Big Blue Tech - This One Has Bite

Welcome to the website of Big Blue Tech, the dedicated technical training and exploration department for Big Blue Diving branches nation wide.

We offer Technical Diver, Cave Diver, Rebreather Diver, Dive Medic and Scuba Engineer courses from several internationally recognized training agencies. We provide more courses and diving options then any other dive college in thailand.

We provide certified divers with technical expeditions, wreck explorations, cave penetrations and rebreather destination all lead by our experienced in house dive team.

Located in four places in Thailand with our main resort in Koh Tao, you can find our offices in Bangkok, Khao Lak and Chumphon giving you options for diving including Similan Islands

We also provide equipment repair, sales and service for Apeks, Oms, Halcyon and rebreather units.

 

About Us

Big Blue Tech: The Resort
Big Blue Tech resort has been listed by the Lonely Planet as a highly recommend destination in Thailand. We've also been listed in the Sunday Times and Dive Magazine for as a highly rated destination. We work very hard to make this western owned, western managed dive resort work the way our customers expect.

One of the main reasons we're so popular is location. We directly on the beach, you can see the sea from your room door and at last measure it's 37 normal steps from the furthest door to get your feet wet.

Accommodation

Recently renovated including a brand new accommodation wing offering rooms to suite all budgets and tastes. All of our rooms have bathrooms, balconies, daily room cleaning, fresh soft linen and hypo allergenic mattresses (no bed bugs). You can choose to have a basic fan room or upgrade to our luxury rooms with Air Conditioning, in room fridge, hot water and satellite television. Every room has a view of the beautiful valleys and hill tops, and are situated around the beach. We have 24 hour security and free taxi services to take you to and from our famous beaches.

If you are traveling with family or require a longer than usual stay we can arrange the rental of bungalows and fully stocked long stay houses that are surrounding the resort, these are booked on request, contact us for more information.

Our Location

You can find our offices in several locations throughout thailand who can provide you with transport and advice about visiting us. However if you're already in Koh Tao or on your way you can find our resort directly on the beach in Sai Ree.

If you're planning on coming with us for your technical diving don't worry, we'll be at the airport and accompany you to Koh Tao

Our Facilities

We have a restaurant that offers excellent Thai and Western food. A on resort Bar with western staff who just might be the same people you're diving with. We have 3 dive boats and 3 taxis so we're never crowded. We provide oxygen boosted to 200bar and all mixes of oxygen, helium and nitrogen to your liking. We use the latest and newest equipment. We also have an onsite retail shop for dive gear and can arrange any equipment you like during your course.We also offer diving insurance and have our own dive medic who can consult regarding any health concerns.

For the Instructor

Many divers out there have often wondered what it might be like to do their hobby for a living. Here at Big Blue Tech we can make that dream come true. We have access to monthly PADI IDC's and SSI Crossovers with instructors from both the recreational and technical side of the resort. If you're already an instructor we offer many courses for your to continue your education to become more employable and a better instructor.

Rebreather Facilities

if you're already a CCR Diver we have a large range of exciting diving destinations for you . We provide DiveSorb at a discounted rate and can offer your trimix dilluent and o2 boosted to 200bar. While your not diving you can relax by the pool knowing your unit is locked in our secure equipment room. We can arrange to have your unit shipped ahead of you or arrange for a rental unit of your choosing. As of recently we now have rebreather cylinders, so no more lugging those on a plane.

 

Big Blue Tech: Technical Credits

DSAT
Design Science and Technology

Not the best name in the world but is one of the fastest growing technical certification bodies in the world. DSAT is the technical branch of padi responsible for the PADI RDP and other tables and calculation systems. Being a padi branch DSAT is accessible and easy to get into for recreational divers. However they limit their certification to only 75m and open circuit.

TDI
Technical Diving International

TDI is the most respected and recognized training body for CCR Rebreather systems world wide. TDI have been around for a long time and have taken the leap into the rebreather market with great success. Limited in educational material allows room for other agencies to take ground

ANDI
American Nitrox Divers International.

Don't let the name American sway you, they are very international. ANDI has been spear heading cave and technical diving world wide for decades. Many of the technical manuals used today come from the creators and designers of ANDI

SSI TXR
Scuba Schools International Technical Extended Range

The new kid on the block arrives in the technical market with course offerings featuring many aspects on the wish list for years. Combining all the good and none of the bad from other training agencies, ssi txr appear set for wide recognition

 

Big Blue Tech: Getting Here

Thailand is the land of sun, sand and smiles, however it's probably not the easiest place to get to for diving. We are here to help you any way we can. We have access to book flights and transport cheaper then you can from home. We have offices in Bangkok and Chumphon where a rep will meet you and help you to your destination. And we have 2 resorts on both sides of Thailand for you to relax and enjoy when you're done.

