After doing 'nothing' (read traveling) for such a long time, we are eager to work again. That there is coming an end to our money might play a role in our eagerness as well...
But the decision is made: we will become PADI Divemasters.

But with who? With one of the big factory's or with a small-scaled center?

An inhabitant of Koh Tao advises us to shop around before signing any papers. 'There is a big difference in quality on the island. Visit a few dive centers, feel the atmosphere, have a look at their equipment, talk to employees and guests.'
And so we did.

Dive center 1: It takes a while before we have been noticed. One member of staff is talking to another. Last night is the subject. Apparently the party was good with cheap booze and beautiful woman.
'Ahum.'
Annoyed the shop guy looks up. Is it the big spider tattoo in his neck or the way he gazes at us, but suddenly we feel very small.

Dive center 2: It is busy and lively. Young people everywhere, chatting and laughing. At the sight of an instructor everyone takes his or her dive bag and walks to one of the three jeeps.
The girl from the shop accompanies us to a table, orders coffee, informs us about their Divemaster-programme and answers our questions. Even the ones relating to alcohol and environment get a satisfying response.
She ends the conversation with an invitation to dive with them the next day. 'This way you can really experience the way we work', she explains.

Dive center 3: The location is perfect. Two steps away from the crystal clear waters in a quiet bay. The manager smiles immediately when we enter the shop. He gets two chairs, gives us some water and shares his knowledge on the Divemaster-programme, his knowledge on Koh Tao, the touristic places of Bangkok, on his hometown, on diving in general...
Careful not to hurt his feelings we interrupt him and thank him for the information. Since then whenever we pass the shop he smiles and waves enthusiastically. Customers however, we do not see...

Dive center 4: It is the wrong moment. A clearly stressed out instructor attemps to get his students onto a jeep. Yet it is apparent that his students have no clue what to do. One is searching for his dive mask, another one is rushing for the toilet. They all look quite agitated. Best not to disturb them.

After this intense research, we chose dive center number 2: Buddha View Dive Resort.
The first impression was very positive and after two dives we were sure.
Our prejudice about 'factory-diving' found no ground. Buddha View belongs to the three biggest dive centers of the island, but kept her personal touch.

Everything is well organized, as well in the shop as on the boat. The personal contact makes you feel like a member of the family.

The dive equipment is in good condition, the cylinders are filled till at least 200 bar and in between the dives you can enjoy fresh fruit, biscuits, coffee and tea. As much as you like.

Buddha View Dive Resort is a PADI Gold Palm IDC Resort, what means they educate diving following the PADI standards and they are allowed to teach from Open Water Diver (beginners course) till Staff Instructor.

Mark Soworka is the PADI course director. He is one of the most successful dive instructor trainers in the world.

Apart from the dive shop they have a restaurant and a bar. They offer accommodation as well.