Learning to Dive Questions
- Do I have to be a good swimmer?
- How long will it take to learn?
- Where are the lessons held?
- Do I need to be really fit?
- How old do I need to be?
- How much does it cost?
- Do I have to have a medical examination?
- What qualifications do you issue?
- What equipment do I need to buy?
Answers
Do I have to be a good swimmer?
Not really. You do have to have some confidence in the water, and have to be able to swim 8 lenghts of the swimming pool. There is no time limit to do that. Being a good swimmer does not help that much when scuba diving, we tend to move around fairly slowly so we see as much as possible.
How long will it take to learn?
The time to learn depends on quite a few factors. To gain your first qualification normally takes around 2-3 months, some people take longer, some not so long. The process moves along at your pace. It does take a bit longer in the winter, not many of us like the colder water.
Where are the lessons held?
The theory lessons are normally held on a Thursday evening at our normal meeting venue, but before the club meeting starts.
This is at the Rose and Crown at Draycott at present.
The pool session are at West Park Leisure Centre on a Monday evening.
Towards the end of the pool training we need slightly deeper water, so often use a deeper pool for at least one session.
Do I need to be really fit?
You do not need to be really fit, though some general fitness will help. It is more important to develop dive fitness, which comes with time. There are some medical conditions that prevent you from diving, this are noted on the medical forms.
How old do I need to be?
The minimum age is 12 years, we do not have a maximum age. There are some restrictions for anyone under 18, such as a parent or gaurdian may need to be present for the training. Our instructors take full responsibility for anyone during the actual training, but not afterwards.
How much does it cost?
We do not charge you to learn to dive, and our instructors receive no payment. You will need to join our club and the BSAC before learning with us. You will also need to buy a training pack, the cost of all this for the first year is around 150.00 pounds. We do recommend buying your own mask and fins, the cost of these vary considerably, and we would guide you what to buy at the start of the sessions.
Do I have to have a medical examination?
You have to complete a medical self declaration, if any problems are highlighted on this form, you will be referred to a BSAC Medical Referee.
What qualifications do you issue?
Being a branch of the British Sub Aqua Club, we only issue BSAC qualifications. These qualifications are accepted worldwide, and are usually regarded very highly. The BSAC is the governing body for the sport in the UK, and the training scheme is second to none. The qualification is also accepted by CMAS the world federation for diving.
What equipment do I need to buy?
We provide you with the main equipment you need for the training. We suggest you buy your own mask and fins early on in the training. You would also need to hire or buy a diving suit for the open water training.