PADI IDC Testimonial by Ruben

One more to catch up, a new PADI IDC Testimonial by Ruben. Straight out of the November 2019 PADI IDC here on Malapascua. Once more, at your favorite dive resort in Malapascua; Thresher Cove Resort!

Being Swiss/Mexican, it all comes together. Firstly, he’s calm and relaxed, like a Swiss. Secondly, he’s funny and an exotic lover. So I have been told! That’s the Mexican side. However, it was great having him around during this IDC. Thresher Cove Resort hired him immediately after his PADI IE!. Straight after he successfully passed his PADI IE. Just recently he managed to board a Swiss bound flight. Right now, he’s back in Switzerland. Just like the rest of us, checking how this Covid related travel restriction will pan out.

A big Mabuhay to you Ruben and hope to see you soon enough, back in action at Thresher Cove Resort.

PADI IDC Testimonial by Ruben

Ruben after successfully passing his PADI IE on Malapascua. Together with his PADI Examiner, Sophia.

Now, let’s see what it all is with Ruben’s testimonial of the November 2019 PADI IDC;

My interest in the ocean already was big since I was a little kid. My big dream was to become a marine biologist. Unfortunately life takes unpredictable turns and I had to bury this dream. As I got older I discovered an interest in teaching. But even this dream I had to give up. So I was “stuck” in an office for almost ten years.

At one point,

I decided to turn my hobby into my new job and started my Divemaster training. As I finished my DM, I was clueless what I should do next. It was then when a good friend of mine recommended me to do my IDC with Camille at Thresher Cove.

So what at first was a compromise between my dream of working in the ocean and teaching other people, turned out to be one of my best experiences! From the first day I saw in Camille a wise mentor but also a funny friend. The combination of a good laugh and valuable knowledge let me enjoy the ten days of IDC! In my opinion I couldn’t have had a better preparation to pass my IE! Thank you so much Camille for that amazing time and all the tips and tricks you gave us on our way. Only one month working as an Instructor lets me know how much you taught us!

Thank you again and I hope our ways will cross again one day!

As always, tanks for taking the time out to write up this testimonial. Muy apreciado!

Our next PADI IDC programs on Malapascua are starting 25th September and 21st November. Travel restrictions permitting!

Ask for more details!

PADI IDC Testimonial by Balt

Here we are in catching up mode with a PADI IDC Testimonial by Balt. We are looking back at the November 2019 PADI IDC. Right here at Thresher Cove Resort. This is before Covid19 interrupted our lives.

Balt is our local guy. He is born and raised on Malapascua. Firstly, he worked really hard for this IDC. It is a challenge to take on all the exams and new tasks. However, his preparation paid off. Secondly, he’s a real leader and team player. This PADI IDC clearly emphasized this. I’m proud and happy to have Balt being successful in this IDC. After the PADI IE he perfectly fitted and slotted in as an instructor at Thresher Cove Resort. As a result, Balt got quite a few certifications at various levels under his belt. Well done buddy! However, that is before Covid19 stopped him and all of Malapascua in his tracks.

PADI IDC Testimonial by Balt

Balt at the end of his successful PADI IE. Proud and happy, as he should be! With PADI Examiner Sophia.

In conclusion, let’s see what Balt has to say about his PADI IDC;

It has been more than a month since my training as an Instructor has ended and now I am working as an Instructor already.

I am local,born and raised in Malapascua. I started working as a boatcrew many years back and later on became a Divemaster and work for more than 10 years.
It was really my big dream before to become an Instructor. But it’s not an easy investment so it tooks longer time for me to save.

And then last year around February,

I first met Camille. And I had a chat with him and was really eager to start an IDC with him last November.So I decided to do the November IDC. Camille is a good, kind and respectful person. He is extremely knowledgeable and will put in,an extra time with people when needed specially me.
He gives me the best guidance and teaching, preparing me in the IDC and for that I am very thankful, because his one of the person who helped me fulfill my longtime dream. I’ve learned a lot from him which I can use it as a tool as I teach each day.
For me,he is the best Mentor, I’m so glad and thankful that I met him.A very kind Course Director who is not only serious in terms of teaching but also funny person and a good friend.
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH CAMILLE …..

