Looking for a new and rewarding challenge that offers excitement and adventure? Want a summer gap year diving internship that gives you the opportunity to work abroad? Need an undergraduate summer internship that's different? If so you've come to the right place!
On this page we'll take a look at the unique opportunities & experiences you get taking
your gap year / diving internship with DJL Diving on Koh Tao, Thailand.
We'll discover what's
special about Koh Tao island & talk about the advantages of learning with DJL Diving.
10 Good Reasons to
Join
6.
Although not strenuous, scuba diving is a physical activity - get fit doing something you really enjoy.
Our gap year internship includes all courses from beginner up to PADI Divemaster.
You'll also
receive all required diving manuals, your own full set of scuba equipment to keep, unlimited diving during
the internship and student materials (for example dive planning tables) plus all application
fees.
Getting a Visa for your Scuba Diving Internship in Thailand
Lets now take a look at the visa regulations in Thailand & how to get the best possible visa for your diving internship, plus discuss some frequently asked questions:
If you make no prior arrangements & fly straight into Thailand you'll be issued with a 30 day 'Visa On Arrival'. Since the duration of the internship is several months you'll make 'visa runs' in order to remain in Thailand.
This means crossing the border out of Thailand, then re-entering however over a land boarder the visa which is currently issued is a 15 day tourist visa. It takes one and a half days of constant traveling to get to Burma and back and costs around 2,000 baht. Alternatively if you go to the Thai Embassy/consulate in somewhere like Malaysia, Lao or Cambodia you can apply for a 60 day tourist visa.
This is ok, but there is a cheaper and easier way of doing things.
It can work out much better to apply for a one year Non - Immigrant visa (currently the favoured visa for coming to undertake dive training in Thailand is the category B type, however the favoured visa does seem to change on a fairly regular basis so it is worth checking with the embassy/consulate). This allows you to remain in Thailand for 90 days at a time, only making a visa run every three months.
The best way to get this is to apply for it at a Thai consulate in your country of origin.
You'll need a couple of documents from us (which we e-mail to you once you have paid your deposit for the internship as we are confirming that you are coming to take the training with us and so essentially acting as your guarantour for the visa). There is an application fee but it works out much better than going down the 'visa on arrival' route.
You need to contact your local Thai consulate for the exact fee, but expect it to be a little over 130 US dollars.
Our advice is don't leave things till the last minute - sometimes these things take a while to organize so be proactive, however you can't apply too early either as you have to enter Thailand to activeate your Non-Immigrant visa within 90 days of it being issued.
Want to learn how to drive a power boat safely? Being a dive pro doesn't just involve being a good scuba diver - you also need other skills to make you into a rounded professional.
Imagine shooting a fantastic underwater movie of someone's first diving experience - showcasing their interaction with the marine life around Koh Tao.
Having the ability to edit the right shots together with a soundtrack, then screening your movie the same day, for our diving customers!!
How
about diving deeper and longer, extending your depth range and technical ability right down to 50 metres!
Get to dive deep shipwrecks on the seabed, exploring a piece of history. The expedition diver internship
gap year add on' allows you to do this.
The Social Side of Taking a Gap Year Scuba Diving
Internship:
In Koh Tao, there's a
party going on somehere every night.
We
want you to turn out as a strong PADI Divemaster, and enjoy your time here on Koh Tao, Thailand.
There is no stereotype of what kind of people
join our diving internships - the one thing they all have in common is they are searching for an exciting
and rewarding challenge .Read more: What kind of people take Scuba diving internship with DJL?
Here's what ex student Dan had to say about his time spent with DJL...
I fancied a career break and wanted to travel but gain some qualifications at the same time. DJL is perfect for this!!! I travelled on my own and the staff provided perfect instructions to get to the island of Koh Tao. The accomodation is perfect and the food is second to none. All the instructors on the course have their own styles which will cater for everyone. It sounds cliche but I cannot stress enough how this experience will change you as a person. Some of the lads I met in Koh Tao were just out of school and taking a gap year. After finishing their Dive Master internship they developed so many skills which will credit them for life.
There are so many activities to keep you busy during the day (if your not diving!) Cliff diving, volleyball, tanning, you can even hire a jet ski!!
