Dive news, Koh Tao IDC Group, PADI IDC on Koh Tao, Thailand

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2010-03-12T16:03:00.001+07:00

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Congratulations new Assistant Instructors and Tech Divers!!!

2010-03-12T15:50:00.002+07:00

Congratulations to Koh Taos and Bans Divings new Assistant Instructors!!!
Richard, Joey, Paul, Dani, Andy, Mike, Hamish, Eugene, Jim and Linnea.

Also congrats to our new DSAT TEC REC DEEP Diver: Erick (running a divecenter in Bali).

Check out bans technical diving on facebook.com

BANS DIVING

2010-03-01T09:15:00.001+07:00

BANS DIVING RESORT AND ITS IDC AND TECH INSTRUCTOR TEAM WINS MORE AWARDS... PADI AWARD CEREMONY 2010...

Tim Hunt and Jonas Samuelsson was both awarded PADI Platinum PADI Course Director status in 2010.

Tim Hunt was finalist for the PADI Award "Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development 2010"

Ban's 5-Star PADI Career Development Center won the prestigous PADI Award "Outstanding Divecenter/Business in Thailand 2010" (and is in the final later this year for the Asian Award).

Ban's 5-Star PADI Career Development Center won the prestigous PADI Award "Outstanding Divecenter/Business in Asia 2009" in competition with over 1500 divecenters in PADI Asia Pacific Region.

PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson is the winner of "Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development" in both 2000 and 2007. Jonas is the only PADI Course Director on Koh Tao to win this award and one of the few in the world to have won this award twice.

also check our facebook groups:

bans technical diving:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?profile=1&id=188485516864#!/pages/Bans-Technical-Diving/188485516864?ref=search&sid=717705659.4285607340..1

add jonas samuelsson on facebook on:
http://www.facebook.com/jonas.samuelsson?ref=profile

bans eco:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bans-Eco/282361228890?ref=search&sid=717705659.726804883..1

Award winner 2009 and 2010

2010-02-28T14:11:00.002+07:00

BANS DIVING PADI AWARD WINNER 2010

2010-02-26T11:20:00.003+07:00

Ban's 5-Star PADI Career Development Center won the prestigous PADI Award "Outstanding Divecenter/Business in Thailand 2010".

PADI Course Director Tim Hunt was finalist in the "Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development in Thailand 2010".

2010-02-26T10:53:00.002+07:00

Ban's 5-Star PADI Career Development Center won the prestigous PADI Award "Outstanding Divecenter/Business in Thailand 2010".

PADI Course Director Tim Hunt was finalist in the PADI Award category "Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development in Thailand 2010".".

BANS DIVING PADI AWARD WINNER 2010

2010-02-26T10:13:00.004+07:00

BANS DIVING PADI AWARD WINNER 2010

Ban's Diving Resort winner once again of the very prestigious PADI Award:
Outstanding (Dive Centre/Resort) Business Award

Finalists:
Ban’s Dive Resort S-2645
Mermaid’s Dive Center S-2694
Scuba Cat Diving S-18230

WINNER: Ban’s Dive Resort S-2645

First time in awards history where a divecenter win this award 2 years in row!!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Ban's Diving Resort and The Koh Tao IDC Groups own PADI Course Director became Tim Hunt became finalist in the PADI Course Director Category!!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------BANS DIVING PADI AWARD WINNER 2010

article link

2010-02-26T08:20:00.000+07:00

http://www.instructor-kohtao.com/start/english2.html

Sports Diver Magazine Article about Bans Diving

2010-02-26T07:56:00.002+07:00

Australian Diving magazine feature bans idc 2010

2010-02-23T19:43:00.001+07:00

IDC%20Koh%20Tao%20Article%20-%20BANS%20-%20Daryl%20Czarny.pdf

Great article in one of australias most popular diving magazine. Daryl wrote about his experience at bans diving resort and the koh tao idc group (course director jonas samuelsson and tim hunt) going from divemaster to instructor!!!

Read it - lots of pics from bans and bans staff!!!

Must read for anyone interested in becoming a PADI Instructor!!!

Sunset outside Bans 2010 February

2010-02-23T19:39:00.002+07:00

Next IDC starts on February 28. Come and join us for three weeks of fun and
challenges with some of the best course directors in the world!

NEWS FEB/MARCH 2010: READ ARTICLE FROM ONE OF THE LEADING DIVE MAGAZINES IN
AUSTRALIA - ARTICLE IS ABOUT DARYL WHO IS TAKING IDC WITH BANS DIVING AND PADI
COURSE DIRECTOR JONAS SAMUELSSON AND TIM HUNT. GREAT READ FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN
PROFESSIONAL DIVING COURSES ANYWHERE!!! ----------------------------

http://www.kohtao-idc-group.com/divediary.htm (FOR ARTICLE)

Independent Facebook Group with over 1000 present and former Bans Divers:
http://www.facebook.com/search/?ref=search&q=bans20diving&init=quick#/group.php?gid=2210227659&ref=ts

Read about Simon Bowen a Ban's IDC Student road to the PADI Go Pro Challenge Runner
Up Award:
http://www.padi.com/scuba/blog/2009/09/runner-up-for-padis-go-pro-challenge.html

Add PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/jonas.samuelsson?ref=name

Interested in Technical Diving - check out Bans Tec Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Bans-Technical-Diving/188485516864?ref=mf

PADI Divemaster Trainees Facebook Group:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=208547555764&ref=mf

NEXT IDC STARTS ON THE 28th OF January 2010. COME NOW AND DIVE UNLIMITED AND PREPARE
BY LISTEN TO DM LECTURES, SKILL CIRCUITS, ASSIST ON COURSES UP TO 6 WEEKS BEFORE YOU
IDC STARTS - ALL INCLUDED IN ALL IDCs!!!

Congratulations 100% pass FEB IDC 2010.

2010-02-23T19:12:00.000+07:00

100% PASSRATE AGAIN AND AGAIN

2010-02-22T14:52:00.002+07:00

Everyone passed the Instructor Exam that was completed yesterday!!! Congratulations to you all!!! Great job!!!!!!!

Must read for anyone interested in IDC

2010-02-21T14:26:00.002+07:00

Article about IDC at Bans Diving Resort and the koh tao idc group in one of Australias leading diving magazine!!! Read it!!! IDC%20Koh%20Tao%20Article%20-%20BANS%20-%20Daryl%20Czarny.pdf

Bans Technical Diving

2010-02-20T21:32:00.002+07:00

DSAT Tec Deep, DSAT TEC40. DSAT TEC45, DSAT TEC50, PADI CAVERN, ANDI/TDI/PADI CAVE, PELAGIAN AND EVOLUTION CCRS, Rebreathers, Drager Semi Closed, TEC DSAT Instructor Courses, Exploration and Expeditions, Advanced Wreck Technical Courses, BSAC Compressor Operator Courses, DSAT Gas Blender Instructor, DSAT Trimix Instructor!!!

all on:
www.instructor-kohtao.com

Congratulations 100% pass JanIDC2010. (top pic: bans pool during the padi instructor exam below pic. lunch in bans restaurant during the idc)

2010-02-18T09:43:00.003+07:00

UVM and AquaCorps - founders of modern tech diving

2010-02-17T20:48:00.003+07:00

UVM The UnderwaterMagazine. The magazine that i worked as an editor for 2 1/2 years. our sister magazine was AquaCorps where Michael Menduno the 'founder' of modern technical diving was working as an editor! on the cover you can see Francis Lee Gain famous cave diver dive with a russian build dpv in caves!!! that was some great years!!!

TEC DEEP

2010-02-17T20:06:00.001+07:00

http://www.instructor-kohtao.com/technical/tecdeep/english.html

Exciting week for Bans IDC and Bans Tech

2010-02-17T19:12:00.004+07:00

IDC was completed yesterday with EFR Instructor. Started a day 2 mock Instructor Exam to finetune the candidates skill befrore the real exams that starts on the 19th of Feb. 11 great candidates from all over the world is making this idc very interesting and lots of fun!

Bans Technical Diving completed 8 TEC Intro Dives yesterday and also started the first CCR Buddy Inspiration Course in Bans facilities!

Lots of Tech Courses rolling at the moment and customers and staff really enjoy these new programs at Bans Diving!

Did 2 dives at the wreck unicorn the other day with whaleshark!!!

Life is great!!!

