Sub Aqua Divecenter, diving Khao Lak, dive Similan islands

News - SUB AQUA DiveCenter™ Khao Lak

SUB AQUA DiveCenter Khao Lak wins the tauchen-Award for the secound time!

We are very happy that we won the famous tauchen-Award 2007 third place for the second time at the Boot 2008.

Thank you to all our costumers and supporters for diving with us and supporting us for this contest. We wish you pleasant and adventurous dives where ever you are!

Source: SUB AQUA DiveCenter™ Khao Lak; 17.05.2007

The M/V Nam Sai is a huge success!

The consistently positive feedbacks from our guests show us clearly: Our vessel, the M/V Nam Sai, has lived up to our expectations!
Not only could the M/V Nam Sai meet the many different needs and requirements of our divers, she was also cheered by snorkellers and non-divers.

“We were deliberately choosing to stay on the “Nam Sai” – this newly built vessel offers lots of space + comfort.”

“…when we switched to the Nam Sai. From then on our holidays really took off. (…)

“The trips with the Nam Sai were very laid back. Even though we spent many hours every day on board , we were perfectly able to relax. And although it got crowded sometimes there was always enough space to read, to sun-bath or just to have a nice conversation. The food was excellent – from breakfast to snacks in the afternoon.”

Retrospective, looking at the first season, we can say that both, the dive- and the boat crew, have done a very good job!

Way to go!

Source: SUB AQUA DiveCenter™ Khao Lak; 17.05.2007

More service on the new vessel M/V Nam Sai

- On all our boat trips a videographer will be at your service to film your dive on request and then copy the movie on cd-rom. The cd can be picked up the next day at the SUB AQUA DiveCenter™. A “day-trip”-cd is available for 1800 Thai-Baht*, a personal memory of the Overnight-trip will cost 2200 Thai-Baht*. For our repeaters we have a special price of 1300 Thai Baht* per cd.

- Now it is possible to try out brand new rebreather gear during a “Discover Rebreather”- dive. This experience can only be booked on spot for a surcharge of 2200 Thai-Baht* on top of your dive package.

- You have now the option to get your Nitrox certification during a Nam Sai-daytrip!

- Could you think of something more relaxing than having somebody pamper you with a good massage after a dive? Lately you can treat yourself to a traditional Thai-massage on board. A 30-min.-massage is available for already 200 Thai-Baht, oil-massages cost 250 Thai-Baht. Of course for both massages the time-limit can be extended.

- Our bar is expanding: in addition to the original Bavarian “Franziskaner Weißbier” (=wheatbear), we have added the popular Bacardi Breezers to our new selection. On overnight-stops we also offer a range of red- and white wine.

Source: SUB AQUA DiveCenter™ Khao Lak; 18.12.2006

Successful launch of M/V Nam Sai

Top 10 Thai Sites

On time for the upcoming winter-season 2006/07 the M/V Nam Sai headed to the Boonsong wreck on her maiden voyage on October 30. Before her first official trip the M/V Nam Sai was blessed by offering oblations – according to traditional Thai custom. This was a very important act, because the spirits have to kept happy. And indeed, soon the initial chaos at the jetty was turning into an established “SUB AQUA-routine” with its famous service… and it has to be said: this first trip was a huge success!

It made us very happy that our divers seemed to be more than just satisfied as they were raving about the new vessel. We used the first days to identify and eliminate eventual weak spots which occurred on the daily routine. By simply changing some screws for example, the overall speed could be increased, so that we can now reach the aspired 13 knots. Further improvements and modifications will follow during the next weeks. Even at this early stage it can be said that the M/V Nam Sai is exceeding all our expectations.

With over 25m length and 5,5m width the M/V Nam Sai offers plenty of space and comfort on 2 decks. A more than 40sqm diving platform with 4 entry-points guarantees a smooth and stress-free dive operation. The cozy chill-out lounge offers TV/DVD as well as a fully licensed bar. The open-air - though roofed – upper deck with a buffet, couches and tables is another relaxing place to sit together with fellow divers. To round of things, an underwater-videographer is at your service on all trips. Furthermore it is possible to participate in a “discover scuba diving” experience. Source: Khao Lak, November 2006

M/V Nam Sai close to completion

A recurring question seems to be the meaning of the word “Nam Sai”. In Thai, nam sai means ‘clear water’.

We (IQ Ernst and SUB AQUA Wolly) looked for an appropriate name for the new ship. In allusion to the diving conditions in the Similan Islands the question came up, how would you translate good visibility and/or clear, deep blue water into Thai? Ernst’s wife Meow meant, you would call it nam sai.

M/V Nam Sai.

Perfect. That’s it.

A nice and polite word in Thai, it also describes diving in the Similan Islands. Easy to remember, easy to pronounce and easy to write. Nice side affect is the link to the old times with the Blue Sea speedboats.

Work on M/V Nam Sai makes good progress. The lower deck is as good as completed. Propulsion with engines, gearboxes, shafts and propellers are in place and connected. Generators, fuel and water tanks as well as the steering are installed.

The main deck is in its final stage of completion. Both, the spacious dive deck as well as the cozy lounge with the bar are taking final shape and express once more the new concept.

The M/V Nam Sai is going to be a ship on which you will enjoy a relaxed day of your vacation with 2 dives.

Source: Khao Lak, September 2006

M/V Nam Sai in 2nd construction stage

As scheduled, during the "spring high tide" on 12.July 2006 the finished hull of M/V Nam Sai was put into the Pakchang River near Ranong, the site of the shipyard. Just now her size of 25 m length and 5,3 m width really shows off. In the 2nd construction stage the lower deck will be fitted with all the "hardware", like the 2 x 520 hp Hino Diesel, gearboxes, generators, fuel and water tanks, pumps, electrics, ventilation etc.

At the same time construction work progresses on the main and upper deck. As of today the first "sea trails" will be carried out by end of September, delivery to her home port Tab Lamu by early October. It looks confirmed that M/V Nam Sai will be put into operation as scheduled, in mid October 2006. Source: Khao Lak, mid July 2006

SUB AQUA Khao Lak with new Concept

Despite the difficult overall conditions after the great "Indian Ocean Tsunami" in December 2004, we mastered the first season successfully with our speedboats. However, the season also showed the limitations of a "pure" speedboat-based diving operation. After thorough brain-storming, calculations, argumentations pro & against, surveys amongst our guests we finally decided not to revitalize our old concept with speedboat transfers to a floating dive platform cruising within the Similan Islands.

Since mid April under construction, our new daytrip boat makes good progress and will be finished in time for the upcoming season. Delivery is scheduled for end of September, the inaugural daytrip to the Similan Islands for mid October. "Nam Sai" will be slower than a speedboat, but as no time is lost for the transfer to the main dive boat with the usual gear-up, briefings and "get the boat into position" procedures, our divers will end up in the water as quick as they did before.

Designed for 30 divers plus snorkelers, "Nam Sai" will first of all offer space, lots of it, with lots of service around. An onboard kitchen serving freshly prepared food for breakfast on the way out, lunch and snacks on the way back in, a cozy lounge with a fully licensed bar, sundeck are just a few features. Within these news we’ll keep you updated about the progress on ‘Nam Sai’ as well as further details about our new concept, planned schedules or other interesting details. Source: Khao Lak, mid June 2006