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OCEAN DIVER COMPANION
within the conditions and depths they have experienced during training, provided that they have the supervision and the support of a Dive Manager on the surface. The maximum depth for any Ocean Diver is 20 metres.
14. I am not sure about the idea of diving in cold water – can I do my open water dives somewhere warm? It is possible for you to complete all the classroom and pool elements of your training with your local BSAC club and then go to a BSAC club or centre somewhere warm to complete your open water dives. Should you decide to do this and in the future decide you would like to dive in the UK, you will need some further training to acclimatise yourself to the diving conditions. This may include the training needed to use a drysuit.
I am worried by the references to assisting a casualty – is diving that dangerous? Diving is an adventurous sport with a very good safety record. No matter how safe an activity there will always be some small risk of something going wrong. Your Ocean Diver training equips you to help yourself and your buddy get to the surface should either of you experience a problem under water.
15. What happens after I have finished my Ocean Diver training? Go and enjoy diving – you are now a qualified diver who can dive within the limits of the Ocean Diver grade anywhere in the world! Remember you are advised to dive with an experienced diver who holds a higher qualification so can keep building up your own experience. When you are ready, the next step is to start working up the BSAC diving qualification ladder by doing your
Sports Diver training which will open up even more diving opportunities. �
Ocean Diver – the lowdown
Anyone aged 12 upwards can learn to dive with BSAC. You need to be reasonably fit and comfortable in the water and once qualified you will be able to dive to a maximum depth of 20m. Here are a few more key facts about BSAC Ocean Diver:
LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE Learning within a BSAC club allows you to progress your training at your own pace so you are confident in your skills and abilities at every stage.
THE RIGHT SKILLS AT THE RIGHT TIME BSAC’ s Ocean Diver course includes core rescue training skills and dive planning as part of the package.
SAFETY FROM THE START The Ocean Diver course includes training for basic nitrox, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of this safer breathing gas right away.
THE COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO LEARN TO DIVE With the BSAC Ocean Diver course, you get all the training and skills you need to be a competent entry-level diver. With the course including a range of additional modules, such as using nitrox gas and rescue skills, you do not need to buy or complete extra courses in order to be confident and ready to safely go diving open water.
For more information: www. bsac. com / oceandiver If you have a question that is not covered here, don’ t hesitate to ask your instructor … or call the BSAC team on 0151 350 6203.
Above: Ocean Diver is your passport to a coral kingdom
Above: Your Ocean Diver qualification is recognised at dive centres all over the world. For more information on Ocean Diver and the BSAC Diver training programme, go to www. bsac. com / divergrade
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