Training
We are sorry but we are oversubscribed for our 2022/23 novice diver training program and we can no longer take any applicants. We will be starting our 2023/24 training in October 2023.
Aberdeen Sub-Aqua club is a branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) and all our training is in accordance with the BSAC Diver Training Programme. Standards of training and qualifications are common throughout all the BSAC branches, therefore, your qualifications will be accepted by all other BSAC branches and recognised by diving establishments globally.
The BSAC diver training scheme is designed to build confidence and self-reliance, whilst keeping safety uppermost. Diving skills are taught progressively so that each new experience is built upon previously learned steps. The training programme is built around the needs of those people training with the club and availability of suitably qualified instructors. The programme is reasonably flexible to allow for the life commitments of the trainees. Training usually takes place in the swimming pool, at one of the local coastal dive sites or in the quarry at Boddam depending on the depth and conditions required for the particular training exercise.
Our first level of certification is the BSAC Ocean Diver (or Discovery Diver if aged between 10 and 12). The training consists of 6 theory lectures, 5 pool sessions and 4 lessons in the sea or freshwater. Typical costs to train to these levels is around £400 (this includes membership fees, log books, manuals, pool fees and equipment rental). After certification you can dive with other Ocean Divers and above to depths of up to 20m and using air or nitrox as a breathing gas.
New members who already have BSAC's Ocean Diver qualification, or its equivalent from another agency (e.g. PADI Open Water), can continue to Sports Diver, Dive Leader or Advanced Diver training with the club. New members with more advanced qualification can enter BSAC's training scheme at the appropriate level.
Training is free to club members (other than nominal fees for workbooks, pool attendance and equipment hire).
Once qualified you can work towards the three more advanced BSAC qualifications with us.
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.
The Sports Diver Course consists of the following elements:
- Six classroom lessons
- A theory assessment
- A dry practical lesson
- One Pool lesson
- One optional Refresher/Orientation dive
- Five Open Water lessons.
- One dry practical lesson
BSAC Sport Diver includes training in the use of NITROX
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.
The Dive Leader Course consists of the following elements:
- Twelve classroom lessons
- A theory assessment
- Seven Open Water lessons
- Two dry practical lessons
-Twenty dives (which may include the Open Water lessons), in a range of conditions, since qualifying as a Sports Diver
Advanced Diver
The Advanced Diver 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.
The Advanced Diver Course consists of the following elements:
- 4 theory lessons
- 2 dry practical lessons
- 2 open water lessons
- Theory assessment
- 20 dives in range of conditions
The course has relatively few 'formal' practical lessons and is much more heavily based on a further structured broadening of experience in a wide range of conditions.