Frequently Asked  Questions

1. Do I need to have experience before starting the course?
2. Can I tailor the Divemaster Qualification to my time scales?
3. How easy will it be to find a job after the course?
4. Is it also possible to find a job during the course? Like working in a bar?
5. Do you have to be fit and healthy to become a Divemaster?
6. How much money do I need per month?
7. What are the rooms like in the resort on Koh Tao?
8. What facilities does the dive resort have?
9. Will there be other Xtreme Gap Year travellers on the island?
10. Is there a support network on Koh Tao?
11. What do I need to bring? Are there shops on the island?
12. What kind of insurance do I need for my divemaster?
13. How do I get from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

Do I need to have experience before starting the course?

You do not need experience. But you do need to be able to swim, not excellent, but you need to be able to swim around the dive boat. The Divemaster programme of Xtreme Gap gives you plenty of time, more than most programmes. But please do realize it is a big commitment so make sure you really want to do it. 80 % of people that book their Divemaster have no prior experience. It is importatnt to visit your docter to do a medical before you come out here.

Can I tailor the Koh Tao Divemaster qualification to my time scales?

Yes, the Koh Tao Divemaster course is adaptable. For example, we can shorten your trip if you have existing qualifications when you start your Koh Tao Divemaster course.

How easy will it be to find a job after the Divemaster Course?

On Koh Tao there are around 50 dive schools. They all need Dive Master, so there are many opportunities. A job is not guaranteed, but very likeable. But it depends on your own hard work and how much you want it really. If you go for it 100% you will probably find a job as a Dive Master.

Is it also possible to find a job during the course? Like working in a bar?

There are some jobs available like working in a bar. It might be difficult to find one. Besides that the wages are really low in Thailand. For an entire night hard work in a bar you will earn up to £10, which is £2 to £3 an hour.

Do you have to be fit and healthy to become a Divemaster?

To train on the Koh Tao Divemaster course you will need to fill in a medical statement and pass a medical exam. You will definitely notice that your fitness levels improve significantly as you advance through the Koh Tao Divemaster course. Bear in mind that you will be swimming for up to 4 hours, this has a great impact on your fitness and health. However before beginning the course you need to be reasonably fit and healthy. You will also need to pass a PADI Divemaster swim test.

How much money do I need per month?

Around £20 per day should be enough for a great gap year. If you are not the drinking type and you like more quiet nights you could do it for £15. During the day you will only spend some money on food and water, and trust me, that is cheap!

What are the rooms like in the resort on Koh Tao?

The rooms are spacious and clean and have a nice balcony. Every room has two single beds, a TV and an ensuite bathroom. If you wish your own room during your gap year diving, there is an option to get your own private room, for just €75 extra a month.

What facilities does the dive resort have?

The resort is part of the dive school. There is a reception, bar, restaurant with Thai and Western food, a big pool with sun beds pool, friendly reception, spacious rooms, and internet. The resort is a 2 minute walk from the beach, the bars and the restaurants.

What kind of weather is it on Koh Tao?

Thailand is great for a gap year, because the weather is always nice. Maybe except October and November when it is rainy season. But for the rest of the year it is hot and sunny! And even in the rainy season you will have lots of sunshine and hot weather.

Will there be other Xtreme Gap Year travellers on Koh Tao?

Yes, there we will be other Xtreme Gappers on the island. We do never know exactly how many, but there is always an average of 5 to 12 travellers from Xtreme Gap. Not all gap year travellers will be doing the Thailand Divemaster programme. There are also options to do Mixed Martial Arts, Yoga, Free diving and rock climbing on Koh Tao. For more gap year Thailand ideas please check our site. Everyone will stay in the same resort.

Is there a support network on Koh Tao?

Yes, there is support for you on Koh Tao. Xtreme Gap has a rep on the island that will be there for all gap year travellers. The rep will pick you up from the pier, show you around, take you out for dinner, introduce you to other gap year takers and will be there for you 24/7. Furthermore you will also be working with your dive instructor closely every day. We will also have an emergency number.
 

What do I need to bring? Are there shops nearby the resort?

You can buy anything you need on Koh Tao, and it is much cheaper than back home, so pack light! The shops are all close to the resort. You can buy souvenirs, sun lotion, mosquito repellent, swim shorts, flip flops and everything else you might need just on the island.
 

What kind of insurance do I need for my divemaster?

You would need a backpacker insurance with an upgrade since you will be diving up to 30 meters deep. We recommend InsuredandGo since they offer good value and cover the necessary diving and sports travel activities we offer.

How do I get from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

We have arranged that your transfer tickets are ready at the desk of the hotel in Bangkok. The night after arriving you will get on a overnight bus and then in the morning a few hours on the boat. Also the pick up from the pier on Koh Tao on your day of arrival is included.Be sure to check our you tube channel which has detailed video instructions and a walk through. One you are on Koh Tao everything is very easy as the island is 21 square km, and the resort is a 2 minute walk from the beach and all restaurants.