Courses

5. Course Description.  The BSAC Ocean Diver is a 5-day qualifying course for the complete beginner.  It involves theory lessons, practical swimming pool and open water diving, and a written examination.  No previous experience is required.

6. Aim.  The aims of the BSAC Ocean Diver course are to:

1. Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of sub-aqua diving.

2. Produce a diver who has gained open water diving experience and is considered ready to take part in dives partnered by a diver of the same or higher grade.

7. Pre-Course Standard.  Applicants must have been medically examined prior to the course and must be in possession of a fitness to dive certificate.  (A fitness to dive certificate will be sent to all successful applicants for their doctor’s signature). Self-certification is not acceptable.  Students must be able to swim a minimum distance of 200m unaided in appropriate swimming attire.

8. Qualification Limitations and Ratios.  See Annex B

9. Progression.  BSAC Ocean Divers must become members of the BSAC before they can begin the BSAC Sports Diver training course.

10. Course Description.  The BSAC Sports Diver Course is a 5-day qualifying course for BSAC Ocean Divers.  It involves theory lessons, open water diving, practical assessments, and a theory examination.

11. Aim.  The aims of the BSAC Sport Diver course are to:

1. Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of sub-aqua diving.

2. Produce a diver who has gained open water diving and diver rescue experience and is considered ready to take part in dives partnered by another qualified diver.

12. Pre-Course Standards. Applicants must be current members of the BSAC, must have completed the Ocean Diver qualification and be in current diving practice (having dived at least 3 times in the 2 months preceding the course start date).  Additionally, applicants must be medically fit to dive and hold an in date medical certificate.  Self-certification is not acceptable.

13. Qualification Limitations and Ratios.  See Annex B to this section.

14. Progression.  Having gained experience at this level, a Sports Diver may attempt the Dive Leader Course.  Additionally, a Sports Diver may attend a BSAC Instructor Foundation Course and various Skill Development Courses.

15. Course Description.  The BSAC Dive Leader Course is a 6-day qualifying course for BSAC Sports Divers working towards the Dive Leader qualification.  It involves theory lessons, open water diving, practical assessments, and a theory examination.   Due to the requirements of qualifying dives students may not achieve the qualification within the 6 day period.

16. Aim.  The aims of the BSAC Dive Leader course are to:

1. Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of sub-aqua diving.

2. Produce an experienced, responsible diver, competent in dive leadership, who may lead other qualified divers on open water dives.

17. Pre-Course Standard. Applicants must be BSAC Sports Divers and current members of the BSAC. Additionally, they must be in current diving practice (having dived at least 3 times in the preceding 2 months).  Additionally, applicants must be medically fit to dive and hold an in date medical certificate. Self-certification is not acceptable.

18. Qualification Limitations and Ratios.  See Annex B to this section.

19. Progression.  The Dive Leader may progress both to the BSAC Instructor Foundation Course, the Open Water Instructor Course, and to various Skill Development Courses.

20. Course Description.  The BSAC Advanced Diver Course is a 5-day course for BSAC Dive Leaders working towards the Advanced Diver qualification.  It involves theory lessons, practical lessons, open water diving, and a theory examination.  Due to the requirement of qualifying dives students may not achieve the qualification within the 5 day period.
 
21. Aim.  The aims of the BSAC Advanced Diver course are to:

1. Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of sub-aqua diving.

2. Produce a trained, experienced and responsible diver who is competent to organise adventurous and challenging expedition and branch diving activities.

22. Pre-Course Standard. Applicants must be qualified BSAC Dive Leaders, must be in current diving practice (having dived at least 3 times in the preceding 2 months).  Additionally, applicants must be medically fit to dive and hold an in date medical certificate.  Self-certification is not acceptable.

23. Qualification Limitations and Ratios.  See Annex B to this section.

24. Progression.  The BSAC Advanced Diver may progress both to the BSAC Instructor Foundation Course and the Pre Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor’s Course (SADS).

25. Course Description.  This is a 6-day course combining the necessary theory and practical elements to enable successful candidates to qualify as Open Water Instructors.

26. Aim.  The aims of this course are to:

1. Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of sub-aqua diving.

2. Produce an instructor capable of teaching sub-aqua diving in the classroom, swimming pool and in open water conditions.

27. Pre-Course Standard. Applicants must be BSAC Dive Leaders, current members of the BSAC and be medically fit to dive and hold an in date medical certificate.  Self-certification is not acceptable.

28. Qualification Limitations and Ratios.  See Annex C to this section.

29. Progression.  Before attempting the Advanced Instructor Course and examination, the BSAC Open Water Instructor must be a BSAC Advanced Diver and qualified boat handler.

30. Course Description.  The BSAC Advanced Instructor course takes the form of a 2-day preparatory course followed by a 2-day practical examination and a theory examination.

