Course of the Month
Snorkel Instructor Training Course & Assessment
DISCOVER A NEW WAY TO SHARE YOUR passion for the underwater world with the BSAC Snorkel Instructor Training Course and Assessment( SITCA). This engaging and practical course equips you with the skills to confidently teach snorkelling and combines both theory and in-water instruction techniques. During the course, you’ ll learn how to break down skills, deliver effective lessons, and support learners as they develop their confidence in the water.
Once successfully completed, you’ ll become a qualified BSAC Snorkel Instructor and can teach programmes such as Dolphin Snorkeller and Snorkel Diver in sheltered water environments. Completing the SITCA is also a fantastic opportunity to expand the training your club can offer, help attract new members, and engage those who love the marine environment but prefer a more accessible alternative to scuba diving.
The course is also ideal for anyone looking to build leadership, communication and coaching skills – making it particularly valuable for those supporting Duke of Edinburgh’ s Award activities.
The latest SITCA course dates can now be booked on MyBSAC, including:
■ 25 April- Swindon
■ 26 April- Chester
■ 12 September- Stirling( Scotland)
■ 8 November- Doncaster
The Snorkel Instructor Training Course and Assessment is open to BSAC members aged 16 and over. For more information go to bsac. com / SITCA
Sidemount Diver – a new course
BSAC HAS RELEASED ITS NEW Sidemount Diver course, designed to enable Sports Divers and above to safely use a range of sidemount configurations.
Previously taught as part of the BSAC Twinset Diver Skill Development Course( SDC), the new stand-alone Sidemount Diver now offers a focused approach that recognises sidemount diving as a distinct discipline.
As a‘ dedicated pathway’, Sidemount Diver provides thorough training in all aspects of diving with a sidemount rather than a back mounted configuration. Structured to be progressive, Sidemount Diver combines classroom theory with dry practical sessions and in-water training. The course also explores the philosophy of sidemount diving as well as correct configuration and failure management, ensuring students have a clear understanding of
the techniques and approaches used.
BSAC’ s Technical Chief Examiner, Alex Warzynski, said that splitting sidemount diving from the Twin-set Diver SDC represented a shift toward a‘ purpose-built training standard’.
“ Using a sidemount system isn’ t as simple as independent back mounted cylinders – the fitting, adjustment and configuration of the equipment is far more critical to ensure a balanced, streamlined and safe system.
“ With the new Sidemount Diver SDC now delivered as a standalone course by experienced sidemount divers rather than adapting skills from other configurations, we can ensure it provides the very best training possible.”
Sidemount Diver includes four classroom lessons, two dry practical lessons, one sheltered water lesson and two open water lessons. Classroom sessions can be done in person, online or via BSAC eLearning.
To be eligible for the Sidemount Diver SDC, students must be current BSAC members with a minimum grade of Sports Diver( or equivalent) and hold the BSAC gold buoyancy grade.
Full course details of the new Sidemount Diver SDC can be found at bsac. com / sidemountdiver
If the course cannot currently be delivered within your club, please email drt @ bsac. com to discuss your training requirements.
Become a Sidemount Diver Instructor
Sidemount Diver can be taught in-club by a suitably qualified BSAC Sidemount Instructor( or other agency equivalent).
To become a Sidemount Instructor, you must already be at least an Open Water Instructor( OWI) and be a Sidemount Diver( or equivalent). You should have also logged a minimum of 50 dives using a sidemount configuration. You will also be required to complete a BSAC Sidemount Instructor Workshop or one satisfactory assist under supervision on a full BSAC Sidemount Diver SDC.
For more information on becoming a Sidemount Instructor or to download the training materials( qualified instructors only), go to bsac. com / sidemountinstructorIM /
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