{"id":625,"date":"2025-01-08T12:49:54","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T04:49:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/?p=625"},"modified":"2025-01-08T12:49:54","modified_gmt":"2025-01-08T04:49:54","slug":"are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Find The Best Scuba Diving Course"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How To Find The Best Scuba Diving Course<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t pay good money for bad training. Undertanding these factors will help you identify the best scuba diving course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some big discrepancies in course pricing for seemingly &#8216;identical&#8217; scuba courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cheaper courses, that result in the same certification and adhere to the same minimum agency standards should all be equal\u2026. shouldn&#8217;t they?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why shouldn&#8217;t a prospective student simply shop around for the cheapest deal they can get? &nbsp;Safe in the knowledge that whatever training provider they choose &#8211; they&#8217;ll get the same qualification card at the end of it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/10644859_812163882137495_8561233455836640987_n-1.jpg\" alt=\"It is important to choose the best scuba diving course\" class=\"wp-image-21321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/10644859_812163882137495_8561233455836640987_n-1.jpg 960w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/10644859_812163882137495_8561233455836640987_n-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/10644859_812163882137495_8561233455836640987_n-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Article Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#Global-variation-in-the-cost-of-diving-courses\" >Global variation in the cost of diving courses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#The-hidden-costs-of-cheap-dive-training\" >The hidden costs of cheap dive training<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#Quality-of-diving-experience\" >Quality of diving experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#Safety-Factors-%E2%80%93-the-%E2%80%98Invisible-Quality\" >Safety Factors &#8211; the &#8216;Invisible&#8217; Quality.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#Instructor-Experience\" >Instructor Experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#Class-Sizes-and-Personalized-Attention\" >Class Sizes and Personalized Attention<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#Competitive-Markets\" >Competitive Markets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#What-is-the-%E2%80%98Value-of-a-Course\" >What is the &#8216;Value&#8217; of a Course?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#About-The-Author\" >About The Author<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#Purchase-my-exclusive-diving-ebooks\" >Purchase my exclusive diving ebooks!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Global-variation-in-the-cost-of-diving-courses\"><\/span>Global variation in the cost of diving courses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Globally, pricing variations are often explained by the relative cost of living\/business in a given geographical area. It&#8217;s cheaper to run a scuba business in South East Asia than it is to run one in New York or London. &nbsp;That&#8217;s understandable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, sometimes large variations can exist within a relatively small market\/geographical area. &nbsp;How is that possible\u2026 and what does the potential student need to consider when shopping for a course?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"scuba-b4-h2-2\" style=\"margin-top: 10px;margin-bottom: 10px;\" id=\"scuba-1702336100\"><div class=\"scuba-adlabel\">Sponsored Link<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9354033900485448\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9354033900485448\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2393012471\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"false\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The-hidden-costs-of-cheap-dive-training\"><\/span>The hidden costs of cheap dive training<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes the advertised courses are deceptive in terms of &#8216;hidden costs&#8217;. Do check that you are getting a final price, on a like-for-like basis. Is equipment included? tanks? instructor fees? boat fees? certification fees? will you get a manual? (note: it is PADI standard that you get a manual&nbsp;to keep).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pricing structures can vary from operator to operator, or even from course to course. &nbsp;That, in itself, is not unreasonable and can be explained. &nbsp;However, the full context of pricing should be clearly presented to the potential student &#8211; make sure it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quality-of-diving-experience\"><\/span>Quality of diving experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes the cheap courses attain savings by not offering the same experience as others. i.e. conducting all dives as shore-dives from in front of the <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/how-to-choose-dive-center\/\">dive centre<\/a>, rather than using a boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This may be ok if there is an awesome house reef. But it doesn&#8217;t offer the fullest breadth of experience. For example, you&#8217;ll miss out on techniques applicable to boat diving or direct ascents\/descents from the bottom depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the house reef isn&#8217;t great, or just a sandy beach, then it&#8217;ll be a disappointing experience. Compare that against a competitor who&#8217;ll take you by boat to the best sites available in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pretty much all of the non-specialist PADI courses can be run off a beach over the sand. However, most reputable dive centres won&#8217;t do that because it does little to motivate divers towards a <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/improve-enjoyment-as-a-scuba-diver-character-ikigai-happiness\/\">long-term<\/a> interest in the sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/n685786575_1870232_32952.jpg\" alt=\"Choose the best scuba diving course, not the cheapest\" class=\"wp-image-21322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/n685786575_1870232_32952.jpg 640w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/n685786575_1870232_32952-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Safety-Factors-%E2%80%93-the-%E2%80%98Invisible-Quality\"><\/span>Safety Factors &#8211; the &#8216;Invisible&#8217; Quality.