The problem is, before you have lessons you do not really know what to look for. You will not have the experience to decide whether they are bandits or the best trainers in the world. But with a few careful pointers, you should be able to weed out the worst!
1. Check their qualifications! When you are a diver they will ask to see yours, so if they are claiming to be PADI or BSAC then ask to see the certification that they are a recognised training establishment.
2. If you can, before you travel, look up the dive centres in the area you are going to on the relevant organisation's website.
3. Never pay money before you meet them! Book onto a course if you must, but do not part with cash. Not until you have met them. My own training was only paid for as the final paperwork was being written - at their insistence!
4. Meet them before you start the course. Find out what time their morning and afternoon dives leave and return and be in the office for one of these, preferably the return. Listen to the returning dive