DJL has fantastic facilities for diving, the boat is spacious and comfortable, the range of courses is endless. I seriously recommend the deep spec course with Simon. Hit a depth of 45m and was probably the highlight of my trip. Look out for the elusive growler fish, definately not to be missed.
My brother has just left school and is heading out to Koh Tao in March and I really encourage anyone else who is thinking of doing this to take the plunge!
For more internship comments and feedback from past students check out the DJL blog at http://blog.davyjoneslocker.asia
Here's what ex student Tamlyn had to say about her time spent with DJL...
I was privileged to be able to go on a gap experience to explore Thailand for 5 weeks in early 2009. I spent the first 4 weeks exploring Thailand, meeting new people from all over the world and embracing as much of the Thai culture as I could. The last week of the GAP experience was spent on Koh Tao doing my open water at DJL which flew by, and I was off for more travelling through SE Asia. This is when I realised that I wasn’t finished with my time on Koh Tao. I decided that because I loved that last week of diving I’d go back to the lovely little island to do my advanced, rescue and dive master courses at DJL. I fell in love with the people, diving and island so much I ended up staying for over 3 months – what a life changing experience! The diving on Koh Tao is absolutely amazing, I met really cool people from all over the world and even managed to see a whale shark on one of my last dives, a dream come true.
The DJL team are incredibly professional and fun – especially all the crazy and wonderful instructors (Hanna, Alex, Si, Emil, Fred etc) and good ole Tim (never too happy about SA beating England in anything). I must admit that the team made my diving such an experience and the ‘after’ diving (at DJL bar) even more so. The island is alive with parties every night and snorkel tests, which regularly ended up going crazy – so trying to fit the diving into the partying is probably why it took 3 months to complete – but there was no rush!
I have to mention my fellow DMT’s (now all divemasters) who made the whole experience incredible. I made some truly awesome friends, with the best memories – Chris (my fellow crazy Saffer), Gav, Steven, Alison, Rachel, Ollie (of course), Ash, Alex and all the others that were there when I was there… I miss everyone so much, and I hope I get to see you soon or we get to meet up sometime! Maybe even back on Koh Tao – for a laucau (or few) or even another dress up dive…
I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in diving, partying, meeting people or wants to experience a chilled, laid back lifestyle on an island or is interested in going to explore Thailand.
For more internship comments and feedback from past students check out the DJL blog at http://blog.davyjoneslocker.asia
Here's what ex student Matt had to say about his time spent with DJL...
I was looking at the beginning of this year (2009) to go and do a Divemaster course, something I have wanted to do since I was 18, unfortunately had to wait until I finished my apprenticeship to afford it!I mean everyone got on really well, we all went out and partied together when it was time to be serious for diving everyone would be especially when you are sometimes trusting your life with them.
I met some awesome people and just had a great time. If your contemplating it and are not sure yet, do it, simple as that. Its one of the best things I have ever done, (especially coming face to face for the first time with a whale shark on the evening I left the island)
Try and get here for Songkram (Thai New Year), u won’t regret it!
Plus there is not just diving, I was boxing at the local Muay Thai camp which is also a very friendly place to be. I loved the local food, fresh and great tasting. The Thai people as long as you respect them are also incredibly welcoming.
PARADISE!
For more internship comments and feedback from past students check out the DJL blog at http://blog.davyjoneslocker.asia
|
Ex Scuba Diving Intern Matt shares diving internship experiences from Koh Tao |
|
| Name: | Matt Sidnell |
| Age: | 25 |
| British | |
What were you doing before you joining the PADI Divemaster Scuba Diving Internship on Koh Tao?
Working in Bristol as a sales consultant
What is your overall opinion of your scuba diving internship with DJL Diving?
I started my diving course with another dive school in Chalok at the other end of Koh Tao, so I have something to measure my experience against. Although I really enjoyed myself with the first dive school, at DJL I really felt like I fitted in. Everyone there was really friendly and I met some great friends that I still keep in touch with today. My overall opinion is that if you’re looking for a dive school to, not just complete your dive master internship, but have a really good time, then DJL is the place to go!
What bits of the Diving Internship did you find trickiest?
Getting up and being on time for the morning boat.
Do you think taking a scuba diving internship was a productive gap year experience?
