Gulp Divers - Training

Training
Training is provided by members for members, free of charge*, with the only requirement that 'trainees' pay for materials required and as a gesture of goodwill, the instructors' air costs. Any pool time required is paid for by the members undergoing training. Generally no entry-level training is provided, however requests will be considered. Training to 'Sports Diver' and above is provided as required.

The BSAC branch diver grades are as follows:-

OCEAN DIVER	Qualified for dives to max 20m by progression
SPORTS DIVER	Qualified for dives to max 35m by progression
DIVE LEADER	Qualified to lead dives. Max 50m by progression
ADVANCED DIVER	Fully qualified as above, with boat/marshalling experience (Training comprises of skill development courses)
FIRST CLASS DIVER	As the name suggests, B.S.A.C.'s, top diver grade

Various training activates are available each year, so check the calendar for further details.

Other agencies
All qualified divers and instructors are welcome to join the club, we don't care which organisation originally trained you, after all, we are all divers. For this reason, crossover training will be available where required.

Examples of similar qualifications are:

Other Agency Qualification	Similar to BSAC Qualification *
*All ‘Entry Level’ qualifications (which typically do not include rescue training) such as:* CMAS One Star Diver NASDS Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver NAUI Scuba Diver and Advanced Scuba Diver PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver and AOWD Plus Royal Navy Ships Diver SAA Open Water Diver SSI Open Water Diver SSI Advanced Open Water Diver	Ocean Diver
*All ‘Second Level’ qualifications (which must include rescue training) such as:* CMAS Two Star Diver HSE Commercial Diver: HSE Scuba Diver / HSE Surface Supply Diver / HSE Surface Supply (Top Up) Diver / HSE Closed Bell Diver (formerly HSE Diver Part 4, 3, 1 and 2 respectively). See also Notes 4 and 5. NASDS Rescue Diver NAUI Scuba Rescue Diver PADI Rescue Diver SAA Club Diver SSAC Third Class Diver SSI Advanced Open Water Diver with ‘Stress and Rescue’ Speciality	Sports Diver
*All ‘Third Level’ qualifications (which must include dive leadership training) such as:* NASDS Dive Supervisor NAUI Divemaster PADI Divemaster SAA Dive Leader SSAC Second Class Diver SSI Dive Control Specialist	Dive Leader
*Any higher level of qualification, such as:* CMAS Three Star Diver SAA Dive Supervisor Because of the variation allowed in training leading to higher diving qualifications awarded by US diver training agencies, BSAC is unable to accept them as being of a similar standard to BSAC Advanced Diver.	Advanced Diver

All divers who have completed alternative training, have to complete a crossover lesson, including an Introduction to the BSAC, the Branch and the BSAC '88 tables.

For example: A PADI Advanced Open Water Diver would start on the BSAC Sport diver course* after completing the crossover lesson.

*Experienced divers who wish to transfer qualifications should understand that a BSAC Branch Diving Officer is responsible for the safety and well being of all Branch members. In exercising this duty of care, should a Diving Officer discover that a new member, originally trained by another agency, lacks an appropriate level of basic diving knowledge and skill, the DO is at liberty to require the member to undertake relevant refresher training and / or limit their open water diving activities until a satisfactory level of knowledge and skills performance is demonstrated.

For more information contact the Training Officer at: t.o.-@-gulpdivers.co.uk (ignore the dashes - entered to defeat the spammers!)