|
There is no formal test of skills in the pool, instead the aim is continual monitoring aiming to achieve 'confident and competent' skills.
The Ocean Diver course also includes 7 lectures on :
- Introduction to BSAC, Hellfins and diver training
- Diving equipment and signals
- The body and effects of diving
- Planning to go diving
- What happens if...
- Going diving
- Enjoying your diving
There are also 5 open water dives, repeating the skills that have been learnt in the pool, in sheltered water (typically at Stoney Cove or Poole.) Once this qualification is achieved a diver can dive with another Ocean Diver or above, (with suitable surface support) within conditions already encountered, and to build experience with a Dive Leader/Instructor. Ocean Divers can dive to a maximum depth of 20m, they can also take part in the Oxygen Administration Course.
Sports Diver is the next stage in your BSAC training and teaches further rescue techniques such as in water Expired Air Resuscitation. This qualification includes 6 further lectures and more open water dives to further the divers knowledge and diving experience. Dives include a variety of environments such as shore, small boat, hard boat, warm water and cold water. The Sports Diver will also gain experience of Dive Managing.
There are 6 theory lessons for the Sports Diver course:
- Sports diving
- Diver rescue
- Equipment & techniques
- Deeper diving
- Air planning and systems
- Going diving
Once this qualification is achieved a Sports Diver may dive with another diver of the same grade or higher. Sports divers can dive to a maximum depth of 35m, and can plan to do decompression stops.
Sports Divers can attend the Instructor Foundation Course, after which they can teach under supervision.
The Dive Leader Qualification will teach a diver to not only be responsible for their own dive conduct but also to effectively lead a less experienced diver on a dive. Dive Leaders can plan and lead many types of dives including dives which require detailed dive, air and decompression planning. Dive Leaders are vital to the club, as they can extend their own experience, and also help others to extend their diving experience. Dive Leaders can also manage club trips to known locations, or to unknown locations using experienced charter boatskippers.
There are 12 lectures for Dive Leader, covering a range of topics:
- The role of Dive Leader
- Oxygen administration (6 lectures)
- Dive planning
- Rescue management (1)
- Helicopter operations
- Rescue management (2)
- The role of the dive manager
There are also 7 open water lessons, and 2 dry practical lessons, to build dive leading experience and rescue skills.
Dive Leaders can dive with any grade of diver, including trainees, on dives supervised by a Dive Marshal. Dive leaders can dive to a maximum depth of 50m, and can plan to do decompression stops.
Dive Leaders can attend the Open Water Instructor Course, (once they have attending the IFC) to gain experience of teaching in the open water and then the Theory and Practical Instructor exams.
The Advanced Diver Qualification builds on previous training, leading to a diver who is comprehensively trained, experienced and responsible. Advanced Divers can manage and supervise a wide range of adventurous and challenging diving. Advanced Diver training is based more on progressive building of experience, and less on 'formal' lessons.
There are 4 more theory lessons:
- The role of Advanced diver
- Advanced diving
- Organising diving from different platforms
- Review of diving conditions and on-site first aid
2 dry practicals and 2 open water lessons.
Areas the Advanced diver will have built up knowledge in include:
- Chartwork and navigation
- Oxygen Administration
- Nitrox
- Boat Handling
- Search and Recovery
- Practical Rescue Management
Advanced Divers can attend the Advanced Instructor Course (OWI and Boat handler required) then do the Advanced Instructor exam.
The First Class Diver Qualification
This qualification is gained through completing a series of 1 day courses and exams, run nationally.
|
