I loved every moment of the courses!

All courses were taught in a very professional, interesting and challenging way!
Anders’, Goretty’s, and Simon’s dedication and passion of diving were a great inspiration for me and I am thankful for having had the opportunity to learning from them and I hope that I’ll be able to pass on the same passion to my future student divers.

The facilities were great. The classroom and boat were spacious and well maintained and Pro Dive staff at resort were most helpful in every aspect.
Holding the IDC outside of Playa at the Catalonia Playa Maroma resort, located right next to the ocean, created a very unique and enjoyable environment.
Also, being next to the Pro Dive center at the resort gave me the opportunity to observe how the dive operation functions and even to interact sometimes with clients.
The pool is large and easily accommodated our group of 13 divers for our skill practices. I very much enjoyed the excursion to Cenote El Eden. It provided us with the opportunity to dive in a new environment as well as to prepare us for the open water session of the IE which I thought was most useful.

The instructors were outstanding…the IDC would not have been the same without the professionalism of Anders, Goretty, and Simon who made the whole two weeks of training an unforgettable experience!
Their dedication, patience, support, and enthusiasm created a unique environment for learning.
All three were a great inspiration for me to becoming an instructor.

The organization of the IDC was outstanding and I particularly liked the team work between the three instructors, especially their consultations with regard to training sessions and students’ evaluation. One of the reasons of signing up for the IDC with Pro Dive Mexico was the two weeks training schedule. I, especially, liked the way the IDC was combined with a trip to the cenotes as well as a Poseidon Rebreather presentation which provided some new experiences.

The MSDT was a great and fun learning opportunity which I believe has enormously increased my knowledge in teaching specialty courses.
Transportation service during the IDC, MSDT, and TEC40 was very convenient and the shuttle service was pretty much on time (but nobody can control traffic). The different drivers were all very nice, helpful, and accommodating. Having had such a great learning experience with Anders, Goretty, and Simon I already have and will continue to recommend this courses to others.

Again, thank you very much to Anders, Goretty, and Simon for making this IDC an unforgettable experience.

Susanne

immediately I felt very happy I chose Pro Dive Mexico as my CDC

I had such a good time during my IDC.
After the first day I immediately I felt very happy I chose Pro Dive Mexico as my CDC centre. They are professional, enthusiastic but most important very skilled. I had the pleasure to work with Anders and Goretty. Each of them bring their own strengths with them whilst teaching. They are all very helpful including everybody working in the diveschool itself.
There is such a team spirit present in Pro Dive Maroma J .

The only thing I would say that the boat is slightly uncomfortable, ( original boat is being remodeled) ( hey I am being picky now so you can ignore me).
I am actually trying to put myself in the clients position. The fact that it has no room for your tank whilst sitting on the benches is ever so slightly painful on the back J . LOVEd the excursion to the cenotes.
I especially loved the fact that we got to see how the PADI IE would work which I think works o our favor as the nerves during the IE are obviously present and it makes it all easier to have worked in the “difficult’” circumstances during the IDC

I think Both Anders and Goreti bring their own strengths and passion into the classroom. I thoroughly enjoyed being in the classroom with them and I have learned a lot

We had a small group for the IDC and this worked in our favour very much. I would recommend doing both the IDC prep and the MSDT. In fact the second course I thought was actually a nitrox speciality so definitely worth doing the MSDT prep.

My favourite part of the course was the “naughty student” situations. Not only does it prepare you for the PADI IE it also prepares you for the real world out there…. And trust me…. It will happen…..

I would recommend the courses very highly to anybody that would like to make a career out of diving.
To have the ocean as your office? Now that isn’t so bad! Pro Dive Mexico is for sure your best choice to do it with. Professionalism, fun, creativeness, thoroughness, good teachers and just the best time ever!

I have cc-ed Remco as well so he can do his spear as well. I had a blast!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much guys!!!

Marijke

Loved every single minute of it.....

What was your general experience about the whole course?
Loved every single minute of it. would do it again if i could! you guys are inspirational!

What did you think of the facility? Classroom, Pool, Boat, Excursion to Cenote?
Think everything was ideal.. cenote was bit tough for teaching due to sediment and uneven surface but equally gave a great logistical challenge so even that was brilliant!

