The Ocean Diver qualification is the first level of BSAC diver training. More information from BSAC can be found online at www.bsac.com. The course comprises: -
- 6 Classroom lessons
- 5 Swimming pool sessions, and
- 4 Open Water dives
The classroom sessions cover the theory of diving. The swimming pool sessions teach you practical skills and allow you to practice them in a controlled environment. The Open Water dives take those skills to the marine environment.
Ocean Diver courses are run on-demand and are taught 'in-house' by our volunteer, qualified instructors. The timing and duration of the courses are flexible, depending on student availability and progress, instructor and pool availability, weather conditions, etc. Generally, you can expect a course to take several months as you start to participate in branch diving activities.
To train as a BSAC Ocean Diver in branch, you need to be a member of BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club), the national body, as well as the local branch (Torbay BSAC). National membership costs £74 (annual fee) and provides you with liability insurance and a subscription to the glossy monthly magazine ‘SCUBA’. You should join BSAC online via their website but specify that you are a club member of Branch No. 0008 (saving £10 on annual fee of £81 for Direct members).
Branch membership currently costs £230 annually or £20 per month with a standing order. As a member of the local branch, you have access to our facilities in Torquay, including free air fills (subject to availability) and the opportunity to join dives on our hardboat.
There is a £250 training fee for the course, which is effectively charged 'at cost' (to cover the cost of pool hire and equipment servicing). During training, hire of the main items of scuba equipment (cylinder, regulators, buoyancy jacket) is included as part of the training fee. This equipment is fully serviced and maintained. You should plan on buying your own basic equipment (mask, fins & snorkel), and when you are ready to go into cold water, you will need to purchase or hire a suitable wetsuit (or drysuit).
The theory lessons are available online (eLearning) on the BSAC website, which will cost £71 (payable to BSAC). The eLearning course includes digital copies of the Student Guide, Diving Manual, Qualification Record and Certification. However, we are also happy to go over the lessons in person if required, and hardcopies of the digital materials can also be purchased from BSAC if required.
BSAC Ocean Diver courses are available to those aged 12 and over. However, Torbay branch recommends that training be undertaken by those 16 and above. (Our Try-dives are available to those 14 and above).
Summary of Costs
BSAC Annual Membership*: £74 (payable to BSAC)
Torbay Branch Membership: £230 per year (or £20 per month by Standing Order)
Ocean Diver training fee: £250 (includes equipment use)
eLearning Course: £71 (payable to BSAC)
Total: £625 (£480 to Torbay BSAC)
* if joining via a branch (£10 extra if joining BSAC Direct). BSAC membership for Junior Members (10-17 years old or students 18+ in full-time education) is £42.00. BSAC Family membership is £129.
Please contact us for course availability. Email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.