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Sports Diver is the next diver grade up on the Diver Training Programme after Ocean Diver. 

It’s a continually assessed course, so after your classroom and in-water training and a short theory exam, you’ll be competent to complete a series of depth progression dives – at increments of 5m – enabling you to dive down to a maximum of 35m.

What does the course involve?

The course includes six theory modules, a practical session on how to support a Dive Manager, a sheltered-water rescue skills session, and six open-water dives with plenty of time to practise your skills.

Where is the course held?

The theory sessions are approx. an hour long each and are usually delivered on our club night (Tues night at Molly Rigby’s, Padiham).  If this is unsuitable for students, we can often make alternative arrangements.

The pool sessions are also usually around 1 hour and are delivered at QEGS swimming pool at Blackburn on Thursday evenings (8-9pm).

For the open water dives, we usually choose a training quarry such as Capernwray or Eccleston Delph.  

Who can do this course?

You will need to be an Ocean Diver (or an equivalent qualification from another diving agency) before you can start training towards the Sports Diver grade.  Divers with such an equivalent qualification can complete a BSAC cross-over course to achieve Sports Diver.

What will I need?

We will provide you with a Sports Diver Training Pack and this will contain a copy of the theory lectures. It will also contain a additional sheets to be inserted into the Qualification Record Book (QRB) that you have from your Ocean Diver course.

For open water training, you’ll need a full set of dry-suit scuba kit.  You’ll either need your own scuba gear or hire it from a local dive shop (we can help you with this). 

How much does it cost?

Members of Burnley Sub Aqua Club who are Ocean Divers and wish to progress to Sports Diver will simply need to purchase a Sports Diver Training Pack. First point of contact would be our Training Officer, but as long as you make your requirements known to a Committee member, then we’ll sort it out for you.

Progression

The next diver grade after Sports Diver is Dive Leader.

Why Progress to Dive Leader?

The Dive Leader grade allows divers to progress their maximum depth from 35m to 50m in increments of 5m as well introducing a number of new safety & rescue skills.