Ocean Diver course

This course is entry level and requires no prior experience.

If you have never dived before, we recommend that you take a try dive with us first. This is not a requirement, but it will help to familiarise you with the scuba equipment and being in the water before committing to a course.

The course comprises

7 x theory lectures
5 x sheltered water lessons (in our club swimming pool)
5 x open water lessons (2 days in inland training lakes)
Experience dives will be arranged on hard boats (usually on the South Coast once you qualify).

Theory lessons run on Thursday evenings from 7.15pm – 8.15pm in our lecture room at Bracknell Sports Centre. Alternatively we also run theory as a two day Saturday course at training venues in Bracknell or Marlow.

Sheltered water lessons follow from 8.30pm – 10.00pm in the Competition Pool at Bracknell Sports & Leisure Centre, Bagshot Rd, Bracknell.

Open water lessons take place following successful completion of a written theory test and a practical assessment in the swimming pool. These begin in inland lakes of progressing depth – usually Wraysbury Dive Centre and The National Diving and Activity Centre, Chepstow. Final dives are usually arranged from a hard boat out of Weymouth.

For more detailed general information about this course, please click on the PDF download opposite (123Kb)

Assessment

Theory test
Pool assessment
Open water assessments

Qualification

On successful completion of the course you will be awarded BSAC Ocean Diver certification. This qualification is highly regarded and recognised world-wide. It qualifies you to dive to a maximum depth of 20 metres.

PADI equivalent

The BSAC Ocean Diver qualification is roughly equivalent to PADI Open water Diver qualification (max depth 18m). We welcome qualified divers from other organisations into the club and they can dive according to their current qualification. We also run crossover courses in order to allow PADI Open Water divers to upgrade their maximum dive depth to 20 metres on club dives.

Costs

Tuition on Ocean Diver training courses run within the club are free to paid up club members.

You will need to pay a small fee to BSAC for training materials. The Ocean Diver course pack is currently £38.00+ P&P* but please check prices with the Course Manager when you sign up for the course.

Club kit is available to hire but initially you will need to purchase your own mask and snorkel – advice will be given on your first lecture on this. Pool fins are included in the hire kit but you will need to purchase sea fins for your Open Water dives. You will also need to hire or purchase semi-dry with boots or drysuits for Open Water dives. Advice will be given on this subject during lectures. Wetsuits may be worn for pool sessions if you own them, but swimming costume and a T Shirt will be sufficient.

You will need to pay entrance fees to training lakes (typically £9.00 – £15.00 per day) and boat charter costs (typically £50.00 – £55.00 per day to include two dives). You will also need to arrange and pay for your own travel and accommodation for weekend dives at the coast. This may involve Friday and Saturday night accommodation depending on tides and 'ropes-off' times.

Next course

Starts 28 June 2012

Please visit our club diary for more details.

Please contact training@bracknellscuba.org.uk if you would like to sign up. If you cannot make all dates, let us know as there is usually some flexibility.

* All prices correct May 2012