BSAC Administration Information - Snorkel Diver

SUMMARISED CONTENTS OF BSAC SNORKEL DIVER / OCEAN EXPLORER TRAINING PROGRAMME

BASIC SNORKEL DIVER
Anyone trained to use basic snorkelling equipment mask, fins and snorkel in a swimming pool.
Open to non-members of any age.

Practical Training (only)

Swimming Skills without equipment
Use of Snorkel
Use of the Mask
Use of Mask and Snorkel
Use of Fins (no mask and snorkel)
Use of Mask, Fins and Snorkel
Surface Dives
Assessment of competence

SNORKEL DIVER
Open to non-members of any age.

A Basic Snorkel Diver who has progressed with pool training to be proficient in basic snorkelling skills and assessed as ready for open water snorkelling. On completion of training, the student should be competent in the safe and correct use of mask, fins and snorkel for surface snorkelling and brief breath-holding dives, in warm water.

Theory Training

The BSAC and its Training Programmes
Basic Equipment
Pressure, Breathing and Buoyancy
Safe Snorkelling

Practical Training

Diving Signals
Entry and Exit
Self Help
Assessment of competence

OCEAN SNORKEL DIVER (Minimum age 8 years)
A member of the BSAC who has achieved the status of Snorkel Diver, and has received further training to take a full and active part in open water snorkelling activities, including rescue techniques and further advanced exercises. On completion of training, this diver should be competent in the safe use of all appropriate open water snorkelling equipment including protective clothing and should be able to act as one of a buddy pair of snorkellers.

Theory Training

Breath-hold Diving
Skills and Equipment
The Heart and Lungs
Rescue & Rescue Techniques
Safe Snorkelling Practices
Planning Snorkelling Trips

Practical Training pool / sheltered water

Entry methods
Mask refit and clear
Use of Weightbelts
Buoyancy aids Rescue Techniques
Tired Swimmer Tows
Snorkel Diver Skills Test

Practical Training open water

Full Equipment Familiarisation

Qualifying Dives

Make three Open Water Qualifying Dives
Use of Compass
Open Water Skills Test

ADVANCED OCEAN SNORKEL DIVER
A member of the BSAC who has achieved the status of Ocean Snorkel Diver, and trained to have a greater level of theoretical knowledge in all aspects of snorkelling and having broad practical experience of snorkelling. The Advanced Ocean Snorkel Diver should know how snorkelling skills might be applied to specialist activities.

Theory Training

Causes and effects of pressure change
Elementary marine biology
Diving from small boats
Snorkelling activities

Practical Training open water

Navigation
Ropes and Ropework

Qualifying Dives
Make five Open Water Qualifying Dives. These dives should:

Be of at least 20 minutes duration each
Be gained on not less than three different dates
Provide experience of both fresh and sea water sites.

SNORKEL DIVE MARSHAL
An Advanced Snorkel Diver who is trained and qualified to organise and supervise group snorkelling activities.

Theory Training

Organisation of snorkelling activities
Leadership of snorkelling activities
Open Water dive planning

Qualifying Dives
Make five Open Water Qualifying Dives. These dives should:

Be of at least 20 minutes duration each
Provide experience of five different snorkelling activities
Two dives to be used by Instructor to demonstrate organisation and leadership skills
Subsequently, the last two dives to be used to assess the candidate's competence as an organiser and leader of snorkelling activities.

BSAC Snorkel Lifesaver Award
Those wishing to qualify as a Snorkel Dive Marshal will be expected to hold this Award

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Page last modified: 2nd Nov 2006 - 10:01:21