FAQs

 

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be a good swimmer?

You don't need to be an athlete but you do need to be a reasonable swimmer. When commencing training you will need to demonstrate that you are able to swim 200m in the pool. Any children wishing to join our snorkeling club, will need to be a confident swimmer, able to swim 100m



Do I need a medical?

Normally not, however sub-aqua diving is a sport that requires general physical fitness and good health. Anyone with a medical history of diabetes, blackouts (epilepsy, etc), perforated eardrums, high blood pressure or heart disease, any lung or respiratory disorder (such as Asthma), or dependence on drugs, may not be able to dive safely and so MUST seek specialist advice before contemplating taking up this sport. BSAC operate a self declaration system. Membership of BSAC requires all divers to complete a medical self-declaration form on joining and annually when re-joining. Also if a medical condition arises between these times, it is necessary to see a specialist dive doctor.



What equipment do I need?

You will be loaned club equipment until you achieve open water status. However, you may like to have your own mask, fins and snorkel once training starts. When you progress to training in a quarry or open sea you will eventually need your own dry suit. Your instructor will be pleased to offer advise. When you progress to open water training you will need to purchase your own equipment.



How long does it take to become qualified?

It will take around six months to become a qualified Ocean Diver (the first qualification within BSAC). Initially we try to complete one theory and one practical session per week, but this is not always possible. Much depends on the availability of instructors and your availability to attend training and lectures. Instruction is normally two to one, so if you find a particular aspect difficult you can take your time and get it right. You will not be pressurised to rush your training.



Is there anything worth seeing in UK waters?

Yes! British diving is the best in the world. There is always something worth seeing and the variety of experiences to be had in British water can't be beaten. There are shipwrecks, we have lots of vessels from the two World Wars. Some of the wrecks are surprisingly intact, but many more have become trails of debris, great to follow on a dive. The British coast has reefs dominated by corals, anemones and sponges. There are fish on every reef, and multiple varieties of sharks (harmless ones) and not forgetting the friendliest animal in the sea, the grey seal.



I'm not sure if Diving is for me, can I try it out?

Yes! Contact us to book one of our Try Dives to get a taster of diving.



Where do you dive?

Check out our Dive with Us pages to learn more about some of the places we dive.



Is diving in the UK cold?

UK water is colder then an exotic dive location however, when diving, we wear dry suits. The insulation they provide means the colder water temperature is barely noticeable. In the summer months, our water temperatures can reach 20 degrees, which is comparable to many foreign dive sites.



I need glasses, will this stop me diving?

Certainly not, many of our divers wear contact lenses or have prescription masks. Click the attached link to find out more. https://www.bsac.com/news-and-blog/snorkel-safety-talk-can-you-see/



What are the advantages of BSAC club diving?

We can offer a range of benefits including: Diver training, qualified Instructors, dive leaders and dive organisers. A friendly social environment for training, diving and recreation. Free use of the training pool for members during our weekly slot. Fellow divers / buddies to dive with. Regular branch meetings, training courses, open water dives and trips away.