Pool training introduces the skills necessary for diving in the open water environment. Practical training includes learning how to assemble and fit all of the diving equipment correctly and how to use it safely in preparation for your open water dives.

The buddy system of diving is introduced and safe diving practices are taught.

Eventually training will progress to the use of full diving equipment.

After successful completion of these lessons, you will then carry out your first open water dive.

Your first open water dive will be in sheltered water conditions to a maximum depth of 6 metres. All of the skills taught in pool training are carried out again in open water conditions.

Open water dive training will continue with the emphasis on safe and enjoyable diving. Your skills and confidence will quickly improve and soon you will be qualified as a BS-AC Ocean Diver.

Training will then progress to the Sports Diver course. This course builds upon the initial skills taught during Club Diver training. Sports divers are qualified to dive to a maximum depth of 35m.

Training towards more advanced qualifications is encouraged and the skills gained from the Club and Sports Diver qualifications are built upon.

Training within the branch will progress to include Dive Leader and Advanced Diver qualifications, where skills such as dive marshalling, rescue management and chartwork are introduced.

The maximum depth for these qualifications is 50m.

More recent developments in diver training with the BS-AC has seen the introduction of technical diving where different gas mixtures are used.

In addition to the diver training program, there are many courses from which it is possible to gain a wide range of experience and other diving related skills.

Some of these courses include:-

• Boat Handling
• Diver Cox'n Assessment
• Outboard Engine Maintenance
• First Aid for divers
• Oxygen Administration
• Rescue Management
• Dive Marshalling
• VHF Radio Operation
• Chartwork
• Nitrox Diving
• Extended Range Diving