FAQs
All Categories
Dive Trip Related
Can i use Credit Card to pay on board expenses?
We are in the process of applying for a credit card machine on board MV DiveRACE Class X (as of Jan 2026). Until then, we can only accept cash in Thai Baht only.
What kind of electrical inlets are there on board the boat?
Our plugs are international that are suitable for all kinds of plugs.
What is the dive group size / ratio?
Our typical group size is maximum 5 divers to 1 guide. Usually it is 4 to 1 on average and groups are based on similar dive experience.
Can i get a private guide for the trip?
Yes you can! Please let us know early so that we can arrange it for you. The fees for a private guide is 2500THB per day.
What diving insurance should i get?
We strongly suggest Dive Assure for trip diving and travel insurance as it covers diving accidents and evacuation extensively. Further more, they have Liveaboard riders which specialises in Liveaboard trip coverage. Perfect!
Check it out here: https://diverace.com/insurance-matters/
What is the maximum number of guests on board?
MV DiveRACE Class X takes maximum 20 pax guests for our trips.
What can non divers do on board during the trips?
We have activities such as Snorkeling, Beach visit, an extensive Library, Board games, Mahjong, large selection of Movies, Roof top Bar, Jaccuzzi, Massages and more! Check with us if you have anything in mind and we will see what we can do!
I do not have my certification card with me. What do i do?
Please contact your dive agency and search for your diving certification to get a soft copy of it. Show us the soft copy when you are on board for the trip.
What if I arrive late to the departure point?
Trips depart on schedule. If you miss check‑in, we’ll help arrange a speedboat transfer (at your cost) to join at the next site if feasible. Refunds are not provided for missed departures.
I have this particular allergy to a certain food type, can it be excluded in the meals?
We do have requests such as allergy to MSG or gluten (or others). We will take note of it and inform our cooks to prepare separate meals for the guest. However, please do understand that this is only for those who must have meals prepared due to religious or medical reasons, and not personal preference due to limitations in logistics. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own ingredients so that our cooks can prepare it for them to supplement their meals if necessary.
Do I need to bring my passport along for the trips?
There is no need to bring your passport unless our trip goes into another country please.
Are the meals served Halal?
Please note that we are NOT certified Halal for our meals. We are only able to provide meals without pork to those who request for it.
Online Booking Related
I am not sure if I need any rental until I am on board. Can I request and pay on board?
Yes it is possible. However, do note that it is subjected to availability.
My trip departure is less than 6 weeks away but I need to cancel my trip due to (any reason). Can i get a refund or postpone my trip?
Unfortunately we are not able to issue a refund or credit or postpone as this is considered as a last minute cancellation. However, we advise you to find a replacement to take over your slot instead. We need the details of the new passenger at least 2 week before the trip departure date.
How do I know if my booking is confirmed?
Once we receive your deposit, we’ll send a Booking Confirmation via email detailing your itinerary, cabin type, and balance due date.
Can I reserve without paying a deposit?
Temporary holds can be arranged for up to 3 days while you finalize travel plans, subject to availability.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Please refer to our booking terms and conditions here: https://diverace.com/terms-conditions-booking/
Can I transfer my booking to another person?
Yes, substitutions are allowed up to 14 days before departure.
Can I change my trip date after booking?
Changes depend on availability and timing. Changes must be made more than 42 days before the booked trip departure date. If the trip departure is within 42 days, no changes would be allowed please.
Can I book the entire boat for private charter?
Yes. MV DiveRACE Class X is available for private charter for groups, clubs, or special events. We can tailor the itinerary, menu, and dive schedule.
Can I book as a solo diver?
Yes. You may book a single cabin (if available) or share a twin cabin with another diver of the same gender.
What’s your policy on children?
Minimum age 12 years to join our trip. Minors may join only by prior approval and must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times. The child is considered as a 1 pax space please.
What happens if the trip is canceled by DiveRACE?
If we must cancel due to weather, safety, or mechanical reasons, we’ll offer a reschedule, credit, or full refund. DiveRACE is not responsible for external costs (flights, hotels, etc.). We highly recommend travel insurance please.
Dive Equipment Rental Related
How much is the rental for equipment?
Please refer to our pricing list here: https://diverace.com/pricing-list/
I do not know my sizing. Do you have a sizing chart that I can refer to?
I would like to rent booties / full footed fins / open heel fins...
We only have full footed fins that are available for rental please. We do not have booties or open heel fins.
Our rental fins look like this!
Can I rent a 15L tank?
Yes, It is limited in quantity. Pre-book highly recommended. It is suitable for high gas consumption or photographers.
I have a DIN regulator. Do you have DIN tanks?
All our tanks are fitted with DIN valve and have the Yoke adapter insert. In other words, we are able to cater to all types of regulators.
What brand or model are your rental equipment?
XDeep for backplate style BCDs.
Scubapro for regulators.
SUUNTO ZOOP for dive computers.
I would like to just rent the SPG / 2nd Stage / 1st Stage / whatever part of the regulator. Is it possible?
Yes it is possible. However, the rental charge is the same as renting the whole regulator from us please.
Do you offer underwater camera or housing rentals?
Sorry but we do not have underwater cameras / housings for rental please.
Do you have side mount tanks for rent?
We have the right hand tank valves and left hand tank valves (limited quantity) available on board. Please make a booking early!
Do you provide SMBs or are they mandatory to bring?
SMBs are mandatory for all divers. You can bring your own or rent onboard.
Scuba Diving Course Related
My instructor failed me for the course. What are my next steps?
