Service and Efficiency - You're dealings with the establishment should be easy and are the staff helpful. Yachts - Make sure the yachts used are appropriate in size and design for your course. We once met a person with an Inshore Skippers qualification who had never hoisted a headsail. Insurance - Make sure the company and its vessels are insured. If You're staying less than 30 days your visa will be issued on arrival.
Money changing facilities are plentiful and deal in notes, travellers cheques and credit cards.
GMT plus 7 hours. Phuket has excellant modern hospitals and clinics. Drink bottled water and be sensible with what you eat. The other main considerations are motorbike riding and sunburn. Pristine Beaches, Magical Islands, sheer limestone cliffs rising vertically from an aquamarine sea, hidden tidal caves and secret secluded lagoons.