I would like also to say thanks to Justin who did his IDC STAFF,for helping me when I had difficulties.
Thank you so much also to Ann Christmas.
And thank you Threshercove owner Sir Mark Carter who is behind all my success.

Thanks for taking the time to write this testimonial Balt. It’s much appreciated! Looking forward to see you again.

Our next PADI IDC programs on Malapascua are starting 25th September and 21st November. Travel restrictions permitting!

Ask for more details!

PADI IDC Testimonial by Lucinda

Here we are with a PADI IDC Testimonial by Lucinda on Malapascua in the Philippines. One more participant of the November 2019 PADI IDC on Malapascua. As always in conjunction with PADI 5* IDDR Resort ‘Thresher Cove Resort’.

Firstly, Lucinda is a ball of emotions. Some drama but also some fun! Secondly, once she got it, she’s on top of it. Her enthusiasm has no limits.

Certainly the IDC is challenging at times. As Lucinda can confirm. However, if you stay at it and follow the system, you will persevere. Most certainly Lucinda is a living sample of that! After work stints in the Philippines and Thailand, she’s currently in Malaysia. Right on girl!

PADI IDC Testimonial by Lucinda

Lucinda after she successfully passed her PADI IE on Malapascua. Together with PADI examiner Sophia.

Let’s see what Lucinda has to say about her IDC experience on Malapascua;

I did my IDC with Camille in Malapascua, Philippines at the end of November 2019.
As well as being a great teacher and barer of knowledge he is also a great laugh! Occasional days with information overload and endless presentations were made to be fun and educational engaging all 5 of us candidates and creating unforgettable bonds and memories within the group. Every question we fired at Camille he answered in great detail for us all to understand. Even during the IE he came to support us and calm any nerves or apprehensions we may have had prior to the big 2 days with the examiners!
I am very pleased to completed the course alongside all of my fellow candidates and with Camille our mentor for the duration. I cannot thank you enough for helping me open the gateway and educating me into my new career path!

Thanks for that. As always, it’s much appreciated for taking the time out to write this. Carry on and enjoy your life as PADI open water scuba instructor. It was a pleasure having you around.

If you want to change your life and become a PAD Instructor, check our out PADI IDC schedule here.

Firstly we have an IDC starting 22nd May. Secondly, this is followed by 27th July.

Don’t hesitate to ask for more detailed information.

PADI IDC Testimonial by Jackie

We continue with another PADI IDC Testimonial by Jackie. She also participated in the November 2019 PADI IDC. This PADI IDC I teach in conjunction with PADI 5* IDDR Resort ‘Thresher Cove Resort’. Right here on Malapascua.

Firstly, Jackie came very well prepared! Secondly, that made my life very easy! Thirdly, she’s a great person and has a great personality. Most importantly, she has a good sense of humor and can handle a joke or two. No surprise here though, her Irish heritage prepared her well for that!

All this combined, made it a pleasure to have her as one of my students during this PADI IDC. As far as I know, she’s still on the island, working for one of the many dive centers on the island. They are most certainly lucky to have her under their wings.

PADI IDC Testimonial by Jackie

Jackie with  PADI examiner Sophia, after she successfully passed her PADI IE.

No need to wait any longer, here’s what Jackie had to say;

The IDC with Camille was everything I thought it would be and more. There was a lot of laughter and good atmosphere, but also serious time when going through the important stuff. We worked hard, studied hard, had homework every night, and I wouldn’t change a thing. We went over and over the things that we struggled on or that were really important, and

Camille has the patience of a saint.

I think I asked him three thousand questions a day, sometimes the same question in a different way, but he never batted an eyelid, just gave a good answer and reassured us that we could do it. He gave us all confidence going forward and I know that I will always appreciate the good course I received. I have a feeling I will be emailing questions in the future, because Camille is more than just a brilliant course director, he is also a mentor, and a good friend. I have never laughed so much in my life, and of course we all passed 🙂

Thanks Jackie, always appreciate if someone takes out the time to write a testimonial!

