I’m A Rescue Diver And I’m Here To Help
Our travels around the world set a path of destiny and desire in our daughter to eventually become a fully qualified PADI Dive Instructor, and eventually live and work on the other side of the world in Australia.
As her mother it makes perfect sense to me that Australia would be her chosen destination; as since Chloe was little, the winter cold left her wanting to curl up indoors and not venture out until the weather grew warmer and the sky became bluer.
Chloe learned to dive on the little island of Koh Tao, which is situated in the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand, when she was 11. That led to our most recent trip, which culminated in Chloe taking her latest step before entering into professional training – the PADI Rescue Diver course.
I thought it was about time I quizzed her, to find out exactly what was involved and what it was like, as we once again stepped out with Sunshine Divers situated in on the little bay of Chalok Ban Kao.
What made you want to take the PADI Rescue Diver course?
I couldn’t achieve my dream of becoming a professional scuba instructor without taking the next step.
So why didn’t you complete the course in the UK?
Because it’s cold! I did study for the EFR (Emergency First Response) and AED (automatic external defibrillator) in my home town, as you don’t have to get into the water for those ones.
Why choose Sunshine Divers on Koh Tao ?
I chose to learn there because that’s where I did my previous training. The island has a relaxed and welcoming vibe.
Did you know what was involved in the course before you started?
I did a little research lon the PADI website, so knew it involved a lot of hard work, but was also a lot of fun, from what I had heard.
So what was it really like?
It did involve a lot of physical challenges – like dragging someone bigger than me (which isn’t tough as I’m only 5 foot!) out of the water safely (sometimes through some big waves).
What was the fun aspect of it?
It was just the fact that a lot of people got involved. Even people I didn’t know were jumping in, pretending that they needed to be rescued. Like Kim (a Dive Professional and second in command at Sunshine) who jumped into the water and started acting like a panicked diver. I had to share my air with her and tell her to breathe calmly so I could bring her to the surface safely.
How long does it take to train as a Rescue Diver?
About four days. You could do it a little quicker or slower if you wanted, depending on where you do it.
Was there a written element to the course?
Yes. There were knowledge reviews that had to be completed whilst watching a PADI rescue diver video. I also had to complete a test at the end of my water based training which determined whether I passed or failed the course.
Would you recommend others to become a Rescue Diver, and if so why?
Yes, because even if you are just scuba diving for fun, it gives you the knowledge you need to take better care of yourself or others in the event that something goes wrong.
What was your favourite dive during your time on Koh Tao?
My favourite dive was the night dive at Japanese Gardens, because once all our torches were turned off I was lucky enough to experience bio-luminescence!
What is your next step in training to become a Professional Instructor, and where are you going to do your training?
The next step I am going to take is the dive master course, which I am saving up for. I’m hoping to go back to Sunshine and continue my training with them, as I’ve grown to love the little island of Koh Tao.
A big thanks goes out to Chris Turner – Chloe’s Instructor for the Rescue Diver Course.
For more tales of diving from the Stringer family, visit www.travelwiththestrings.wordpress.com.
To find out more about Sunshine Divers in Koh, Tao, visit www.sunshine-diveresort.com.
