Thanks for showing an interest in our club.
In the UK there are two main organisations where you can learn to scuba dive, PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club).
PADI training is organised through commercial dive training schools while BSAC is a club run by members for its members. Both organisations provide training and certification that is recognised worldwide.
The Isle of Purbeck Sub-Aqua Club is part of the BSAC and we run our training using their scheme. We aim to train safe divers who enjoy being underwater. Within our club we have members whose passion is marine life and members whose passion is wreck diving, we have members who like diving to great depths and members who are happy with a potter under Swanage Pier. This is one of the big advantages of diving with a club – you'll find someone who has the same interest as you. Below is an outline of our training schedule to get you qualified for next summer.
The Taster Session
The session starts at 7.00pm in a meeting room with a short talk outlining the club, equipment and training format and covering the essential safety points for your pool dive. At 8.00pm you will enter the pool and, under supervision, will experience the excitement of scuba diving. Be warned, this could be the start of a life long obsession!! After the dive we go back to the classroom where you can ask any questions you may have and meet some of the club members.
The cost of the above lecture and pool "Try Dive" is £10. You will need to be medically fit and will be asked to sign a form confirming this. A copy of this form may be viewed HERE. All the diving equipment will be provided; all you need to bring is swimwear and an old T-shirt. To book a space or if you have any questions, phone our Chairman Chris Dunkerley on 01929 426928 after 6pm.
This one evening is a stand-alone and commits you to nothing further.
However, should you enjoy it and wish to continue, read on.....
The Winter Months
On Saturday evenings you will attend a series of lectures and pool training sessions. At this stage you will need your own mask, fins and snorkel (approximate cost £60). The cost of the training course is £250; this includes your log book, training manual, one year's membership of our club and one year's subscription to BSAC.
To complete the pool course you will need to pass a short multiple-choice test and be judged competent by your instructor.
Late Spring
As soon as the water temperature reaches a sensible level you will undertake five open-water training dives, completing a minimum of two hours underwater. Your first open water dives are likely to be in the sheltered waters of Swanage Pier, or other local dive sites such as Chesil Cove and Kimmeridge Bay.
At this stage you will need all your diving equipment and a semi-dry suit (loads of advice will be given during the winter training, a very approximate cost is £1000 if you bought everything brand new). Again you will be assessed by your instructor and on successful completion you will be qualified as an "Ocean Diver".
Summer
Now that you are qualified the fun really begins. With your own password you will be able go onto our “Dive Booking” page, click the "book" button against the dives you fancy and away you go!! Your dive coordinator will ensure that for your first year you are "buddied-up" with a suitably qualified individual. Now the costs become very sensible; a whole days diving off the club boat is £25.
And afterwards.....
Who knows – its all up to you. This year members have swum with dolphins in the Red Sea, been swooped over by manta rays in the Maldives, explored the reefs and wrecks of the Isles of Scilly and marvelled at the size of First World War battleships in Scotland. We look forward to diving with you.
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