Aberdeen Sub-aqua club is a branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) and all our training is in accordance with the BSAC Diver Training Programme . Standards of training and qualifications are common throughout all the BSAC branches, therefore, your qualifications will be accepted by all other BSAC branches and recognised throughout the world.

The BSAC diver training scheme is designed to build confidence and self-reliance, whilst keeping safety uppermost. Diving skills are taught progressively so that each new experience is built upon step by step.

Basic training takes place in the safety of the swimming pool and once the necessary skills have been mastered you move on to complete your first open water dives. This progression continues to Sports Diver and beyond, where open water skills and techniques are further developed and experience gained.

Ocean Diver

This course provides you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to prepare for open water diving. Learning to dive is all about learning to use your equipment properly and safely. The Ocean Diver training course concentrates on preparing you for this in the safety of a swimming pool and then introducing you to open water in a controlled and safe manner. This also gives you the opportunity to practice skills in the company of a qualified instructor or experienced diver.

The Ocean Diver Course consists of the following elements:
- Seven classroom lessons
- A theory assessment
- A basic swimming assessment
- Five Pool lessons
- Five Open Water lessons

- Minimum of 200 minutes or 10 experience dives in open water in a variety of conditions

BSAC Ocean Diver now includes training in the use of NITROX

Sports Diver
In Sports Diver training, the emphasis is on building a sound foundation of open water diving skills and experience through a series of structured practical lessons. Once you have gained this open water experience with a qualified instructor, you are ready to take part in dives with other Sports Divers or those of higher grades.

The Sports Diver Course consists of the following elements:
- Six classroom lessons
- A theory assessment
- A dry practical lesson
- One Pool lesson
- One optional Refresher/Orientation dive
- Five Open Water lessons.

- One dry practical lesson

BSAC Sport Diver cludes training in the use of NITROX

Dive Leader
Dive Leader training concentrates on the responsibilities and safety aspects of leading other divers on an open water dive.

Practical lessons in rescue management and rescue skills will give you the confidence and ability to deal with those unforeseen emergencies. Leading a dive will develop your enjoyment, confidence and experience as a diver.

The Dive Leader Course consists of the following elements:
- Twelve classroom lessons
- A theory assessment
- Seven Open Water lessons
- Two dry practical lessons
-Twenty dives (which may include the Open Water lessons), in a range of conditions, since qualifying as a Sports Diver

Advanced Diver
The Advanced Diver course further develops your knowledge and skills. You will gain experience in planning and organising dives at different sites and under different circumstances. Additional experience will be gained in using small boats, chartwork. navigation and many other related skills. The BSAC consider this grade as being a fully trained diver.

The Advanced Diver Course consists of the following elements:
- 4 theory lessons
- 2 dry practical lessons
- 2 open water lessons
- Theory assessment
- 20 dives in range of conditions
The course has relatively few 'formal' practical lessons and is much more heavily based on a further structured broadening of experience in a wide range of conditions.

Training programme

The Autumn training programme for new students kicks off in September with try-dive events as part of the BSAC Try Dive campaign. Training begins shortly thereafter with pool sessions on the Tuesday evening at Hazelhead pool.

The spring training programme kicks off with try-dives throughout January with training commencing early February.

Try dives can be organised throughout the period September to May at a cost of £15. This fee is included in your joining costs should you wish to join the training programme at a later stage. The programme is reasonably flexible to allow for the life commitments of the students.