Ocean Diver

Entry level training

On successful completion of this entry level course you will be awarded BSAC Ocean Diver certification. This is recognised world-wide, and qualifies you to dive to a maximum depth of 20 metres. Although we can take students as young as 14 for scuba training they do need to be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian.

Entry level training

On successful completion of this entry-level course you will be awarded BSAC Ocean Diver certification. This is recognised worldwide and qualifies you to dive to a maximum depth of 20 metres. Although we can take students as young as 14 for scuba training they do need to be accompanied by a diving parent or guardian.

Sheltered water training

The course starts with easy-to-digest theory lessons. Practical lessons in the swimming pool are scheduled from 8.00 pm until 9.30 pm on Thursdays.

For training in the club swimming pool, you will only need to purchase a dive mask and snorkel to supplement your hired scuba kit. There is a wide choice of masks and snorkels available, so we advise you not to buy anything until after the first introductory lesson where advice will be offered about the different types and how you can test your mask to ensure you have the correct fitting. Wetsuits may be worn for pool sessions if you own them, but a swimming costume and a T-Shirt will be sufficient.

Open water training

Following successful completion of theory and pool training you will progress to open water lessons in one of the dedicated diving lakes such as Wraysbury. The water can be colder than the pool and you will be advised to hire a semi-dry wetsuit or drysuit from a local dive shop. Hood, gloves and sea fins can be purchased at this stage. Guidance will be provided throughout your training as your final qualifying dives will usually take place on a weekend boat dive at sea from a local marina such as Weymouth.

Course Summary

6 x Theory lessons & exam
5 x Sheltered water lessons from 8.00pm – 9.30pm in the Competition Pool at Bracknell Leisure Centre (Everyone Active).
4 x Open water lessons beginning in inland lakes such as Wraysbury Dive Centre or Vobster Quay and a sea dive.

It is worth noting that each lesson may take several sessions in the ‘classroom’ or pool to complete – you should plan for an Ocean Diver course to take 4-6 months on average to complete.

Link to the BSAC Ocean Diver Course Details

Assessment

Theory test

Sheltered water (pool) skills review

Open water assessment

Annual Club Membership

£195

Tuition of Ocean Diver training courses run within the club are free to members but you will need to pay a small fee to BSAC for training materials.

Club kit is available to hire but you will need to purchase your own mask and snorkel. You will need to purchase sea fins for your Open Water dives plus the hire of a semi-dry wetsuit or drysuit. Costs can be found online at local dive shops such as Divecrew.

There are additional costs connected with the open water dives: entrance fees to training lakes (typically £15.00 – £25.00 per day) and boat charter costs (typically £60.00 – £80.00 per day). You will also need to arrange your own travel and accommodation for weekend dives at the coast.

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