Ban's Technical Facebook group Koh Tao Thailand

2010-02-08T11:18:00.001+07:00

Cavern and Cave diving Bans Technical Diving Koh Tao

2010-02-08T11:08:00.003+07:00

Cavern and Cave diving Bans Technical Diving Koh Tao

2010-02-08T11:01:00.002+07:00

Diving Packages: including BSAC Compressor Operator, DSAT TEC and Rebreather, CCR, Cave and Cavern, Expeditions and much more....
href="http://instructor-kohtao.com/technical/packages/english.html">

TEC 40-45-50
http://instructor-kohtao.com/technical/tec50/english.html

TECHNICAL DIVING KOH TAO AND BANS TEC

2010-02-08T10:34:00.000+07:00

TECHNICAL DIVING KOH TAO AND BANS TEC

2010-02-08T10:30:00.001+07:00

TEC DEEP ON KOH TAO:
http://instructor-kohtao.com/technical/tecdeep/english.html

Congratulations to CDTC Candidates 2010

2010-02-02T08:28:00.003+07:00

Staff Instructors accepted for the CDTC 2010 coming through Staffs with The Koh Tao IDC Group and Bans Diving Resort are:

Jeff Glenn (Bans Diving / Part Time)
Guillaume Fargues (Bans Diving / Full time)
Gerard Leenen (Scuba Nation / Cambodia / Staff Instructor Bans Diving)

Congratulations to all three candidates!!!
Jonas Samuelsson
Head PADI Course Director Bans 5-Star Career Development Center
Managing Director The Koh Tao IDC Group Company Limited

01 February at 19:37
Hi Jonas
How are things? Vicky and I are still in Cambodia and our shop has been growing slowly over the years. We are now a 5 Star IDC centre.
Just wanted to let you know that I, your old IDC staff student got accepted in the CDTC 2010.
Hope to catch up one day

Cheers

Gerard
Scuba Nation
Cambodia

DSAT TEC WITH WHALESHARK YESTERDAY

2010-01-30T08:04:00.001+07:00

Amazing DSAT Tec Training at white rock with whaleshark during the deco stop! Tomorrow dive 6-7 @ chumphon with bulls and greys!!! life is hard eh!!!

Andy from Canada is taking the TEC Deep and Craig (Canada) and Amit (Israel) is taking the instructor course! so much fun!

planning a cave trip to khao sok in february.... want to join?

2010-01-27T11:51:00.002+07:00

Amazing times at bans diving and the koh tao idc group! 12 out of 12 passed the instructor exam conducted by PADI Asia Pacific a few days ago. PADI Examiners Young Hee and Rob (Asia Pacific) were both very impressed by the quality of the bans candidates! 12 candidates from 11 different countries made this program very interesting! 11 of the 12 (Sophie had to go home to her family in france) started the MSDT today with Tim! I am starting a DSAT TEC DEEP course today with Andy (Craig and Amit assisting on their last course before applying for Instructor Tec).

Next idc starts on the 4th of Feb. Also on the 4th of Feb we start a Tech Operation course including BSAC Compressor Op, Advanced Equipment, Gas Blender etc.

Next Rebreather Course starts on the 23th of Feb.

PADI Open Water - PADI Divemaster starts everyday!!! Started up 5 new Divemasters in Training (DMTs) the last 3 days.

So great diving (lots of sharks!!!), great vis, many people at bans, blue sky!!! Just pack you bag and come down to us!!!

have a great day!!! email jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com for more information!!!

Ban's Facebook's Groups!!!

2010-01-16T14:01:00.002+07:00

Independent Facebook Group with over 1000 present and former Bans Divers:
http://www.facebook.com/search/?ref=search&q=bans20diving&init=quick#/group.php?gid=2210227659&ref=ts

Read about Simon Bowen a Ban's IDC Student road to the PADI Go Pro Challenge Runner
Up Award:
http://www.padi.com/scuba/blog/2009/09/runner-up-for-padis-go-pro-challenge.html

Add PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/jonas.samuelsson?ref=name

Interested in Technical Diving - check out Bans Tec Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Bans-Technical-Diving/188485516864?ref=mf

PADI Divemaster Trainees Facebook Group:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=208547555764&ref=mf

NEXT IDC STARTS ON THE 28th OF January 2010. COME NOW AND DIVE UNLIMITED AND PREPARE
BY LISTEN TO DM LECTURES, SKILL CIRCUITS, ASSIST ON COURSES UP TO 6 WEEKS BEFORE YOU
IDC STARTS - ALL INCLUDED IN ALL IDCs!!!

SUPER PACKAGE IF PAID AND BOOKED BEFORE THE 31th of January 2010: AVOID PRICE
INCREASE FOR 2010. PAY NOW AND SAVE MONEY AND GET MORE...
15 DAY IDC (extended programs for better learning), EFR INSTRUCTOR, O2 INSTRUCTOR,
ENRICHED AIR INSTRUCTOR, PASS GUARANTEE, Lunch during the IDC, T-shirt, Unlimited
diving up to 6 weeks before the IDC Starts, Celebration dinner after the IDC,
Assists with writing CV and to find a job, always PADI Coures Director conducting
all programs beyond Rescue Diver. All this with the most award winning IDC Program
on Koh Tao (Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development 2000 and 2007 - no
other IDC on Koh Tao ever won this PADI Award). Book now: jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com

Jonas Samuelsson
PADI Course Director, The Koh Tao IDC Group and Ban's 5-Star PADI Career Development
Center
jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com (facebook network thailand), Mobile: +66-8-228 778 38

What a year for Bans Diving Resort

2009-12-30T08:40:00.002+07:00

Wow what a year for Bans Diving CDC/TEC Center and The Koh Tao IDC Group!

Bans got awarded the most prestigious award in the Diveindustry "Divecenter / Business of the year" in PADI Asia Pacific in competition with over 1500 Divecenters from Australia to China to Indonesia!

We hosted a group of over 20 PADI Staff that visited Koh Tao in April. Great to see Dr Drew Richardson, PADI #1 Worldwide, visit us for tour and dinner! Great fun!

Bans certifed over 9000 PADI Divers in 2009 and over 30000 fundivers came through our doors during the year.

The Koh Tao IDC Group and Bans CDC send over 110 IDC Candiates to the Instructor Exam with amazing scores that even impressed the most experienced PADI Examiner.

Diving Explorations... we discovered (jonas, peter and craig / bans tec) some 10 new caves and system in Khao Sok and in the north around the River Kwai. Amazing trips with very challenging dives. New expeditions is coming up for 2010. We have the grail of caves to find in 2010 which we will announce in march or so.

Jonas and Craig both got certified up to Cave Level 4 ANDI during the year and Jonas also achived the rating Instructor Trainer for Tec Deep 40-45-50, DSAT Trimix, Rebreaher, Cavern.

The Bans Tec with Craig, Tim, Amit and Jonas is in great shape and already courses like Tec Deep, Rebreather, Trimix, Cavern and Cave, Compressor Operator, Advanced Equipment, Gas Blender Instructor and much more.

Thank you to all of you - our friends and familys - that made all of this possible!

Best wishes for the new year and HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Jonas, Tim, Amit and Craig and the rest of the Bans Diving Family!!!

Amazing weather on the 'Rock'

2009-12-08T19:39:00.004+07:00

Its amazing weather on the 'Rock' and its a lot of divers at bans diving! feel like high season lol!!!

The IDC is running excellent with 5 great candidates!!! Owen, Mar, Tom, Tim and Jerry. Excellent result so far during the IDC!!! lots of fun!!!

Bans Tec is doing great as well. Two new sets to be invested in the next few days and then we are up and running!!! Rebreather, Tec Deep, Compressor courses, Advanced Equipment Course, Cavern and Cave Courses! Trimix and CCR is coming within soon!!!

Koh Tao Seals - our children program is booking for christmas as well. Our inhouse bubblemaker instructor Joey is busy conducting seal team programs and bubble makers!!!

So all good on the Rock!!! lots of new stuff coming up at bans diving!!!

BAN'S TEC ON FACEBOOK

2009-12-06T09:23:00.000+07:00

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Bans-Technical-Diving/188485516864

100% passrate on the november IDC!

2009-11-30T23:43:00.004+07:00

congratulations to all our new Open Water Scuba Instuctors at Bans CDC, Sunshine Divers and Big Blue Divers (The Koh Tao IDC Group). Amazing scores on the Instructor Exam!!!). i just came back for the december idc from one of the greatest trips i ever done. almost 2 weeks in Israel - travelling from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the dead sea and up to the boarder of Lebanon. Truly amazing trip!

The December IDC started with 5 candidates! Lots of fun and great group! Tim is going to Canada in the mid december so i am taking the MSDT program this time!!!

Craig is kicking a.. with his BSAC Compressor course, gas blender and advanced equipment course - great job Craig!!! The Koh Tao IDC Group @ Bans CDC is the only divecenter offer "the super tec week" with Craig! highly recommended to everyone working in the industry or interested in all technical aspects of diving.

Amit is coming back in a few days and is going to run Koh Tao IDC Groups Tec Division "Bans Tec". Course offered are Tec Deep and Tec Deep Instructor, Gas Blender, Gas Blender Instructor, Enriched Air Instructor, Rebreather Instructor, BSAC Compressor Operator, Advanced Equipment Specialty Instructor, PADI Cavern Instructor Course, PADI Distincive Cave and PADI Distinctive Cave Instructor. Trimix with CCR is going to be offered in mid 2010.

