Jenny, Philippa, Sarah, Megan, Leiann

As a dive instructor, there is one thing that will never get old. Coming up with a group of students after open water dive 1 and hearing them all, in union, state how unbelievable it was. Ohh’s and ahh’s and every once in awhile someone going (my favorite) ‘why couldn’t we stay down longer?’ (Mmmm, I wonder why?) It’s even better when it’s a group of classy English ladies, who spent days prior to the course (between their hours of scheduled sunbathing rituals) asking you every question imaginable and who were terrified that something might go wrong. They almost had me stressed out more than them about the course, and it hadn’t even started yet. Who would have guessed, that group of girls would have ended up becoming one of my favorite groups of Open Water students to date and also some great friends that I hope I can meet up with later in life. Well start with the introductions. First off we had Jenny, the fun loving (but sometimes forgetful) student who liked to share stories about her travels, especially when she had a near death experience with a coconut. Then there was her side kick and best mate Philippa, also known as Flip, eager to dive with a love for The Foo Fighters. Leiann, who was traveling with her father (also a fellow PADI diver) and wanted to see what all the fuss was about, then Megan, who had tried diving once before (well just say it wasn’t the best experience) and was very nervous about giving it a second go. The first day started out with a pool session, which ended up not only being one of the longest one’s I have ever done, but also the funniest. It began with 4 very nervous but excited girls all asking multiple questions at once (sorry girls if I got a little snappy with you, it was out of love I swear), continued with many skills, some easy, some difficult, and some (to their surprise) a piece of cake. No tears were shed during the almost 4 hours spent in that pool, but there were a few times when we all had to come up to the surface for air, not because they were having a hard time breathing from their regulators, but because we were all laughing so hard underwater our ribs were starting to ache and we needed a breather. I felt like a mother hawk watching her chicks take that big leap into the air the next day, as all 4 girls plunged into the open sea and I watched them descend into a world that they would never forget. The fear of the unknown ocean was turned into a love for it, right before my eyes, and it made me remember why I loved my job so much. After surfacing and hearing what use to be uncertain questions turned into ‘OHMYGAWDDD (that was brilliant, that was amazing, that was unreal, ect, ect.) I knew they were hooked. I couldn’t help but laugh, while briefing about the second dive, I explained about the family of clown fish we would go visit (ok girls, all together now, ‘OHHHH NEMOOO!’) and my smile only got bigger when at the end of the day, their complaints about getting up early the next day to have to finish the course became complaints of how they wouldn’t be able to sleep, since they were that excited to go diving again. The last day of the course went as planned, lots of excitement with some more ohh’s and ahh’s, but ended with the satisfaction of taking what started as 4 terrified and nervous girls and certifying them into PADI open water divers. Its times like these that make me love what I do, to be able to watch people grow within themselves as they conquer a new task that is in front of them, sometimes scary at first but in the end very rewarding. And to be honest, if these girls can do it, anyone can (again, I say that out of love).

Sarah & the Whale Shark

It’s my first month on this rock they call Koh Tao and as the divers enter back into the shop’s territory after their morning or afternoon dive there is one word that you pick up in their mixed rambling of conversation. Whale shark. While others get excited and run to put their name down on the boat list, I don’t think much of it. This is now the 3rd place I have worked in the past year and a half that was known for its popular visitor, Mr. Whale Shark, but I had better luck buying lottery tickets then having one grace me with its presence. It just never happened, I never got that lucky. I was either not on the boat at the right time, not diving at the right site, or just the 1 in 20 divers that happened to miss the biggest fish known to man swimming overhead. So it wasn’t the main reason to go fun diving that Saturday morning. The shop was headed to a dive site known at Chumpon, a pinnacle about 45 minutes north west of the island that was known for always making a diver happy. Lots of colorful fish, huge grouper, and yes (or so they say) the occasional whale shark. Not a bad reason to get up at 6:30am I’d say. So as we jumped in the water we were met with mild currents and great visibility, but it was still just as good as ever. Schooling giant barracuda right in front of your face, fields of pink anemone and giant menacing looking grouper that in reality are more afraid of you then you should be of them. Not a bad dive I would say and definitely not a bad way to start out your day. As we came up to do our 3 minute safety stop at 5 meters the current pulled us from the pinnacle and we found ourselves floating in crystal clear blue water. It had been a good long dive and we were all starting to get low on air but it had been well worth it, Chumpon never failed to amaze me. As my friends and I signaled that time was up and started to surface, I did a double take. Out of the blue it came, like some huge UFO out of a Spielberg movie, except this time it came with spots and a tail, a shark tail. I looked back at my friends who were also just as awestruck as me, but unfortunately unlike me, they were low on air. After a sorry look they signaled to me that they were heading up and went to the surface. I glanced back at the whale shark that was heading straight for me. Nope, I will not be missing it this time and quickly swam back down to be at eye level with it. It was by far the most amazing thing I had ever seen. Later friends would tell me ‘he was only 4 meters long, just a little guy. The last one I saw was 10.’ Do you think I care?! That fish could have been 40 meters long, it was still the biggest thing I had ever seen, and to have it swimming next to me, only a few feet away, I felt like the krill and plankton you always hear are their only source of food. It took my breath away, which in the end benefited me because I got to spend the next 5-10 minutes alone in the ocean with one of its most unbelievable creatures. I took my alternate out and purged it, watching it twist and turn as it came back for more of my bubbles, swimming over top of them like it was in some whale shark Jacuzzi. This was my first whale shark and I had it all to myself. In that moment I felt like I could spend the rest of my life, or at least the day, just following that fish around. But all good things must come to an end and as I saw my time down in the sea was starting to run short, I waved (yes, I actually waved) goodbye to my new found friend knowing I would be seeing him again. As I got back on the boat all I could think to myself was, wow, this is not a bad way to start off a day.

