I'm Inge Leys and I come from the northern part of Belgium. Before I came to Thailand to do my Instructor course, I was working as an Art teacher, IT-coördinator and a freelance Graphic designer.

Where did you start diving and what is your diving experience since then?

Five years ago I had my first Discover Scuba Diving experience in Egypt (Hurghada). Since that first experience I went to Thailand, did my Open water on Koh Phipi at Mosquito Diving, my advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver and Divemaster training on Koh Tao  at Buddha View Dive Resort and my Discover Scuba Diver internship.
I worked for a little while as a Divemaster at Buddha View Dive Resort on Koh Tao and went back home. Back in Belgium I couldn't stand not diving any longer, and did a Dry suit speciality at Time to Dive, so I could also dive in cold water. Now, 5 years after my first dive experience, I'm doing my IDC back on Koh Tao at Buddha View Dive resort.

Why did you choose to do the IDC with Buddha View Dive Resort?

At Buddha View I experienced that all the instructors were really well trained. They are not only really friendly, but also know what they are doing if it comes to diving.
Apart from that, after coming back for 4 times already, I also became good friends with a couple of instructors and personal at buddha View. So comming to Buddha doesn't only assure me of a good training, I also have the chance to catch up with some friends I hadn't seen for a long time.

What do you think about the IDC?

In the beginning I was not sure if I could do the theory since it was almost a year ago when I did my DMT. After 3 days, I actually realised everything was still in there, so now I'm more confident with the theory. It's hard work, specially when you want to do it all right, but I know it will eventually pay off! So I'm studying every day and practising skills as much as I can.

What is your plan after you passed the exam?

Maybe doing my MSDT and focus on diving related terms in French and German and eventually trying to find a job as an instructor.

If you knew the manager of the dive center, you really would like to work for, would read this interview, what would you like to tell about yourself?

As an art teacher I experienced that teaching is something I do with a lot of passion. Since diving has been a hobby for me for the last five years, teaching people how to dive was the exclusive way for me to combine my teaching skills and passion for diving.
Apart from the fact that I really enjoy teaching in general, I can also speak French and German. Once I get familiar with the diving related terms in those languages, I will be able to be an instructor in 4 languages (Dutch, French, German and English).
Since I have a master degree in arts and design, I can also design websites, T-shirts, flyers, logo's, make video's... and even painting pictures on walls and making paper maché sculptures.

Where can this manager, or other divers with questions find you?

you can always contact me via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or you can find me on Facebook (Inge Leys).