There are five diving
qualifications levels in BSAC, all training for the first three levels are done
within the club, beyond that training is done partly in the club and
partly by BSAC Regional training.
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. A
qualified club diver can take part in open water dives providing they are
partnered by a diver that the Diving Officer or Dive Marshall has approved.
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 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
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,
chartwork. 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.
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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.