31. Aim.  The aims of the BSAC Advanced Instructor course are to:

1. Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of sub-aqua diving.

2. Produce an instructor who is competent in teaching skills associated with open water diver training, including dive organisation, diving from boats, classroom teaching techniques, and who possesses an appropriate level of theoretical knowledge.

32. Pre-Course Standard. Applicants must be qualified BSAC Advanced Divers, Open Water Instructors, qualified boat handlers, current members of the BSAC, and be medically fit to dive and hold an in date medical certificate.  Self-certification is not acceptable.

33. Qualification Limitations and Ratios.  See Annex C to this section.

34. Progression.  Advanced Instructors who hold the BSAC First Class Diver grade may attempt the BSAC National Instructor examination.

35. Course Description.  There are currently over 30 Skill Development Courses available from the BSAC, many of which are included in the programme at JSSADC Bovisand.  Skills taught range from Nitrox Diving to Underwater Photography, and include a full range of rescue, first aid, and seamanship courses.  Most courses take 1 or 2 days to complete.  BSAC Skill Development courses currently conducted at JSSADC include:

1. Dive Planning and Marshalling (DPM).

2. Chartwork and Position Fixing (CPF).

3. Rescue First Aid (RFA).

4. Marine Radio Operation (MRO).

5. Practical Rescue Management (PRM).

6. Oxygen Administration (O2A).

7. Small Boat Handling (SBH).

8. Search and Recovery (SAR).

9. Advanced Diving Techniques (ADT).

10. BSAC Lifesaver (LSC).

11. First Aid for Divers (FAD).

12. Diver Coxswain Assessment (DCA).

36. Aim.  Each course has its own specific aim.  These can be obtained from JSSADC on request.

37. Pre-Course Standard.  Pre-course requirements can be obtained from JSSADC on request.

38. Qualification Limitations and Ratios.  These can be obtained from JSSADC on request.

39. Progression.  Not all courses have progressions.  Details can be obtained from JSSADC on request.

40. Course Description.  Combined Nitrox is a 2-day course, which combines the BSAC Nitrox Diver and Advanced Nitrox courses and qualifies the student as a BSAC Advanced Nitrox Diver.

41. Aim.  The aims of the Combined Nitrox course are to:

1. Achieve the aim of AT though the challenging activity of sub-aqua diving.

2. Produce a diver competent in the use of Nitrox up to 50% as a decompression gas.

42. Pre-Course Standard. BSAC Sports Diver with a minimum of 20 dives, and be medically fit to dive and hold an in date medical certificate.  Self-certification is not acceptable.

43. Qualification Limitations and Ratios.   See Annex B to this section.

44. Progression.  BSAC Combined Nitrox Divers can attend the BSAC Extended Range Course.

45. Course Description.  The Semi-Closed Circuit Rebreather course is a 5-day qualifying course using the Dräger Dolphin semi-closed circuit rebreather.  It involves theory lessons, open water diving, practical assessments, and a theory examination resulting in a TDI SCR qualification.  Service personnel may also complete such training with one of the following BSAC approved agencies:

1. BSAC.

2. American Nitrox Divers International (ANDI).

3. International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers (IANTD).

4. Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).

5. Rebreather Advisory Board (ARB).

6. Technical Diving International (TDI).

46. Aim.  The aims of the Semi-Closed Circuit Rebreather course are to:
a. Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of sub-aqua diving.

b. Produce a diver competent in the use of a specific semi-closed circuit rebreather (the Dräger Dolphin).

47. Pre-Course Standard. Applicants must be a minimum of BSAC Sport Diver with an Advanced Nitrox qualification, current members of the BSAC, be medically fit to dive and hold an in date medical certificate.  Self-certification is not acceptable.  Applicants must be in current diving practice to 20m (having dived to 15m+ 3 times in the 2 months prior to the course).

48. Qualification Limitations and Ratios.  See Annex B to this section.

49. Progression.  Once qualified on this rebreather, divers may progress to other types after further training.

50. Course Description.  This is a specialist course run by an approved agency which covers the necessary practical and theoretical training required to use a CCR to a maximum depth of 80m. The Draegar Dolphins have now gone and have been replaced by Buddy Inspiration kits.  JSSADC does not run this course; instead, Service personnel may complete such training with one of the following BSAC approved agencies :

BSAC.

American Nitrox Divers International (ANDI).

International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers (IANTD).

Rebreather Advisory Board (ARB).

Technical Diving International (TDI).

51. Aim.  The aim of the Closed Circuit Rebreather course is to produce a diver competent in the use of a specific CCR.

52. Pre-Course Standard.  BSAC Sport Diver qualified to 35m with BSAC Advanced Nitrox (or equivalent) and a minimum of 50 logged dives.

