Leamington & Warwick BSAC
Ocean Diver
Aimed at the novice diver, Ocean Diver is the first of a series of BSAC diving qualifications that can be obtained via our branch.
The Ocean Diver training course includes theory lessons in a classroom, practical lessons in a swimming pool or similar sheltered water area, theory assessment and open water dives.
Course Overview
Theory Training
The course begins with a series of seven theory lessons, which take place at our clubhouse:
- Introduction to BSAC, our BSAC branch, and the Ocean Diver training course
- Diving equipment and signals
- The human body and the effects of diving
- Planning to go diving
- Going diving
- What happens if ... ?
- Enjoying your diving
Sheltered Water Training
Intermixed with the theory lessons, students will also begin a series of scuba diving sessions in our local swimming pool. These lessons are designed to prepare the student for the open water environment and therefore contain essential practical skills:
- Being underwater
- Basic skills
- Developing skills
- Beyond the basics
- Safety skills
Theory Test
Students will need to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of what they have learnt by taking a theory test.
Open Water Training
Open water dives provide the student with an opportunity to put into practice the theory and practical elements learned in the classroom and sheltered water. In Ocean Diver training, the emphasis is on building a sound foundation of open water diving skill and experience through a series of five open water experience dives supervised by a BSAC Nationally Qualified Instructor:
- Open water dive 1
- Open water dive 2
- Open water dive 3
- Open water dive 4
- Open water dive 5
Students will also have to experience at least four different diving conditions (e.g. drift dive, shore dive, low visibility, large boat dive, small boat dive, etc) during a total in-water diving time of no less than 120 minutes.
Qualification
Successful completion of the above course will result in the qualification of the student as a BSAC Ocean Diver.
The Ocean Diver can:
- Dive with other Ocean Divers (or above) within the limits of experience gained to date.
- Expand their diving experiences with a Dive Leader (or above).
- Increase their experience of depth to a maximum of 20m under the supervision of a BSAC Nationally Qualified Instructor.
However:
- Ocean Divers cannot take part in dives involving stage decompression stops, or be partnered with trainee divers.
- Dives must be properly Marshalled and conducted at sites where there are also suitably qualified divers who can act as surface support.
Next Steps...
Why not expand your skills and experience by becoming a Sports Diver?
Further information about BSAC's Diver Training Programme is available from the BSAC website.