As a guide. The first qualification level BSAC Ocean Diver, comprises:
A swimming assessment, 6 classroom sessions, 5 in pool lessons & finishes with 4 dives outside in open water (most likely a lake) & a short Theory Exam.
Please note: There is no hard-fixed term for your training. It can take 18-20 weeks to complete. Depending on your & volunteer Instructor availability, holidays, work, colds, flu, weather, etc.
Firstly.
You need to join us, the Bermondsey Branch, which lets you have use of the pool every week, receive the training & includes the loan of all SCUBA equipment & air, whilst Open Water training. This costs £18.50 per month, per person. By Direct Debit.
Secondly.
A. You need to join our parent organisation, BSAC.
They supply you with your membership card & your membership will include:
• The monthly BSAC Scuba magazine.
• Your important Third-Party Diving Insurance.
• Access to the BSAC diver resources website & shop.
The cost for your first year will be £49.00 paid to BSAC. By Direct Debit.
B. The manuals & training documentation for your first Ocean Diver qualification grade come as a BSAC pack. These arrive via the Club & will cost £40.00.
Ongoing.
A. Your second & subsequent years memberships costs £59.00 (2018 price) & gives you renewed BSAC annual membership, continuation of the BSAC magazine & ongoing insurance cover.
B. Of course, as you progress, you will need to purchase your next qualification grade’s relevant training pack. Sports Diver, Dive Leader etc. Each of which will cost @ £40.00 as & when you need them.
You will need to:
• Fill in a BSAC Membership application form,
• Complete a medical questionnaire,
• Set up your monthly Club subscription,
• Buy a swimming costume, if you don’t already have one
• & come & have fun!
Although we do have a selection of masks, fins and snorkels, we would strongly recommend that once you have made the commitment to learn to dive, these basic items are purchased. Speak to your instructor for advice.
The major items of kit can wait until you are nearing completion of your training & again speak to your instructor & other more experienced members for advice.
Please visit the club’s web site https://www.bermondseybsac.org.uk for this year’s dive list, photographs & links to reputable dive shops etc & feel free to join us for a drink & a chat after the pool session, just after 10.00 in The Ship Public House, just off the Rotherhithe Tunnel roundabout.
Diver training needn’t stop there. The Sports Diver training course will build on the basic training and provide a solid foundation through a series of structured practical lessons. You can take part in dives with another Sports Diver.
After Sports Diver, you can commence the more advanced diving training grades of Dive Leader and Advanced Diver.
Dive Leader will focus on having more responsibility within a dive group, with lessons in Rescue Skills and Rescue Management. Leading a dive will give you a greater sense of participation, enjoyment and confidence.
Advanced Diver will develop your skills further enable you to plan and organise dives and expeditions. Boat handling skills, chartwork and navigation will add additional skills. The BSAC consider this grade to be a fully qualified diver.
The highest diving grade is First Class Diver, which requires a high level of theoretical, organisational and practical diving skills.
