haad, Koh Tao. 50m past the 7-Eleven on the left side. Just a short walk from the pier!

Question 52

Where exactly is Impian Divers located on Koh Tao?

Accepted Answer

You can find us on the main street of Mae Haad, about 50 meters past the 7-Eleven on the left side.

Question 53

How far is the walk from the pier to the dive school?

Accepted Answer

The dive school is located within walking distance of the arrival pier in Mae Haad, where our boat is also docked. So you don't need a taxi.

Question 54

What is the price of the Open Water course?

Accepted Answer

The I.D.D Open Water course costs 9,000 THB. If you would like a PADI certificate, the course costs 11,000 THB.

Question 55

How much does the Advanced Open Water course cost?

Accepted Answer

The I.D.D Advanced Open Water course costs 8,500 THB. The PADI version costs 10,000 THB.

Question 56

What are the costs for the dive instructor course?

Accepted Answer

The dive instructor course (ITC) costs 40,000 THB. Additionally, there is the final exam, which costs 12,000 THB.

Question 57

Is diving equipment included in the course price?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for all our courses, the use of a full set of diving equipment, including a dive computer, is included in the price.

Question 58

How much does a fun dive cost if I already have a license?

Accepted Answer

The price for a fun dive starts from 900 THB per dive. This includes equipment use and guidance from a dive leader.

Question 59

Do you also offer specialty packages?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a popular package including the Deep40, Wreck Diver and Nitrox specialties for 16,000 THB (I.D.D.). This package takes 3 days and includes 6 dives.

Question 60

Are there any costs associated with E-learning if I do not finish the course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you cancel or stop, the costs for the e-learning (I.D.D: 1,000 THB, PADI: 3,000 THB) are non-refundable, as you retain your access.

Question 61

What are the costs to become a Divemaster?

Accepted Answer

The I.D.D Divemaster course costs 33,000 THB. The PADI course costs 38,000 THB, plus approximately 8,000 THB for teaching materials.

Question 62

How much does the Rescue Diver course cost?

Accepted Answer

The I.D.D Rescue Diver course costs 10,000 THB. For the PADI Rescue Diver course, the price is 12,000 THB.

Question 63

How much does a SCUBA Review or refresher dive cost?

Accepted Answer

A SCUBA Review costs 1,900 THB. This is for one day and includes two dives.

Question 64

How much does an introductory dive cost?

Accepted Answer

An introductory dive costs 2,500 THB for the first dive. An optional second dive on the same day costs an additional 1,000 THB.

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