Diver Training
We train divers using BSAC’s internationally-recognised diver training and development programme.
BSAC is the UK’s leading dive club and the sport’s National Governing Body, so if you want the highest standards of recreational diver training then BSAC is for you.
We can train all levels of divers and courses offered by BSAC and can mentor any one who wants to progress to become a BSAC First Class Diver.
We welcome divers from other organisations, e.g. PADI – simply join us and take a crossover course and progress your training. It is that easy.
Training is carried out by volunteer instructors at a pace that is suitable for you. Consequently our training is greater value compared to alternative agencies like PADI where you need to pay for the instructors and pay again if you ever need to restart the course.
Currently we do not offer BSAC SCUBA or Snorkel training for children.
Here is a little more information on each of the SCUBA diver levels:
Ocean Diver
We have suspended teaching this course at this branch since COVID. Contact peter.tatton@sasac.co.uk if you would like us to recommend an alternative provider for this course.
The Ocean Diver course is the BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) entry-level course. Achieving this qualification allows you to be able to dive to 20 metres. The course itself consists of a series of seven lectures followed by an exam, five pool sessions and a swimming assessment and then five open water dives, which will either be in a freshwater quarry, the sea, or ideally a combination of both situations to allow you to gain a wider and well-rounded experience.
Sports Diver
The second level in the BSAC diving qualifications is that of Sports Diver, this qualification once completed, along with the additional depth experience will allow you to be able to dive to 35 metres. The course is comprised of six lectures followed by an exam, one pool session, a dry practical assessment and five open water dives, which will either be in a fresh water quarry, the sea, or ideally a combination of both situations to allow you to gain a wider and well rounded experience.
Dive Leader
The third level in the BSAC diving qualifications is that of Dive Leader, this qualification once completed, along with the additional depth experience will allow you to be able to dive to 50 metres. The course is comprised of twelve lectures followed by an exam, two dry practical assessments and seven open water dives, and a series of an additional twenty dives which need to meet certain conditions, these dives can either be in a fresh water quarry, the sea, or ideally a combination of both situations to allow you to gain a wider and well rounded experience.
Advanced Diver
The fourth level in the BSAC diving qualifications is that of Advanced Diver, this qualification once completed, along with the additional depth experience will also allow you to be able to dive to 50 metres. The course is comprised of four lectures followed by an exam, two dry practical assessments and two open water dives, and a series of an additional twenty dives which need to meet certain conditions, these dives can either be in a fresh water quarry, the sea, or ideally a combination of both situations to allow you to gain a wider and well rounded experience.
First Class Diver
The first Class diver qualification is the highest non-instructional award the BSAC offer. All Assessments are completed on a National Level.
What is a First Class Diver? There are only hundreds of divers that have reached this grade since the formation of BSAC. As opposed to the thousands of divers who that have completed the lower grades. The qualification carries considerable gravitas within the diving community.