4.3 Depth Limits

4.3.1 Diver Qualifications Limits
The different BSAC qualification levels initially impose depth limits, but the maximum recommended depth limit of 50m for air diving has been adopted by BSAC on the advice of the Royal Navy and Health & Safety Executive. Air becomes an unsafe breathing gas at greater depths.

Table 4.2 defines depth limits when diving on air for each diver qualification. When diving on breathing gas mixtures other than air, different limits may apply according to the gas mixture or breathing system used. These limits are covered in the respective gas mixture or breathing system training courses.

BSAC Qualification Level	Depth Limit ‘Air’
Ocean Diver under training	Specific limits for each dive
Ocean Diver	To a depth which is initially limited to the maximum experienced during training, but which can subsequently be extended progressively, under the supervision of a Qualified Instructor, to a maximum of 20m Using breathing gas mixes of Air, Nitrox32 or Nitrox36
Sports Diver – on qualifying	Dive to a depth which is initially limited to 20m, but which can subsequently be extended progressively, under the supervision of a Qualified Instructor, to a maximum of 35m Use breathing gas mixes up to Nitrox 36
Dive Leader – on qualifying	Can dive to a depth which is initially limited to 35m, but which can subsequently be extended progressively to a maximum of 50m
Advanced Diver – following progressive build up to depth	50m
First Class Diver – following progressive build up to depth	50m

Table 4.2 - Diver Qualification Depth Limits
4.3.2 Building Depth Experience for Sports Divers / Dive Leaders
It should be noted that at the end of the course, the Sports Diver / Dive Leader has only dived to a maximum depth of 20 / 35m respectively, but according to the definition of the Sports Diver / Dive Leader's abilities (in their Qualification Record Book), they are qualified to dive to a maximum depth of 35 / 50m. When building their depth experience, Sports Divers / Dive Leaders shall follow the requirements for 'Depth Experience' described in the BSAC Instructor Manual.

Note that:

This experience is gained AFTER qualifying as a Sports Diver / Dive Leader and NOT as part of the training to gain that qualification.
If a Sports Diver / Dive Leader has no wish to dive deeper than initial qualifying depth, they do not have to!
A Risk Assessment should have been carried out, but for depths greater than 30m this shall be a mandatory requirement

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Page last modified: 9th Sep 2007 - 22:00:06