Once again had a great time in Pondicherry India on the PADI Instructor course. Pondicherry has a wonderful French colonial feel to it and it is always great fun to get back in touch with the guys from Temple Adventures 5 Star IDC. Plus I get the chance to take the bullet for a ride, at least when I can get it started.

Always enjoy a ride on the bullet during the IDC in India

The India IDC had a great group with Meenal from Chennai, Vinay coming down from the Andamans, Shannon joining us from northern Ontario and Rajesh, I think finally working out that he is from Bangalore. Leon, one of the Temple Adventures instructors, joined us for some more PADI Specialty Instructor training.

Out at the quarry for our open water presentations on the India IDC

Shannon actually completed her divemaster with us on Koh Tao and followed Julien our tec instructor to India for more experience with the tec diving. She is now back on Koh Tao for the MSDT internship and will once again follow Julien to Mexico for some cave diving. She is obviously a Julien groupie.

Shannon demonstrating skills in the container on the India IDC

Shannon finding her way int he quarry during open water presentations on our India IDC

Shannon descending in the quarry on our India IDC

Rajesh was actually working as a divemaster for Temple Adventures 5 Star IDC and has stayed on in his new role as instructor. Vinay has returned to working in the Andaman Islands, and Meenal has gotten a job with the newly opened Dive Chennai. Great to see you all doing so well.

Rajesh with a mask removal and replacement demonstration on our India IDC

Rajesh with my mask when he forogt his for the confined water presentation on our India IDC

And of course I appreciate the feedback:

"Dear Sir,

Yeah I survived the party and it was a blast. It was a privilege to be with you and your guidance helped me a lot during the entire course. I am back in Andamans and I hope too see you soon here. Please keep in touch and I would always be grateful for all your help. Take care and once again my heartfelt THANKS!!!!"

Regards Vinay Raj

Vinay having done his hair before a photo at the quarry on our India IDC

Vinay demonstrating during India IDC

"Hi Mark,

We all had a fantastic time during the course and the party. Been seeing your facebook updates and looks like Thailand was fun. Thank you for all the effort and the faith you had in us."

Meenal

Meenal doing a CESA during our India IDC

Meenal in the container during our India IDC

I even completed some further Scubapro technician training with Jonah Skoles from Temple Adventures PADI 5 Star IDC. It was an excellent opportunity to meet many dive professionals from around India and valuable training with the equipment.

IDC candidates in the container on India IDC