What is you evaluation of the instructors and Course Director who taught you?
I thought you guys were brilliant. Anders without wanting to big you up to much.
you really are a diving inspiration (i've got my own free diving manual now!) and to have the experience of Goreti and Jim knocking around and helping on the course was equally useful.
Goreti was great and pushed us hard in the pool, and to have jim running the base was great nearly every break i'd ask him a question or for his opinion on something just for another view!

What did you think about the schedule and timeframe of the course? (IDC prep, IDC, EFRI, MSDT)
I thought it was great, when you gave us a full day off, I wouldnt have minded doing half a day rescue practice. but in the end we all aced it. and i watched couple of videos and checked in the manual.
But thought all was great. really enjoyed the prep course too!

What was your favorite part of the course?
Without being too cliche.. just listening to you, Goreti or Jim talk. you guys are so passionate and knowledgeable. it really does push the students to do better i think. Cant wait to find some money an do my cave course!
also loved the banter between us all, the cenote dives. and mock teaching

Is there any think you would like to change (if you could) in the IDC?
Maybe get Jim to do a little more if possible. As i think perhaps the more knowledge you can get from different people with different experiences the better.
But i loved it. and perhaps a touch more time on rescue in pool stuff. but guess we did that on prep course actually!

Would you recommend this course to others?
Without a doubt, most definitely. I' ve even spoken to other instructor friends of mine who are jealous of the quality and time and fun that we had! It's a great start to my instructing career and I cannot wait to get stuck in and teach now!

thank you all so much!
hope to see you guys soon

Tom Hiney

One of the greatest experiences of my life.....

What was your general experience about the whole course?
In general, the whole course was one of the greatest experiences of my life.
I was impressed with the high degree of coursework schedule flexibility demonstrated by the instructors Anders and Goreti. I appreciated all the extra effort. It was a good example to set for the future instructors, and it showed me how much you cared about the quality of education you provide.

The fact that all of your candidates passed the IE is the final measure. As a candidate, I found myself very well prepared for the testing. It was like being on a sports team that prepared well in practice and showed up for the game and wins because they execute their practiced plays.

Another interesting (to me) impression was that my fellow candidate Eian was an excellent diver. He was in my group in the MSDT and so I saw him dive in deep open water. When I found out that last fall Eian began his training with you as an Open Water diver student, I developed an even greater respect for the quality of your training program.

What did you think of the facility? Classroom, Pool, Boat, Excursion to Cenote?
The classroom was great, the pool was perfect and full of visual challenges :)

What is you evaluation of the instructors and Course Director who taught you?
You are one of the best leaders I have ever met. This leadership translates directly to your performance as an instructor. You are the best!

Goreti is a great instructor, a great human being, and a great example to us all. I especially appreciate how direct and honest he is. His straight talk about our shortcomings was very important in the process of getting us to push ourselves to try harder. Even more important was that he never took a shortcut on a critique. He truly cares about the quality of his instruction and he cares about his students. I am very high on Goreti.

What did you think about the schedule and timeframe of the course? (IDC prep, IDC, EFRI, MSDT)
The most positive thing regarding schedule and timeframe was that on most every day, there was a good balance of classroom and field time. Also, there were ample breaks...this is a good thing.

What was your favorite part of the course?
Developing a high comfort level with pool and open water presentations.
A side benefit of this was that experiencing this with my fellow classmates created an opportunity for strong interpersonal bonding and the beginnings of strong friendships. As we pass forward, I feel like I am networked with some of the most interesting and exemplary individuals on the planet!

Is there any think you would like to change (if you could) in the IDC?
I do have a suggestion... it would be helpful if optional arrangements could be made to ship the books and materials we accumulate (during the course) back to our homes via FedX... Lugging that stuff through the airports is unpleasant.

I have no additional recommendations. You guys are fantastic. I recommend that you be very judicious with your changes... what you do works!!!

Would you recommend this course to others?
I will recommend this course to others. In fact, I already have.

Take care fearless leader!!!

Kent

Mix of people.....

I really enjoyed my PADI IDC with Pro Dive Mexico. The mix of people really made our course, we had individuals from all over the world.
I thought the course was run smoothly and professionally, and help was always given if we needed it, and not just in 'classroom hours'. I felt prepared for our exams and well drilled.

I also really benefited from the IDC prep course, and it enabled me to go into the IDC feeling prepared, and it gave me a boost because i was genuinely worried i wasnt good enough to start the course.