Flying

The closest airports to us are Bangkok and Samui. If you're already in Asia getting to Samui airport is very easy. However for international travelers you will have to fly to bangkok first then connect to Koh Samui. This is the easiest way since from Samui to koh Tao it's only a 2 hour ferry journey. If you fancy a bit of an excursion on the way the bus or train is what you'll want. However train and bus takes about 8-10 hours and by plane it's about 30 minutes.

Bus

There are several busses running daily from Bangkok to Chumphon which is the closest port to Koh Tao. These are local busses and we don't recommend them for comfortable travel. However running twice daily are luxury coaches that run in the morning through the day and overnight making the journey about 8-10 hours. These busses are run in connection with the ferry service Lomprayah and Seatran.

Boat

Lomprayah Catamaran: This is a large vessel with air conditioning, amenities, toilets and flat screen tv's showing the latest movies. However don't be fooled by their advertisement of speed because they're no faster than anyone else. We only recommend this ferry during calm seas, when it's rough and windy even the most veteran ferry traveler will be ill.

Seatran Discovery: This is typically a larger vessel and much better for sleeping since they have large long padded benches with the same amenities as the others. A few small differences make this our choice that they are direct and use a common pier so no one bugs you when you get off. They're a single hull design so a much smoother ride no matter what the weather. On a personal note they play documentaries on the tv which can be a bit boring, especially their most recent one about northern lights... yawn.

Night Car Ferry: The night ferry is an awful, horrible slow, smelly, dirty experience. But if you have to do it you can be assured your own bed and privacy. Most people just get really drunk and pass out. There have been stories of people waking up on palm trees with a huge hangover just noticing the ferry is shipping palm trees. that's like shipping snow to canada.

Train

We love the train, its the only way to get down to chumphon. Travel first class and get a bottom bed. Take plenty of water and snacks since they only serve food at the stops when local thai chefs try to sell you battered grasshopper. Not that were knocking that cuisine but we don't recommend it for fresh western stomachs.

Big Blue Tech: Technical Equipment
Deep down you want the best, so that's why we spared no expense in stocking top of the line equipment. For details about our CCR Units please contact us, Rebreathers are only rented for courses.

For The Student

During your course you will use Apeks XTX series regulators, double bladder wings and a soft harness for the perfect fit. These are provided to you as part of your course and we don't charge extra for equipment

For The Diver

We are fully stocked to rent everything from deco regs to reels, from spare masks to lift bags, twin sets to o2 bail outs. All these things can be rented at your leisure and can be arranged whenever you like. We simply ask that if you break something, you fix it

Computers

We primarily use Suunto Vytecs with 3 gas modes for our diving. They're inexpensive, reliable and perfect for our diving. We have access to VR3 computer for those doing their Trimix course and CCR Courses.

Suppliers
At this time we only use OMS, Halcyon and Apeks gear for rental, sales and service.

Big Blue Tech: Technical Boats
Big Blue Tech own several vessels used for multiple purposes. These boats are used for local training and day trips. Each vessel carries a full on board staff, safety and communication devices, GPS Tracking, toilets, oxygen and first aid, kitchen with free amenities. We also have large dry areas and large dive areas for all the gear.

These boats are utilized by our recreational diving department primarily however when we get on, we take up so much space it ends up being us alone.

"Blue Dolphin"

This is our similan islands speed boat. We use this for 6 months of the year on each coast to match the high seasons. This boat has great speed and range with 3 outboard motors for full redundancy. This speed boat can accommodate 25 divers for up to 100km away from land.

"Banzai"

This is our main vessel used on Koh Tao for our long range diving. The boat has 3 compressors and on board blending system. Can accommodate 50 dives up to 40km from land. This is the vessel we use for full day trips to Sail Rock.

"Navakid"

Navakid is our second vessel used for medium range diving. With 2 compressors on board and limited space. Can accommodate 35 Divers up to 30km from land. This vessel is used for local sites like Chumphon and South West pinnacles.

"Big Blue"

Big Blue boat is our personal favorite, the reason is, it's cheap, small but fast. We use this boat when we need to stay and do decompression training at a single dive site. This vessel has one compressor and limited space taking on a max 20 people, however 10 is a more comfortable amount.

 

Big Blue Tech: Resettlement

You served your country now we're here to serve you, unlike other companies we don't take money from you just for paperwork. The get paid out of the courses you do, the rest is yours to do what you like. However we do not support military funded holidays. If you're not looking to getting to this type of diving with serious intentions then this won't be a good place for you to study.