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes the <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/the-scuba-diving-industry-cost-versus-quality\/\">cheap course<\/a> prices are attained by quality impacting measures. Overall dive centre costs may be lower because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spend money on diligently cleaning their compressor <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t maintain\/replace rental equipment as regularly <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t test their cylinders to industry standards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t have O2 on the boat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t first-aid train their staff etc etc etc. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a thousand costs that can be cut &#8211; which the student diver would never be aware of\u2026\u00a0unless\/until something goes wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When faced with a training option that may be significantly cheaper than its competitors. Therefore, it is wise to reassure yourself that price reductions were not achieved in ways that\u00a0jeopardize\u00a0your safety and <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/immersion-pulmonary-edema-oedema-ipe-ipo\/\">health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"scuba-b4-h2-3\" style=\"margin-top: 10px;margin-bottom: 10px;\" id=\"scuba-695077823\"><div class=\"scuba-adlabel\">Sponsored Link<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9354033900485448\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9354033900485448\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6151212517\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"false\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Instructor-Experience\"><\/span>Instructor Experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes the cheap course prices are attained by savings on instructor salaries. Dive centres may &#8217;employ&#8217; newly qualified instructors. They typically work for free in return for gaining their initial teaching experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s a fair cost saving, but\u2026 you need to consider the relative experience and skill of the instructor. That is a huge factor when determining the &#8216;value for money&#8217; of a course. We can all appreciate the benefits of a good educator and, with scuba diving, experience teaching does count for a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all instructors are alike. \u00a0In common with many professions, it is wise to consider whether you are getting a &#8216;novice&#8217;, a &#8216;layman&#8217; or a &#8216;master&#8217; educator. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When investigating specialist scuba courses, such as deep, wreck or photography diving, it is also essential to consider the specific relevance of an instructor&#8217;s background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The value of selecting a specialized instructor, to teach specialized topics is a matter of common sense &#8211; if quality training is the desired goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_09432.jpg\" alt=\"The diving instructor defines what is the best scuba diving course\" class=\"wp-image-21320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_09432.jpg 640w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_09432-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Be aware that a scuba instructor does not need to be a &#8216;subject-matter-expert&#8217; in order to teach a given subject. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instructors can, and do, self-certify to teach specialist courses. The minimum experience needed to do so is often as low as 25 dives. This\u00a0meagre experience can be &#8216;accumulated&#8217; in as little as 4-5 days of diving! \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In contrast, a true &#8216;specialist&#8217; will have years of experience and hundreds, if not thousands, of dives relevant to the topic being taught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be wary of enrolling on a scuba course, via a dive centre, without first confirming who your instructor will be\u2026 and what their diving background\/experience is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If possible, seek to communicate with them (the instructor, not just the dive centre) before\u00a0committing\u00a0to a course. Think of it as an &#8216;interview&#8217;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Class-Sizes-and-Personalized-Attention\"><\/span>Class Sizes and Personalized Attention<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes courses can be cheaper because the centre profits from the volume of trade. High student turn-over and maximized course numbers allow a better economy of scale. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider the quality issues applicable to course sizes. In a big class, each individual losses a lot of practice time &#8216;waiting&#8217; for their turn. They get less feedback and assessment on their performance. There is less opportunity to repeat and refine skills. Instructor supervision\/awareness is diluted across a wider group, with impacts on safety and quality of tuition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note of whether a dive operator limits the sizes of its classes &#8211; and what those limits are. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PADI standards dictate a maximum of 8 per course, with extra students allowed if teaching assistants are present. That&#8217;s a lot. Especially so when the training duration is kept as short as possible<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Higher-quality dive centres voluntarily limit numbers to 4 per course. Some diving instructors offer private one-to-one type training. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Obviously, this accounts for price variations, but the impact on training quality is decisive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Andy-Davis-Sidemount-Diving-121-2-edited.jpg\" alt=\"How to choose the best scuba diving course\" class=\"wp-image-21988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Andy-Davis-Sidemount-Diving-121-2-edited.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Andy-Davis-Sidemount-Diving-121-2-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Andy-Davis-Sidemount-Diving-121-2-edited-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Andy-Davis-Sidemount-Diving-121-2-edited-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Competitive-Markets\"><\/span>Competitive Markets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, high saturation in the dive market leads to heavy competition and, ultimately, lower prices. That&#8217;s a good thing for customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can usually be identified if all of the dive centres in a given area have similar low prices. It&#8217;s rarely a reason for one centre to be significantly cheaper than its direct\/immediate local competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"scuba-b4-h2-4\" style=\"margin-top: 10px;margin-bottom: 10px;\" id=\"scuba-1208426167\"><div class=\"scuba-adlabel\">Sponsored Link<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9354033900485448\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9354033900485448\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2954736365\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"false\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-the-%E2%80%98Value-of-a-Course\"><\/span>What is the &#8216;Value&#8217; of a Course?