Testimonials
What divers say about their training experiences
What a fantastic week in Hurghada; loved every minute. Sharon you are a complete star, what an instructor. First we had a magical dive at Fanadir saw a trigger fish quite close, simply fantastic dive and I used much less air than normal, must be relaxing! It was so nice to be able to relax after all the open water training and actually being able to leave the mask on!
Then the piece de resistance - the Sunday afternoon dive at Fanuse when the dolphins put in a big show. Anna was so excited and emotional about that, she still has not stopped talking about it.
A huge thanks to everyone - really professional outfit and we also liked Captain Ahmed and the Pharos boat lads, brilliant bunch really good fun, also a really lovely atmosphere on the boat.
Anna is determined to crack the mask off routine; we will then be back in September so that Anna can finish her Open Water. I want to do my advanced Open Water and depending on how Anna goes with her Open Water she would like to do this as well.
We stayed at the Sol Y Mar Hotel, which was very reasonably priced and really superb, maybe a good lead if you need accommodation for the other divers? Highly recommended, very nice people, and very good price.
Ceri and Anna Shepherd, Godalming, England April 2009
My daughter in particular had problems with equalising her ears during the descents but our instructor Noelene went out of her way to help and after a few unsuccessful attempts Jessica, my daughter, was able to get to 18 metres! After successfully completing the course, I went on my first dive trip with Emperor Divers to the MFO Pipeline, and again as the novice, I was expertly looked after by Ute and Terry who made sure I got the best out of the dive. Thank you guys for introducing us to a new underwater world. I cannot recommend the Emperor Divers team at Nuweiba enough.
Stephen Dalton, Peterborough, England April 2009
Firstly I can truly say that I hit Gold with my course director, Steve Prior. I learnt more than I ever imagined I could, my brain became a sponge taking on vital techniques on how to pass on and teach this wonderful and fun sport of ours that we all shared. In doing so we not only learnt a lot but had so much fun on the way. Not once did I feel like I was at school needing to impress or be careful of my every move. The surroundings, people and attitudes where so chilled and calming. The staff at Emperor were always very friendly and timely, which all helped towards making my experience more personal and exciting. For me this course was extremely important as now I can return to the Seychelles and pass on my passion for diving in a much more knowledgeable way.....and a passion instilled in all the right ways.
I thank you all for the hard work, effort and care that was put into this for all of us.
Tamara Wolf March 2009
When I was considering where to take my PADI IDC, the word around Sharm was that I would probably pass the PADI Instructors' Exam regardless of which Course Director I took the IDC with. However, I heard that if I did the IDC with Steve Prior, I would learn a lot more valuable information that would be useful, for teaching in the real world, after the exam. This is why I decided to take the IDC with Steve and I made the right decision.
Ramy March 2009
The IDC course was important to me as it really was a life changing experience. I was tested as a person but I achieved more than I thought would be possible. The support I received (and hopefully gave) to the other members of the team really helped me through! The way the course was run and the teaching methods used really helped me to achieve my potential! I'm looking forward to becoming the Dive Instructor who others will admire and want to emulate.
Peter Kelly March 2009
I'd like to say a big thanks to Emperor for making my IDC/IE an unforgettable experience. It really felt like home for the time I spent with you. The facilities are great and the staff very helpful, friendly, down to earth and extremely professional.
Although not at the time, I know now all those factors relieved stress so thanks again for that. Steve and Jan what can I say?, thanks for your help, friendship and guidance. I feel I have the foundations to become a good Instructor.
Tim Philips March 2009
About IDC I have the warmest memories! It is my dream to be an instructor because I want to introduce people to diving, teach them to discover the beauty of the marine life. Emperor is the best diving center with great organisation and facilities. My IDC was fantastic! And I will never forget it! Thank you so much for everything!
Yasser, Sharm El Sheikh March 2009
Our thanks once again to Emperor Dive School Sharm El Sheikh for a fantastic diving holiday. My family and I recently completed PADI Open Water Course with you and found the centre excellent. Our instructor Penny was extremely patient with us as well as always cheerful and encouraging (as indeed was ALL the staff). The centre was well organised and the equipment in very good condition. Anyone thinking of taking the course - I would recommend doing a "Try dive" and also reading the manual/ watching the DVD of the course BEFORE going as the course was very hard work both mentally and physically and requires quite a degree of commitment. I would highly recommend Emperor Dive Centre Sharm El Sheikh as quality instruction at a value for money price.
