OCEAN DIVER COMPANION
Introduction to Ocean Diver training
National Instructor Marg Baldwin answers your questions about BSAC ’ s diver training course for beginners , Ocean Diver
Learning to dive can be a life-changing experience , bringing a whole host of exciting underwater opportunities and friends to enjoy them with .
BSAC ’ s Ocean Diver course is the first step on this adventure . Over a series of classroom lessons , practical pool training and sheltered water sessions you will be progressively taught the core scuba skills until , before you know it , you ’ re a fully qualified BSAC diver ready to go out and explore the underwater world !
If you are a new Ocean Diver trainee – or have yet to start – here are some answers to the immediate questions you may have to help you get the most out of this fun and enjoyable course .
1 . How long is the Ocean Diver course ? The Ocean Diver course is made up of : classroom lessons ; a theory assessment ; a basic swimming assessment ; shelteredwater lessons ( usually carried out in a pool ) and open water lessons ( also known as going diving !)
Many clubs run Ocean Diver training over consecutive weeks , completing the classroom and the sheltered water ( pool ) lessons as part of their weekly club meeting and pool night . After a successful theory assessment , the open water lessons start . Going diving can be in a lake , a flooded quarry or , of course , in the sea . All lessons are performance-based so you progress at your own pace .
Instructors in BSAC clubs are volunteers and may have other commitments . If you need your training delivered more quickly than your club can manage , all or part of your training can be completed through a BSAC centre . The Ocean Diver course and its Qualification Record Book ( a record of your training as it is delivered ) are designed so that any suitably qualified BSAC instructor can record lessons completed , other instructors can see your achievements to date and continue your training .
2 . There is a swimming assessment but I am not a brilliant swimmer . Will I cope ? You do not need to be an Olympic swimmer but being comfortable in the water is essential for all divers . This is evaluated during the swimming assessment which is a 200 metre – or eight lengths of a 25m pool – freestyle swim ( meaning any stroke ) in basic swimwear . You need to complete it comfortably , speed is not important . Should you need time to practice your swimming , this can be accomplished in parallel with your
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