Happy Day for IDC Class of March 2009

After more than 2 weeks of spending time together, all 6 of us, instructor candidates, are like brothers and sisters. All of us would like to see each other do well in IE and pass it becoming an instructor.

During our IDC, one of the candidate was lagging behind in his dive theory. However, he work his ass out during the 20 days. SF Chong also patiently guide him throughout the period, making him is able to absorb as many as possible before IE. During the first day of IE, we have 5 theory paper and we have to pass all. If we fail 1, then we can resit for it but if we fail 2, then we fail all.

This candidate was not confident but under the encouragement of SF Chong and the rest of us, he decided to go for IE. We are all hoping that he pass all papers. However, he managed to pass only 4 and have to retake 1 on the next day. On the same night, we help him to brush up with the particular paper and on the next day, he manage to pass the paper. Not only that, on the confined water presentation and knowledge presentation, he score 5 (maximum point).

We are all so happy for him. He said he will buy us dinner and beer. Woohoo .....

IDC - Instructor Development Course

Ever since i take up diving back in 2004, i have a dream, to be an instructor one day. When I completed my Divemaster course, the next step will be IDC - Instructor Development Course. However, i had been delaying it because of financial issue and also time issue (it's hard to get 2 1/2 weeks break from office).

Finally, on July 2008, i told myself the wait is over. I have to start saving up money and get myself enroll in IDC, I contacted my Course Director, SF Chong and decided to enter the course on March 2009.

Before i fly off to Bali, alot of my friend who went through IDC informed me that it's a piece of cake. I should not have any problem getting through it. However, i am still nervous because it's still something new to me. I still remember clearly on the first day of orientation, i ask myself how can i get through these 20 days.

Alot of people thought i come here and have a good holiday and diving. Hey, it's a training program, everyday we have to wake up at 7am and we will spend our time either in classroom, pool or ocean for practicing our skills and knowledge and presentation. At night, we still stay back in the classroom to do our assignments and revision. I am proud to say that after 2 weeks here, i have only been to Hardy's (the local supermarket) and the night market.

Time flies, 2 weeks flew by and how we course is ending soon, my heart is heavy after the course end, 6 of us (instructor candidates) will be heading off on our own ways, some will be teaching in Perhentian, some will go back to where they came from, some dunno yet, and some get a job in local bali dive center. Where ever they will be, i just wanna say i am glad to know them all and all the best in their diving career.

Yesterday was the first day of IE (instructor examination). The first day was the tuffest, Standard and Theory exam. I am glad that i have passed both exam without much difficulties. This morning we did our confine water presentation and i passed it. Later in the afternoon will be our knowledge presentation and tomorrow morning will be our open water presentation. If everything goes well. i will be a OWSI. Wish me luck.

Also, I wanna take this opportunity to thank SF Chong for being such a patient guy, teaching and leading us to success.

Fun Dive During IDC - Manta Point and Crystal Bay

This video was taken during our IDC fun dive. Finally after 10 days of none stop studying, pool and ocean practice, our Course Director, SF Chong allow us to have a morning to go fun diving and enjoy ourselves.

Before IDC starts, i told chong i have not seen a Manta before and if he can bring us to see a manta. He say no promise but he will try. True enough, he bring us to Manta Point and i was so excited. According to some of my coursemate, Manta Point 99.9% guarantee Manta sighted. When we jump into the water, the water temperature was a bit warm, after 30 min of diving, we still didnt see a single Manta. I was so frustrated, thinking is my luck so bad? I will kill myself if i dont see a single Manta here.

right about 35min into our dive, one of my buddy bang on his tank, signalling us, there, suddenly i see one Manta swimming toward me. about 4 metre, tip-to-tip. I was so happy and i am speachless. I quickly turn my camera into video mode and capture the perfect moment.

Now i am proud to say i have seen a Manta Ray. They are one of the beautiful underwater creature that i love the most.

Thanks Chong ....

Marine Monkees

I am please to announce the launch of MarineMonkees.com. After much discussion and planning, and months of developing the website, the website is finally up and running. We offer PADI diving courses as well as diving packages throughout the South East Asia.

If you are keen and would like to know more about scuba diving, please visit us at www.marinemonkees.com

Sipadan Island

Photo source:www.touchdownluxuryyachts.com/sipadan/index.htm

SIPADAN ... HERE I COME IN 24 DAYS AND COUNTING!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!

Born to Dive ... Force to Work

It is only December now and I have no idea how am I gonna survive till March next year when diving season reopen :(

Born to Dive ... Force to Work

Xenon Crab

Xenon Crab
Originally uploaded by lowtristan.

Found it in Redang. It is about 1 inch long. When we found it, my buddy and I was so excited and we both swim towards it at the same time, hoping can get a good shot at it.

We both take turn to shoot the Xenon Crab, not knowing that the group have left the area. About 5 min later, when we look up, only the two of us left. We both decided to swim around looking for bubbles and luckily we found the big group.

Visit www.flickr.com/photos/tristanlow for more photos

Nemo

Nemo
Originally uploaded by lowtristan.

Nemo ... One of my favourite fish. When i started taking underwater photography, Nemo was my target. Because of the constant movement of Nemo, it is very hard to capture it. But after thousand of shoots, i am happy that i manage to capture some good shoots of Nemo.

Visit www.flickr.com/photos/tristanlow for more photos

Squid

Squid
Originally uploaded by lowtristan.

This photo was taken at Pulan Lang, one of the smaller island around Pulau Dayang and Pulau Aur. Towards the end of the dive, my camera was low in battery. Thus i off it and dont intend to take anymore untill i recharge it again during surface interval.

When we are about to accent, we saw this squid, about 4 inches long. I dont bother to chase it since my camera was low in battery. Richard, my sifu was chasing it left right center. At one monent, i saw it swim toward me. I quickly turn my camera on and praying it still have abit of power in it to capture it.

Without any time to do any changes to the setting, i just snap it when the squid is infront of me. I was lucky it turn out great.

Visit www.flickr.com/photos/tristanlow for more photos.