Absolutely! I am now at university studying in my first year, and I would recommend an internship to anyone who is travelling or thinking about it.
Now qualified as a PADI Divemaster, do you think you'll continue your diving education? Are you interested in joining future wreck hunting expeditions?
Having recently returned to Koh Tao for a holiday, I am definitely considering investing in an intro to tech course and possibly a power boat handling course this summer.
How was your accommodation on Koh Tao ?
When I first arrived on Koh Tao I was put up in Pedangs (I think that’s how you spell it). It is where a lot of professional divers, both dive masters and instructors, live and is clean quiet and very comfortable.
What aspect of the internship did you enjoy most?
Meeting everyone and hanging about in one big DMT (Dive master trainee) Group. I miss everyone that I met there.
What will be your next diving adventure?
As mentioned before, I plan to try out some tech diving with the Tims and Frankie
What are you future plans?
Finishing my degree is obviously my number 1 priority but in my summers I intend to return to Koh Tao and maybe do some Dive Master work.
| Ex Scuba
Diving Intern Jacob shares diving internship experiences from Koh Tao |
|
| Name: | Jacob Brown |
| Age: | 19 |
| British (Yorkshire) | |
What were you doing before you joining the PADI Divemaster Scuba Diving Internships on Koh Tao?
I was at college, me and two friends decided that we wanted to go travelling. We decided that the best thing to do was to do something constructive, travelling is fun but when the stories have been told of your journey all you have left are memories, with the Divemaster course I have the memories but I also have a career and an opportunity to work in amazing places all over the world. So we got in touch with DJL via Phil, he just writes emails all day. After we left college we got jobs and saved the money to come to Koh tao.
| Ex Scuba Diving Intern
Ronan shares diving internship experiences from Koh Tao | |
| Name: | Ronan Flynn |
| Age: | 24 |
| Nationality: | Irish |
What were
you doing before you joining the PADI Divemaster Scuba Diving Internships on Koh Tao?
Taught
English in Korea for a year.
What Aspects of the scuba diving internships did you enjoy
most?
Life on the boat was great, always a laugh and hanging out with all the other divers
and living the easy life....
The dive shop was cool, again, sound people, easy to work with and
get along with. Great social scene on the island, the people living there are cool, and meeting people is
easy. Great craic, always a laugh to be had.
| Scuba Diving Intern Mitch shares his gap year Divemaster experiences from Koh Tao: | |
| Name: | Mitch Lawson |
| Age: | 20 |
| Nationality: | Derby,England |
What were you doing before you joining the PADI
Divemaster Scuba Diving Internship on Koh Tao?
I was studying at Lboro University whilst at
the same time a member of Typhoon Squadron preparing me for Sandhurst .
What is your
overall opinion of your scuba diving internship with DJL Diving? I could not have asked for more
from the diving at DJL. I was given the chance to explore a site outside of Koh Tao which was amazing.
All the instructors at the shop have tonnes of experience each in their own speciality of diving. I
did my intro to tech diving down to 45 meteres very early on and onto a wreck found by DJL.
| Ex Scuba Diving
Intern Leona shares her gap year diving experiences from Koh Tao: | |
| Name: | Hui Leng 'Leona' Goh |
| Age: | 24 |
| From: | Singapor e |
What were you doing before you joining PADI Divemaster
Scuba Diving Internship on Koh Tao? Just graduated from University of Melbourne, trained to save
the many lives of companies in which our society depends - Accountant.
I was inspired to be in
the money-laundering business but thought it would be nice to try something completely different before
reality kicks in.
Looking back over your scuba internship, can you share an amusing
story with us? The time when John sprinted away when he realised a triggerfish was attacking me?
Or when I was chased by a shark twice the size of me.
Or when someone who had sea-sickness puked
all over me as I was making my ascent, with tomato chunks on my hair? Its endless...
How was
your tech dive training & wreck diving with DJL [Expedition Diver Internship]? Heavy stuff,
definitely not for the weak. But every ship has a story. Deep wreck diving not only allows me to explore my
limits but entitles me to go face to face with the many mysteries lying at the bottom.
