TRAINING

Just as in all BSAC branches, our club consists of volunteers who willingly give their time freely to train you. Training for beginners is usually on a one to one basis. As you progress you will work with a fellow trainee as a buddy pair. You are trained by Nationally Qualified Instructors at your own pace. Our Training Team has several Nationally Qualified Instructors and Assistant Diving Instructors.
Following the BSAC training programme the instructors will guide you step by step through the basic diving skills (initially in the safety of the swimming pool and then progressing to sheltered open water) until you reach 'Ocean Diver' Qualification (minimum qualification) and then through to your 'Sports Diver' qualification.
SAFETY Is the key word throughout not only whilst training but in all diving related activities. Diving is FUN and EXHILARATING (well most of the time). SAFE and COMPETENT diver training promotes this.
Outline of the BSAC Diver Grades
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. BSAC DIVE LEADER TRAINING PROGRAMME
Advanced Diver This 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, chart work. navigation and many other related skills. The BSAC consider this grade as being a fully trained diver.
1st Class Diver The BSAC's highest diving grade which requires a higher than average level of theoretical knowledge, organisational and personal diving skills. The 1st Class Diver award is a culmination of a number of years' diving experience. BSAC 1st Class Divers are assessed through nationally conducted examinations.