Don’t wait any longer. Be like Jackie, change your life and become a PADI open water scuba instructor.

Our next PADI starts 23rd March. Contact me for more detailed information. Here’s our current PADI IDC schedule.

See you soon.

PADI IDC Testimonial by Vito

Here we go with a great PADI IDC Testimonial by Vito. The first testimonial of this year. Vito participated in the PADI IDC conducted during November 2019 on Malapascua in the Philippines. This IDC program I teach in conjunction with PADI 5* IDDR Resort ‘Thresher Cove Resort’.

First of all, Vito is the person you want as a member of you staff. Despite being slightly chaotic, he has the best outlook on life. Always positive and always a smile. Secondly, he has a great personality. Thirdly, his enthusiasm knows almost no boundaries.

Certainly Vito is a great asset to anybody who will hire him. I will follow his career moves with great interest and can only wish him all the best. On the other hand, I’m also fairly certain that he will find his way around in our dive industry. I can’t wait to see and meet him again.

PADI IDC Testimonial by Vito

Vito and PADI Examiner Sophia after successfully completing his PADI IE on Malapascua

Without further ado, let’s see what Vito has to say about his IDC on Malapascua;

You really find something about yourself and your passion, but, as I guess happens to everybody you struggle to make the right choices to make them become true, NOT THIS TIME!
I got recommended from the other side of the world to take a step forward into my IDC course and become a professional Padi Instructor recently after completing my DM training and, in a matter of seconds Mr Camille Lemmens was there to answer any questions and provide as much information as I needed. I was struggling for a week to make a decision but this day it only took me few hours to know that if I enrolled in his course I would become an Instructor in no time!

And here I am again,

2 years after my first diving experience as a PADI OWSI + Specialties and can’t be more proud of myself, the knowledge shared in Camilles’ course was simply fantastic and so well oriented to what we really need to know about the industry for fast progress! 10 day course and SO MANY LAUGHS you couldn’t imagine, everyone had their own nickname and we were so close to each other in little time + of course we all passed.

So just wanted to say thank you a trillion times and hope life will put us back together for more fun but specially to carry own learning and absorbing your experience. Thank you Sensei!!!!!

Thanks Vito, for taking the time to write this, Much appreciated Mr. Corleone!

If this testimonial by Vito inspires you to become an instructor, join us in our PADI IDC programs. Here at Thresher Cove Resort we have six more IDC programs scheduled for 2020.

First of all, we have a program starting 6th February. Secondly, this is followed by an IDC starting 23rd March. Check here to see our full 2020 IDC schedule.

Don’t hesitate to ask for more detailed information on our programs. You can start at any level. See you soon!

PADI IDC Testimonial by Anthony

Here we are with the PADI IDC Testimonial by Anthony. First of all, it looks like this will be the last testimonial for the February PADI IDC.  Secondly, the PADI IDC programs on Malapascua I teach in conjunction with PADI 5* IDDR Resort ‘Thresher Cove Resort’, Just in case that isn’t clear! Thirdly, more testimonials from the November IDC are bound to follow!

Certainly it is interesting to see Anthony’s confidence levels grow throughout this IDC program. At times his nervousness seems to be his biggest enemy! He did overcome this though. Superbly, actually, and managed to pass both the IDC program and the PADI IE with flying colors.

Above all, it’s interesting to see where his instructor career allowed him to work. Greece, Cambodia and currently Thailand are his stomping grounds.

On the other hand, it looks like I just will miss him and Karen when I start the next PADI IDC on Koh Lanta in January 2020. Very unfortunate indeed. I am looking forward seeing you again. One day, this will work out!

PADI IDC Testimonial by Anthony

Anthony with PADI Examiner Sophia HyeKyoung Jung after he successfully passed the PADI IE

Let’s get on with it and see what Anthony’s testimonial is about. It’s in French and here we go;

Aujourdhui, un peu plus de 3 mois après avoir passé mon IDC avec Camille, et suite à mes premières expèriences en tant qu’instructeur PADI, ici en Grèce, sur l’île de Rhodes , je me dois de partager mon ressenti et mon avis sur cette expérience.