Top French video artist Raphael has created an audio visual adventure called “Liquidity”. Shot on Koh Tao whilst diving with Davy Jones Locker Raphael and Elliott from Koh Tao PROvideo shot samples of the aquatic world around the island using HD cameras and blue screen backgrounds to animate later in After Effects.

Davy Jones Locker Diving is now running day trips to 2 of South East Asia’s top dive sites… Sail Rock & South West Pinnacle.

This special offer includes 3 dives – a double dive at Sail Rock and then a 3rd dive at South West Pinnacle.

Price includes equipment, divemaster and lunch/refreshments on board.

DJL is offering this day trip for only 3,000 baht per person.. available to Advanced divers or above.

For more information, or to book this trip email ollie@davyjoneslocker.asia

Also the two runners up get a discount! No previous dive knowledge necessary. The warm waters, tropical fish, sharks and white beaches have made Koh Tao has over recent years become one of the best places in the world to learn to dive. Adding to this Thailand offers cheaper diving courses than anywhere else.

So become a professional diver today and work all round the globe in some of the worlds most exotic and unique places. No previous diving knowledge is needed to take part in this chance to become a Divemaster for free. Plus most importantly there is no obligation to work for us for free after like with most free Divemaster Internships.

The draw will be held on the 30th of August so those who are just finishing and those who are just starting both get to see it take place

BOOK BY: 29th August 2011
STARTING BETWEEN: July 2011-August 2011

Check out the video of DJL crew exploring the marine park … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXl7emC4Sa4

Davy Jones’ Locker would like to wish a Happy New Year to everyone who has dived with us this past year.

We’d like to say a BIG Thank You for choosing to dive with DJL during 2010 and we look forward to diving with you all again soon.

All PADI courses, with exception of the Instructor Development Course will remain the same price for 2011.

The PADI IDC will increase by 4,000 baht as of February, but if you book with DJL before Feb you’ll receive it at the old price of 40,000 baht.

We wish you all the very best for the coming year.

DJL Management & Staff

Davy Jones’ Locker has been recommended in the Lonely Planet Thailand’s Islands & Beaches, 7^th Edition, 2010.

The Lonely Planet describes DJL as,

“Gaining momentum in the last year”

“a popular dive outfitter”

“a favourite in northern Sairee”

“Friday night pool parties are a big draw”

Thanks to the LP for the recommendation, DJL Staff

Thank you for a great course, the happy girls from Norway – Gina & Hege – PADI Open Water Course –  Norway

Had an amazing Discover Scuba Dive, and got the diving bug, went on to do the PADI Open water, Great course and great instructors, will be back next year for my PADI Advanced open water course. See you guys soon – Ray – PADI Open Water - UK

Thanks so much for the experience, had an amazing time and a great course – Paula – PADI Open Water – UK

Thanks DJL and Luke for the Awesome dives, you guys helped me overcome my fear of the open water. Cheers!! – James – PADI Open Water – Toronto,Canada

This is a day i’ll always remember, my first time diving,  the instructor was great, Will be back – Ofir -PADI Open Water - Israel

We did our PADI Advanced Open Water course here, it was Excellent!! Great instructor, not only teaches but gave us confidence, Thanks Tim and everyone in DJL – Han & Sammi – PADI Advanced Open Water – Hong Kong

I don’t want to leave! I’ve had such an amazing time here and a lot of that is thanks to the great team at DJL! Thanks to my instructors Giles & Simon and the Divemasters Bob & Harry for all the teaching and support you’ve given me. I’ll miss it here so much so hope to be back January 2012!! ps I recommend doing the PADI Rescue diver, its the best course, so much fun – Sally – PADI Advanced Open Water, PADI Rescue Diver – UK

Neil was Super, a brilliant instructor and sound fella! really helped me overcome my initial fear of diving, as did Tim. Stayed way longer than expected, completley down to great staff at Davy Jones’ Locker. Thanks so much – Marie & Mike – PADI Open Water – Ireland

After completing my Divemaster Internship with Davy Jones Locker in the summer  of 2009, I returned home to the UK for University. This summer I decided to return to Thailand to become a PADI Dive Instructor with DJL.

I had great fun on my Instructor Development Course, Pete was a great instructor and I’d like to thank him for helping me pass my Instructor Exam.

