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Current and Ex-Military Testimonials

First of all, on behalf of the sailors onboard USS RUSSELL (DDG-59) I would like to send out an underemphasized THANK YOU to Steve and his crew of finely tuned diving machines! Mermaids Dive Center made many dreams become reality for over 20 young men and women by attempting and completing an overwhelming request. After contacting Mermaids via email, we coordinated some arrangements to get some diving experience for my shipmates and I while in port Thailand. Mermaids Dive Center is unbelievably REMARKABLE! They are a relatively small dive center with the most knowledgeable, courteous and understanding personnel. Not everyday is there a request to get 20-25 people Dive Certified within a 4-5 day period with those people working 3 different shifts. I have no doubt that this task was painstakingly difficult (working WELL outside of normal business hours), yet Mermaids staff remained focused on safety and comprehension, but maintained a fun-loving outlook for everyone. The experience that I, myself, endured shall stay instilled that I may remember the great times that I had with new friends; whether it was the boat facilities, the smiles on everyone’s faces, the encounters in the land of buoyancy or the wonderful food that we were blessed to have between dives. I will recommend Mermaids to ANYONE who asks, whether is would be a grandmother of 85 years young or my son. Thank you very much to Steve, Russ, Tom and the rest of the Mermaids crew for one of the most unforgettable adventures of my lifetime.

Mermaids Dive Center …our hats are off to you!

Russell A. Ross CTT1(SW)

LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT

I retired after 25 years in the U.S. Army that decision was a scary one so many unknowns. Fortunately I found myself in Pattaya Thailand with a lot of free time on my hands. I had my future road map narrowed down to teaching English or scuba diving. Needless to say teaching English just seemed like way to much work so I set out to the local dive shops to do some enquiring.

Know as an aviation safety officer I’ve spent the majority of my military career watching soldiers and doing risk assessments looking at all aspects of an operation to ensure its success and safety. I haven’t spent much time in the water since my youth and the time I did spend was on the Mississippi river, I had no ocean experience. I have some disabilities from my service time, and felt unsure of my physical capabilities. Well, after several days of looking around I found the dive shop that fit into my comfort zone. This was my first encounter with really good staff. I explained all my concerns to the guys and I knew after that they would take good care of me.

I ended up enrolling in the open water course and continued with Mermaids Dive Center  through to instructor. I plan on returning there to continue my scuba education, you just couldn’t ask for a better group of people or learning environment.

No matter what your plans are: swimming, snorkeling, scuba, or just wanting to ride the boat and watch to see if it’s for you, you will find it to be relaxing and someone will be there to answer your questions. I found scuba diving to be enjoyable hobby for several reasons, I was exercising, seeing something new the underwater world, and meeting people from all over the world. The friendships made and the good times had by all during these days made me realize that scuba diving is enjoyed by all.

CWO Kevin L. Wagand ( U.S. Army, Retired)

Recently, myself and several of the guys from my ship got basic scuba certified by the Mermaids Dive Center in Pattaya Beach, Thailand. The experience was amazing. The instructors took the time to make sure everyone was comfortable and had the basic understanding required before we ever jumped into the water. Once in the water they went over every skill as long as needed to ensure that everyone was comfortable and had successfully completed it.

Along with being excellent dive instructors / teachers, they made the experience very enjoyable. Whether it was the great lunches, joking around on the boat, or just taking an interest in getting to know us all, they went out of their way to make the experience incredibly fun. They knew that we had an odd schedule being on a US Navy Warship, and they adjusted theirs, so that everyone who wanted to get certified would have the opportunity. I can't say enough good things about my experience with Mermaids.  

John Plant STG2(SW)

I enjoyed the fact that they were very friendly and always willing to answer questions. Kat was very helpful in the final stages of getting qualified. Without her help, I don't think I would know as much as I do now. I have been able to complete 12 dives since the certification and owe all of my experiences to the Divemasters and Instructors at Mermaids.

Chris Jackson EN2(SW)

Just a quick note to tell you Thanks again for the Top Shelf service your shop provided us while in Thailand. Please pass on to  your entire crew our many thanks. Jenny, Alex, and Dave were great on our Hardeep dives Sun, and the crew Friday was top notch.

MERMAIDS ROCKS IN PATTAYA!!!

Best wishes on your continued business success,

Regards,

Marvin Thiele

Okinawa Japan

The instructors of Mermaids Dive Center provided an exciting and stimulating experience. Their evident expertise and ability to instill proper technique in students provided an extreme level of comfort. I send my many thanks to them, and look forward to many dives in the future.

Chris Kooken STG3

The instructors at Mermaids Dive Center were very helpful in making sure that all the students were comfortable and I felt very safe knowing that there was more than one instructor looking out for my safety. They also took us to different dive sites to give us a different feel in all types of water currents. I would recommend Mermaids Dive Center  to anyone who will be in that area.

Vaughn Rogers DC2

Mermaids Dive Center offered a relaxing day-diving experience that was extremely affordable! The employees were courteous and helpful making the entire experience the way a pleasure dive should be: Pleasurable!

Robert Burke ENS

Peter, 

I just wanted to thank you and your staff there at Mermaids.  This was simply an awesome experience and I can't thank you enough.  Hopefully I will get the chance again one day to come and dive with Mermaids again.  Thanks again

Zane

AZ1(AW) Zane F. Garrison

          HSL-37 DET 1/USS Chafee Air Department LPO

          garrisza@ddg90.navy.mil

         zane.garrison@navy.mil