Why BSAC?

[Simon Luxton]

A colleague wants to learn to recreational dive for holidays etc. What are the pros and cons of a BSAC course over a PADI version?

[Tony Dwyer]

A colleague wants to learn to recreational dive for holidays etc. What are the pros and cons of a BSAC course over a PADI version?

There are many reasons, not all of which apply to everyone. For some clues, check out branch websites.

My branch is at http:\\www.basildonsubaqua.com

We have FUN!

[Bren Tierney]

A colleague wants to learn to recreational dive for holidays etc. What are the pros and cons of a BSAC course over a PADI version?


Hi Simon,

I came up the PADI route, so best I start with them and then 'try' and cover BSAC. There will be others here with a greater understanding and more up to date knowledge of the day-to-day BSAC reality. No doubt (and I would ask them to) they will chime in where I might make mistakes.

I wouldn't say 'over' either course, as both have serious merits to their ethos and teaching, depending on the type of diving your oppo'd like to do and in what timescales your colleague might like to complete their entry level diver training. So, and without further a do, it's fair that you understand, if you don't already, that both agencies (ignore any arguements about 'schools' and clubs', no matter how much either camp may bleat on) have unique aspects which may suit your mate.

PADI is fundamentally cash/profit-driven outfit (no shame there) - their instructors are schooled (I jest you not) in how to 'up-sell' the next course as you're completing the one you're on - they have a revenue stream in mind to keep their instructor's badge and their trainiing status. This does not mean that you will taught in any lesser way or in a less safe manner by being taught by them. All the PADI courses I did were taught to me by military instructors and they put me through the ringer - both theory and practice - so I can vouce for certain instructor's vigorous nature - and in diving, no matter which agency you choose, you need it, for reasons we'll come on to.

Financial/certified-diver-quota pressures (as I found out, years ago, to my embarrassment when the HSE turned up at Stoney Cove - a popular inland training site to which all agencies take students - and checked whether the outfit - non-military - I was diving with had a current medical and safety ticket? They didn't, although this is NO WAY indicative of all PADI schools!) are a major factor with PADI. The bonus is that they can, invariably, run courses when you'd like them and in a timeframe to suit you.

BSAC, on on the other hand, are 'the governing body of SCUBA diving withing the UK (although the Scots may give you an argument on that ;-)

They run diver training on a 'pay club or national subscriptions once a year and get all your training free' basis, with the caveat that some clubs are so popular that it may be a while before you get near the water. This is not their fault as all instructors and Diving Officers (they who must be obeyed) do the sport for the love of the sport (and proper diver instruction) and give of their time free! And they put a sh*t-load of hours in whilst doing same. So they're serious about it. If they have your non-profit' interests at heart, then it's a good sign.

They give their weekends and mid-week free for diver instruction in both the sea and pool (training) time. They also train to a VERY high standard - for instance they insist (and rightly so, that as you're being asked to work/breath in an environment (water) which is completely alien to humans) that you complete a series of orientation dives in a 'controlled environment', along with the appropriate Diver Rescue practices (you have to wait/pay for three courses until you do this with PADI), with the requisitely trained Dive Leaders and Branch/Club Intructors so that they and you can be happy that this sport is for you, you are safe and that you will be safe diving with other 'buddies' (divers dive in pairs for safety reasons and the 'what if?' scenarios).

Why might it take longer than the PADI route? Well simply put, BSAC can provide everyting from dry-suits, to regulators, to BCD's to the rest of the kit you will need to learn to dive - but as and when it comes available. The kit is invariably in top order and realiable also.

The benefit of diving with BSAC is that you can go through your diver training in a 'these are the guys I did my initial training with and I now know their strengths and weaknesses, hence I'm happy to dive with them, as the case may be' type environment. Climbing the diving ladder with someone you've learnt with (as they've come from the same stock as you) is a confidence-boosting method. You also get the benefit of going out regularly - in confidence - with a group of divers for weekends, week-long trips and dive trips abroad with a team of guys and gals with whom you are happy, confident and at ease - beer and good times follow. Bonus. PADI also have 'clubs', but nothing like the structure which BSAC puts together for the aspiring diver.

In short - if ya wanna learn quicky (and there are valid arguments against a 'fast-track' approach to learning to dive 'properly'), then go PADI (and again, the BSAC might give arguments against my opinion here); if ya wanna learn in an environment which is inclusive, searching and 'team-spirited' with the option to get out there with mates and do regular and interesting dives, then BSAC might be the answer for you mate. This is NOT to say that PADI don't do 'interesting' dive, they do, just possibly not in the environment as described above.

Hope this helps and please anyone jump in and correct where you think I might have errr'd.

Dive safe and good luck.

Bren.

[Dave]

A colleague wants to learn to recreational dive for holidays etc. What are the pros and cons of a BSAC course over a PADI version?

Overall, at the end of it, he will end up with an open water diver qualification and there is not much difference between them

What I would use to decide which to do would be which fits in better with his schedule.

The biggest choice to make is whether he wants to learn through a school or a club.

I personally went, and if I was starting all over would do again, with the school approach since it takes 5 days to complete the whole course and be able to start diving rather than the , typically, several months it will take through a club. If going through a school, I would tend to recommend to people Padi courses since they are, in my experience, cheaper than BSAC courses ( plus there are more places that run them ).