Its like
reading a book about wrecks but this time, you're down past 40m, asking and answering questions as you
explore and enjoying the sweet release of narcosis. It has definitely made me a better diver.
| Ex Dive master intern James share his gap Dive master internship experiences from Koh Tao | |
| Name: | James Crossley |
| Age: | 21 |
| Nationality: | UK |
What were you doing before you joined the PADI
Divemaster internship in Koh Tao?
Before going to Koh Tao i was working at Currys [electrical
appliance store] generally wishing i was dead. After hearing about the course from a friend i started 2
weeks later.
What's your opinion of Koh Tao? Do you think it's a good place to take a
Divemaster internship?
Koh Tao island itself is like paradise on earth. If you dont like
cheap alcohol, cheap food and beautiful surroundings dont bother going. Everyone was very friendly and i
felt i made some friends for life in my time out there.
What was the best thing you saw
underwater during your diving internship?
The best thing i saw underwater was a topless
snorkler with big ***s. Aquatically speaking i was delighted to see a turtle and my first experience with a
shark was something i will never forget.
I also enjoyed seein mitch get bitten on the ear by a big wrasse [a very small fish]. I didnt expect it to make him cry but it was very funny. I was also lucky enough to be let on a wreck dive. Seein a huge ship at 45m was exillarating and is something that i would love to do in the future.
At the end of your diving internship if you're not ready to
return home, there are many new options open to you.
Extend your Gap Year Internship
with Paid Work in Diving:
Koh Tao Thailand is a popular dive destination.
At
the end of your gap year dive internship, as a PADI Divemaster [or PADI Instructor if you choose the
instructor Course Add-On], there are many opportunities to work in diving.
Read more: What options are available once you finish your Dive Internship?
For people who are coming to undertake internships with us there are a there are two main places we use to put people in if we arrange your accommodation, however you do also have to option to arrange your own accommodation.
CJ's Guesthouse "The Tree House"
This is the closest of the three to the dive school and is less than 5mins walk away. Here you will have your own room with fan, TV, fridge and shared bathroom facilities and there is also a balcony which overlooks the street. Below is a convenience store where you can get almost anything from a curry to a mo-ped!
P'Deang's Guesthouse
P'Deang's is about 10mins walk away from the dive school and here again you will have your own bedroom with fan, you will have a shared living room with cable TV, shared bathroom and kitchen with 2 -3 other people..
Other than the dive
internship fee what else should you budget for?
How much spending money will I need?
Not much! Your main expense will be food and drinks, which are exceptionally cheap in Thailand.
A decent meal costs between 40 - 200 baht depending on whether you want Thai or Western food. A beer cost
50 - 70 baht. As a rough guide I tend to average about 400 - 500 baht per day (about 10 USD).
If
you're determined, you can live for a lot less than this, but this amount is comfortable! I would also
recommend keeping a few hundred USD in reserve. 
What Do I Need to Bring
with me to Thailand?
Everything in Thailand is cheap, and you can get everything you
need.
Keep it minimal. Clothes, camera, sunglasses, flip flops - what more do you need?
Remember, at the end of the scuba diving internship you'll have a bag full of scuba diving equipment &
diving manuals to take back.
I'm already a certified Diver - can I get some
discount on my Gap Year Dive Internship Fee?
Yes. Contact us and we can discuss exactly
what you've done then come to some arrangement.
Either we can reduce the overall cost of your
dive internship OR give you a great deal if you swap courses you've already completed for alternate dive
courses offered by DJL Diving Koh Tao. 
I'm on a Summer Break & don't have a full two
months available
- what can I do?
The courses can be completed faster, so if you
had say only 10 weeks we can still get you through the internship to PADI Divemaster.
This is
easily do-able - you won't be 'flat out' but you'll have to keep moving along at a steady pace.
The best thing to do is contact us and we can discuss your individual case.
If you're
concerned about having too much to do out here [and want to take it easy] you could complete some of the
theory work whilst you're still at home. We can mail some of your diving manuals to you - this allows you
to maximize your time in the water here on Koh Tao Thailand.
I already own some
of scuba diving equipment.
How will this affect the overall dive internship fee?
Contact us and we can discuss exactly what you've got and how that affects things.
Either we
can reduce the overall cost of your dive internship OR give you a great deal if you swap courses you've
already completed for alternate dive courses offered by DJL Diving Koh Tao
Is
Thailand friendly towards lone female travelers?
