Thailand is sandwiched between The Gulf of Thailand on its eastern coastline and the vast expanse of the Andaman Sea on its western coast. It is in these body of waters that scuba divers can explore the marine life of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean without having to cross continents.

Thailand’s Andaman Sea stretches 870km (541 miles) from Tarutao National Park on the border of Malaysia to the Surin Islands on the border of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). It is part of the Indian Ocean and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Andaman-Nicobar Ridge. Quaint formations of granite outcrops can be senn in the Surin and Similan Islands.

Here are some tips to help you get started.

Finding a course. First step is to find a local school or club. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) have an easy to use search tool on their website to help you find a local school. If you are in the UK you might also check out the BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) website to find a local club.

What to look for in your teachers. It is important that you are comfortable with your scuba diving instructor. Even if you haven’t signed up yet a good instructor will make time for you and answer your questions. Ask questions about group sizes, schedules and what is included in your course prices. Make sure you are comfortable with what you here, if you aren’t shop around.

Equipment To begin with you should only need your swimsuit and towel. Most centres should provide you with equipment for your course, this may or may not be included in your course fees. Don’t feel pressurised to buy equipment when you start the course, there will be time for that later.

Course structure. Different dive schools will structure the course differently, but the basics to expect are;

Theory sessions – introducing the concepts of scuba diving Confined water / pool sessions – in these sessions your instructor will deomonstrate basic scuba skills to you, you then show them back. This is the time to learn, practice, make mistake and perfect skills. Open water sessions – when your instructor feels you are ready they will take you to on a dive at a site suitable to your experience. Now is the time to show those skills you have just perfected in the pool. Thecourse is your time to learn, a good instructor will teach at your pace, answer questions and give you help on any skills you get stuck on.

Need more information. There are lots of scuba diving forums and websites where you can ask questions and get honest answers. Remember there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers.