BSAC

QUALIFYING AS AN APPROVED INSTRUCTOR FOR
BOATHANDLING
BSAC SKILL DEVELOPMENT COURSE

This information is applicable both to those wishing to become Approved Instructors and to Chief Instructors who will recommend Assistant Instructors for Approved Instructor status.
'Approved Instructor' status is required because Boathandling does not form part of the Core Diver Training programme and by it's nature requires additional skills by the Instructor

Those who wish to become Approved Instructors for the Boathandling Course must:

 

1. Be qualified in the subject they wish to become approved to teach through:
   • Holding the BSAC Diver Coxswain award
   • Alternatively, hold a Diver Coxswain award from either the SAA or the SSAC (RYA Advanced Powerboat and similar courses are not acceptable as they do not specifically address Diving Activities
2. Obtain the Boathandling Approved Instructor Application downloadable from this site.
3. Hold the diving and diving instructor qualifications shown on this form
4. Serve as an Assistant Instructor to the satisfaction (see below) of the Course Chief Instructor and as a result, obtain the written recommendation of the Chief Instructor on the Application Form.
5. The final step in the process is to submit the completed form, together with any required attachments, to BSAC HQ. Only when the applicant receives this certificate is he/she 'Approved'. Persons whose application for approval is pending would not be authorised to teach on a course, other than as an Assistant Instructor. .

Chief Instructors are responsible for developing and recommending Assistant Instructors and should apply the following advice and requirements:

1. Assistant Instructors are expected to play an active and effective role as the presenter of both theory and practical lessons, and should liaise with the Chief Instructor in the planning and preparation of the lessons they are to present / participate in, to ensure their correct scope and accuracy. The Assistant Instructor must be active in several sections of the programme. The Chief Instructor may wish to determine that the Assistant's practical skills as a diver and instructor are satisfactory, before the course begins.
2. The purpose of serving as an Assistant Instructor is to gain broad teaching practice in the course subject and to get to know the way the course is presented - by active involvement rather than as an inactive observer. Sitting at the back as an observer is neither appropriate nor acceptable training for someone who is to be an Approved Instructor.
3. Consequently, the Chief Instructor must be satisfied that the Assistant was active, accurate and effective in his/her teaching and overall performance, and only then sign the recommendation for Approved Instructor status.
4. Assistant Instructors on Boat Handling Courses may present classroom lessons, but during practical lessons afloat, there must be an Approved Boat Handling Instructor (BHI) in command of each boat. Assistant Instructors are not allowed to be in charge of a boat full of students without such supervision.
5. Where Assistant Instructors do not perform to a suitable standard then they should not be recommended for approval on that occassion.
   They should be given a clear indication of the areas below the required standard and given specific advice on how to improve and the standards expected next time
6. The number of Assistant Instructors must not exceed the number of Approved Instructors on the course.