Maroma (Scuba Academy) is a really good setting, we had access to the pool whenever we wanted, we just had to ask, the classroom was plenty big enough to accommodate all of us, the cenotes trip was pretty special, i think everyone was hooked one one taste!

Our course was predominately taught by Anders and Goreti, but we did meet Jim in daily contact at maroma. all 3 guys were lovely! really helpful, knowledgeable, conducted our course with the professionalism it deserved but made it fun, and (even tough its very padi!) i felt they were really good role models, people that you enjoying listening to and really find yourself looking up to.
it was really good for us as well that clearly they all got on so well together and had so much time and general affection for each other.

I really felt though out the 2 weeks i was actually becoming an instructor. the people i met, i like to think ive made some life long friends. and obviously passing!

Would you recommend this course(s) to others?

HELL YES!

Kate

There is a reason that Pro Dive Mexico.....

There is a reason that Pro Dive Mexico is one of the most popular Go Pro/IDC centers in all of Mexico.
The reason is course director Anders and his staff instructor Goreti. Their dedication to providing thorough training is reflected in the prestigious CDC award from PADI. Their hard work and enthusiasm are infectious and standards are high.
They are an inspirational team.

What did you think about the schedule and timeframe of the course? (IDC prep, IDC, EFRI, MSDT)
The schedule is perfectly tailored to allow self study, practice and repetition of skills and scenarios, and instructor-led learning. Individuals will find ample time and tuition available to help them succeed. .

Mexico itself offers the unique oppourtunity to experience cavern and cave diving in its cenotes. There is not a more beautiful place to graduate as an instructor.
I cannot recommend Prodive's instructor training highly enough. Thank you Anders and Goreti.

My drysuit is packed and I'm off to Ireland tomorrow!
Thank you for a great time in the IDC.
Stay safe in your caves.


Helen Cordingley

YOU GUYS DID GREAT!!

What was your general experience about the whole course?
I only did the IDC with you and I liked it a lot!
The training was great, the atmosphere was great, the people where great. Nothing to complain about. YOU GUYS DID GREAT!!

What did you think of the facility? Classroom, Pool, Boat, Excursion to Cenote?
Again nothing to complain about.
Great, big, air-conditioned classroom, nice big pool (probably the cleanest in the whole Riviera Maya region).
I also liked the fact that we got to practice in the cenote before the IE, so we were prepared for the different environmental conditions.

What is you evaluation of the instructors and Course Director who taught you?
Motivated, enjoy what they are doing, competent, professional, knowledgeable, helpful and always approachable

What did you think about the schedule and timeframe of the course? (IDC prep, IDC, EFRI, MSDT)
I think it is good that it's spread over so many days. It's good that we had a day off in between.
It was good to get some rest. And even if we were behind the schedule sometimes, which is probably hard to avoid, there was still enough time in the end to practice everything so that everyone was well prepared for the PADI IE.

What was your favorite part of the course?
The pool sessions. The open water training in the cenote ...I did not like the defiblirator training... hahaha

Is there any think you would like to change (if you could) in the IDC?
Maybe in the 2 day IDC prep. I would do more pool and less theory.
But that's just my personal opinion because for me it's easy to study theory by myself. For other people the whole day of theory might have been useful.

Would you recommend this course to others?
DEFINITELY

Karolina

Serious, relax, fun and enjoyable.........

About the whole course: I personally liked it because the general ambience of work and the relationship with Goreti and you are serious, relax, fun and enjoyable.
Goreti tried each time he could to involved us in a course, a demonstration or a dive.

The facilities: I can say that I liked it very much. We have all the equipment and workplace we needed at Maroma, customers we can learn to teach, van for the transportation. It s perfect.
But all these facilities are nothing without an excellent relationship.

Learning with Goreti was a very good experience for me. Goreti and you were always there to answer our questions, to show us new things or to help us for a course, some equipment or any problems.
(A special thanks for the cave diving. I have to find an IANTD school to continue cave diving and start technical courses)

I also can say that, when I saw the other guys from other schools at the exam, i was happy not have done the IDC in their school.
The skills demonstrations were not my favorite course at the beginning, but now I can say that it helped me a lot to be more confident for teaching.
I liked the way you introduce us to different ways of diving. Now I m hungry of technical diving.
The IDC prep is useful, don t stop it.

