Once the membership paid, the lectures and sheltered water sessions (pool) can start. The timing of the lectures may depend on the numbers of trainees. The sheltered water scuba equipment is provided by the Club but it is an advantage for members to get their own fins, mask and snorkel fairly soon after joining. Depending on the season and the weather, the open water dives, which follow on, are done in Vivian Quarry or the sea. Trainees can hire all the open water scuba kit required (£5 for air cylinder, regulator, stab jacket) but not the diving suit. Trainees should preferably have a dry suit, although a semi-dry or even a wet suit can be used for short periods underwater in the winter. For regular all year diving in UK dry suits are the only choice, although a two piece 7 mm semi-dry suit could be used in the sea once it has warmed sufficiently.

The first level of qualification. It consists of about 19 hours of instruction both theory and practical. Its aim is to produce a diver who has gained open water diving experience and is considered ready to take part in dives partnered by a diver of the same, or higher, grade, providing the dive has the explicit approval of the Branch Diving Officer or the Dive Marshal. (More specific details are given members),

The Second level of qualification and leads on from Ocean diver. It consists of about 15 hours of instruction both theory and practical. Its aim is to produce a diver who has gained open water diving and diver rescue experience and is considered ready to take part in dives partnered by another diver.

Open Water Lesson.

David showing his depth and air contents gauges during a training session in Vivian Quarry.

Training in quarries such as Vivian allows trainees to make an easy transition between pool and sea. There are very safe, having no currents, no waves nor swells. and the visibility is not normally a problem.

The Club has a team of instructors ranging from to Assistant Instructor to Advanced Instructor.

  Sheltered Water Lesson.

Training taking place in the swimming pool at the Dwyfor Leisure Centre, Pwllheli. One of the six Club Diver Lessons. Training sessions are normally held between 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on a Wednesday during the winter period.

The Club tries to get members through their qualifications as soon as possible but our instructors, who give of their time freely, do have other commitments. Also the Club will, from time to time, especially in the Summer, organise some challenging dives for the more experienced qualified members; these would be unsuitable for trainees. To get qualified quickly one should join in September, attend each pool and lecture session. After the six pool sessions, you should have your diving suit ready, so that you can go straight on to the Sunday dives at Vivian Quarry. If there is a delay, while you get a suit, it is not a problem, but remember once the sea diving season starts in April, training will proceed more slowly.

 Sheltered Water Lesson.

Preparing for an assisted ascent
in the deep end.

The third level of qualification and leads on from Sports Diver. It consists of about 22 lessons both theory and practical. Its aim is to produce a diver who is already experienced in open water diving and diver rescue and is considered ready to plan and lead a dive with a diver of the same, a lower grade or in training.

The fourth level of qualification and leads on from Dive Leader. It consists of six lessons and 20 dives, in a range of conditions, since qualifying as a Dive Leader.

A diver who is comprehensively trained, experienced and responsible, and who can manage and supervise:

• a wide range of adventurous and challenging diving activities;
• branch diving expeditions to explore unfamiliar locations.
• branch activities including dives utilising developing technology and techniques.

The highest qualification possible. Instruction and testing is done nationally. A First Class Diver is a diver who:

• has a high level of practical diving skills and knowledge.
• can organise groups of divers to achieve specific aims or objectives
• can organise and lead major diving expeditions.
• has the skill to contribute to BSAC developments at a national, regional and branch level.

There are pre-requisites for entry to the First Class Diver Qualification laid down.