Advice please guys

[SarahP]

Hi, I'm a recent convert to BSAC, I've been a PADI DM for a number of years and have just done a Dive Leader. I want to continue my training and become an instructor. I'm a member of an Army branch of BSAC but don't live near it when I'm in the UK ( I stay in Cheshire ). Where I spend most of my time there is no BSAC club. Any recommendations about where to continue my training? I would do it witht he Army but the course dates just do not fit around my work!

[Neil R]

Hi
try looking here to find a local branch to where you stay in cheshire

http://www.bsac.org/page/207/north-west.htm

Neil :)

[AndyDavis]

Hi mate,

I had the same problem when I was based near the 'Shot and it really curtailed my diving.

If there aren't any clubs in your neck of the woods, why not search to see if there any like-minded individuals locally? I developed a network of trusty dive buddies and it is little hassle to book two or more places on a dive charter.

Of course, when you're home you won't really get all the benefits of a club by doing this - but you can still get in the water.

Alternatively, pick a decent BSAC club further afield - but which has convenient access to a good diving location. You'll have to travel to them - but you'd be doing this anyway to reach those dive sites....if you see what I mean!?!

[TerryH]

Hi, I'm a recent convert to BSAC, I've been a PADI DM for a number of years and have just done a Dive Leader. I want to continue my training and become an instructor. I'm a member of an Army branch of BSAC but don't live near it when I'm in the UK ( I stay in Cheshire ). Where I spend most of my time there is no BSAC club. Any recommendations about where to continue my training? I would do it witht he Army but the course dates just do not fit around my work!

Get yourself on an IFC - Now!

As a PADI DM you've done way more than your DL/ADI counterpart, but wont
be able to help out at at a local club apart from being a gofa. Do a 2 day
attendance only IFC and you are instantly an assett to any club and the
best bit is you can teach !!!!

There is another route though that you might not have considered.

You are a DM/DL, so join a BSAC club and do an IFC. Unlike PADI you get to
teach straight away (albeit under supervision). Once you've got a bit of
experince of teaching under your belt you can actually look towards the
PADI IDC and become a PADI Inst.

The BSAC clubs gives you hands on experince to enable you to sit your PADI
stuff with ease. Best bit is that you can now fill a form in and BSAC will give
you a OWI status.

So you can do.
IFC > TIE > OWIC > PIE = BSAC NQI (OWI)
or
IFC > IDC/IE = PADI OWSI & BSAC NQI (OWI)

All you have to do is work in the cost, but missing out TIE, OWIC & PIE will
save £250 - £300 easy.

[SarahP]

Thanks for your advice.

[Badders (Dave)]

Where in Cheshire are you based? We are in North Staffs.
less than 1.5 miles from the Cheshire border.
10 Mins from Crew & Nantwich, a good 30 mins from Chester or Stockport
Diving most weeks in Anglesea, Capernwray, Ecce Delph, ETC
Loads of trips, this year, Oban, Pacific, red sea, Scapa, Plymouth,
6M RIB & use of a 4M deep swimming pool on Monday nights.
Always welcome new members.

Badders