BSAC recognition around the world

[Dark007]

Hi,

I'm halfway through my PADI Open Water course. When signing up for scuba diving I did it on impulse without really shopping around which is out of character for me.

I have now had a chance to see that there are at least two different "associations" or clubs to train with. I am going to finish this PADI course and then see whether I want to continue PADI training or go the BSAC route. From my limited experience it seems that PADI is more expensive but quicker, but BSAC is more comprehensive and seems to involve a LOT more diving and cheaper diving at that. I'm leaning toward BSAC at the moment. The kit is expensive enough without adding high tuition fees to it.

My only concern is I'm not sure how well BSAC is recognised around the world. I know PADI is world recognised, so if I want to go diving in the Red Sea or wherever will I NEED to have a PADI Advanced Open Water so I can dive to 30 metres? It might seem like a silly question but I am thinking of the long term here, where perhaps in the future I might want to become an instructor in another part of the world. That's a long way off though. I just want to steer myself in the right direction.

[Janos]

Hi,

Ignore the agency thing. For me, there's no greater pleasure than going diving with a bunch of friends. That's basically what a dive club is. When you've finished your PADI OW, have a look at the various clubs in your area (many will be BSAC, but there are other agencies, and even some PADI clubs) and see whether you get on with them and whether they are right for you. Once you've found one you like - join it. Remember that two BSAC (or PADI etc) clubs could be very different from each other so try several.

Regarding the qualification, I really wouldn't worry about it. I've had no problem showing my BSAC qual, and you can always get a card from HQ if you really want, which is very acceptable.

Janos

[Wills]

in the future I might want to become an instructor in another part of the world. That's a long way off though. I just want to steer myself in the right direction.

The best qualification for that would be to get lots of diving in and get a broad range of experience, if you want to become an instructor 'in another part of the world' then it's PADI you're after when you take your instructor exams.

At this stage speak to the instructors likely to train you, BSAC or PADI and make a choice on that, who did you get on with, who seemed the more professional and who gave the most insight into YOUR needs, both teach very similar skills - after all, diving is diving, BSAC teaches more buddy rescue skills earlier in its programme than PADI does, but by PADI Rescue Diver / BSAC Sports you're very similar.

You can cross between either agency at any time and have some of your previous training credited against future training so I wouldn't worry which you choose, just choose the one that is most right for you.

Safe diving and good luck.
Wills.

[Adrian Kelland]

Hi,

I have had no problem at all with my BSAC qualifications, from the Philipines, to Red Sea, the Med and the US. Sometimes your log of dives may count more as it shows what you have recently.

You will find that some quides in the industry are completely ignorant of the wider availability of training agencies. I have found that a bit of polite education helps them understand. There is no point getting stroppy with them.

If you really do want to become an instructor and work your way around the world, then PADI is probably your best bet. However I would also recommend you get training from other agencies too. It widens your knowledge to other skills and techniques. Although speaking another language may be your best bet. Nearly every dive guide I have come across has spoken English - that skill is nothing special. :)

Adrian

[Chris Cherrington]

Hi there,

When you have completed your next level training with BSAC (if that is what you choose) you can get a BSAC Sport Diver card from HQ. This card has a CMAS rating (2 star) and this will be recognised pretty much anywhere globally even if the BSAC itself is not known.

I agree with Janos. Dive clubs are for making friends and going diving. If you are just looking at training costs there really isn't much in it (factor in the membership fees). In terms of training content I think the BSAC is more UK oriented and teaches some things like DSMB deployment that PADI does not. If you choose to continue with PADI training please go on to do the Rescue Diver, that is a very very good course. But whichever route you go make sure you get to dive lots and enjoy it, don't just do courses!!

Best

Chris