I would recommend these courses to others if I know that Goreti and you are still here to teach.

Fabrice

Just Perfect!!

What was your general experience about the whole course?
I found eveything really professional, we got good prepared for the PAI IE.
It was dense but even then, we still had time for fun.

What did you think of the facility? Classroom, Pool, Office, Boat, Excursion to Cenote?
I don't have any complains. everything was clean, in a good condition and the cookies in the classroom were excellent =)

What is you evaluation of the instructors and Course Director who taught you?
it was a good combination. anders has a lot of experience with theaching idc's. Goreti has a lot of experience as working as an instructor - perfect!

What did you think about the schedule and timeframe of the course? (IDC prep, IDC, EFRI, MSDT)
I would have wished to have at least 1 day off. 14 days in a row plus, 3 days IE is quite taff and dense.

What was your favorite part of the course?
everything what was in the water. the dopple tank and the trip to cenote was cool =)

Is there any think you would like to change (if you could) in the IDC?
give 1 or 2 days off for the students  or at least once a week a bit more time to sleep in the morning!

Would you recommend this course to others?
Absolutly!!!!

I had an absolutely amazing time.........

Starting with the IDC prep and going all the way towards completing the IDC, IE and MSDT.
I really feel that I have received some outstanding training of the highest quality as well as build a support network and friendships for life within our group, which makes me incredibly confident as a new instructor.
I honestly enjoyed every day of the course and I want to say congratulations to both Anders and Goreti for being able to train us so professionally and making it so enjoyable at the same time. I hope you guys had as much fun as we did :)



I thought the schedule and timeframe was very good. After one week I felt very exhausted and the day out at the cenote as well as the try out Go Tec session really "refreshed" me and got my energy levels up again.

The facilities are great, nothing to add here. And regarding my favourite part of the course, wow, i really can´t say. It has been a great experience all the way. Full stop :))))

What about Anders your Course Director:
I am so impressed by how you did the whole course and trained us. I really really appreciate everything and i truly have to say you are doing an awesome job. Thank you so sooo much for everything!

Would I recommend this course to others - hell yeah!!! And i wish I could do it all over again, too :))))))

Isabel

Anders and Goreti are very nice and pacient persons, great divers and awesome teachers.

Their style is different, but it's good to have more than one role model so you can adapt what you like from both and combine it with your own teaching.
They always had an open ear and helping hand (closing wetsuit zippers, carrying tanks :) making coffee) and I'm really happy that I've done my course wth you guys!

What did you think about the schedule and timeframe of the course? (IDC prep, IDC, EFRI, MSDT)

I know there are several IDC centers doing the IDC within 7 days, and hey, not even as a gift I would like to change with them.
It's good to have your 12 days for the IDC, there's no reason to rush over things and you even get some sleep :)
So for me it was perfect!

Simone

Great time throughout the whole PREP/IDC/IE !

I had a great time throughout the whole PREP/IDC/IE.
It was such an amazing experience because I did my Rescue and my Divemaster also with Pro Dive Mexico so I knew the standards are high.
It turned out that "high standards" are "right standards"...the way PADI it expects at the IE.

So after the IDC I thought I missed something, but it turned out that the instructor trainers prepared me very well and there was nothing to stop me of passing the IE with a big smile.
A big thing during the IDC were the great facilities at the Maroma and the whole organization.

I would highly recommend the IDC with Pro Dive Mexico and I already did.
I would love to work my way up so I could do it over and over...even though not as a student!

Thanks a lot for a great training. I am ready!!!

What a nice experience!
Had great fun, learnt a lot and feel ready to start teaching diving

Also The staff Instructor Goreti and Cours Director Anders Heegaard were very good.
I got great results in the PADI IE all thanks to the instructors.
Anders is a particular excellent teacher.

What a nice experience!

Everything was very structured and organized, very friendly, nice dive sites, Well organized and within the timeframe.

The student portal Pro Dive Mexico has is a BIG adavantage, I used it a lot.

The Academy has a good buffet, deep PADI size pool, clean boats and freindly crew.
Such a nice place to be for the day.
The beach and boat crew stood out with kindness

The Course was challenging and fun.

I felt that I was adequately trained and prepared for the IDC and PADI IE.

The facility has a great big class room and the instructors and Course Director gave great effort.
They are very knowledgeable and proficient!