We have many x-forces who have completed training with us from RAF or NAVY who we can put you in contact with for references.

Blue O Two

Working hand in hand with Blue O Two based in the United Kingdom we can provide technical training or technical explorations to members of the british forces wishing to do some hard core diving in cocktail conditions. Packages are available to help you get the most from your grant including accommodation, food bursaries, flights and exam fees.

The Transition

For many members of the British Forces it comes as quite a shock to leave their life, friends and surroundings and be exposed to such a dramatically different life with palm trees, bikinis and cocktails. Where we help is by meeting you at the airport but not just an employee but one of our very own former military crew members who have been where you're just coming from. Plus it's handy having someone you can talk to and show you the good bars for you're first night!

ELCAS

At the moment the only recognized ELCAS course we offer is the Open Water Instructor Course.

 

Big Blue Tech: Underwater Multimedia
Big Blue Tech rely on multimedia for capturing precious moments for marketing, helping companies market their own scuba equipment, map wrecks, map dive sites and to enhance the technical diving experience.

We also provide this service for customers who want a DVD or photo album as a souvenir of their adventure with us.

Underwater Photographers

We use skilled and professional underwater photographers to capture and document our trips. It's quite a challenge being a technical diver and then adding a camera makes the challenge much greater, so we prefer to use only the most experienced individuals.

During your time with us you will get the chance to meet these individuals on the livaboard and during your training.

For copies or rights to print our images please let us know and we will contact the individual photographer for you.

Underwater Videographers

Because our role is primarily instructing we don't get the opportunity to film. However you can see wreck and technical diving footage courtesy of the History Channel's Deep Sea Detectives who joined us in Koh Tao to film the USS Lagarto with Mv Trident.

Multimedia Internships

At the moment there are no certifying agencies who can provide courses. However hands on internship programs are available for people that want to learn how to get into this industry.

 

Big Blue Tech: Eco Friendly

Living and working in a tropical paradise takes responsibility, we take this responsibility by supporting local efforts with technical support and logistics. We donate boat space, diving equipment and facilities for individuals conducting ecological assessments, clean ups, bio rock initiatives and training.

We also use our popular news section to create awareness of global ecological problems.

Underwater Cleanup

Big Blue Tech crew supports and volunteers underwater and beach cleanups monthly to help keep Koh Tao clean. Being technically trained means we have the skills and equipment to stay down much longer and recover large and dangerous items.

Beach Cleanup

We're always happy to clean the beach and roads around our area, we even donate the Deep Jeep to help cart the garbage away for disposal. We're not a particularly messy company but we feel its our responsibility to clean up since we brought the technology and mess here in the first place. And there's usually great parties after.

Awareness

Our resort has stopped serving food items that are listed through Project Aware, we make sure to educate divers on the effects of humans on the underwater environment and are always willing to give free lectures and seminars to the local community. We also have our local staff educate their friends and family about the effects of waste and pollutants.

Wreck Preservation

We need our wrecks, when we have the time we work to preserve the items on the wreck before the sea bed burry them. We also help to educate people about being responsible and careful with what to remove from wrecks and what should remain. Quite often we dedicate dives to removing hazards and fish traps from the wrecks to protect marine life and keep the wreck clear and safe to dive.

 

Big Blue Tech: Training Team
Our technical training team is comprised of skilled and experienced individuals who excel in their own field of expertise. No one can train divers to do everything, with that we have specialists who focus on their own personal interest in the area they're responsible for.

Our team work and live in a very small community of technical deep diving explorers who's main goal is to train and expose divers to this ever growing style of exploration.

We provide technical diving in English, French, German, Spanish, Swedish, Thai and Japanese.

James Thornton-Allan
Director Technical Operations

James is responsible for the day to day operations of Big Blue Tech and the on going quality assurance of technical diving operations including the expanding selection of dive sites and training courses for Big Blue Diving branches nation wide.

James provides contact and liaison through all facets of technical diving at big blue and provides on going consultation for other technical diving companies and agencies. For all course and diving bookings please contact him directly.

Matt Rolph
Director Hyperbaric Services

Matt is responsible for the Dive Medic Programs and provides ongoing support and education for other technical courses. His main goal is providing consultation to future technical divers and providing emergency support.

Everyone who dives with us meets Matt for a full check up prior to going into the water. Matt is a senior paramedic and dive medic responsible for evacuation and treatment of diving related injuries.

Jamie Macleod
Director Instructor Development (DSAT)

Jamie responsible for providing instructor level courses to those wishing to climb the PADI ladder of technical instructor courses in DSAT program.

