To book a CCR try dive at the Midlands Scoob & Snork Fest, go to bsac. com / trydivesScoobFest JUL-AUG 2026 ADVERTISERS
SCUBAHUB
Course of the Month
BSAC Sidemount Diver
LOOKING TO EXPAND YOUR DIVING skills and explore a different way of configuring your equipment underwater? Then the new BSAC Sidemount Diver course could be the next step in your diving journey!
Designed for already qualified divers, the BSAC Sidemount Diver course is a newly developed skill development programme focused entirely on the safe, efficient and confident use of sidemount configuration. Rather than adapting twin-set skills for sidemount use, this dedicated course recognises sidemount as a distinct discipline with its own equipment, techniques and diving philosophy.
Structured to provide a progressive and rewarding learning experience, the course combines classroom theory, dry practical sessions and in-water training to build competence step-by-step. Divers will develop a detailed understanding of sidemount equipment configuration, hose
routing, cylinder management, buoyancy control and trim, alongside the problemsolving and self-sufficiency skills needed to dive the configuration safely.
Training begins with core theory sessions covering sidemount philosophy, equipment setup and failure management, before moving into dry practical workshops where students configure equipment and rehearse key drills. In-water training then develops these skills further through sheltered water practice and open water dives designed to consolidate confidence and capability in realistic diving conditions.
A strong emphasis is placed on continuous assessment throughout the course, ensuring divers build practical skills progressively rather than relying on a single final assessment. By the end of the programme, divers will be able to safely plan and conduct dives using sidemount configuration, manage gas effectively across independent cylinders and respond confidently to both routine and emergency scenarios.
The course also highlights the advantages of sidemount diving, including increased gas redundancy, improved balance and trim, a more streamlined profile and greater flexibility across a range of diving environments. At the same time, students learn the discipline and precision required to manage the additional complexity of sidemount systems safely and effectively.
The BSAC Sidemount Diver course consists of four classroom lessons, two dry practical sessions, one sheltered water lesson and two open water lessons. Entry requirements include a minimum grade of BSAC Sports Diver( or equivalent), current BSAC membership, medical fitness to dive and a BSAC Gold Buoyancy grade.
BSAC Technical Chief Examiner Alex Warzynski said:“ Using a sidemount system isn’ t as simple as independent backmounted cylinders – the fitting, adjustment and configuration of the equipment is far more critical to ensure a balanced, streamlined and safe system.
“ Splitting Sidemount from the Twinset course into one dedicated to that configuration gives the detail needed, and delivering it through experienced sidemount divers means students will receive the best training possible.”
The digital course pack costs £ 45, while the eLearning pack costs £ 65. For more information on the BSAC Sidemount Diver course and to find training near you, visit bsac. com / sidemountdiver
Date announced for Scoob & Snork Fest
FOLLOWING THE FLY-AWAY SUCCESS OF last year’ s launch event, the one-day Midlands Scoob & Snork Fest is all set to return this summer.
Hosted by BSAC Centre, Diverstime, Scoob & Snork Fest will take place on Saturday 25 July at the West Lake of Spring Lakes in Long Eaton, Nottingham.
The team behind the diving festival hope to build on the buzz created by last year’ s event, which saw TV adventurer and SCUBA snorkelling correspondent Andy Torbet descend on the lake via parachute.
Andy will be back this year, along with a host of scuba and snorkelling activities that will suit all skill levels. From try dives, rebreather sessions and snorkelling tasters to kit stalls featuring the likes of Cressi, Suunto, Apeks, Ocean Reef, Kubi, Miflex and DYNAMICNORD, the Scoob & Snork Fest offers something for everyone. There will also be a DJ and food stalls, as well as a raffle, all to raise funds for the RNLI.
Diverstime’ s Mark Griffin, who opened his BSAC centre at the Spring Lakes venue in 2023, said he was delighted to be able to host the Scoob & Snork Fest for a second year.
“ Last year’ s Scoob & Snork Fest exceeded all our expectations and so we are really excited about being able to bring it back again this year. And the 2026 event will be bigger than ever!
The festival is a fantastic opportunity to get together and share our enthusiasm for all things scuba and snorkelling and I really look forward to welcoming everyone to Spring Lake.”
Day tickets for the Scoob & Snork Fest are £ 20 and can be booked online at www. bsac. com / scoobsnorkfest /
To book a CCR try dive at the Midlands Scoob & Snork Fest, go to bsac. com / trydivesScoobFest JUL-AUG 2026 ADVERTISERS
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