Many of the above courses in only offered at BTD, Bans Tec Division. Again The Koh Tao IDC Group @ Bans Diving leading the way with new courses in Thailand and Koh Tao.

Bans Diving and The Koh Tao IDC Group is your one stop diving center. We got it all!

Bans CDC "The Ultimate Dive Experience - The Ultimate Dive Center"

Have fun and see you soon on Koh Tao!!!

Jonas Samuelsson
PADI Course Director
Bans 5-Star Career Development Center

Managing Director
The Koh Tao IDC Group Company Limited

www.bans-diving-resort.com
www.instructor-kohtao.com
www.kohtao-idc-group.com
www.visitkohtao.com

jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com
contact@instructor-kohtao.com

new website for recreational diving @ bans diving

2009-11-15T18:42:00.002+07:00

http://bansdivingresort.com/

Ban's 5-Star CDC Center

2009-11-14T14:17:00.002+07:00

Did you know that Bans 5-Star PADI Career Development Center is the oldest CDC center on Koh Tao and the 1 out only 2 CDC Centers on Koh Tao among over 50 divecenters on Koh Tao and over 300 divecenters in Thailand.

Bans Diving Resort won the award Divebusiness/Divecenter of the year in Asia Pacific in competition with over 1500 divecenters in PADI Asia Pacific Region.

Dont look further - Bans is the Ivy League of Dive centers in Asia. Welcome to your professional training at bans diving resort.

2009-11-10T17:04:00.001+07:00

01226_4Q09TrainingBulletin.pdf

2009-11-10T16:54:00.000+07:00

Old IDC Crew Pack compared to Old

2009-11-10T16:49:00.000+07:00

4th Quarter Training Bulletin PADI 2009

2009-11-10T16:36:00.001+07:00

4th Quarter Training Bulletin PADI 2009... What's in the New PADI IDC crewpak?
New Materials for the 2010 IDC Evolution

The 2010 Course Director update just wrapped at DEMA, and our new IDC crewpaks will be available approximately 20 Nov. 2009. I made a chart of what's in the new IDC crewpak versus the old one (please see below).

The big changes are:

* PADI's Guide to Teaching replaces the IDC Candidate workbook. This new product also includes teaching techniques and recommendations previously found in the instructor manual.
* Three books are now on a CD
(Best of the UJ, Children & Scuba and the Business of Diving).
* We now include the entire 2009 Specialty Instructor Manual instead of just the Project AWARE and PPB outlines.

If you have some of the old IDC crewpaks in stock (60033 or 60034): they're valid for use up until June 30th 2010. Course Directors have until 1 July to complete their CD update.

After that date, or if the Course Director is teaching the new "IDC Evolution," the student will need to purchase PADI's Guide to Teaching ala carte. The student may need to purchase a 2010 Instructor manual - if they didn't receive it as part of their 2010 Divemaster renewal.

What's in the PADI IDC crewpak?
(click image below to view a larger version)

(email subscribers may need to click through to view the chart above)

In order to teach the new IDC and utilize the new materials, Course Directors must attend an update. Read about the Course Director and IDC Staff Updates scheduled throughout the PADI Americas territory in 2009 and 2010. The key products of the new program are included as part of the update program cost.01226_4Q09TrainingBulletin.pdf

Streamlined and Simplified 2010 PADI Instructor Manual

2009-11-10T16:22:00.004+07:00

Streamlined and Simplified 2010 PADI Instructor Manual

PADI's Instructor manual in 1972 was under 100 pages. Over the next thirty-seven years, the manual swelled to nearly 1,000 pages.

Our 2010 instructor manual has been simplified, alphabetized, and binder-ized to make key standards easier to find. For a more extensive explanation of each course, instructors can refer to the 2009 instructor manual* and/or the new Guide to Teaching.

* and subsequent Training Bulletins.

All renewed instructors and divemasters will receive an email with a link to download the new manual in first quarter 2010.

Only the paper version is available for purchase now. Member price is: $96.50. The product (number 70120) comes with the binder and instructor manual pages only. It does not come with the other items shown in the photo above.

The fourth quarter training bulletin has some information on familiarizing yourself with the new manual (pages 2-3). If additional hints and tips become available I'll publish them to this website.

PADI's Guide to Teaching replaces the IDC Candidate workbook and can be used as a companion reference to the 2010 Instructor Manual. It includes the teaching techniques and recommendations that were previously found in the Instructor Manual.

Changes to PADI Divemaster crewpak
product number 60020

The new manual is part of the revised PADI Divemaster crewpak - which starts shipping next week. The product number stays the same (60020). Please see chart below with a list of what's in the revised PADI Divemaster crewpak (available in English only for now).

If you have Divemaster kits in stock - don't worry. The previous version of our Divemaster crewpak is still valid for use through 31 May 2010 (ref. pages 4 and 6 in the 4th Quarter Training Bulletin). After that date, Divemasters must purchase the new instructor manual if they're buying a "2009" Divemaster kit.

2009-11-10T15:57:00.002+07:00

The IDC candidates are doing great and completed second confined water presenation this morning. great group of 9 candidates from 7 different countries.

The New Bans Tec (part of The Koh Tao IDC Group) is doing better than anyone could expect. Courses in BSAC Compressor Operator (first and only on Koh Tao), DSAT Gas Blender Instructor, DSAT Advanced Wreck Diving, DSAT TEC Deep, Advanced Equipment and Technician Course (First and Only on Koh Tao), SEMI Closed Rebreather Courses are doing great!

Soon the first PADI Cavern Instructor Course (first and only on Koh Tao - Jonas Samuelsson is the only PADI Cavern Instructor Trainer on Koh Tao and one of less than 5 in Thailand) and ANDI LEVEL 1-4 Cavern and Cave Courses will also soon be available. We are even going to teach ANDI Cave Explorer courses in 2010 as the first divecenter on koh tao.

Lots of exciting adventures coming up at bans diving resort (cdc center) and the koh tao idc group with bans tec.

IDC STARTS TODAY

2009-11-02T11:25:00.001+07:00

IDC Started with orientation this morning. Candidates are: Samme (Belgium), Claus (Germany), Tom and John (England), Tavor and Ohad (Israel), Matthew (France), Luka (Italy), Dio (Greece). Staff is G (Blue Blue) Staff Instructor Candidates Andrew (England), Gary (England) and Jimmy (England). Really fun group - looking forward to the next three weeks!!!

Ban's Tec with DSAT Instructor Craig

2009-10-26T11:33:00.002+07:00

Excited about the 'premiere' of 'Bans Tec' new courses (some first on koh tao) all starts tomorrow morning. 1 week training including compressor operator and gas blender instructor (3 days), equipment technician (3 days) and O2 Provider ...Instructo
r. Bans Tec now offer Cave and Cavern Courses, DSAT Tec, Semi Closed Rebreather, Enriched Air and Deep, Advanced Equipment Courses and Gas Operator Course.

New Team for Bans Tec.

Jonas Samuelsson
PADI Course Director/ANDI Cave/Rebreather Instructor Trainer/Instructor Trainer (23 Specialties including Ice, Wreck and Drysuit)

Tim Hunt
PADI Course Director/Instructor Trainer Deep and Enriched Air/Tec Instructor

Craig Werger
PADI Staff Instructor/Tec Instructor/ANDI Full Cave Diver/Cavern Instructor/BSAC Compressor Technician

Amit Gal
PADI Staff Instructor/Tec Deep/Enriched Air Instructor/ANDI Cavern

bull sharks at chumphon - 100%

2009-10-21T10:55:00.000+07:00

amazing dives yesterday at chumphon with 30 meter vis and lods of sharks. blue sky and and sunny on koh tao day after day!!! going back for deep spec this afternoon, tim went for msdt wreck instructor spec to unicorn today. next idc starts on the 2nd of november.

its amazing weather and diving on koh tao and no people!!!

2009-10-17T10:49:00.001+07:00

excited about the msdt program starting today with deep dives and nitrox at sail rock and chumpon (20+++ meter vis yesterday), also finish off Tims tec deep course at sail rock with some 50 meter dives with stage cylinders.

2009-10-16T11:39:00.002+07:00

congratulations to a well performed idc and ie!!! candidates: micky, andy, jodie (big blue koh tao), sarah (sunshine koh tao), sasha, fab, andy, olle (bans koh tao), erik, linus (liquid adventures khao lak), rang (phi phi) and methan (blue lagoon divers andaman islands). great fun!

msdt starts 17th @ 5pm.

News from The Koh Tao IDC Group and Ban's Tec Division:
starting some new amazing programs at bans this coming months.

compressor operator
advanced equipment course
semi closed rebreather courses
tec 40,45,50
cavern and cave courses in khao sok and kanchanaburi

idc started

2009-09-28T10:51:00.002+07:00

Started an idc today with Eric, Olle. Linus, Andy x 2, Sasha, Fabian, Micky, Jodie, Mithan and Sarah. Gaz and Dave doing staff instructor course and Deano, Laura and Martin is staffing. Great group and lots of fun already!!! Tim and Jonas PADI Course Director.