Andy, Storme, Ben & Tom Smith, Poole, England February 2009
To all the staff at Sharm Emperor:
Just to let you know that Chris and I had a great time with you guys. Egypt was a great experience for us. I completed my open water course with Ryan - so thanks to him for getting me through in good order. Chris has much more experience diving than me and was completely impressed with your organisation and set up as the best he had ever used. Jenny took Chris through his advanced open water course and we dived together on the last day which was great. Jenny was brilliant and filled us full of confidence and a great sense of fun; please pass to her our thanks and best wishes.
Thanks again to every-one at Emperor who made our days so enjoyable and the diving such a good experience.
Max Venmore-Rowland & Chris Addison, Sudbury, England February 2009
Having just returned from Nuweiba, I would like to thank all hands for a great time, in alphabetical order - Andy, Chris, Pat, Steffie and Mohameds 1 & 2 as well as Beano. And of course a special thank you to Noeleen who bore the brunt of getting me through the D.M. course successfully. While Nuweiba may not have the profile of other Emperor dive centres the staff are first rate and very professional and many divers return mainly for that reason. Shall return in November and next year February and June.
Michael Mellor, England July 2008
Completed an Open Water Course with my two sons in Hurghada and got to say that from booking to completing the course I was impressed that the professionalism and friendliness of all at Emperor cannot be faulted. Special thanks must go to Mohammed our instructor, a calmer man I don't think I will ever meet. I hope to meet you all again.
Peter, Adam & Ashley White, Shrewsbury, England July 2008
Nuweiba: I did two dives and a rescue course. The two dives I did at Magana, my dive leader, Noeleen, did an outstanding job vary understanding and time was not a problem. The video I got from the shop very well done. Rescue course hard but good to do. To all at the dive shop you all had time to talk and if I had a problem with my diving you all tried to help me to find a way to solve it - that is customer care.
Jem Freeman, Camberley, England June 2008
Thank you and the Hurghada team for making our holiday a very special time. Myself and my wife, Caroline, dived with you for a week during which we completed our deep and Nitrox specialities. Our many thanks go to Cat for being such an excellent instructor and photographer! I'd also like you to pass our thanks on to Mick and Petra who not only led most of the dives but were both excellent companions on board. Mick even giving us an insight into his artistic talents.
Dave and Caroline Morgan, UK April 2008
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Thanks for the really excellent diving and tuition I received while on a recent holiday to Nuweiba. Patrick and Chris were excellent and helped me build confidence. I was very nervous and not sure if diving was for me, however, they both worked hard to make sure that I was technically and mentally ready to go. A great experience and I'll definitely be back to do my PADI next year.
Cath Macleod, Buckinghamshire, UK April 2008
We enjoyed our PADI Open Water Course with you - from the very beginning Emperor made me feel reassured about the type of service I would receive. Once we arrived for our first day, we met our instructor, Susi, who was absolutely superb. She is a great instructor and got us into the diving frame of mind right away. Although we had some classroom time, she made sure that it was broken up with practical experiences, and kept them study time light and enjoyable.
I always thought I was confident in the water, and up to a certain point in the course I was, but then I reached an obstacle - taking my mask off under water. I don't know why it got to me, but it did, and the first time I had to do it in the pool I panicked and nearly pushed off the bottom to breath "normal" air at the surface. Susi saw me panic, and kept hold of me, and in a calm and controlled way, helped me through my panic. I was very nervous the second time having to do it, and she could tell; it's strange how she can give you a look under water that says "Go on, you can do it, and I'm here for you". I took my mask off and it went perfectly. She give me the "OK" sign, gave me a clap, and shook my hand - I felt really encouraged and rewarded. Susi knows best!
When it came to the open water dives, I'd got my confidence back following that little knock, and felt good about being in the water; even more so now that I could stay there and breath! I was positively looking forward to showing Susi the skills I'd learned, and was really proud to show her I could take my mask off with the confidence she had restored in me. By the way, the boat staff is excellent too. They don't just take you places and lug your kit on and off the boat - they help you in/out of the water, on/off with your kit, and even cook you dinner!
It was such a buzz getting out of the sea onto the boat after our last dive and filling in our logbooks - I was so happy with what I had achieved, of course with the help of Susi. There was an option of a leisure dive right after, and I decided not to do it - that was until Susi had a word with me. She was right too - I would have regretted not doing it - it was a fantastic dive; no theory, no skills to demonstrate, just enjoyment and it was amazing.
