SCUBAHUB
Introducing BSAC ’ s new
Advanced Ocean Diver
BSAC HAS LAUNCHED ITS ‘ NEXT STEP ’ entry-level course , Advanced Ocean Diver , to allow qualified Ocean Divers to extend their diving depth to 30m .
Advanced Ocean Diver ( AOD ) has been devised to support the delivery of new diver training for both BSAC centres and clubs in an increasingly competitive market . It is an optional course that gives new divers more choice and flexibility as they progress with their training .
Advanced Ocean Diver is open to all Ocean Divers ( or divers who have an equivalent certification from another recognised diver training agency and have also completed Nitrox training ) aged 14 and over . On completion , Advanced Ocean Divers can conduct no-decompression dives to 30m accompanied by a Sports Diver ( or equivalent ) and above .
BSAC ’ s Head of Diving and Training , Dom Robinson , said the introduction of Advanced Ocean Diver was an exciting step forward for BSAC ’ s entry-level training .
“ Advanced Ocean Diver will not only support our centres to remain competitive in both the overseas and UK entry-level diving market , but will be a real asset for our clubs .
“ By giving new divers more choice in how and when they progress their diving , AOD can mean greater retention for our clubs as well as more member recruitment opportunities , especially with new divers who have learnt overseas . We hope as many BSAC clubs and centres as possible add Advanced Ocean Diver to their training programme .”
The Advanced Ocean Diver course includes four theory sessions , which can be completed either via eLearning or in person with an instructor , giving flexibility for students and instructors .
Practical sessions include two open water lessons and two depth progression dives . Centres can complete the AOD course in two days and make the most of BSAC ’ s digital and eLearning resources . There is no time limit for clubs delivering AOD .
Gaining the AOD qualification can also be used to support more divers to progress to Sports Diver and beyond . Meanwhile , existing Sports Diver trainees can apply for the AOD QCard part-way through their training , once they have completed the required theory and practical elements .
“ Advanced Ocean Diver does not replace Sports Diver , but can be used as a stepping stone that expands the opportunities available to divers as they progress towards this important grade ,” Dom added .
The Advanced Ocean Diver course is now live and ready for delivery in both BSAC clubs and centres . BSAC instructors can download the AOD instructor manual at bsac . com / instructorresources
Full course details of the new Advanced Ocean Diver can be found at bsac . com / AOD
BSAC ’ s two new regional coaches , Julian Gill ( below ) and Bob Huyton ( right )
Two new Regional Coaches
BSAC HAS WELCOMED TWO NEW Regional Coaches , Bob Huyton and Julian Gill , onto the team .
Bob takes over as West Midlands Regional Coach , replacing Nick Brooker , while Julian is stepping in for outgoing South East Regional Coach , Steve Batt .
Providing diving advice to clubs and members across the country , the BSAC Regional Team also offers regional training and support opportunities that may not be available through all BSAC clubs . The network covers 14 geographical regions in the UK , as well as a Regional Coach for northern Europe .
Both Bob and Julian bring a wealth of diving knowledge and experience to their new roles . Julian has been diving since the 1980s and is currently Chair of Aldershot Dolphins , while Bob has been a BSAC member for over 30 years and is an Advanced Instructor and
Assistant Instructor Trainer .
Coaching Advisor Mark Paisey said he was looking forward to working with the new additions to the Regional Team . “ I ’ d like to thank the outgoing regional coaches , Nick Brooker and Steve Batt , who have worked so tirelessly to support the clubs within their regions . As the new Regional Coaches , both Bob and Julian will build on this work , and I ’ d like to welcome them to the team .”
Divided into UK and overseas regions , the Regional Coaching Scheme provides training and diving advice as well as guidance on club management . It also offers a range of regional training opportunities and can often run courses on request for clubs .
For more information on the Regional Coaching Scheme in your area or to contact your Regional Coach go to bsac . com / coaching
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