Anders and his crew really cared about making us into good instructors.

Adecuado para poder superas el examen final.

Muy buenos Instructores mostriando interes el el progreso de sus alumnos.

Capaces de vez los puntos flacos de sus aluminums y ayudarles a mejorar.

Muchos Gracias......

I enjoyed the course extremely.

I have done an IDC back in England and was not confident enough for the PADI IE.
This time round with Anders and Goreti I was confident and happy about the PADI IE.

This course, including staff and students was an inspiration to myself.
I am very pleased and satisfied that I continued my diving career with Pro Dive Mexico.

Materials and products within the facility were easy to find and use. Good classroom materials and the swimming pool was good size and depth. Open water dives were excellent including boat and staff.

Excellent staff for the IDC!!
They were easy to work with and made me feel part of a team.
Couldn’t have asked for better instructor trainers.
These guys teach the IDC thoroughly and confidently and remove any doubts from your head.
Grateful I have gained my experience with these members of staff.

Thank you so much.

At the beginning of summer our son was faced with choosing a dive centre for his training to become a PADI Dive Instructor.
We advised him to email some dive centres and forward the replies to us so that we may help him choose. The dive centres that responded had replies ranging from languid to stupendous.
A few replies caught our attention due to the professionalism of the writer and detailed responses that were tailored to the questions asked. The choice between the few finalists was difficult but, in the end, one dive centre stood out.
This was Pro Dive Mexico Scuba Academy with Anders Heegaard as its Course Director.

Since this was going to be a substantial investment for our son in regards to time and $$, we had many questions.
Anders promptly and patiently answered each and every one to our satisfaction.
As a result we recommended to our son that he book with Pro Dive Mexico. In September our son partook in the IDC (Instructor Training) with Pro Dive Mexico Academy and passed his exams with flying colours.

After the exam he partook in a further course, MSDT (Master Scuba Diver), also successfully.
From the emails and telephone conversations with our son during his training we understood that that the course was run very professionally.
Anders was not only concerned that the students pass the exams but truly wanted to ensure that they excel in the industry, far beyond average.

At the end of his training, our son applied for an instructor position in several parts of the world.
He quickly received multiple job offers and ended up accepting a position as Dive Instructor at a leading resort group that operates a chain of dive centres around the world.
Our son has shared his job offer emails with us and what stood out in one of them was a comment that was included in an email from Human Resources of one of the dive centres: "We have decided to offer you that position based on your resume and the quality of the instructor training you have done that is familiar to us, without the interview".

Anders‚ superior reputation precedes him and the above testimony attests to the high standards he adheres to and which are well-known in the diving industry. We have no doubt that training with Anders and Pro Dive Mexico was instrumental in helping our son find immediate employment as Dive Instructor. We wish Anders, Pro Dive Mexico as well as our son nothing but the best and are convinced that all three will continue to be valuable assets to the diving industry. :D

Just a quick note from Thailand to let you know that I got a great job. Diving is really good here, and I love it! Couldn't have done it without you. Many times I think back to what you tought me and the confidence you gave me. Thank you, take good care,

Thanks to the great training I was promoted to base leader after working here for only 4 months in Caicos. I have seen how some dive centers work, and I am very glad I had my training with you guys in Cozumel. Now I have a dream job, and I make good money. I will come back next year to do my IDCS with you guys. Happy diving,

hasta pronto,

How is everybody doing?
Started my new job in the Florida Keys, and I am a very happy camper. There is nothing better then diving and working as a PADI instructor. Seems I am doing all the courses here now, the owner thinks I'm doing a pretty good job. I know, standards and rules, did not forget anything. Pro Dive Mexico is the best - thanks for everything you did for me. I will never forget the training, and how everybody took time to make me feel at ease.

Saludos, I miss you all.

Many thanks for all the preparations you gave me for my new life. I am now at my new job, and I feel 100% confident that I can handle any situation (even a "lightweight" like me :)

During my first open water course I was a bit nervous, but I remembered everything I was taught, and it turned out easy! I even gave my first rescue course already, that was great fun.
And yes I still remember all my dive theory .... not to worry. Your training was awesome, and you made it easy. My sister wants to become a PADI instructor too, I will send her to Cozumel to train with you.
Thanks for helping me to start my dream job,
I love you guys.

Un beso, Saludos, I miss you all.