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When considering the &#8216;value&#8217; of a course, it pays dividends to consider your goals. They should be to aquire skill, confidence and competence as a diver. It should not just be the acquisition of a plastic certification card or &#8216;license&#8217;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each and every PADI&nbsp;OW\/AOW&nbsp;course will result in the same plastic card, regardless of who teaches it. They will not, however, result in the same finished product of scuba diver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to your safety and comfort as a diver, understand that course &#8216;value&#8217; can vary dramatically &#8211; and that may, in turn, be reflected by the price of the training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium is-resized is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/andy-davis-technical-diving\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"296\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1-300x296.png\" alt=\"Andy Davis Technical Sidemount Wreck Diving Subic Bay Philippines RAID Courses Training\" class=\"wp-image-6812\" style=\"width:225px;height:222px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1-300x296.png 300w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1-1024x1009.png 1024w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1-768x757.png 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cartoon-Andy-900x900-1.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-constrained wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About-The-Author\"><\/span>About The Author<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"274\" height=\"77\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/bmc-button-1-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27046\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/bmc-button-1-1.png 274w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/bmc-button-1-1-250x70.png 250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 274px) 100vw, 274px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/andy-davis-technical-diving\/\">Andy Davis<\/a> is a <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/raid-diving-courses-philippines\/raid\/\">RAID<\/a>, PADI TecRec, ANDI, BSAC, and SSI-qualified independent <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/what-is-technical-diving\/\">technical diving<\/a> instructor who specializes in teaching <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/sidemount-courses\/\">sidemount<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/technical-diving-courses\/\">trimix<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/technical-diving-courses\/\">advanced wreck<\/a> diving courses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently residing in <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/subic-bay-wreck-diving-sites\/\">Subic Bay, Philippines<\/a>; he has amassed more than 10,000 open-circuit and <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/testing-ccr-rebreather-liberty-triton-sidewinder\/\">CCR<\/a> dives over three decades of challenging diving across the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/andy-davis-technical-diving\/\">Andy<\/a> has published numerous diving magazine articles and designed advanced certification courses for several dive training agencies, He regularly tests and reviews new <a href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/scuba-equipment-shopping-buying-best-dive-gear\/\">dive gear<\/a> for scuba equipment manufacturers. Andy is currently writing a series of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/extras\">advanced diving books <\/a>and creating a range of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redbubble.com\/people\/andydavistech\/shop\">tech diving clothing and accessories<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prior to becoming a professional technical diving educator in 2006, Andy was a commissioned officer in the Royal Air Force and has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Belize, and Cyprus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2023, Andy was named in the &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/gue.com\/blog\/sidemount-andy-davies\/\" target=\"_blank\">Who&#8217;s Who of Sidemount<\/a>&#8221; list by GUE InDepth Magazine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-palette-color-7-color has-vivid-red-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-dd81a6de961563c5bf17302e4376cbd2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Purchase-my-exclusive-diving-ebooks\"><\/span>Purchase my exclusive diving ebooks!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/233191\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Gas Management For Scuba Divers Book\" class=\"wp-image-26264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-768x1206.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image-96x150.jpg 96w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gas-Management-Book-Cover-Image.jpg 794w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/233171\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Become A Shearwater Power User Book\" class=\"wp-image-26382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-768x1206.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-978x1536.jpg 978w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook-95x150.jpg 95w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shearwater-Gradient-Factors-ebook.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/111242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-768x1206.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE-96x150.jpg 96w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/COVER-IMAGE.jpg 794w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/262907\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A Comprehensive Guide to Backplate &amp; Wing BCDs\" class=\"wp-image-26808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-768x1206.