Very. Koh Tao has an enormous volume
of travelers, so there is no problem.
In terms of people taking diving internships here in
Thailand we tend to get a fairly even male/female mix.
Also there are many girls living and
working on Koh Tao, Thailand so you won't feel left out!
What is the quality
of the diving equipment that we receive & is it really all mine to keep at the end of the internship?
It is all brand new and from reputable equipment manufacturers e.g. Scubapro,
Mares.
And yes - once you finish your gap year / scuba diving internship it's yours to keep.
Do I have to undertake a medical examination? How fit do I need to be
for the gap year / scuba diving internship?
At the end of your courses, to be signed
off as a PADI Divemaster you do need a dive medical.
But don't worry it's quick and easy
[costs only around 150 baht]. You can do it here on Koh Tao.
You need to have basic general
fitness to enjoy the internship, but don't need to be an athelete. Obviously you can't take part if you
have any serious medical conditions e.g. bronchitis, lung disease, pneumothorax, drug abuse heart disease
etc. If your not sure, check with your doctor.
What vaccinations do I need? Is
there a risk of malaria on Koh Tao?
Again, best to get in touch with your doctor.
There's not really anything exotic here so you just need the typical vaccinations for travelling.
There is no malaria here so there's no need to take malaria tablets.
What is banking like on
Koh Tao - are there ATMs?
What's the best way to bring money?
There are lots of
ATMs and a few bank plus money exchanges on Koh Tao, so access to money isn't a problem.
Check
out what charges you'll incur with your bank - I'd either use the ATM or travellers cheques.
For large payments [i.e. the internship fee] it's probably most economical to make a direct transfer.
What if for some reason I'm unable to complete the diving internship?
We'll
work out the percentage of the internship that you've done and recaculate your bill based on that.
Everything is straightforward, plus we have experienced, competent instructors so are confident
that you'll have no problem proceeding through the diving courses. 
What are the
opportunities for paid work once I qualify as a PADI Divemaster at the end of the internship?
Koh Tao is a very busy diving resort, so there are always lots of employment opportunities - you
just need to apply yourself.
You won't get rich working as a Divemaster, but if you work full
time should be able to afford basic living expenses [and will have a great time].
Another option
is to check out our Underwater Videography Internship Add On - this is a paid scuba diving internship - you
get 500 baht for each DVD that you produce & sell. Again, if you apply yourself you can do well from
this.
Do I need to arrange travel insurance?
Does DJL Diving have a
policy to cover scuba diving?
DJL has a policy with a company based in Thailand [called
Hyperbaric Services of Thailand].
If you do injure yourself diving and can be sorted out on Koh
Tao, there is no charge. If you suffer a serious injury which requires recompression treatment [extremely
unlikely], you'll be evacuated to Koh Samui. For this a percentage of your treatment is covered by the
shop - you or your own insurance has to pay the remainder.
It's prudent to get normal travel
insurance [i.e. for personal belonging, sickness etc]. Try to get one which covers normal scuba diving to
18 or 30 metres.
If there's something you think we missed out or have any further questions
contact us.
When signing up to our PADI Divemaster Internship programme you will recieve a complete set of scuba equipment to keep, here's what you get:
(Click the links for full specification)
1 Seaquest Wave Buoyancy Compensating Device http://www.aqualung.com/th/content/view/72/157/
1 Aqualung Calypso Set http://www.aqualung.com/th/content/view/87/172/
1 Unbalanced Piston First Stage/Unbalanced Primary Second http://www.aqualung.com/th/content/view/87/172/
1 Stage/Unbalanced Octopus/PG+DG Console http://www.aqualung.com/th/content/view/91/255/
1 Aqualung Blade Flex Fins Open Heel Fins http://www.aqualung.com/th/content/view/25/109/
1 Aqualung Superzip Boots 5mm High Top Neoprene Boots http://www.aqualung.com/th/content/view/192/274/
1 PSI BC Knife Stainless Steel Knife http://www.aquamaster.net/knife_psi_bc.html
1 PSI (SMB)Safety Balloon Surface Signalling Device http://www.aquamaster.net/accessories.html
1 Slate w/Pencil Slate w/Pencil http://www.aquamaster.net/accessories.html
1 Reef Tourer Snorkel http://www.aquamaster.net/snorkel_explorer.html
1 Wrist/Hose Compass Wrist or Hose Mounted Compass http://www.aquamaster.net/instruments.html
1 Whistle Audible Signalling Device
1 Aqualung Sport Wetsuit http://www.aqualung.com/th/content/view/257/
1 PSI Equipment Bag Equipment Bag http://www.aquamaster.net/bag_psi_mesh_gear.html
1 Mask of your choice - up to 2,500 Baht http://www.aqualung.com/th/content/view/188/270/
If you want to upgrade your equipment then that is fine, you can even decide to not get some parts of the equipment package, however you must get a BCD and regulator set as otherwise the dive school may not have enough equipment for regular recreational dive courses and so we insist that you at least get these parts of the equipment package.