11 idc candidates
2 staff candidates
3 idc staff
2 padi course directors

--------------------- The koh tao idc group 'tec' is moving forward with tec courses, cavern and cave courses, and trimix courses.
--------------------- ps also got a rebreather now so these courses will be available soon as well.

amazing last weeks (and coming)

2009-09-18T13:46:00.003+07:00

Been doing the first DSAT TEC DEEP COURSE in Kao Sok. 8 Dives on Koh Tao and 4 dives at
the lake between 40-50 meters. amazing to down around an old Tik Forest (submerged after the damm was build in 1980). Also did some dives in some new caves that we explored.

Doing MSDT Program the last few days. Photo today!!! Going to the northern part of thailand to explore some new caves on the 21 and then back to koh tao to teach an idc on the 28th.

exciting times ahead~!!!

Tec Rec Cave Course Distinctive

2009-08-29T15:44:00.002+07:00

You can now teach cave diving under the TecRec umbrella through the TecRec Distinctive Specialties process. If you’re a qualified cave diving instructor, you may submit a cave diver course outline for consideration and Cave Diveapproval by your PADI Office. Contact a DSAT TDD Technical Consultant for more information about qualifications and the minimum requirements for TecRec Cave Diver Distinctive Specialties.

Excellent article about bans diving in denmarks largest newspaper

2009-08-28T16:39:00.003+07:00

Excellent article about bans diving in denmarks largest newspaper,

The article was in the papers one or two weeks ago. It made it front page, as you can see on the pictures below. I think it looked great, hope you like it too. It might appear in a couple more papers during the fall as far as I'm told.

Gertrud Thisted Højlund It also got published on this travel website http://www.rejseliv.dk/thailand-paa-tre-maader

http://www.rejseliv.dk/thailand-paa-tre-maader

Diving Gap Year Koh Tao

2009-08-27T18:23:00.002+07:00

Welcome to The Koh Tao IDC Group Company Limited (Koh Tao's original IDC/CDC Center - teaching IDC, MSDTs, Staff Instructors on Koh Tao since 1998)

The Koh Tao IDC Group are specialists in the field of recreational and professional scuba diving, marine conservation and specialist diving adventures for people taking time out. Whether it's a gap year or a career break, our programmes are designed for people wanting a C.O.L. Experience (Change of Lifestyle Diving Packages).

http://www.idc-koh-tao.com/career/col/english.html

http://www.idc-koh-tao.com/career/col/english.html

Time for a Change of Lifestyle? Time to be C.O.L.

A career in diving can break you out of a nine-to-five rut, or open the door to adventurous part-time or full-time possibilities. Like many careers, PADI dive professionals are envied for the lifestyles they lead. Divemasters schedule and plan dives on yachts, as do Instructors, who also get to teach. Instructor Trainers travel to the world’s most exotic locations, while PADI employees are the eyes and ears of the dive industry. What do all these people share? They are all diverse individuals who love their jobs. There are endless possibilities and paths are available to take advantage of through PADI, it only takes desire to make it happen. Why not get paid for something that you love to do anyway?

As a PADI Member, you are a part of the most successful company in the industry. There are more than 4000 (and growing) PADI Dive Centers and Resorts around the world, and an overwhelming majority of dive operations are PADI Members. At any given time, there are more positions available for PADI leaders than there are dive professionals to fill them. The bottom line is that whatever dive career path you choose, your PADI credentials will get you where you want to go, faster and easier.

The Change of Life-Style Package takes you from a non-diver to a very experience instructor. There is no better way to start your diving career then being C.O.L.

Time for a Change of Lifestyle? Time to be C.O.L.

From Non-diver to Experienced Instructor

New All-inclusive Package - including all diving courses from beginner to a Master Scuba Diver Trainer, all PADI fees, All required PADI manuals (based on PADI requirements from 1 of January 2006) plus free access to free equipment rental.

PADI Open Water Course including PADI Open Water Manual and RDP Table version
PADI Advanced Open Water Course including PADI Advanced Manual
PADI Rescue Diver Course including Rescue Manual and Accident Management Slate
PADI Divemaster Course including all required materials for PADI Divemaster Course
PADI Assistant Instructor (PADI IDC Part 1)
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (PADI IDC Part 2)
PADI EFR Instructor
(DIIP) Diving Internship Training
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer including PADI Specialty Instructor Manual DVD Version
PADI Enriched Air Diver including PIC and PADI Enriched Air Manual and 3 EANx Tables
PADI Enriched Air Instructor including Specialty Instructor Outline
PADI Deep Instructor including Specialty Instructor Outline
PADI Night Instructor including Specialty Instructor Outline
PADI Navigation Instructor including Specialty Instructor Outline
PADI Multilevel Instructor
PADI Instructor Manual (Latest Edition)
IDC Candidate Workbook (Latest Edition)
PADI Application Fees (PADI OWSI, EFR Instructor, 5 Specialty Instructor Ratings)
PADI Instructor Exam Fee

Duration: 8 months
Price: 181,500 Baht

Accommodation can be arranged starting from 7,000 Baht/month.

The above all inclusive package if you already have a diver certification:

If you already are a PADI Open Water Diver
Price: 171,750

If you already are a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver:
Price: 163,200 Vaht

If you already are a PADI Rescue Open Water Diver:
Price: 150,250 Baht

DSAT CHANGE STRUCTURE

2009-08-25T14:17:00.001+07:00

Diver Levels

Tec 40

The entry point into the technical range, it provides a transition from recreational to tech. Although the use of full tech gear (doubles and wings) is preferred, it does allow modified use of recreational gear in some situations, provided the diver has two separate regulators, with one of the first stages fitted with a long hose. The intended working limit for a diver of this grade is 40 metres/130 feet with up to 10 minutes of non-accelerated decompression while breathing up to EANx50.

Tec 45

The diver now must wear the full ‘standardised’ tech rig, including wings and doubles, plus an additional deco cylinder. (Note that side mounted cylinders are an acceptable alternative to back mounted doubles throughout the TecRec range). The course will allow the diver to go to 45 metres/145 feet and make accelerated decompression dives using any mix of EANx or oxygen.

Tec 50

At the end of this course the diver will have the same set of skills and knowledge as the present Tec Deep Diver. As such it represents a high level of competency for a technical diver. Although the option exists to make the last dive of the course using trimix, it is intended as an air/nitrox rating and by the end the diver can dive to a maximum of 50 metres/165 feet and make extended, accelerated decompression dives.

Tec Trimix 65

This course opens up the advantages of trimix to the diver, and divers are qualified to make multi-stop decompression dives that employ EANx and oxygen for accelerated decompression, and any trimix with an oxygen content of 18% or more. They can dive to a maximum depth of 65 metres/210 feet.

Tec Trimix

This level is essentially the same as the existing course of this name. Therefore there is no numbered suffix after the course title — there are no limits are placed on how deep the diver can go after training, providing they build their experience gradually.

Instructor Levels

Tec Instructor

This is a new level of instructor in the TecRec range. The Tec Instructor will be able to teach the Tec 40 course.

Tec Deep Instructor

All existing Tec Deep Instructors keep the same credential, and will be able to offer the Tec 40, Tec 45 and Tec 50 courses.

Tec Trimix Instructor

Again, existing instructors of this level retain this credential and can offer any of the diver level courses in the range.

All these courses will be released in the next couple of months, so look for more news soon.

2009-08-25T13:06:00.000+07:00

http://tecrec.wordpress.com/about/

NSS-CDC RECOGNIZE PADI CAVERN COURSE.

2009-08-25T11:26:00.000+07:00

An update to this is as of last week the Training Committee of the Cave
Diving Section of the National Speleological Society has voted to
officially recognize the PADI Cavern Program. So this is great news for
you as an IT. ... Also keep your eye on the blog because there will soon be
announcements regarding DSAT Cave Diver training options that I'm sure
will interest you.

Alex Boulton
DSAT

New Tec Rec Flowchart from 1 of September

2009-08-25T11:03:00.002+07:00

DSAT CAVE COURSE RELEASED SOON? NEW TEC REC FLOWCHART AND STRUCTURE.

Instructor Exam completed tomorrow.

2009-08-19T20:46:00.002+07:00

Its been some amazing weeks here on koh tao. one of our open water diver groups was diving with whalesharks on dive 2 of the course and the next day the same group was diving with some 50 pilot whales. pretty amazing eh? i was out myself with a group of pilot whales for almost 2 hours in the sunset 2 days ago. very very cool! the weather is great as well and the vis around 15 meter.

the instructor exam is completed tomorrow morning with confined water in bans pool. ie party in nellys tomorrow night. i am however going to khao sok for completion of my Cave course. going to be over there for 3-4 days. great diving and exciting expedition for sure! diving the temple cave mainly but also trying to discover some new caves and perhaps the temples that havent been found since the dam was created in 1980.

the next idc starts on the 24 of august so tim is taking this groups msdt program and i do the cave expedition and then we join up on koh tao and team teach the idc!

so much is happening at bans as always.

by the way the BANS Award party sponsored by PADI and San Miguel was increadible! 300 people attending for open bar and free food (lobster, crabs, sushi, thai food etc). everyone ended up in the pool after (not very safe he he but a lot of fun). party that will be remembered on the rock for sure!

pack your bags and come down!!! take care jonas and the bans idc crew!

