Getting Started as a SCUBA diver

Our club provides several opportunities for beginners to experience the excitement of breathing and moving underwater.

If you are interested in becoming a qualified diver, please note that training beyond the Introduction to SCUBA course is available exclusively to club members. To help you decide whether full membership is right for you, we recommend starting with a Try Dive, followed by the Introduction to SCUBA course.

All sessions are held in a swimming pool, with full SCUBA equipment supplied by the club. Courses are dependent on instructor availability and will be scheduled accordingly.

Junior Divers

The club can train juniors from the age of ten, naturally there are restrictions on what juniors can do and these are:

1. Age 10 to 11. Can participate in try-dives. Snorkel and scuba training in pool only. Depth restriction of three metres.
2. Age 12 - 13. SCUBA training with a depth restriction of fifteen metres. Can qualify to SAA CMAS One Star Diver. Limited to two dives per day maximum, must dive on most conservative tables available or most conservative setting on computer, and have at least 1day off after 3 consecutive days diving
3. Age 14 -17. May qualify as SAA Two Star Diver, depth restriction of 30m, may not lead divers of less than SAA Two Star Diver level and note restrictions regarding adult supervision. Must dive on most conservative tables available or most conservative setting on computer. Recommended to have 1 day off after 3 days diving. Can attend SAA Emergency Diver First Aid/Oxygen Administration, SAA Chartwork and Navigation and SAA Basic Boat Handling courses. Can attend SAA Nitrox course on reaching 15 years old and SAA Diver Rescue course from 16 years.
4. Junior divers may not qualify as Instructors.
5. Age 18 - No further restrictions other than for adults.                                      

Parents are welcome poolside during the pool sessions and juniors will need their parents support for travel etc. to the open water dive sites we use.

A copy of the junior divers policy can be downloaded below. The club will require this form to be completed for every junior.

Snorkeller Course (£15) 

Our snorkeller course is ideal for anyone wanting to learn the skills before going on holiday. The course runs for five weeks and is conducted during our weekly pool sessions. The club provides mask, fins and snorkel although you might want to acquire your own equipment for use on holiday. The club instructors will be able to provide help and guidance on the type of equipment before you buy your own.

On completion of this course, you will have gained the confidence to snorkel safely.

A copy of the course form can be downloaded below, this form together with any junior forms are required for each candidate.

Diver Medical Declaration

You do not need to be super fit to start diving. However, you do need a reasonable level of fitness and be medically fit to dive. All course candidates must complete the UKDMC medical form, this is a self-declaration aimed at highlighting any potential issues, before starting any SCUBA diver training. The declaration is valid for 12 months or until there is a change in any medical condition.

If you have answered yes to any of the questions or have any questions about completing this form, please email the club for further advice.

The medical declaration can be download from the link below.

Try Dive (£10)

Try dives give you the chance to experience being underwater breathing off SCUBA equipment.

The session is conducted during one of our pool sessions with the club providing all the required equipment. During the session you will be introduced to the SCUBA equipment and the basic skills required underwater.

We recommend that you wear a T-shirt in addition to your normal swimwear as the equipment can rub against bear skin.

The Try a Dive form can be downloaded below and this and your completed medical form are required before completing the try dive.

Introduction to SCUBA (£45)

Our Introduction to SCUBA course is conducted over six weeks during our pool sessions. During this course some of the things you will cover are:

1. Basic fitness test
2. Basic diving skills
3. How to assemble and breakdown SCUBA equipment
4. Core scuba skills including buoyancy control, underwater communication

Whilst this course does not result in a formal diving qualification it does cover the initial elements of the SAA One Star Diver grade. On completion of the course you have the option to walk away with a certificate of attendance or join the club and continue your training towards becoming a qualified diver.

The Introduction to SCUBA course form can be downloaded below.

SAA/CMAS One Star Diver

The entry level for diving is the SAA/CMAS One Star Diver. To undertake this full course, you must be a member of the club and the SAA. Click here for details about joining the club – Click Here.

You need to be at least 12 years old to qualify as a One Star Diver, there is no upper age limit and training can commence before 12, subject to the club diving officer’s approval.

As an Open Water Diver, you will be able to dive to a maximum of 20 metres (15 metres for 12 & 13 year old).