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image-96x150.jpg 96w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/BPW-Book-Cover-Image.jpg 794w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buymeacoffee.com\/andydavistech\/e\/260377\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"652\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The-Path-To-Proficiency-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Diving Psychology The Path to Proficiency: Mental Strategies for Scuba Divers (eBook)\" class=\"wp-image-26633\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The-Path-To-Proficiency-Book-Cover-Image-652x1024.jpg 652w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The-Path-To-Proficiency-Book-Cover-Image-191x300.jpg 191w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The-Path-To-Proficiency-Book-Cover-Image-768x1206.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The-Path-To-Proficiency-Book-Cover-Image-96x150.jpg 96w, https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The-Path-To-Proficiency-Book-Cover-Image.jpg 794w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 652px) 100vw, 652px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n<p id=\"rop\"><small>Originally posted 2018-03-07 23:56:12. <\/small><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don&#8217;t pay good money for bad training. Undertanding these factors will help you identify the best scuba diving courses available.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":629,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1827],"tags":[242,247,106,28,42,43,180,244,249,9,20,35,5,40,246,243,13,248],"class_list":["post-625","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scuba-diving-travel","tag-cheap-scuba-diving-courses","tag-customer","tag-dive-gear-comparison","tag-dive-safety-advice","tag-dive-training","tag-diving-courses","tag-diving-instructor","tag-economical-scuba-diving-certification-courses","tag-open-water-scuba-diving","tag-padi","tag-scuba-dive-tips","tag-scuba-diver","tag-scuba-diving-advice-and-tips","tag-scuba-diving-course","tag-scuba-diving-guide","tag-scuba-diving-quality","tag-scuba-diving-tips","tag-scuba-diving-value"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Find The Best Scuba Diving Course For Safety &amp; Value For Money<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Don&#039;t pay good money for bad training. Undertanding these factors will help you identify the best scuba diving course available.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Find The Best Scuba Diving Course For Safety &amp; Value For Money\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Don&#039;t pay good money for bad training. Undertanding these factors will help you identify the best scuba diving course available.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Andy Davis Sidemount Technical Wreck Diving Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"ScubaTechPhilippines\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/ScubaTechPhilippines\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-01-08T04:49:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/n726531033_888060_5199-320x200.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"267\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Andy Davis\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@DivePhilippines\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Divephilippines\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Andy Davis\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Andy Davis\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/6dd08ec4ec6a2c8ba96ad070e22893dc\"},\"headline\":\"How To Find The Best Scuba Diving Course\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-01-08T04:49:54+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/\"},\"wordCount\":1225,\"commentCount\":1,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/97db30481ec4e5c92a61fdb6c818acec\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/n726531033_888060_5199-320x200.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"cheap scuba diving courses\",\"customer\",\"dive gear comparison\",\"dive safety advice\",\"dive training\",\"diving courses\",\"diving instructor\",\"economical scuba diving certification courses\",\"open water scuba diving\",\"PADI\",\"scuba dive tips\",\"scuba diver\",\"scuba diving advice and tips\",\"scuba diving course\",\"scuba diving guide\",\"scuba diving quality\",\"scuba diving tips\",\"scuba diving value\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Dive Travel\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/\",\"name\":\"Find The Best Scuba Diving Course For Safety & Value For Money\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/n726531033_888060_5199-320x200.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-01-08T04:49:54+00:00\",\"description\":\"Don't pay good money for bad training. Undertanding these factors will help you identify the best scuba diving course available.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/n726531033_888060_5199-320x200.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/n726531033_888060_5199-320x200.jpg\",\"width\":\"267\",\"height\":\"200\",\"caption\":\"Quality, Quantity and Experience - essential factors in determining the value of a scuba course.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Scuba Diving Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/scuba_diving_articles\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"How To Find The Best Scuba Diving Course\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/\",\"name\":\"Andy Davis Sidemount Technical Wreck Diving Blog\",\"description\":\"Sidemount Technical Wreck Diving Blog | Articles and Resources\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/97db30481ec4e5c92a61fdb6c818acec\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"Person\",\"Organization\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/97db30481ec4e5c92a61fdb6c818acec\",\"name\":\"Andy Davis\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Cartoon-Andy-Vanilla-250px.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Cartoon-Andy-Vanilla-250px.png\",\"width\":250,\"height\":250,\"caption\":\"Andy Davis\"},\"logo\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\"},\"description\":\"Passionate scuba educator, technical sidemount diving fanatic and wreck diving explorer. RAID, PADI, TecRec, SSI and BSAC qualified technical diving instructor. Subic Bay, Philippines. Former Royal Air Force officer.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\",\"ScubaTechPhilippines\",\"andydavistechnicaldiving\",\"andrewdavis7\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/Divephilippines\",\"AndyDavisTechnicalDiving\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/6dd08ec4ec6a2c8ba96ad070e22893dc\",\"name\":\"Andy Davis\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/aacab8eca6fe0c3120e9882335f3a09f.jpg?ver=1776276349\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/aacab8eca6fe0c3120e9882335f3a09f.jpg?ver=1776276349\",\"caption\":\"Andy Davis\"},\"description\":\"Passionate scuba educator, technical sidemount diving fanatic and wreck diving explorer. RAID, PADI, TecRec, SSI and BSAC qualified technical diving instructor. Subic Bay, Philippines. Former Royal Air Force officer. 