Please do not give up! We are sure that there was probably a critical skill that needs to be addressed and practice makes perfect. Come back for another trip to complete the course and use the special discount code that we will give you for your perseverance!
I have trouble signing up online on RAID website...
Please follow our step by step instructions for signing up online here. if you are still having issues, please contact us and we will assist you.
Do you conduct the Junior Open Water Course for those under the age of 15?
We suggest participants be above the age of 15 as it would be considered an adult course under RAID standards. Furthermore, it is beneficial to be more matured to understand the risk and dangers of scuba diving. However, if we are able to cooperate with the parent for underage participants, we may consider it case by case basis.
Do I need to book a diving course in advance?
It’s highly recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season (November-April) when spots can fill up quickly. We do offer last-minute courses, but it might not be available if we do not have the space or manpower.
Do you conduct other Specialty Courses?
Unfortunately no as we concentrate mainly on our most popular courses on board - Explorer30 and Nitrox. If you have a group of 4 pax that would like to do a particular specialty course, let us know in advance and we will try to get a qualified instructor for your group.
How long does it take to complete a scuba diving course on a liveaboard?
The duration depends on the course:
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Explorer30 (advanced): 2 to 3 days
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Nitrox: 1 day
Our courses are all conducted on board. Theory and test should be done before boarding and the online exam is done in front of your instructor.
I am a certified open water diver of another agency, can i do the RAID Explorer 30?
Yes, you can enroll in the RAID Explorer 30 course with an open water diver certification from another recognized agency
What happens if I’m not certified yet but want to dive?
Guests who join our trip as a non-diver would not be able to dive as we do not conduct introductory dive or discovery dives on board please.
Also, guests who come into the Similan Islands national park has to already be certified. No open water or introduction courses are allowed within the national park.
Thailand Travel Related
Do I need a visa to enter Thailand?
Many nationalities are eligible for visa exemption (short stays) or Visa on Arrival; others require an e‑Visa in advance. Check your nationality’s latest rules. Your passport should have 6+ months validity and blank pages.
Is a return or onward ticket required?
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Keep your flight booking handy.
Do i need travel insurance?
Strongly recommended. Your plan should cover trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and diving incidents. Please see our insurance guide here: https://diverace.com/insurance-matters/
Which airport should I fly to?
For Similan/Surin trips, fly to Phuket (HKT). From Phuket airport to Khao Lak/Thap Lamu Pier is ~1.5–2.5 hrs by road depending on traffic.
How do I get to Khao Lak or the pier?
Our dive trips include pre‑arranged scheduled transfers from Phuket and Khaolak area.
If you are unable to join the scheduled transfer by DiveRACE, you can arrange for a private taxi for you at an additional cost (depends on location).
What time does boarding starts / ends?
Boarding starts from 1800hrs on the date of the trip departure. Guests who arrange their own private transfer should aim to arrive only after 1800hrs please.
Boarding time ends at 2330hrs as the vessel would depart the pier then.
What’s the best time to arrive?
Arrive in Phuket or Khao Lak the day before departure to avoid delays and missing luggage. Same‑day flight arrivals are risky.
If you choose to arrive in Phuket on the date of departure, we advise you to land in Phuket before 1730hrs so that you can clear immigration and be ready for the pick up at 1830hrs.
Can I bring a drone?
Drones require registration and permits. The Similan Islands National Parks prohibit flying them and will fine users a hefty amount.
What’s the weather like?
Similan/Surin season coincides with the dry season (approx. Nov–Apr). Expect warm days and cooler evenings at sea; occasional squalls possible.
Can you help with hotel recommendations pre/post trip?
Yes—tell us your budget and whether you’ll stay in Phuket or Khao Lak and we’ll share options close to pickup routes.
How long should I stay after the trip before flying?
Plan to fly the day after disembarkation to respect 18–24 hr no‑fly guidelines.
If you must fly on the date of arrival, you will need to skip the final dives on the date of arrival itself.
Crew, Guides & Language related
What is the crew-to-guest ratio on DiveRACE Class X?
We maintain a high crew-to-guest ratio for safety and comfort — typically 1 crew member per 2 guests, including licensed dive guides, deckhands, engineers, and hospitality staff.
How many dive guides are onboard?
Usually 3–5 licensed dive guides per trip, leading small groups of 4–5 divers each based on experience level and language preference.
What languages do your guides speak?
Our team commonly speaks English, Thai, French and Spanish, with selected guides fluent in Mandarin and other languages. We are not able to 100% guarantee guides who are able to speak a particular language please.
Are your guides local or international?
A mix of experienced Thai dive professionals and international instructors familiar with the Similan–Surin region. Many have 5–10 years of experience guiding in the Andaman Sea.
Will I dive with the same guide throughout the trip?
Yes. You’ll be assigned a consistent dive guide and buddy group for the entire cruise to ensure smooth communication, safety, and site familiarity. However, there may be times when we have to swap (eg. some divers who like to do a sunset dive and some would like a night dive, in this scenario, we will allocated the groups accordingly)
How do you group divers for dives?
We group by certification level, experience, air consumption, and language to maximize comfort and bottom time. Advanced groups may explore deeper or current-exposed sites.
How can I show appreciation to the crew and guides?
Tips are always appreciated but not mandatory. The standard practice is to pool gratuities (~10 % of trip cost) for fair sharing among crew and dive team.
Who should I contact onboard for assistance or problems?
Your Dive Leader or our Customer Service Officer is your main point of contact for any issues — from dive planning to cabin comfort. The Captain and Senior Engineer are always on duty for safety and navigation matters.