When not training future professionals Jamie with his partner Stewart run the Mv Trident technical exploration vessel in the gulf of thailand.

Jamie is also our in house Thai instructor and is available for translation or entire courses upon request

Stewart Oehl
Director Instructor Development (SSI-TXR)

Stewart is responsible for providing all courses to those wishing to climb the SSI ladder of technical courses in their new program of SSI-TXR. Stewart brings to the table years of technical diving experience which he shares with our students studying one of our courses. He is also responsible for technical instructor level certification for SSI-TXR

When not training future professionals Stewart, with his partner Jamie run the Mv Trident technical exploration vessel in the gulf of thailand.

Bruce Konefe
Director Instructor Development (ANDI)

Bruce is responsible for the development and training of all ANDI courses at Big Blue Tech including Cave and CCR training up to Instructor Level. Bruce has several years experience in the cave systems and technical training in Thailand and brings an alternative style of teaching and certification for our customers

Hannah Lusby
Technical Dive Manager

Hannah is one of our in house technical dive managers who's responsibility is for the west coast technical diving in the Smilan Islands and Phuket. She provides logistics, underwater guide, supervision and liaison with west coast dive operators.

Hannah is also developing advanced underwater communications and support with the use of "sea signs"

Niall Mackenzie
Technical Dive Manager

Niall is one of our in house technical dive managers who's responsibility is for the east coast technical diving in Koh Tao and Koh Samui. He provides logistics, underwater guide, supervision and liaison with east coast dive operators.

Oskar Sjostrom
Technical Dive Manager

Oskar is one of our in house technical dive managers who's responsibility is for the mainland technical diving in caves and caverns. He provides logistics, underwater guide, supervision and liaison with many cave tour operators.

Oskar is also our in house Swedish instructor and is available for translation or entire courses upon request

Guillaume Fargues
Technical Instructor Development Coordinator

Guillaume is responsible for coordinating instructor development courses and assisting in their application. Regardless of what level you wish to complete be it technical diving instructor or open water instructor Guillaume creates an effortless process and private tutor beyond what is already provided.

Guillaume is also our in house French instructor and is available for translation or entire courses upon request

Dean Jenkins
Technical Divemaster Coordinator

Deano is responsible for the ongoing training and development of our Technical Dive Master Program. Those completing their tech dive master program will work closely with deano for all aspects from physics to water skills. Deano overseas your entire development and insures that all your diving needs are addressed including accommodation and equipment.

Tim Klein
Technical Multimedia Manager

In Tim's former life he worked in the film and tv industry giving him many years of time behind a camera. Tim's main role at big blue tech is looking after the training and supervision of individuals participating in underwater videography and photography while technical diving.

Tim is also our in house German instructor and is available for translation or entire courses upon request

 

Big Blue Tech: Employment
We're always interested in individuals who can provide a service or create a market not already in existence in our school.

To apply for a posistion please send a resume to info@bigbluetech.net, we are very keen on connecting with professionals with languages and spefic skills sets. Please see below for openenings.

TDI IT
Director Instructor Development (TDI)

We are curenctly looking for an individual who holds a TDI IT. This person will be responsible for the development of TDI courses in Big Blue Tech nation wide and provide instructor and diver level course.

Compensation is salary plus comission in keeping with local wage standards.

Food and accomodation bursaries available.

Position is contract and performance based.

UK Rep
United Kingdom Technical Co-ordinator

We're looking for individuals who live in the untied kingdom, already an experienced technical diver and are current or former british forces to act as a liasson for our company.

The right individual will be responsible for handling UK based customers along with their logistics in getting to thailand.

Compensation is commision based only

Swedish Instructor
Swedish Recreational Instructor

We're looking for swedish recreational instructor to start in 2009. This posistion is full time and performance based.

Compensation is based on commision only.

The right individual will be responsible for teaching Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, EFR and Dive Master Programs

 

Contact Us

Big Blue Tech
P.O Box 3 , G.P.O Koh Tao , Thailand 84360

 

By Locations Big Blue Tech - Similans (Opposite Jerung Guesthouse) Middle of Main Street Khao Lak Thailand +66 076 485 544

Big Blue Tech - Bangkok (Beside Seatran Ferry Office) Viengtai Hotel Bangkok Thailand +66 026 293 830

 

Big Blue Tech - Chumphon (Across from Farang Bar) Chumphon Thailand +66 077 504 441

Big Blue Tech - Koh Tao (Next to Fizz Bar) Sai Ree Beach Koh Tao Thailand +66 077 456 415