Il y a de ça un an, lors de mon voyage en thailande, j’ ai decidé de changer de vie, et de me lançer dans cette aventure, qu’ est la plongée pro. Après avoir passé mes premiers niveaux, divemaster compris, sur l’île de Koh Tao, ma compagne et moi avons pris la décision de nous rendre aux Philippines pour faire notre IDC avec Camille. D’une part, le pays nous attiré , mais surtout nous étions decidé et convaincu que Camille serait le course director idéal, notamment de part la réputation qui le précède sur le web mais aussi à travers les discours de plusieurs personnes ayant travaillé avec lui et évolué à ses cotés lors de l’IDC.

Pour faire court, nous ne nous sommes pas trompé. D’une pédagogie hors norme, tout en gardant une grande part d’humanisme, il fut un “outil” et une aide précieuse en terme de compréhension, d’adaptation et d’evolution, pour nous permettre d’atteindre une certaine maturité et etre prêt pour l’ IE mais aussi pour bien débuter en tant qu’instructeur.
Pour ma part il fut aussi d’une grande aide au niveau personnel.

Je le remercie pour cela,

ainsi que Lucio, qui nous à accompagné, aidé et conseillé jusqu’à la fin de l’IE, qui s’est soldé par une réussite pour l’ensemble du groupe.

A noter que Lucio comme Camille reste disponible pour moi, quand je fais appel à eux pour des questions, conseils et même pour m’aiguiller dans mes recherches d’emploi. Un grand merci pour cette belle aventure.

Merci beaucoup Anthony. Much appreciated, as always, that you take the time out to write this testimonial.

Now, if this motivates you to change your life and become a PADI Instructor, we can accommodate that. Right here on Malapascau, at Thresher Cove Resort. Check out our PADI IDC schedule here.

First of all, we kick off the new year on 6th February. Secondly, this is followed by a PADI IDC program that starts 23rd March.

Most certainly I’m looking forward seeing you there. In conclusion, contact me for me detailed information. See you soon!

PADI IDC Testimonial by Steven

Here it is, the PADI IDC Testimonial by Steven. This still dates back to the February 2019 PADI IDC on Malapascua. Certainly good times at PADI 5* IDDR Resort ‘Thresher Cove’.

First of all, Steven is the quiet one, sitting in the corner. He just seems to be observing. Secondly, he already completed his Divemaster course at Thresher Cove. A home boy, so to speak! Thirdly, he killed all his presentations. Quiet but his take in is marvelous. Nothing needed to be explained twice to him. Despite him being French, he understood everything superbly well in English.

 Most certainly Steven is one of the easiest IDC candidates I ever worked with. Not only that, at the end of the IE party, he confessed his true and endless love to me! At least alcohol had no influence on that! We did all have a good laugh though. And more importantly, good times!
Within a week I will be back on Malapascua, for the November 2019 PADI IDC. Steven is one of the instructors at the resort. Absolutely looking forward seeing him again.

PADI IDC Testimonial by Steven

Steven with PADI Examiner Sophia. He just completed very successfully his PADI IE on Malapascua.

Without further ado, here’s Steven’s testimonial. Get your French reading glasses out tough;

Déjà bientôt un mois que ma formation d’instructeur s’est achevée et les souvenirs sont toujours bien encrés dans ma tête…

En novembre 2018, après 11 ans à travailler sur Paris, je décide de réaliser un tournant dans ma vie professionnelle en m’orientant dans une voie que j’affectionne : la plongée.

Après avoir visité Malapascua en novembre 2017, il ne faisait aucun doute que je voulais démarrer ma carrière professionnelle ici. Après avoir accompli avec succès ma formation de divemaster, la formation d’instructeur s’est imposée à moi tout naturellement. Par chance, Camille organisait quelques temps après la fin de mon divemaster une formation d’instructeur.

