PADI IDC Countdown - 7 days to go!!!
7 days, 1 week, 168 hours, a very mediocre Sting song. Whichever way you look at it, it’s not long now until my trip to Thailand and my IDC. For some slightly disconcerting reason though, my nerves have calmed somewhat and I actually have some confidence about this course. Unless I mess up on one of the rescue skills (my weak-point, and something I need a lot of practise on in the IDC-prep course), then there’s no reason I shouldn’t pass this thing. I’m pretty smart, know my diving and have been in the teaching profession for 3 years. The 2 main things which are going to play a part are nerves, and simple mistakes.
Helped out with an OW course on Wednesday and last night. We were doing pool work and it was fun. The students were pretty good on the whole and I was chatting to 2 Divemasters-in-training. Once again, watching an instructor demonstrate the skills was invaluable for me, and I’m sure will put me in very good stead in the forthcoming weeks. I do enjoy the teaching aspect of it, even as a Divemaster. Taking a student who’s having difficulties to one side, demonstrating the skill and giving them the encouragement and advice to master it themselves is a very rewarding experience. I’m sure this feeling will increase for me once I pass my exams. Hang on… did that last sentence imply that I will pass – I must have increased confidence coming out in my old age!
But I do have to remember that I’ve got other courses to study for too. The Gas Blender and instructor courses are going to be very tough, with an 80% pass rate, and a subject matter that I’ve not got first-hand experience in. Will really have to be focused and on the ball for that one. And then I’ve got the EFRi course, and all my specialities – it’s certainly not going to be a holiday in Thailand. Speaking of that though, I’m in the process of booking a place to stay in for my last night in Thailand, and what will probably be my only day and night in Bangkok (unless my plans change and I get an earlier flight). I’ll be staying at the Majestic Suites hotel – if anyone has any experiences in this place, do let me know. Also, recommendations for things that I should do in 24 hours in Bangkok would be appreciated.
That’s about it for this report. The weather outside at the moment is crazy – I am so surprised it’s not been called a tropical storm or depression. Winds yesterday were 30mph and on Ishigaki I heard they reached 60mph. I’m just hoping things improve in the next 24 hours as my students have got their school festival this weekend, and they deserve good weather for all the effort they’ve put in. I don’t mind working on Saturday and Sunday - it’s not like I’m going to miss any diving this weekend. And then school is closed Monday to Wednesday next week, and I’m hoping I can get some last minute dives in before I leave.
That’s it from me. Enjoy your weekend, ladies and gents:-)
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