How do I get qualified?

The club’s nationally certified instructors are able to deliver the complete British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) Diver Training Programme from Ocean Diver to Advanced Diver, as well as many Skills Development Courses (SDCs), e.g. first aid, rescue management, photography etc.

Each course is a mix of theory and practical sessions where skills are first taught in the swimming pool and then practiced again in open water.

For the entry-level Ocean Diver course, which qualifies you to dive to 20m, an average of five hours in the pool will have you ready for your open water training, but you will not be rushed though the pool training and so the duration will depend on your progress and attendance at training sessions.

How much does it cost?

During your training the club provides most of the scuba equipment you need so there is no need to buy kit yourself. The initial cost to get you started on the Ocean Diver course after you join us is likely to be about £299 made up of:

• Ocean Diver training fee £164 (includes equipment loan if needed and two days open water instruction)
• Ocean Diver training pack (course notes) £50

Once you move to the open water part of the course there are additional costs that are charged per day and are not included in the above fees. We suggest you budget for two days of open water training:

• Your entry into Stoney Cove (per day) £27
• Hire of thermal suit and boots from Stoney Cove (per day) £14.55 (correct as of August 2021)

Contact us for prices for other training courses.

How old do I need to be to start?

Marlin Sub-Aqua Club is currently able to offer training to new members (who are medically fit to dive) from 18 years of age.

Children between the age of 14–17 are able to undertake training providing that a parent/guardian is a member of the club (subject to assessment by the Diving Officer). The parent/guardian must take full responsibility for the supervision of the child at all times.

Do I need to be fit to dive?

Diving is a physical activity but you don’t need to be super fit to dive. In order to start diver training you need to be able to answer No to the questions on the BSAC Medical Form. If you have answered Yes to any questions that doesn’t mean you cannot dive, but that you will need to get a certificate from a specialist diving doctor. Please contact us if that is the case and we can help you make these arrangements.

How do I book?

Contact us with questions or to book your course. You can join the club online at bsac.com