Whalesharks on koh tao

2009-08-04T20:50:00.002+07:00

Did you know that Koh Tao is one of the areas in the world where divers most frequent encounter and dive with the largest fish in the world - the Whaleshark.

Most commonly is to see the whaleshark in march - april on koh tao, but i personally have seeen whalesharks in february, march, april, august, september. April 2005 we had whalesharks at chumphon pinnacle 21 days of the month. pretty amazing!

The Koh Tao IDC Group is going to start teach a Whale Shark Specialty Course which i believe is going to be a super hit among out divers. Look out for the Bans CDC and The Koh Tao IDC Groups whaleshark Specialty Course (teachers PADI Course Directors Jonas Samuelsson and Tim Hunt).

Toronto Dive Club

2009-07-31T10:54:00.001+07:00

check out our friends new site and dive center:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?view=feed&ref=cfrp&id=1696915235

Ban's Diving IDC Candidate - Go Pro Challenge

2009-07-30T22:45:00.002+07:00

Read about Simon Bowen, IDC Candidate at Bans Diving and The Koh Tao IDC Group, PADI GoPro Challenge Runner Up. Congratulations Simon!

http://divertodiver.scubadiving.com/tm.aspx?m=153041&mpage=1&key=𥗑

there is also a thread there about Bans Divings PADI Award 2009

PADI Award winners on Scuba Dive

2009-07-30T21:27:00.000+07:00

2009-07-30T15:34:00.002+07:00

PADI%20-%20The%20Way%20the%20World%20Learns%20to%20Dive%u2122.webloc

Time to revive the old PADI Cave Dive Course?

2009-07-29T19:00:00.000+07:00

Time to revive the old PADI Cave Dive Course?

Ban's Diving IDC Candidates - Go Pro Challenge

2009-07-28T11:48:00.002+07:00

Congratulations to Simon Bowen, former Candidate at Ban's CDC Center Koh Tao for the runner up price in PADIs GOPRO CHALLENGE 2009. Read Simon's story by clicking on the attachement.

Congrats again Simon from Ban's CDC and Bans Diving Resort.

SIMONBOWEN.doc

Vacation on Koh Tao, Thailand

2009-07-28T11:05:00.003+07:00

Things to consider while being on your most amazing vacation:

Ko Tao is a small island of app 21sq Km.It receives over a 100 000 visitors per year. To minimize your impact on the eco-system, notice that there are no garbage disposal facilities, so everything that can't be burned has to be taken away. Try to avoid plastic bags that are given out for every purchase you make. There is also no department to clean the roads or other public areas, so don't dump your waste on the open landscape. Water is scarce and electricity expensive, so don't waste them.

Welcome to Koh Tao, Thailand.

Read about Koh Tao on wikitravel...

2009-07-27T22:56:00.003+07:00

http://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Tao

Awards and reviews...

2009-07-26T16:52:00.008+07:00

PADI announce Ban's Diving Resort "Outstanding Divecenter/Business of the year 2009" in competition with over 1500 divecenters and resorts in Asia Pacific. Read more about it on PADIs official website: http://www.padi.com/scuba/special-offers/special-offers-ap/member-awards-2009/

Would also like to congratulate crystal diving koh tao and PADI Course Director Matt Bolton for their achievement by winning the "Diver Retention Award 2009". Koh Tao wins 2 out of the total 5 Final awards in Asia Pacific area in competition with over 1500 dive centers and dive resorts. Not bad for our little 'Rock' !!! Says something about the quality that is offered on Koh Tao in terms of diver safety and educational quality!

check out latest article on travel examiners website:
http://www.examiner.com/x-10879-Baltimore-International-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d13-Scuba-Diving-on-Koh-Tao-Thailand-Bans-Diving-Resort

Read more reveiews on realtravel.com:
http://realtravel.com/h-352215-koh_tao_hotel-bans_diving_resort

Read more reviews on tripadvisor.com:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g303910-d594344-Reviews-Ban_s_Diving_Resort-Ko_Tao.html

Read more reviews on hotels2thailand.com:
http://www.hotels2thailand.com/review.asp?id=2111#7869

PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson awarded Course Director of the year in Thailand 2007: Read more:
--------------------------
NEWS NEWS NEWS. SPECIAL OFFER JULY - SEPTEMBER 2009: FREE ENRICHED AIR/NITROX INSTRUCTOR COURSE INCLUDING TWO NITROX DIVES FOR ANYONE TAKING THE IDC WITH BANS AND SUNSHINE DURING THIS PERIOD.

IDC/EFRI/ENRICHED AIR INSTRUCTOR/TEC DIVE POOL INTRO: 39900BAHT (INCLUDING PASS GUARANTEE, EXTENDED 14 DAY IDC, LUNCH, T-SHIRT, FREE 6 WEEKS UNLIMITED DIVING PRIOR TO THE IDC, EQUIPMENT RENTAL INCLUDED). BEST OFFER IN TOWN!!!
-------------------------------------

NEWS NEWS NEWS. SPECIAL OFFER JULY - SEPTEMBER 2009: FREE ENRICHED AIR/NITROX INSTRUCTOR COURSE INCLUDING TWO NITROX DIVES FOR ANYONE TAKING THE IDC WITH BANS AND SUNSHINE DURING THIS PERIOD.

IDC/EFRI/ENRICHED AIR INSTRUCTOR/TEC DIVE POOL INTRO: 39900BAHT (INCLUDING PASS GUARANTEE, EXTENDED 14 DAY IDC, LUNCH, T-SHIRT, FREE 6 WEEKS UNLIMITED DIVING PRIOR TO THE IDC, EQUIPMENT RENTAL INCLUDED). BEST OFFER IN TOWN!!!

Look no further... If you are interested in becoming a dive professional look no further... here is why...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Bans Diving Resort became the most popular divecenter in Asia in terms of numbers of PADI Divers certified in 2008
- Bans is one of the few PADI 5-Star Career Development Centers in the world
- 6 Fulltime PADI Course Directors employed
- Most award winning for its Instructor Development Courses in the gulf of thailand (Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development both in 2000 and 2007)
- Winner of "Diveresort/Divecenter Business of the year " in PADI Asia Pacific (choosen among over 1200 divecenters)
- Amazing packages with unlimited diving during the Divemaster and Instructor courses
- Extended IDC and Divemaster Course (Unlimited time during DM and 17 including exams during IDC)
- Unique Internship and MSDT Programs
- 140 rooms resort dedicated to divers
- 3 large diveboats and 2 swimmingpools
- located with restaurant and beach bar on Sairee Beach - the most popular beach on koh tao
- 8 different divesites each day to choose from
- Special monthly accommodation dedicated to dive professionals
- Over 98% pass rate based on over 1000 IDC Candidates certified since 1998
- Pass guarantee for each IDC Candidate (we pay next exam and offer next idc for free)
- Dedicated classrooms for professional courses with projectors, plasma tvs, computers
- Only PADI Course Directors teaching all courses from PADI Divemaster and up.
- Special equipment and material packages with great deals for all students attending professional programs
- Lunch, T-shirt, IE Party Dinner included in all IDC Packages
- Unique Diving Professional Course Packages
- PADI Course Director, Master Instructor, Staff Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer Internship Programs
- 'Unique 'Change of Lifestyle' Programs which takes you from non-divers to experienced instructor
- and most important perhaps an amazing atmosphere each day and each night together with 100s like minded divers from all around the world!!!| (FROM WEBPAGE) http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g303910-d594344-r23925796-Ban_s_Diving_Resort-Ko_Tao.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

http://www.scubaspots.com

2009-07-26T14:03:00.001+07:00

Check out http://www.scubaspots.com for more information about diving in thailand. Oldest and most comprehensive dictionary about diving in thailand.

We are putting packages together for Khao Sok. what you think?