I would strongly recommend doing your Divemaster and Instructor courses at Davy Jones Locker. All the instructors there are very friendly and will do their upmost to ensure you have a great time diving in Koh Tao!

Tom McMurray 20, UK

Yes that’s right, 4 PADI Open Water students, 2 Divemasters and 1 Instructor from Davy Jones Locker were lucky enough to swim alongside a 5 metre Whale Shark on the students’ second ever dive! The gentle giant was spotted during an afternoon dive at White Rock. What a great way for the 4 students to be introduced to the world of scuba diving, lets hope that the biggest fish in the sea stick around and provide this amazing experience for many more DJL divers!

Davy Jones Locker is proud to announce the launch of its snorkelling boat. For many years now Davy Jones Locker has been leading the way in the dive industry and so we thought it was about time to branch out and offer our customers even more. We intend to run daily snorkelling tours to some of the most spectacular sites around Koh Tao. These tours will be run from 10 to 3 daily by a PADI Dive Instructor and Divemaster to ensure they are educational, safe and fun! As we are proud members of the Project Aware group we will be promoting eco-friendly snorkelling and teaching how to interact with marine life responsibly. Fish identification training will also be on offer as our trained staff guide customers around the snorkel sites. We will be offering a free pick up service, top of the range equipment and delicious local cuisine served on board. So guys if you want to explore the underwater world of Koh Tao on a smaller budget drop into the dive shop and we’ll be happy to help!

It was an early 7am start, but well worth it. Our first dive was at Koh Tao’s famous dive site Chumphon Pinnacle, where we were lucky enough to see a whaleshark. The gentle giant was around 5 meters long and we had a great 45 min dive with it passing us many times. The sighting will be added to the Project aware shark trust data base, which monitors shark and whaleshark numbers around the world.

We had 18 people for the secound clean-up dive and we would like to thank everyone for there help, I think a free shot in the bar tonight is well deserved. The clean-up was on sairee reef , close to the beach where all the boats moor up in the evening. We collected 5 large bags of debris ranging from electrical wire, cardboard boxes, a car tire, plastic sheeting and well over 100 plastic and glass bottles. So many thanks to everyone who was involved in doing there part in preserving our paradise island.

Here at DJL Dibing we are proud members of PROJECT AWARE and a GO-ECO operator, it’s our responsibility to do all we can to help the local enviroment. We will be holding monthly clean-up days and starting a new coral reef monitoring project in the coming weeks.

So please remember to do all you can to keep our oceans a beautiful place to dive for yourself and the divers of the future.

Davy Jones Locker is now a Project AWARE Official Go Eco Operator.

Project AWARE Foundation conserves underwater environments through education, advocacy and action.

Project AWARE Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization. In partnership with scuba divers and water enthusiasts, Project AWARE offices located in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Switzerland and Japan combine efforts to conserve aquatic resources in more than 180 countries and territories of the world.

Project AWARE Foundation works in partnership with divers and water enthusiasts to combat challenges facing underwater environments. Project AWARE and dedicated volunteers are committed to conservation initiatives including:
•Underwater Cleanups and Marine Debris Prevention
•Coral Reef Conservation, Monitoring and Data Collection
•Shark Education, Reporting and Conservation
•Improved Management Policies and Marine Protection Efforts
•Environmental Training for Divers and Education Programs for Kids

As a Go ECO Operator DJL is committed to environmentally responsible business practices and to providing our customers with dive experiences that enhance visitor awareness of our local aquatic environment.

DJL is proud to be one of only two Go ECO Operators here on Koh Tao. Stay tuned for the latest ECO friendly projects that DJL will be hosting or check out the project AWARE website at projectaware.org.

DJL Diving is proud to announce that we are now member of the Shark Trust organization. This is a group dedicated to advancing worldwide conservation of sharks through science, education, influence and action.

DJL will be uploading all shark, whaleshark and sting ray sightings on the Shark Trust website www.sharktrust.org.

We feel that submitting our sightings will provide useful data to researchers and conservationists working with sharks and rays around the world. Hopefully this will have a positive impact on the understanding of certain species and provide data to support management considerations to help ensure a sustainable future for sharks and rays.

DJL will be monitoring all sightings and letting you guys know when and where we spot these amazing underwater animals, so keep logged on to the DJL website and check out the sharktrust site for our up to the date sightings.

We are also proud to announce we will be hosting on a number of beach and underwater clean up events in the coming months, so keep logged on for the latest information on that.

Since our friends at Goodtime Adventures threw down the gauntlet and claimed to have circumnavigated koh tao in 19 minutes we stepped up to the challenge and set a new DJL record. With conditions near to perfect we set out to challenge the record in our high speed rib with just enough fuel to speed around the island as quick as possible. On the last attempt we set a time of 24 minutes but this time round with less passengers and fuel managed to circumnavigate in 21 minutes! Although still 2 minutes away from Goodtime Adventures time we feel this new DJL record is more than respectable and in the good spirit of competition would like to offer our speedy friends at Goodtime a swiss time keeping devise and digital camera to record their alleged 19 minute trip!