Thank you to all at ED - you made this an experience I will never forget, with top class service, and left me with a desire to learn more. I can't wait to come back and spend some more time with you all in Sharm.
Mike Irving, Carlisle
Just back from a week in The Coral Beach Diving Resort (Marsa Alam) and followed the PADI open water diver course. Thanks for the wonderful experience and a great thanks to Vanessa (our instructor) for her professionalism and patience. Looking forward to go back next year and continuing the courses. The boats were very good, as well as your personnel on board who were always helpful. The staff at the dive centre were all extremely helpful and professional. Thank you to all at Emperor for making our holiday a memorable one!
Patrick and Olga, Belgium December 2007
13 teenage boys came to do Fastrack course - 12 qualified open water and one as a scuba diver
The Academy has only ever gone with Emperor (and we've done about 12 trips now over the last 15 years) and you have never failed to impress.
Debbie Carr, Edinburgh Academy, Scotland
Just back from a week in Sharm doing our Open Water PADI course. Just like to say thank you to all the staff, you're a great bunch of friendly, helpful and encouraging people. An especial thank you to Denis (our instructor) without you and Jon (trainee instructor) I know I wouldn't have done half the things I did. Having only learnt to swim 20 yrs ago - only in a pool. 5yrs ago in the sea & snorkel on the water. Terrified of water going up my nose, terrified of being under the sea and terrified of jumping in off a boat - basically just terrified. With every day a mental challenge to over come, 4 days later I did it, and qualified. Thank you so much. If someone as nervous/terrified of the water as I was can do it, it shows how good these instructors are. I am recommending them to everyone we know and looking forward to coming back again. The variety and colours of fish, with the clearness of the sea was beautiful. Next time I can relax and be marvelled - or maybe go for more training to 30mtrs! You never know.
Fiona, Ian & Adam Bowers, Easingwold, York August 2007
Having visited Nuweiba back in April/May 2007 and after completing my Enriched Air (Nitrox) course, I asked Chris and Noeleen if they thought I would make a suitable Divemaster candidate. After a lengthy discussion it became apparent that I was, so I said to them that I would book the EFR, Rescue and the Divemaster course as soon as I got back to the UK as it's cheaper doing it online. I also got the EFR & Rescue courses at a reduced rate because Andy & Steffi were celebrating six years at Nuweiba, lucky me. Courses, flight and accommodation all booked for July/August 2007.
After completing the EFR & Rescue courses I went on to start the Divemaster course. It took me three weeks to complete and pass. For the life of me I do not know how I would have passed if it were not for the patience, persistence and professionalism of Chris Le Plongeon who was my main instructor for the course.
Week 1 I was in what Chris called "I can't do" mode.
I struggled badly explaining anything to a group of people (even if it was just the instructors and no customers), I was very nervous and hated at what I called "being in the spotlight". I was at a point of giving up when Noeleen Graham sat a talked to me about everything and nothing, she did not talk to me about my fear at all. She then asked if I would go through with her what I was having a problem with. I refused and still stated that "I can't do it", after a while and more chat, she asked me again and this time I said "OK". I did the demonstration with Noeleen present but she was not watching me, I think that helped. I did the demonstration OK a bit ragged but OK and felt a lot better. Later in that day Chris told me he was around the corner and was listening and he commented that I did alright. After many more sessions and with more people present, I felt quite comfortable doing them. I felt extremely nervous giving my first dive briefing but when Chris asked the customers what they thought about my briefing they all stated that I had given all the info needed and when asked if I seemed nervous they replied "No". This lifted me no end.
Week 2 Chris said I was now in a "I can do it" mode.
Things just went from strength to strength. There was a guy who was doing his OW course and had an extreme problem clearing his mask after it was removed, Chris got me to spend time with him helping him overcome this problem after about 20-30 minutes he had it all sorted and I felt a real glow after he completed the task to Chris. I now know the pleasures of teaching someone and watching them grow in confidence and achieve what they thought was impossible.
Week 3 I was in "I am going to do this" mode.
I was worrying about the equipment exchange at the end of the course, it sounded rather intense. I was paired up with Noeleen to do the equipment exchange and I thought they was having a laugh, as those who know Noeleen, she is, how can I put this, vertically challenged compared to my 6ft 4in 15stone frame. Anyway the day came to do my equipment exchange and all went far better than I thought and I passed. I did look funny with Noeleen' very small fins on my size 13 boots, a very small BCD that was extremely tight across my chest and waist. Noeleen could not keep my fins on her boots and I am sure she could have swum around inside my BCD.