53. Qualification Limitations and Ratios.  See Annex B to this section.

54. Progression.  The BSAC do not currently endorse any form of training or diving beyond this level.

55. Course Description.  The Pre Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor course is conducted over 5-days.  It covers all practical aspects of dive planning, dive supervision, first aid, and diver rescue management.  This is a compulsory course prior to the SADS assessment.

56. Aim.  The aims of the Pre Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor course are to:

1. Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of sub-aqua diving.

2. Prepare candidates for the Joint Service SADS assessment.

57. Pre-Course Standard. Applicants must be BSAC Advanced Divers, current members of the BSAC, in current diving practice (having dived to 20m+ at least 3 times in the 2 months prior to the course), and be medically fit to dive and hold an in date medical certificate.  Self-certification is not acceptable.

58. Civilian Equivalent.  There is no civilian equivalent.

59. Qualification Limitations and Ratios.  See Annex B to this section.

60. Progression.  Candidates may apply for the SADS assessment as soon as they fulfil the pre-course standards.

61. Course Description.  The Joint Service Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor course is conducted over 5-days.  Candidates are assessed in their ability to plan and supervise sub-aqua diving activities.  This is done by means of practical diving tasks (e.g. wreck diving, decompression diving, drift diving, deep diving, and diver training exercises).  Each candidate is required to plan and carry out 2 tasks, which are usually conducted from rigid inflatable boats.

62. Aim.  The aims of the Joint Service Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor course are to:

1.  Achieve the aim of AT through the challenging activity of sub-aqua diving.

2. Assess candidates in their technical ability and safety consciousness as a dive planner, organiser, and supervisor for Service sub-aqua diving anywhere in the world.

63. Pre-Course Standard.  Applicants must be BSAC Advanced Divers with at least 12 months experience at that level and be current members of the BSAC.  Additionally, applicants must be in current diving practice (having dived to 20m+ at least twice in the month prior to the course), be medically fit to dive and hold an in date medical certificate.  Self-certification is not acceptable.  Hold a recognised boat handling qualification and hold a minimum rank of Lance Corporal or equivalent.

64. Civilian Equivalent.  There is no civilian equivalent.

65. Qualification Limitations and Ratios.  See Annex B to this section.

66. Progression.  Refresher training to be completed at 5 yearly intervals from qualification date.

Notes:

1. Courses are run on a national basis by BSAC at venues of their choice.  (Details from BSAC HQ:  Tel (0151) 350 6200).

2. Courses are run on a national basis by BSAC at venues of their choice, including JSSADC Bovisand for Service personnel only.

Notes:

1. All qualifications are nationally recognised by BSAC except pre SADS and SADS courses.

2. All open water sub-aqua diving activities must be supervised by a currently registered Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor (SADS), who must be on the surface in charge of diving operations at all times.  The minimum number of SADS required is 1 if the SADS is not involved in the diving.  If the SADS is to dive a second SADS must be present.  Alternatively, in the absence of a second SADS, a BSAC Advanced Diver may deputise in accordance with JSSADR.

3. Sports diving is normally conducted in buddy pairs as directed by the SADS.  One of each buddy pair will lead the dive.

4. The diving qualifications of expedition members must be appropriate to the aims of the expedition.  This is to be decided by the expedition leader, who may, if he wishes, accept divers with qualifications from recognised agencies other than BSAC (e.g. RN, RM, and Army professional divers, PADI, SAA, NAUI, and IANTD etc).  However, he must ensure that these divers are in current diving practice, medically fit to dive and familiar with the BSAC decompression tables and diving practices.  See BSAC Table of Similar qualifications at Annex D.

Notes:

1. All JSAT qualifications are nationally recognised by BSAC except Pre SADS and SADS courses.

2. A NQI is a diver who holder the BSAC Open Water Instructor, the BSAC Advanced Instructor, or the BSAC National Instructor award.

3. BSAC Open Water/Advanced Instructors who also hold the SADS qualification may supervise their own open water training.  In all other cases a SADS will be necessary in addition to the NQI to supervise open water training/diving.

4. Instructor to student ratios:

1. Swimming Pool: 1 instructor to 4 trainees.

2. UK Conditions: 1 instructor to 2 trainees.

3. Overseas (excellent conditions e.g. tide, underwater visibility, surface conditions): 1 instructor to 4 trainees.

This table lists a number of ‘other agency’ qualifications that are considered to be of a similar standard to the BSAC qualification shown.  Trained divers joining a BSAC Branch may be issued with a Statement of Alternative Training (SALT) certificate accordingly.

Note:  British Armed Forces Divers, other than RN Ships’ Divers, now receive HSE Commercial Diver Certification.