Après un premier échange de mails avec Camille,

je savais déjà que je participerai à son cours! Les informations fournies ont été claires, précises et je n’ai pas eu du tout de surprise au premier jour de formation. Malgré un environnement de travail pas forcément des plus confortable et du matériel pédagogique un peu capricieux, la formation s’est déroulée dans la bonne humeur perpétuelle notamment grâce à Camille qui a tout fait pour nous mettre à l’aise durant l’ensemble de la formation, répondre à nos interrogations, nous rassurer quand nous doutions…

Même si la formation est particulièrement soutenue (les journées peuvent être longues), je remercie Camille pour les précieux conseils prodigués et le savoir transmis. En plus de Camille, je tenais à remercier Lucio, notre staff instructor, qui s’est montré tout aussi disponible et attentionné. Bien sûr je n’oublie pas mes camarades de classes sans qui cette formation n’aurait pas été la même. Malgré nos environnements d’origines différents, la magie de notre passion commune a su nous souder pour faire de cette expérience quelque chose d’inoubliable…

Merci encore à toi Camille, Lucio et toute la team, en espérant vous revoir où que ce soit dans le monde…

Thanks for taking the time out to write this testimonial, Steve. It’s much appreciated.

My next PADI IDC programs on Malapascua

Certainly this testimonial has peaked your interest to join us for your own PADI IDC. So, come and join us. First of all, on very short term terms, we have an IDC starting 22nd November.
Secondly, the first PADI IDC for 2020 will start 6th February. This is followed by 23rd March. To sum up, check the 2020 IDC schedule here.

PADI IDC Testimonial by Lucio

Here’s the PADI IDC Testimonial by Lucio. Lucio staffed the February 2019 PADI IDC on Malapascua. First of all, Lucio is a PADI IDC Staff Instructor. He is trained to assist a PADI Course Director during Instructor Development Courses. Secondly, the February 2019 PADI IDC at Thresher Cove Resort had a big group. As a result, I needed somebody to help me staffing. On the other hand, Lucio had no staffing experience up till that moment.

After a couple of emails to and from, we agreed that he is the man to help me out. Most importantly, there’s no regrets. Lucio is one of the best PADI IDC Staff instructors out there. In other words, I can’t wait to work together with him again.

He’s funny, easy going but also knows when it’s time to be serious. Certainly he can handle the stress that comes with staffing. He’s been a great asset to this PADI IDC. Which also reflects in the testimonials of the IDC candidates. Each single one of them mentioned him!

PADI IDC Testimonial by Lucio

Lucio is on the right of this group picture of the February 2019 PADI IDC

It’s time to have a look what Lucio has to say about this February 2019 PADI IDC;

I worked with Camille as IDC Staff Instructor during the February IDC in Malapascua, Philippines. What first stroke me about Camille was his professionalism when we communicated via email. Without knowing me, and despite this was my first experience in staffing an IDC, he just trusted me. This attitude was of course confirmed during the IDC, when I needed just a few tweaks to proceed in complete synchrony with him with a decent load of responsibility.

At the same time, he indirectly taught me a lot. He just knew where to stress a concept and where to let a candidate make a mistake. It took him one or two days to understand exactly every candidate’s profile, including their weaknesses and their strong points. This allowed him to teach adaptively and, as it turned out, extremely successfully. To me, he was the most open and helpful, available for consulting at any moment and keen to let me interact with the candidates during the classroom hours and the practical classes. He would never keep a thing for himself.

His mastery about the PADI system is, evidently, thorough.

This, together with his large experience as an Instructor first and as a Course Director later, makes him a monument of knowledge he’s constantly willing to share.

Finally, there’s a point I really appreciated about Camille. It’s again about professionalism, this time though towards the candidates. Beside being friendly and passionate, he assists them without being too serious or way too mild. He knows he’s dealing with his future colleagues, and he acts accordingly.

I hope there will be further chances to work together, Camille. It will just be a great pleasure.

Thanks for taking the time to write this testimonial Lucio! It’s always nice to receive them. Especially if they come from a peer!

As already mentioned, I’m looking forward being able to work with you again!