You will also be given the chance to buy optional extras or upgrade your standard gear, here are a few ideas (prices below may change so check at time of purchase for current prices):
AMT9005 Karana Ocean Pak 5L 5 Liter Dry Bag - 390.00 Baht
SP66021 Aqualung Rash Guard LS Aqualung Long Sleeve Lycra Top - 1,490.00 Baht
UK8004 Underwater Kinetics SL4 Underwater Light, Krypton Bulb - 1,990.00 Baht
AQT2460 Aquastar LED 3W Torch LED Underwater Light - 3,580.00 Baht
UWC1.110 Uwatec Aladin Prime Nitrox Dive Computer - 18,740.00 Baht
UWC5.110 Uwatec Aladin Tec 2G Technical Gas Switching Dive Computer - 23,840.00 Baht
UWC72-100 Uwatec Gallileo Terra Gallileo Sol's little Brother - 36,990.00 Baht
O-GEO Oceanic Geo Wrist Watch/Nitrox Computer - 17,900.00
AMT1220 Aqualung Titan LX Set Balanced Diaphragm First Stage, Balanced Primary Second Stage, Unbalanced Octopus, PG+DG Console - 8,950.00 Baht
SP129370ST Aqualung Titan LX Supreme Set COLD WATER!! Environmentally Sealed Balanced Diaphragm First Stage, Balanced Primary Second Stage AND Octopus with Heat Exchangers, PG+DG Console - 10,070.00 Baht
APUS4/AT20 Apeks US4/AT20 Set Balanced Diaphragm First Stage, 4 LP & 1 HP Ports, Balanced Primary Second Stage and balanced Octopus, PG+DG Console - 1,060.00 Baht
APXTX20ST Apeks XTX20 Set Balanced Diaphragm First Stage with Turret and Two HP Ports, Balanced Primary Second Stage AND Octopus, PG+DG Console - 4,310.00 Baht
AMT1269 Aqualung Mikron Set Ultralight and Small Balanced Diaphragm First Stage, Balanced Adjustable Primary Second Stage AND Octopus, Microflex Hoses, PG+DG Console - 11,170.00 Baht
AMT1230 Aqualung Legend Supreme ACD Set COLD WATER!! Environmentally Sealed Over-Balanced Diaphragm First Stage with Automatic Closing Device,Balanced Primary Second Stage AND Octopus BOTH with Heat Exchangers, PG+DG Console - 14,710.00 Baht
APDS4/XTX50ST Apeks DS4/XTX50 Set COLD WATER!! Environmentally Sealed OVER-Balanced Diaphragm First Stage, Balanced Adjustable Primary Second Stage AND Balanced Octopus BOTH with Heat Exchangers, PG+DG Console - 11,610.00 Baht
APXTX50ST Apeks XTX50 Set COLD WATER!! Environmentally Sealed OVER-Balanced Diaphragm First Stage with Turret and Two HP Ports, Balanced Adjustable Primary Second Stage AND Balanced Octopus BOTH with Heat Exchangers, PG+DG Console - 13,610.00 Baht
APXTX200 Apeks XTX200 Set COLD WATER!! Environmentally Sealed OVER-Balanced Diaphragm First Stage with Two HP Ports, Balanced Adjustable Primary Second Stage AND Balanced Octopus BOTH with Heat Exchangers, PG+DG Console. - 17,360.00 Baht
APTUNGST Apeks XTX200 Tungsten Set COLD WATER!! Environmentally Sealed OVER-Balanced Diaphragm First Stage with Two HP Ports, Balanced Adjustable Primary Second Stage AND Balanced Octopus BOTH with Heat Exchangers, PG+DG Console. PVD Coated in Tungsten!!! - 24,040.00 Baht
Know how a set of scuba gear works? Here's a free lesson from DJL!