2009-07-25T16:50:00.004+07:00

Khao Soks Chieow Laan Lake Cavern and Cave Diving and jungle trekking

We are planning to put up packages for Khao Sok National Park . How does 3 nights and 4 days sound?
------------------------------------------------------------
Day one: Leave Koh Tao with Lompraya to Chumphon at 10 am.
Day one: arrive around 5 pm to the ' The Rafthouse' followed by dinner

Day two morning: 2 dives in the early morning (red cave and the temple), lunch
Day two afternoon: Khao Sok Jungle Trekking between 2 pm to 5 pm followed by dinner

Day 3 morning: 2 dives early morning (both in the The Temple), lunch
Day 3 afternoon: chill out time or kayaking alternative dive outside the raft house

Day 4 morning: Depart around 10 am to Chumpon, spend night in chumphon
Day 5 morning: 7 am or 12 am boat back to koh tao.
-------------------------------------------------------------
so all together 5 dives in Khao Soks wonderful caves "The Red Cave and The Temple (Khao Sok lake proper name is The Chieow Laan Lake). Jungle trekking plus kayaking. all meals included plus boat and bus (alt car), National park fee included as well.
-------------------------------------------------------------
sounds good? email us on jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com if this is something you would be interested in. Price would end up around 18000baht (or 29000baht including PADI Cavern Specialty Course)

Pictures from Khao Sak Lake, Cave diving mecca

2009-07-25T13:53:00.000+07:00

2009-07-25T11:05:00.003+07:00

Back from our Cave Trip to the national park Kao Sok (3-4 hours drive from Surat Thani) one of the largest rain forest in thailand!!! amazing trip where we dived the caves in Kao Sok. The Temple we explored is one of the largest caves in thailand and an amazing dive. the accommodation is floating bungalows with 20 meter of lake underneath! you wake up with the sounds of the gibbons in the jungle (kao sok even have wild tigers still!!!). we are going to organize trips each month so look out for the next trip date. its really amazing!!!

would also like to apologize that no emails been going through the last week. it was no connection in kao sok so we couldnt reply while being there which resulted in that all our accounts got blocked due to many inquiries for professional diving courses on our site. the problem should be fixed by now. anyone who book and had to wait for a reply more than 2 days receive a FREE BANS T-SHIRT when they arrive. again i apologize for the hick up.

take care and see you on koh tao!
cheers jonas samuelsson
padi course director
bans 5-star career development center
the koh tao idc group company limited

check out latest article on TRAVEL EXAMINER:
http://www.examiner.com/x-10879-Baltimore-International-Travel-Examiner~y2009m7d13-Scuba-Diving-on-Koh-Tao-Thailand-Bans-Diving-Resort

Congratulations to Simon Bowen

2009-07-11T14:33:00.004+07:00

Congratulations to Simon Bowen (idc candidates bans diving 2008) for GO PRO CHALLENGE!!!
---------------------------------------------------
In July came the IDC. I was told that Jonas Samuelson was a highly awarded PADI Course Director, but to see him in action confirms this completely. Tim Hunt is able to hold your interest in all areas of the IDC constantly. After passing my mock IE exams, and with all of the study that had been done in the previous weeks, I was certain that I could pass my Instructor Exam with flying colors, and qualified with high scores in all areas.
---------------------------------------------------
From from Divemaster - MSDT Candidates: Simon Bowen's article for the PADI GO PRO CHALLENGE in PADI ASIA PACIFICs latest newsletter 'The Surface Interval'. Congratulations Simon!!!
---------------------------------------------------
http://www.padimembers.com/cgi-bin/reqpg.exe?ALUM/AP//+AsiaPacific/home

http://www.padimembers.com/cgi-bin/reqpg.exe?ALUM/AP//+AsiaPacific/home

2009-07-06T11:49:00.002+07:00

NEWS NEWS NEWS. SPECIAL OFFER JULY - SEPTEMBER 2009: FREE ENRICHED AIR/NITROX INSTRUCTOR COURSE INCLUDING TWO NITROX DIVES FOR ANYONE TAKING THE IDC WITH BANS AND SUNSHINE DURING THIS PERIOD.

IDC/EFRI/ENRICHED AIR INSTRUCTOR/TEC DIVE POOL INTRO: 39900BAHT (INCLUDING PASS GUARANTEE, EXTENDED 14 DAY IDC, LUNCH, T-SHIRT, FREE 6 WEEKS UNLIMITED DIVING PRIOR TO THE IDC, EQUIPMENT RENTAL INCLUDED). BEST OFFER IN TOWN!!!

Look no further... If you are interested in becoming a dive professional look no further... here is why...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Bans Diving Resort became the most popular divecenter in Asia in terms of numbers of PADI Divers certified in 2008
- Bans is one of the few PADI 5-Star Career Development Centers in the world
- 6 Fulltime PADI Course Directors employed
- Most award winning for its Instructor Development Courses in the gulf of thailand (Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development both in 2000 and 2007)
- Winner of "Diveresort/Divecenter Business of the year " in PADI Asia Pacific (choosen among over 1200 divecenters)
- Amazing packages with unlimited diving during the Divemaster and Instructor courses
- Extended IDC and Divemaster Course (Unlimited time during DM and 17 including exams during IDC)
- Unique Internship and MSDT Programs
- 140 rooms resort dedicated to divers
- 3 large diveboats and 2 swimmingpools
- located with restaurant and beach bar on Sairee Beach - the most popular beach on koh tao
- 8 different divesites each day to choose from
- Special monthly accommodation dedicated to dive professionals
- Over 98% pass rate based on over 1000 IDC Candidates certified since 1998
- Pass guarantee for each IDC Candidate (we pay next exam and offer next idc for free)
- Dedicated classrooms for professional courses with projectors, plasma tvs, computers
- Only PADI Course Directors teaching all courses from PADI Divemaster and up.
- Special equipment and material packages with great deals for all students attending professional programs
- Lunch, T-shirt, IE Party Dinner included in all IDC Packages
- Unique Diving Professional Course Packages
- PADI Course Director, Master Instructor, Staff Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer Internship Programs
- 'Unique 'Change of Lifestyle' Programs which takes you from non-divers to experienced instructor
- and most important perhaps an amazing atmosphere each day and each night together with 100s like minded divers from all around the world!!!| (FROM WEBPAGE) http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g303910-d594344-r23925796-Ban_s_Diving_Resort-Ko_Tao.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

ScubaStacey 2 contributions, Atlanta GA, 2009

"I spent 3 weeks at Bans CDC to do my IDC. I had done my research years before and had been in contact with the main Course Director, Jonas Samuelsson. They are organized, responsible, disciplined, and most of all fun! All the things you want when doing a professional course. They give you unbelievable amount of attention and have organized the course to make sure you get the most out of it. I call it the Ivy League of dive instruction.

Of course - all kinds of people learn to dive there. And given this pyramid structure of instruction, you not only have your professional, but several other near-professionals working your dives and courses - so you know its safe and well looked after dives and equipment.

The rooms vary widely. Since I was on an extended stay and an extended budget, I stayed in their rooms across the road. Clean, with a fan, bed, private balcony and a desk. Costed $4 per night, which you can't beat. I think they cleaned it once a week which was also fine. The rooms on the pool area are a LOT nicer. The bar is pretty active and there are several other restaurants, shops, massage parlors etc within a very short walk. Its away from downtown, but still right on the path where you can get to everything. I thought it was pretty much perfect!

Liked â€” Away from downtown, quality of services, accessible to everything
Disliked â€” Sometimes the parties go late, and you can't always sleep until your neighbors do!

Visit was for Hobbies / interest / culture
Traveled with Spouse / significant other
Age group 25-34
Member since June 28, 2008

Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend? absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for Young singles, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Great pool scene, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for People with disabilities, Older travelers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for Beach / Sun

-----------------http://www.instructor-kohtao.com/career/idc_dates_2009/english.html
NEXT IDC STARTS ON THE 3 OF AUGUST. COME DOWN NOW AND DIVE FOR FREE AND PREPARE YOURSELF BEFORE THE IDC STARTS ALL INCLUDED IN THE IDC PRICE OF 39900BAHT.

So if you come now then you can do some 50 dives included in the idc plus assist on courses, listen to divemaster theory, participate in some 3 skill circuits etc - all included in the idc price of 39.900bath (other benefits pass guarantee, longer more comprehensive idc, t shirt, dvd from the idc, lunch during the idc, discount on accommodation, padi materials and dive equipment. Best idc deal around? We believe so!

Kind regards
PADI Course Directors Jonas Samuelsson and Tim Hunt
Bans 5-Star CDC Career Development Center (2645)
jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com

HI Jonas How is life treating you More iDC
I was looking throught the PADI job section whalst going mad in the west Indies and saw a Job Advert for Queensland OZ. In the Add it said anyone trained by Jonas Samualsson would be highly considered

You are famous all over the world

On my travels I went Diving in NZ and the lady there was trained by you!

Life must be good

Hope all is great, and dont work too hard

Ban's Career Development Center is the most award winning divecenter on koh tao and the only divecenter in the gulf of thailand who won the award for Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development twice (2000 and 2007). PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson and Bans Diving have been conducting IDC since 1998 on Koh Tao and celebrating 10 years of IDC in July this year.

Don't take our word for it - just ask the over 1000 successful diving instructors coming through Bans Diving Resorts instructor development courses since 1998.
Jonas :: 10:42 AM

FREE UNLIMITED DIVING 6 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE IDC. ASSIST, ATTEND DM LECTURES, FUNDIVE, ALL INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE PRICE!!!