30+ years of high-level global dive experience. https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/andy-davis-technical-diving\/\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\",\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/ScubaTechPhilippines\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/andydavistechnicaldiving\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/andrewdavis7\/\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.ph\/andydavistechnicaldiving\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/DivePhilippines\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/AndyDavisTechnicalDiving\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/author\/andy-davis\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Find The Best Scuba Diving Course For Safety & Value For Money","description":"Don't pay good money for bad training. Undertanding these factors will help you identify the best scuba diving course available.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Find The Best Scuba Diving Course For Safety & Value For Money","og_description":"Don't pay good money for bad training. Undertanding these factors will help you identify the best scuba diving course available.","og_url":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/","og_site_name":"Andy Davis Sidemount Technical Wreck Diving Blog","article_publisher":"ScubaTechPhilippines","article_author":"https:\/\/facebook.com\/ScubaTechPhilippines","article_published_time":"2025-01-08T04:49:54+00:00","og_image":[{"width":267,"height":200,"url":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/n726531033_888060_5199-320x200.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Andy Davis","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@DivePhilippines","twitter_site":"@Divephilippines","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Andy Davis","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/"},"author":{"name":"Andy Davis","@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/6dd08ec4ec6a2c8ba96ad070e22893dc"},"headline":"How To Find The Best Scuba Diving Course","datePublished":"2025-01-08T04:49:54+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/"},"wordCount":1225,"commentCount":1,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/97db30481ec4e5c92a61fdb6c818acec"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/n726531033_888060_5199-320x200.jpg","keywords":["cheap scuba diving courses","customer","dive gear comparison","dive safety advice","dive training","diving courses","diving instructor","economical scuba diving certification courses","open water scuba diving","PADI","scuba dive tips","scuba diver","scuba diving advice and tips","scuba diving course","scuba diving guide","scuba diving quality","scuba diving tips","scuba diving value"],"articleSection":["Dive Travel"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/","url":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/","name":"Find The Best Scuba Diving Course For Safety & Value For Money","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/n726531033_888060_5199-320x200.jpg","datePublished":"2025-01-08T04:49:54+00:00","description":"Don't pay good money for bad training. Undertanding these factors will help you identify the best scuba diving course available.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/n726531033_888060_5199-320x200.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/n726531033_888060_5199-320x200.jpg","width":"267","height":"200","caption":"Quality, Quantity and Experience - essential factors in determining the value of a scuba course."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/are-some-scuba-courses-more-equal-than-others\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Scuba Diving Articles","item":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/scuba_diving_articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How To Find The Best Scuba Diving Course"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/","name":"Andy Davis Sidemount Technical Wreck Diving Blog","description":"Sidemount Technical Wreck Diving Blog | Articles and Resources","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/97db30481ec4e5c92a61fdb6c818acec"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["Person","Organization"],"@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/97db30481ec4e5c92a61fdb6c818acec","name":"Andy Davis","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Cartoon-Andy-Vanilla-250px.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Cartoon-Andy-Vanilla-250px.png","width":250,"height":250,"caption":"Andy Davis"},"logo":{"@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/"},"description":"Passionate scuba educator, technical sidemount diving fanatic and wreck diving explorer. RAID, PADI, TecRec, SSI and BSAC qualified technical diving instructor. Subic Bay, Philippines. Former Royal Air Force officer.","sameAs":["https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com","ScubaTechPhilippines","andydavistechnicaldiving","andrewdavis7","https:\/\/x.com\/Divephilippines","AndyDavisTechnicalDiving"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/6dd08ec4ec6a2c8ba96ad070e22893dc","name":"Andy Davis","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/aacab8eca6fe0c3120e9882335f3a09f.jpg?ver=1776276349","contentUrl":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/aacab8eca6fe0c3120e9882335f3a09f.jpg?ver=1776276349","caption":"Andy Davis"},"description":"Passionate scuba educator, technical sidemount diving fanatic and wreck diving explorer. RAID, PADI, TecRec, SSI and BSAC qualified technical diving instructor. Subic Bay, Philippines. Former Royal Air Force officer. 30+ years of high-level global dive experience. https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/andy-davis-technical-diving\/","sameAs":["https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com","https:\/\/facebook.com\/ScubaTechPhilippines","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/andydavistechnicaldiving\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/andrewdavis7\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.ph\/andydavistechnicaldiving\/","https:\/\/x.com\/DivePhilippines","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/AndyDavisTechnicalDiving"],"url":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/author\/andy-davis\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/625","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=625"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/625\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/629"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=625"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=625"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scubatechphilippines.com\/scuba_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=625"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}