First things first. What does scuba mean?
Self
Contained
Underwater
Breathing
Apparatus
I.e. something that you can take underwater and breathe from.
So what are the essential components of a basic scuba system?
Scuba Diving Cyliner (or Tank)
We need a supply of air to breathe underwater, so we carry a cylinder (or tank) on our back.
These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but we normally use a 12 litre cylinder pumped 200 times higher than atmospheric air pressure (200 bar).
Regulator First Stage
200 bar is way more pressure than we can breathe in. What we need is a regular set to reduce this pressure to that of the surrounding water pressure.
The first part of the regulator set is called the first stage. This is a precision (expensive) bit of engineering which reduces tank pressure way down to something called the intermediate pressure, which it feeds down to the . . . .
2nd Stage or Primary
This is the bit that we put in our mouth and breathe from.
The second stage contains a diaphram which fine tunes the intermediate pressure to the surrounding water pressure.
Most people are amazed how easy it is to breath from a regulator when they first start diving - there is basically no noticable breathing resistance thanks to great modern engineering.
Alternate Air Source (or octopus)
In case our buddy has any difficulties, or stupidly runs out of air (which should never happen), we have another second stage running from our first stage.
This redundant second stage is called the alternate air scource, and means in the event of an emergency we can share air from our tank with another diver.
This makes diving very safe, and is one of the reasons why we always dive with a buddy. 
Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
To attach the tank to our back we use a kind of inflatable jacket called a BCD.
The BCD is useful because we can control the amount of air inside the jacket, thus can control whether we float, sink or hover motionlessly in mid water.
Low Pressure Inflator Hose
Rather than inflating the BCD manually by using air from our lungs, we can save effort by using tank air.
The low pressure inflator hose allows us to connect our regulator to our BCD, so we can use buttons on our BCD to control our buoyancy.
Takes a bit of practice to get it right!
Mask
Since our eyes can't focus underwater, we need to wear a mask.
They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Tim likes wearing his special pink mask.
A scuba diving mask has to have a nose pocket to allow you to pinch you nose and equalise your ears during descent (similar to on an aeroplane).
Fins
With all this equipment strapped to your back, it takes more effort to get around underwater.
To compensate this we use long powerful fins, that take the effort out of diving.
The best type are large, rigid full foot fins that you wear together with a wetsuit boot.
Instrument Console
Obviously we need to monitor how much air remains in our tank. For this we use a submersival pressure guage or SPG. We normally start our dive with about 200 bar - we always keep a reserve of 50 bar, so this gives us about 150 bar to work with. This means we can dive for about 45 minutes if we go down to 20 metres.
The second instrument on our console is a depth guage, so we can always keep an eye on our depth.
Compass
It's also a good idea to know where you are going underwater.
Sometimes visibility can be low - we can never see as far underwater as we can in air, because there are lots of suspended particles.
The best solution is to use an oil filled compass, so you always know what direction you are travelling in.
Wetsuit
Our body looses heat twenty times faster in water than in air. This means we need to wear an exposure suit to make sure we don't get cold.
Around Koh Tao, the water is normally around 30°C, i.e. a warm bath.
We can therefore use a 3MM neoprene shorty wetsuit to make sure we are adequatly protected.
Weight Belt
The down side of wearing a wetsuit is that it makes us float.
To compensate we wear a lead weight belt, enabling us to sink at the start of the dive.
When we reach the depth that we want to stay at, we add a little air into our BCD to achieve neutral buoyancy.
Dive Computer
Although not essential, a dive computer combines a lot of information in one place, and makes diving a lot easier.
You have your depth, bottom time and remaining no decompression time (or deco data) all on your wrist. You can even get models with digital compasses and integrated air transducers.
If you have any spare money, buy a dive computer. We have a selection in our shop on Koh Tao Thailand, (very reasonably priced)!
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