Training

Although Scuba diving is a relatively safe activity these days because of advancements in equipment design and the heavy safety focus of the training courses, it is still one of the most challenging watersports and has the potential to be deadly if not shown the right levels of respect. Several diving fatalities are recorded each year, many due to divers acting beyond their training or capability.

Scuba diving training is not an optional choice for beginner divers, it is an essential requirement. Diving without proper preparation is very dangerous. It is a technical sport that requires practical training in the operation of the diving apparatus as well as learning the basic theory of how the body reacts to the stresses it is put under within the water.

To become a diver it is first necessary to enrol in a recognised training course that will lead to a scuba diving certificate. The four main UK agencies offering training are the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC), the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), the Sub-Aqua Association (SAA) and the Scottish Sub-Aqua Club (SSAC).

Training is split into three main parts; pool work, theory and open water diving. Students will begin diving in a pool or sheltered shallow water, where they will be taught basic skills such as equipment use. This is supplemented with some classroom teaching, where the essentials of water pressure, diving medicine and safety are taught. Open water diving is where the student has reached a sufficient ability that are able to experience real diving in a lake or at sea.

Diving in UK waters is entirely different to diving abroad and thorough training is essential.