What I am trying to say is a huge big thanks to Chris, Noeleen, Paul, Andy and Steffi for helping me through this very intense and at times, for me, daunting course. If it was not for the above mentioned peoples total and utter commitment, sheer professionalism and determination I would not be a Divemaster and would not be writing this. So praise to all at Emperor at Nuweiba, I will be coming back to haunt you some more.
André M. Ray, PADI Divemaster #645514 August 2007
My husband and I have just returned from our first diving holiday with Emperor in Sharm El Sheikh where we complete our Advanced course with the help and guidance from James who has the patience of a saint and with my compass skills - boy did he need it! Thanks to him, he made the course enjoyable and we never felt uneasy or unsafe at anytime!
I would also like to say a special 'thank you' to Sameh - he is a first class instructor and what an ambassador he is for Emperor! Thanks to him, I was able to overcome my fear of night diving and once I relaxed, I thoroughly enjoyed the night dive - it actually turned out to be one of my favourite dives of the holiday.
It was also encouraging to see that you also develop local talent - by this I mean Allah. On several days we were lucky enough to be on the boat with both Sameh and Allah. Allah showed a great deal of knowledge and patience and actually made a great deal of difference to the young girl he had in his care and by the end of her holiday, her buoyancy had improved in leaps and bounds. We have no doubt that he will go on to be a fantastic instructor!
The whole experience was utterly professional and great fun and staff at the dive centre were all extremely helpful and professional. We cannot wait until next diving holiday with Emperor! Thank you to all at Emperor for making our holiday a memorable one!
Kim and Graham Stansfield , Stone, England July 2007
Thank you for a brilliant 3 days diving off Marsa Alam. My husband and I took our Advanced diving course and the only down side was the windy weather. Our instructor Janice was first class and made us feel very confident and the diving enjoyable. It was hard sometimes to remember we were actually on a course. My husband, who only took up diving after me because he was getting left behind, thoroughly enjoyed the experience and even went on an extra. I would also like to thank the crew for helping us when it was required and for the brilliant food that was served every lunchtime. In fact all staff that we came across were very helpful and friendly. We would not hesitate to use Emperor divers again or recommend them to our friends. Thank you so much again for making our holiday such a memorable one.
Helen and Steve Birdsall, Denmead, Hampshire July 2007
I recently completed the Open Water course with Emperor Divers in Hurghada. I would just like to say a massive thank you to Karen my instructor. She was fantastic and so patient with me. I was very nervous and afraid, but with Karen by my side I knew I could do it. My boyfriend and I have now decided to go back to Hurghada and I will be doing my advanced course! Thank you so much, you have fantastic staff.
Amy Mcleod, England July 2007
We have recently returned from a fabulous holiday to Sharm and had to give our thanks to Emperor Divers. Sameh taught me as an open water diver (having transferred from scuba course was very worried how I would take to it!) and was a great teacher, especially patient as it took a while to get the hang of it! I'm definitely converted to being a diver now, as Chris was able to dive with us on our last day. We would like to thank Davorin as his guide too for his sense of fun and humour. We will definitely be back and the bonus of being your anniversary with games quizes and prizes was the icing on the cake. Thanks for everything.
Alison & Chris Foers, Oakham, England July 2007
Simon Richards is one reason we are coming to Hurghada again - fantastic instructor and good friend socially, Kat is another she is a great guide. And, of course, because of how we were looked after by Emperor as a company from Teresa and the girls in the office to local guys on the boats. All round excellent staff.
Kevin Burden, Derby, England March 2007
Many thanks Emperor Divers for being so professional, efficient and friendly. I really enjoyed the PADI Open Water course and the extra day diving (Ann liked the sunbathing). A special thanks to Terry the instructor for his patience, love of diving and his sense of humour.
Dave Kenway, Caterham, England March 2007
Just returned from Sharm and wanted to let you know how impressed and extremely pleased we were with the instruction we received from Steve Kehoe on our Open Water course. He made the whole experience more than just a learning experience; it was fun and has certainly whetted our appetites to do more diving. If we do, and we're sure we will, we will return to Sharm to do the advanced course and we will ask for Steve to be our instructor. Thanks also to Dennis and Keith who also helped make our week a better time than we anticipated.
Ray & Chris Eccleston, Wolverhampton, England January 2007