BSAC Diver Grades - Sports Diver

The Sports Diver Award is the BSAC's second diving grade awarded within a Branch or Centre. Following the completion of a series of Classroom Lessons, Sheltered Water Lessons, Open Water Lessons and a Dry Practical Lesson, the award of Sports Diver prepares the diver to extend their diving experience to dives down to a maximum depth of 35m.

Definition of a Sports Diver

A Sports Diver is defined as a diver who is competent to:

Conduct dives with an Ocean Diver within the restrictions of the conditions already encountered by the Ocean Diver during their training, and under the supervision of a Dive Manager
Conduct dives with another Sports Diver, within the restrictions of the conditions already encountered during their training or previous experience
Conduct dives with a Dive Leader or higher grade, to expand their experience beyond that previously encountered, under the supervision of a Dive Manager
Dive to a depth which is initially limited to 20m, but which can subsequently be extended progressively, under the supervision of a Nationally Qualified Instructor (NQI), to a maximum of 35m
Use breathing gas mixes up to Nitrox 36
Plan and conduct dives requiring mandatory decompression stops
Rescue a casualty and provide Basic Life Support
Conduct dives where other divers, capable of providing assistance and rescue management skills, are available at the surface
Conduct dives within BSAC safe diving recommendations

Assessment Components
A Sports Diver must successfully complete the following components:

Attend lessons on diving knowledge
Demonstrate a level of diving knowledge through a written Theory Paper
Demonstrate their practical ability with a range decompression related skills
Demonstrate they have developed a suitable level of competence in their personal Rescue Skills including Basic Life Support
Demonstrate an understanding of their role in assisting with the organisation and management of a day’s diving

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Page last modified: 11th Dec 2006 - 18:08:12