E-mail address:
contact@instructor-kohtao.com
jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com

facebook: jonas samuelsson 'network thailand' (please add)

Phone and fax:
mobile number (jonas):+66-(0)228 778 38 (In thailand: 08-228 778 38)

office number: +66-77-456466
office fax: +66-77-456057

Contact information for The Koh Tao IDC Group's staff:
Jonas Samuelsson
PADI Course Director, The Koh Tao IDC Group and Ban's 5-Star PADI Career Development Center
jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com (facebook network thailand), Mobile: +66-8-228 778 38

Sofie Lisby
PADI Staff Instructor, The Koh Tao IDC Group, Internet/Customer Service
contact@instructor-kohtao.com

Tim Hunt
PADI Course Director, The Koh Tao IDC Group, Manager Divemaster Training Sunshine Diveresort and Bans Career Development Center, contact@instructor-kohtao.com, Mobile: +66-8-33901470

Pi Saran
PADI Course Director, Manager Ban's Bangkok Diving Center, University Professor and translator of PADI Open Water Manual into Thai language. contact@instructor-kohtao.com "att Khun Saran"

Natalie Hunt
PADI Course Director / Manager Sunshine Dive resort
contact@sunshine-diveresort.com
--------------------------

"We are proud of the Instructor Development Courses we offer here at Ban's Diving Resort. The focus of our course is to create an Instructor ready and comfortable to teach all levels from PADI Open Water Diver to PADI Divemaster after the Instructor Exam rather than just focus on materials needed to pass the Instructor Exam."

"Build on my experience during the last 10 years teaching Instructor Courses on Koh Tao we have created one of the most successful idc programs in the world - which ensuring your success during the Instructor Examination and more importantly after the Exams working as an instructor.

Our Instructor Course guarantees you to become the most employable instructor in Asia".

Jonas Samuelsson, PADI Course Director, Koh Tao, Thailand
--------------------

2009-07-06T08:23:00.001+07:00

IDC Started with 6 new IDC Candidates

2009-06-30T15:33:00.002+07:00

Started a new IDC yesterday with six excited idc candidates. Sameer (el salvador), joey, luke, harry (uk), frank and liam (australia). great group! i been taking the idc this time together with dom (hong kong/england) as staff instructor and tim focus on msdt/internship programs at the moment due to the fact that the course are overlapping.

general news on koh tao. its great weather and pretty busy. sitting here looking out on the beach and its quite a crowd on sairee beach out side bans diving. the diving is excellent with vis around 20 meters at the moment. whalesharks was spotted yesterday in south west pinnacle.

2009-06-29T14:00:00.000+07:00

Member_Awards_Asia_Pacific_Winners_2009-1.pdf

DIVECENTER OF THE YEAR IN PADI ASIA PACIFIC IS...

2009-06-29T13:41:00.002+07:00

BAN'S DIVING RESORT IS THE DIVECENTER OF THE YEAR IN ASIA PACIFIC!!! CHOOSEN BY PADI AMONG OVER 1500 DIVECENTERS AND RESORTS!!! WHAT A YEAR - MOST POPULAR DIVECENTER IN REGARDS TO NUMBERS OF CERTIFIED STUDENTS IN ASIA AND ALSO DIVECENTER OF THE YEAR IN PADI ASIA PACIFIC. BANS DIVING RESORT "THE ULTIMATE DIVERESORT - THE ULTIMATE DIVE EXPERIENCE"

CHECK OUT WWW.PADI.COM for more information about Bans Diving Resorts Award 2009!!!

http://www.padi.com/scuba/special-offers/special-offers-ap/member-awards-2009/

2009-06-29T12:54:00.002+07:00

interested in PADI Divemaster Course on Koh Tao. Bans CDC Center and The Koh Tao IDC Group offer a PADI Divemaster course with unlimited dives - unlimited time (its true!!!) during your course for the same price as everyone else charging for a program with limited time and dives on Koh Tao! Best deal on the Rock!!!

Caren Österbern (21)
Stockholm , Sweden
Divemaster
How did you hear about Jonas? Recommended when I arrived here
Best thing about the Divemaster course? It's just rockin'! Everyone is so awesome and you learn so much
Future plans? Doing the IDC with Jonas in a couple of months

2009-06-29T11:11:00.003+07:00

Congratulations to the Koh Tao IDC Group's, Bans CDC, Sunshine Divers, Big Blue Candidates that passed the Instructor Exam on the 25th of June! Also thanks to all IDC Staff, Master Instructors, PADI Course Directors participating in teaching the successful program! On the photo all staff and candidates after passing the Instructor Exam. Party with food, live music in Dirty Nellys Irish Pub!!!

2009-06-18T21:47:00.004+07:00

IDC Start Dates 2009:
www.idc-koh-tao.com/career/idc_dates_2009/english.html

Day by Day IDC and IE Schedule:
www.idc-koh-tao.com/documents/IDC_Schedule2009.pdf

Change of Lifestyle Packages (all inclusive pro packages):
www.idc-koh-tao.com/career/col/english.html

Pro Diving Courses Prices:
www.idc-koh-tao.com/career/packages/english.html

Special June - September Offer for all IDC Candidates!

2009-06-18T21:02:00.002+07:00

Free Tec Intro for all IDC Candidates paying a deposit 2 weeks prior to the IDC Start.

- Tec intro where we teach you how to rig double tanks and achieve neutral bouyancy with double tanks and OMS Tec Rig plus free Ban's Diving T-shirt.

2009-06-15T16:17:00.003+07:00

PADI SYSTEM OF DIVER EDUCATION - FLOWCHART. THE KOH TAO IDC GROUP AND BANS CDC OFFER ALL THE COURSES ON THE FLOWCHART (EXCEPT FOR A FEW SPECIALTY COURSES DUE TO GEOGRAPHIC REGION). Welcome to the most chosen divecenter in Asia!

2009-06-15T16:06:00.002+07:00

DIVECENTER OF THE YEAR IN PADI ASIA PACIFIC IS...

2009-06-12T12:54:00.001+07:00

IDC and PADI IE Dates 2010

2009-06-12T12:47:00.001+07:00

2010%20IE%20Schedule%20Jonas.xls

Schedule for AI, OWSI, EFRI, IE

2009-06-12T12:28:00.001+07:00

SCHEDULE FOR ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR, OPEN WATER SCUBA INSTRUCTOR, EFR INSTRUCTOR, INSTRUCTOR EXAMINATION... SEE HOW YOUR COURSE IS SCHEDULED...schedule2009.pdf

2009-06-11T17:55:00.000+07:00

Big change regarding diveplanning - no more RDP

2009-06-11T14:19:00.003+07:00

New Dive Computer Option for the PADI Open Water Diver Course.

Effective August 2009 you can choose to teach RDP Table version, ERD ML or Divecomputers. If you start teaching Divecomputers instead for the RDPs the students must:

- Read "How to use and choose dive computers" (new guide)
- Complete the Knowledge Review in the back of "How to use and choose dive computers" (answer key www.padi.com)
- Instructor use the new PADI Dive Computer Simulator to teach the use of dive computers before the dives
- Student answer revised Quiz 4 and final exam (download questions on www.padi.com) answer keys remain the same.

Not to surprising in my eyes considering how common dive computers are in the dive community today. important of course is that all instructors still spend time during module 4 and 5 teaching the students decompression theory, the importance of dive planning to keep nitrogen levels down, importance of monitoring depth, bottom time and surface intervals.

Remember the change is effective from August 2009, so continue teach the ERDP ML and or RDP Table version but start already now to use the "How to use and choose dive computers" as an extra presentations for the students during module 4 and 5.

thats it for today, bit busy going online now to buy stocks in Suunto!!!
Bye for now, jonas

Contact information for The Koh Tao IDC Group's staff:

2009-06-09T11:15:00.008+07:00

Jonas Samuelsson
Head PADI Course Director: Ban's 5-Star PADI Career Development Center, Managing Director: The Koh Tao IDC Group jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com (facebook network thailand), Mobile: +66-8-228 778 38

Sofie Lisby
PADI Staff Instructor, The Koh Tao IDC Group, Manager: Internet/Customer Service
contact@instructor-kohtao.com and reservations@visitkohtao.com

Tim Hunt
PADI Course Director, The Koh Tao IDC Group, Manager Divemaster Training Sunshine Diveresort and Bans Career Development Center, contact@instructor-kohtao.com, Mobile: +66-8-33910470

Pi Saran
PADI Course Director, Manager Ban's Bangkok Diving Center, University Professor and translator of PADI Open Water Manual into Thai language. contact@instructor-kohtao.com

Assar Manuswin
PADI Course Director, Koh Tao, Manager www.dyka-i-thailand.se
info@dyka-i-thailand.com

Natalie Hunt
PADI Course Director / Manager: Sunshine Dive resort
contact@sunshine-diveresort.com

Mario Koesters
PADI Course Director, Senior PADI Instructor: Ban's 5-Star Career Development Center
marioskip@hotmail.com

Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend? absolutely!

