The Training

Our club has always been a member of the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC).  The BSAC has long been recognised as probably one of the finest diver training agencies in the world, the benefits of which may not be immediately apparent.   However, as you progress with your training and diving, you will begin to see why we are regarded with a great deal of respect around the world.  A BSAC qualification will be accepted wherever diving is taking place in the world and, it is fair to say, you will be regarded as a safe, well trained diver.

Our objective with new divers is to ensure quality intensive training is given in both theory and practical aspects of diving.  In most cases, within the first year, the Club Diver and Sports Diver qualifications will have   been attained.

Although a Sports Diver qualification will allow you to dive anywhere in the world with another diver of the same or higher standard, we very much hope you would want to progress with us and attain passes in:

  • Dive Leader
  • Advanced Diver
  • First Class Diver

BSAC Diver Grades

The BSAC has been training people to dive since the early fifties. During this time the Diver Training Programme has been regularly updated and improved, to keep pace with developments in equipment and diving knowledge. The programme is designed to build confidence and self-reliance, whilst keeping safety uppermost.
Diving skills are taught progressively so that each new experience is built upon step by step. Following basic training in the safety of a swimming pool or protected area, students soon complete their first open water dives to achieve Ocean Diver certification. This progression continues to Sports Diver and beyond, where open water skills and techniques are further developed and experience gained.
 

Ocean Diver
This course provides you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to prepare for open water diving. Learning to dive is all about learning to use your equipment properly and safely. The Ocean Diver training course concentrates on preparing you for this in the safety of a swimming pool or sheltered water and then introducing you to open water in a controlled and safe manner. This also gives you the opportunity to practice safety skills in the company of a qualified instructor or experienced diver.

  

 

Sports Diver
In Sports Diver training, the emphasis is on building a sound foundation of open water diving skills and experience through a series of structured practical lessons. Once you have gained this open water experience with a qualified instructor, you are ready to take part in dives with other Sports Divers or those of higher grades.

  

 

Dive Leader
Dive Leader training concentrates on the responsibilities and safety aspects of leading other divers on an open water dive. Practical lessons in rescue management and rescue skills will give you the confidence and ability to deal with those unforeseen emergencies. Leading a dive will develop your enjoyment, confidence and experience as a diver.

 

 

Advanced Diver
The Advanced Diver course further develops your knowledge and skills. You will gain experience in planning and organising dives at different sites and under different circumstances. Additional experience will be gained in using small boats, chartwork. navigation and many other related skills. The BSAC consider this grade as being a fully trained diver.

  

 

First Class Diver
The BSAC's highest diving grade which requires a higher than average level of theoretical knowledge, organisational and personal diving skills. The First Class Diver award is a culmination of a number of years' diving experience. BSAC 1st Class Divers are assessed through nationally conducted examinations.

Apart from all the above qualifications, most members who have reached Sports Diver status start to accumulate specialist qualifications, of which their are many to select from.  This enables them to become far more adventurous diving and of course increases overall confidence.  Some of the popular courses from the many available are:

Lifesaver Award Boat Handling Navigation
Recovery and Lifting Chartwork Marine Life Identification
First Aid VHF Radio Practical Rescue Management
Advanced Lifesaving Oxygen Admin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on the picture above to watch mask clearing video.

Click on the picture above to watch demand valve clearing video.