What’s involved and how long does it take to train?
As a guide. The first qualification level BSAC Ocean Diver, comprises:
This normally takes or 18-20 weeks depending on your and volunteer instructor availability, holidays, work, colds, flu, weather, etc.
How much will this cost?
Part of your initial fee is 12 months membership to join the Swindon Sub-Aqua Club branch, which lets you have use of the pool for free, receive the training & it also includes the loan of Scuba equipment & air, whilst training. This costs £15.00 per month per person by Direct Debit. Enriched Air (Nitrox) is available at cost.
Also included your first years fee to join our parent organisation, BSAC. They supply you with your membership card & your membership will include:
The membership is paid directly to BSAC, by Direct Debit after your first year.
Our in house Ocean Diver course includes club membership, all training, some kit hire, air, students materials and pool time. This course is run by our volunteer club instructors when available.
This can be broken down in to manageable payments, an initial payment of £339 is payable which covers: –
Other costs you can expect to pay: –
Expect a total cost of around £400 – £420
Download our information leaflet – Click Here
Next steps. Getting started.
You will need to:
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.
Browse this website for photographs & links to reputable dive shops, etc & feel free to join us for a drink and a chat at our club house on Wednesday evenings. You can also visit our Facebook page, just search for Swindon Sub Aqua Club.
And after that?
As you progress, you will need to purchase your next qualification grade’s relevant training pack. Sports Diver, Dive Leader, etc which can be purchased via the BSAC website at cost through your own personal login.
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 on our own boats, 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.
Start your scuba diving training!
Learning to dive with Swindon BSAC is great fun as we introduce you to the other 70% of our planet! For many learning to dive starts with a Try Dive, why not take the plunge yourself to try it out?
