I’ve dived before!
We love it when qualified divers want to come and join SUSAC and hopefully this page will answer any questions you might have, but if there’s anything you’re still not sure about please don’t hesitate to contact our training team via email at training@susac.com.
I’ve already got a BSAC qualification, what do I do?
If you’re already qualified with BSAC then you can just pick up where you left off, whether that means continuing your training or just coming diving! We’ll want to see your BSAC Qualification Record Book and we’ll normally ask you to do a check-out dive with one of our instructors.
I’ve already got a qualification from another dive agency, what do I do?
If you’re already qualified with another agency, like PADI, NAUI or CMAS, you can pick up your training at the equivalent BSAC level just by crossing over to BSAC. We’ll want to see evidence of your qualification and we’ll normally ask you to attend a couple of theory sessions to familiarise you with BSAC as well as a check-out dive. We love introducing divers with qualifications earned in warm and temperate waters to all that UK diving has to offer!
I’ve dived before, but don’t have a qualification, what do I do?
Unfortunately if you haven’t got a qualification then BSAC state that you need to start your dive training from the beginning, although if you have some experience you should progress through the early stages of your training well
What advanced training can I do with SUSAC?
If you’re already at BSAC Sports Diver level then you can think about progressing further, initially towards your Dive Leader qualification and then later to Advanced Diver level. SUSAC can support divers working towards these qualifications, through in-house Skills Development Courses (SDCs), advanced open-water training and experience gained on dive trips, although at this stage of training there is more responsibility on the trainee to lead their own development. Check out our advanced training page for more information.
How can I become an instructor?
If you’re at BSAC Sports Diver level you can attend the Instructor Foundation Course (IFC), this is a two-day course that is the first step on the BSAC instructor ladder. Many divers who attend this course, even those who don’t plan to instruct regularly, say it’s one of the best courses offered by BSAC and the skills taught are widely applicable outside of diving.
What is a Skills Development Course?
SDCs cover a wide range of areas outside of standard training, from non-standard equipment to fixing engines and from driving boats to managing rescues. SUSAC offers some SDCs in-house, but divers can also attend courses run at regional level by BSAC Yorkshire (or other regions). Details of all the SDCs can be found on the BSAC website.
Advanced training
Progressing beyond Sports Diver can be a really rewarding experience, if you’ve been diving for a while and starting to think ‘same old, same old…’. There are three routes open to you at this stage, which you can tackle simultaneously.
Higher Diver Grades
If you’re a confident Sports Diver, you should start working towards your Dive Leader qualification, which will bring a range of new challenges including rescue management skills; diving deeper, for longer; developing your skills leading dives within a buddy pair. If you’re already a Dive Leader, then Advanced Diver is the next step for you.
Both these qualifications require a longer-term view and a greater level of commitment than your previous qualifications. Emphasis is less on learning in the classroom and the pool, and more about gaining experience in a wider range of situations and learning to take charge of diving situations.
SUSAC can – and does – still provide support for divers working towards these qualifications. The responsibility, however, shifts onto you to lead your development, and seek help from the right people in the Club yourself. If you don’t know who to contact, you are welcome to approach the Training Officer for advice, but you’d do well to come to socials and on dive trips a bit more and meet us all that way!
Instructor training
Once you’re a Sports Diver, you’re eligible to book onto the BSAC Instructor Foundation Course (IFC). This two-day course prepares you to begin teaching theory and pool lessons for Ocean Diver and Sports Diver qualifications, under supervision from a full Instructor. The majority of those who attend this course say they find it enjoyable and beneficial even if they don’t plan to instruct regularly: the skills taught are applicable to many other teaching situations.
Once you have achieved Dive Leader, you will be able to progress your instructor training through further courses and examinations, to instruct at higher levels and in open water, eventually without upervision.
Skills Development Courses
Want to broaden the scope of your diving? Want to learn how to use non-standard equipment, or fix engines, or drive boats, or use emergency equipment, or manage recscues? All this and more is available through BSAC Skills Development Courses. These courses are available from BSAC Yorkshire Region, and/or nationally, and any BSAC member with appropriate qualifications can book onto them. More details about what is available can be found on the BSAC website.