2009-06-09T10:38:00.002+07:00

“Great place to learn to dive - all levels” - Ban's Diving Resort

| (FROM WEBPAGE) http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g303910-d594344-r23925796-Ban_s_Diving_Resort-Ko_Tao.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

ScubaStacey 2 contributions, Atlanta GA, 2009

"I spent 3 weeks at Bans CDC to do my IDC. I had done my research years before and had been in contact with the main Course Director, Jonas Samuelsson. They are organized, responsible, disciplined, and most of all fun! All the things you want when doing a professional course. They give you unbelievable amount of attention and have organized the course to make sure you get the most out of it. I call it the Ivy League of dive instruction.

Of course - all kinds of people learn to dive there. And given this pyramid structure of instruction, you not only have your professional, but several other near-professionals working your dives and courses - so you know its safe and well looked after dives and equipment.

The rooms vary widely. Since I was on an extended stay and an extended budget, I stayed in their rooms across the road. Clean, with a fan, bed, private balcony and a desk. Costed $4 per night, which you can't beat. I think they cleaned it once a week which was also fine. The rooms on the pool area are a LOT nicer. The bar is pretty active and there are several other restaurants, shops, massage parlors etc within a very short walk. Its away from downtown, but still right on the path where you can get to everything. I thought it was pretty much perfect!

Liked — Away from downtown, quality of services, accessible to everything
Disliked — Sometimes the parties go late, and you can't always sleep until your neighbors do!

Visit was for Hobbies / interest / culture
Traveled with Spouse / significant other
Age group 25-34
Member since June 28, 2008

Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend? absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for Young singles, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Great pool scene, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for People with disabilities, Older travelers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for Beach / Sun
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This blog is currently rated a 5.00 out of a possible 5 based on 1 comment.

The Koh Tao IDC Group from:

http://www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/the-koh-tao-idc-group-career-in-diving-thailand.html

I did my instructor course (padi idc) and msdt and internship program with PADI Course Director Jonas Samuelsson and Tim Hunt in january 2009. It was an amazing program, i came 4 weeks prior to the idc and could dive for free before the idc (they even lend me equipment at no cost), the idc was extended and had many more open water, confined and academic presentations than padis minimum requirements. and on top of it all jonas and tim and the rest of their team made the idc so much fun! i used the above blog to read about koh tao idcs before coming to koh tao and it was through this web blog i came across this amazing program. can highly recommend!!! sam

Posted: March 28th, 2009 | More Reviews From KohTaoIDCGroup | Report This Comment

Some pictures from bans diving resort 2009

2009-06-08T15:18:00.002+07:00

http://www.bans-diving-resort.com/facilities/information/english.html

2009-06-08T15:03:00.000+07:00

Jonas Samuelsson IDC Started today: PADI IDC Candidates: Ga (Israel)l, Yu (Korea), Amit (Israel), Chloe (France), Benedicte (Austria), Ben (English), Gaz (Wales), Samir (El Salvador), Sam (England) and Liam (Australia).

PADI Staff Instructors: Justin (US), Nick (English), Dom (Hong Kong), Alex (Germany), G and Gaspard (France), Emmy (Sweden) and Laura (Canada)

PADI Course Directors: Tim (Canada) and Jonas (Sweden)
9:58am · Comment · Like

Carmi Bogot, Mike Sobel and 2 others like this.

Melissa Saglam at 10:58am June 8
PADI United Nations!

Mike Sobel at 11:51am June 8
how i miss that room and all that goes on there!

Chris Robinson at 12:06pm June 8
Jeez is the room big enough.....!!! Who says were in an economic slump.....!!! Enjoy....

Joey Curbishley at 2:49pm June 8
Good luck guys - see you for the July IDC

IDC Started today!!!

2009-06-08T09:01:00.009+07:00

IDC Starting 9am this morning,
-------------------------------------------------------
PADI IDC Candidats:
Gal (Israel)l, Yu (Korea), Amit (Israel), Chloe (France), Benedicte (Austria), Ben (English), Gaz (Whales), Samir (El Salvador), Sam (England) and Liam (Australia),

PADI Staff Instructors:
Justin (US), Nick (English), Dom (Hong Kong), Alex (Germany), G and Gaspard (France), Emmy (Sweden), Jeff/Choppers (Aussie mate) and Laura (Canada)

PADI Course Directors:
Tim (Canada) and Jonas (Sweden)
-------------------------------------------------------

Ban's Diving Resort - PADI Dive Business of the year in Asia Pacific Region

2009-06-06T12:54:00.001+07:00

Ban's Diving Resort - PADI Dive Business of the year in Asia Pacific Region

2009-06-06T12:54:00.000+07:00

2009-06-06T12:29:00.002+07:00

MSDT is completed today with the Instructor Team teaching Internship Training starting this afternoon. The schedule this time was the following (gives you an idea whats happening after your IDC, EFR INSTRUCTOR AND PADI EXAMS).

IDC AND IE completed in the 30th of May.

MSDT AND INTERNSHIP SCHEDULE:

1th of June: Orientaion and DEEP Specialty Instructor theory and 2 Deep Dives (40 meters)
2nd of June: Enriched Air Theory and Navigation Theory - 2 Enriched Air Dives combined with Navigation ex.
3th of June: Digital Uw Photo (co presenter Lorna - professiona underwater photographer wiht years of experience) and Underwater Scooter Presentation - 2 dives with different types of u/w cameras and scooters.
4th of June - Introduction to Tec Diving Dive and Night Dive
5-6th of June - Advanced Equipment Specialty (co presenter Engineer Mr Chai) including see how Hydro really works etc.
7-8th of June - Assist different areas of interest. Diveshop, Equipment repair etc.
9th of June - - - 2-3 months .... Team teach with senior instructors on open water, advanced, rescue, efr, specialties, dm courses (complete the program with some 7-8 Instructor Specialties and 150 certification all levels).

Hard to find a more comprensive MSDT and Internship Program than the one above. Price for the above training is only an extra 22000bath.

take care and see you on koh tao soon,
cheers jonas

PADI Member Award

2009-06-04T10:21:00.001+07:00

http://www.padi.com/scuba/special-offers/special-offers-ap/member-awards-2009/

PADI member-awards-2009/

2009-06-04T10:05:00.001+07:00

http://www.padi.com/scuba/special-offers/special-offers-ap/member-awards-2009/

member-awards-2009/

2009-06-04T09:43:00.000+07:00

Now its official on PADI's Website. Check it out:

http://www.padi.com/scuba/special-offers/special-offers-ap/

Winner of "Diveresort/Divecenter Business of the year " in PADI Asia Pacific (choosen among over 1200 divecenters)

2009-06-04T02:12:00.002+07:00

Look no further...

2009-06-04T01:36:00.002+07:00

If you are interested in becoming a dive professional look no further... here is why...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Bans Diving Resort became the most popular divecenter in Asia in terms of numbers of PADI Divers certified in 2008
- Bans is one of the few PADI 5-Star Career Development Centers in the world
- 6 Fulltime PADI Course Directors employed
- Most award winning for its Instructor Development Courses in the gulf of thailand (Outstanding Contribution to Instructor Development both in 2000 and 2007)
- Winner of "Diveresort/Divecenter Business of the year " in PADI Asia Pacific (choosen among over 1200 divecenters)
- Amazing packages with unlimited diving during the Divemaster and Instructor courses
- Extended IDC and Divemaster Course (Unlimited time during DM and 17 including exams during IDC)
- Unique Internship and MSDT Programs
- 140 rooms resort dedicated to divers
- 3 large diveboats and 2 swimmingpools
- located with restaurant and beach bar on Sairee Beach - the most popular beach on koh tao
- 8 different divesites each day to choose from
- Special monthly accommodation dedicated to dive professionals
- Over 98% pass rate based on over 1000 IDC Candidates certified since 1998
- Pass guarantee for each IDC Candidate (we pay next exam and offer next idc for free)
- Dedicated classrooms for professional courses with projectors, plasma tvs, computers
- Only PADI Course Directors teaching all courses from PADI Divemaster and up.
- Special equipment and material packages with great deals for all students attending professional programs
- Lunch, T-shirt, IE Party Dinner included in all IDC Packages
- Unique Diving Professional Course Packages
- PADI Course Director, Master Instructor, Staff Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer Internship Programs
- 'Unique 'Change of Lifestyle' Programs which takes you from non-divers to experienced instructor
- and most important perhaps an amazing atmosphere each day and each night together with 100s like minded divers from all around the world!!!

Please email jonas@kohtao-idc-group.com for more information about your individual diving professional schedule.

Ban's Diving Resort - PADI Dive Business of the year in Asia Pacific Region

2009-06-03T18:49:00.004+07:00