Our PADI IDC Schedule for 2019

In conclusion, check our PADI IDC schedule for 2019. First of all, the next PADI IDC will start 26th July. Secondly, another PADI IDC program will start 29th September. Thirdly, I will be back come 23rd November. Book now and get early booking discounts!

Contact me for more information on our PADI IDC programs at camille@threshercove.com

PADI IDC Testimonial by Karen

Here we are back with a PADI IDC Testimonial by Karen. First of all, she participated in the February PADI IDC on Malapascua in the Philippines. I conducted this PADI IDC in conjunction with PADI 5* IDDR Center ‘Thresher Cove Resort’ on Malapascua island.

Karen and her partner followed me around! We have been talking for a long time before they signed up for this PADI IDC. On the other hand, be wary when she has a question! That is to say, it’s not just the one question. She has plenty of them. Most importantly, good on her though! How to arrive at a PADI IDC well prepared. She writes that book every day.

PADI IDC Testimonial by Karen

Karen with PADI Examiner Sophia after successfully passing her PADI IE. Somebody’s very happy!

Consequently, here we go, with the PADI IDC Testimonial by Karen;

If you asked me, a year ago if I wanted to try diving it would have been a loud and clear “no”.
Today almost one year later, I’m an Instructor. Hard to believe when it comes from a young woman who used to fear the ocean.

When I decided I wanted to do my IDC I was looking with my boyfriend at several different places and reviews of different course directors, – until we found Camille. My boyfriend who I did my IDC with and I looked him up and decided to contact him. After a few email correspondences, we were sure that we wanted Camille to be our course director. We even moved our IDC location so we were certain that we were going to do it with him.

Some people find the theory part of the IDC the most difficult. It always depends on how much you know already and how much you’ve prepared yourself. For me it was the mental development which I find the most important as well that was the most difficult, – but Camille really made it both changeling and exciting at the same time. He was supporting, helpful and the best teacher you can imagine, – always trying different angles to make you understand better.

Camille is not just a great teacher

but he also likes to connect with each student on an individual level that makes his courses so much more real. He is a very talented course director and I really enjoyed having him as mine. He prepared us very well for the IE and with a patient and open mind figured a way of getting all of us to our goals. His always funny and smiling attitude helped getting all of us through some of the more challenging parts of the IDC. His countless experiences and stories made all the theories to a more “human connectable and understandable level” and actually made each topic interesting and important to learn, understand and appreciate.

Today I’m a Dive Instructor and already got my first job for this summer season in Europe. I’m proud of myself and Camille helped me getting where I am now.

It’s important as well to mention our great Staff Instructor Lucio Bellomo. He was absolutely amazing. An amazing instructor, – and his constantly smiling, helpful and professional mindset helped all of us to succeed our IE. He got me thinking of who I am as a person, what my strengths and my weaknesses are and how to become the best possible version of myself as a new instructor.

I will definitely keep contact with Camille

and Lucio and forever be grateful for everything they taught me. They made me think of the most important thing about being an instructor, – not just by following the standards but also teach with passion and with the psychology of diving as an important aspect of teaching, – and furthermore understand how to teach the best possible way. They gave me the best guidance and teaching, – preparing me for the IDC and for that I’m very thankful. Two lovely men that I for sure will miss being around (and helping me when I have too many questions).

Once again, Thank you for the best IDC. I can only recommend choosing Camille as your Course Director.

Thanks for being there Karen. Certainly you made a difference and the course would not have been half the fun without you. In short, an emotional roller coaster it was. With all the ups and downs that go together in that context. It is my pleasure to have met you and be your teacher in this case.

Above all, thanks for taking out the time to write this testimonial. It’s appreciated! Good luck in your further dive career. June 2019, you’re in Greece, rock it girl!

Our PADI IDC Schedule for 2019

Most importantly, check our PADI IDC schedule for 2019. First of all, the next PADI IDC will start 26th July. Secondly, another PADI IDC program will start 29th September. Thirdly, I will be back come 22nd October.

Contact me for more information on our PADI IDC programs at camille@threshercove.com