If he wants to learn through a club, then go with BSAC.

Dave

[vice-chairman]

:=A colleague wants to learn to recreational dive for holidays etc. What are the pros and cons of a BSAC course over a PADI version?


Hi Simon,

I came up the PADI route, so best I start with them and then 'try' and cover BSAC. There will be others here with a greater understanding and more up to date knowledge of the day-to-day BSAC reality. No doubt (and I would ask them to) they will chime in where I might make mistakes.

I wouldn't say 'over' either course, as both have serious merits to their ethos and teaching, depending on the type of diving your oppo'd like to do and in what timescales your colleague might like to complete their entry level diver training. So, and without further a do, it's fair that you understand, if you don't already, that both agencies (ignore any arguements about 'schools' and clubs', no matter how much either camp may bleat on) have unique aspects which may suit your mate.

PADI is fundamentally cash/profit-driven outfit (no shame there) - their instructors are schooled (I jest you not) in how to 'up-sell' the next course as you're completing the one you're on - they have a revenue stream in mind to keep their instructor's badge and their trainiing status. This does not mean that you will taught in any lesser way or in a less safe manner by being taught by them. All the PADI courses I did were taught to me by military instructors and they put me through the ringer - both theory and practice - so I can vouce for certain instructor's vigorous nature - and in diving, no matter which agency you choose, you need it, for reasons we'll come on to.

Financial/certified-diver-quota pressures (as I found out, years ago, to my embarrassment when the HSE turned up at Stoney Cove - a popular inland training site to which all agencies take students - and checked whether the outfit - non-military - I was diving with had a current medical and safety ticket? They didn't, although this is NO WAY indicative of all PADI schools!) are a major factor with PADI. The bonus is that they can, invariably, run courses when you'd like them and in a timeframe to suit you.

BSAC, on on the other hand, are 'the governing body of SCUBA diving withing the UK (although the Scots may give you an argument on that ;-)

They run diver training on a 'pay club or national subscriptions once a year and get all your training free' basis, with the caveat that some clubs are so popular that it may be a while before you get near the water. This is not their fault as all instructors and Diving Officers (they who must be obeyed) do the sport for the love of the sport (and proper diver instruction) and give of their time free! And they put a sh*t-load of hours in whilst doing same. So they're serious about it. If they have your non-profit' interests at heart, then it's a good sign.

They give their weekends and mid-week free for diver instruction in both the sea and pool (training) time. They also train to a VERY high standard - for instance they insist (and rightly so, that as you're being asked to work/breath in an environment (water) which is completely alien to humans) that you complete a series of orientation dives in a 'controlled environment', along with the appropriate Diver Rescue practices (you have to wait/pay for three courses until you do this with PADI), with the requisitely trained Dive Leaders and Branch/Club Intructors so that they and you can be happy that this sport is for you, you are safe and that you will be safe diving with other 'buddies' (divers dive in pairs for safety reasons and the 'what if?' scenarios).

Why might it take longer than the PADI route? Well simply put, BSAC can provide everyting from dry-suits, to regulators, to BCD's to the rest of the kit you will need to learn to dive - but as and when it comes available. The kit is invariably in top order and realiable also.

The benefit of diving with BSAC is that you can go through your diver training in a 'these are the guys I did my initial training with and I now know their strengths and weaknesses, hence I'm happy to dive with them, as the case may be' type environment. Climbing the diving ladder with someone you've learnt with (as they've come from the same stock as you) is a confidence-boosting method. You also get the benefit of going out regularly - in confidence - with a group of divers for weekends, week-long trips and dive trips abroad with a team of guys and gals with whom you are happy, confident and at ease - beer and good times follow. Bonus. PADI also have 'clubs', but nothing like the structure which BSAC puts together for the aspiring diver.

In short - if ya wanna learn quicky (and there are valid arguments against a 'fast-track' approach to learning to dive 'properly'), then go PADI (and again, the BSAC might give arguments against my opinion here); if ya wanna learn in an environment which is inclusive, searching and 'team-spirited' with the option to get out there with mates and do regular and interesting dives, then BSAC might be the answer for you mate. This is NOT to say that PADI don't do 'interesting' dive, they do, just possibly not in the environment as described above.

Hope this helps and please anyone jump in and correct where you think I might have errr'd.

Dive safe and good luck.

Bren.





Wow; what a fantastic posting!

Allan

[David Leon]

A colleague wants to learn to recreational dive for holidays etc. What are the pros and cons of a BSAC course over a PADI version?

You've had a very good summary of the differences already posted. 'Holidays' is the key word here. If your colleague just wants to do some diving when they are on holiday, then that's the kind of training PADI do best. If that's the case and your colleague is confident and keen to get diving ASAP go PADI. If it turns out he/she loves diving and wants to get more involved in a club and diving in the UK, they can always join a BSAC club and crossover to do further training with BSAC. See how PADI quals equate with BSAC at <a href="http://www.bsac.org/techserv/salt1.htm" >http://www.bsac.org/techserv/salt1.htm</a>

On the other hand if they want the social side and to get more thorough training better suited to diving in the UK, join a BSAC club.

Hope this helps

David

[Paul Oliver]

Hi Bren

Well said mate, i'll second Allan on that one M8.

Maybe you have resolved Doninics Web site issue on this point, claim copywrite.

Dive Safe

Paul