The Instructor Training Scheme

The BSAC Instructor Training Scheme runs over 170 events each year, providing training and assessment at all levels for both amateur and professional instructors. Our standards are internationally recognised and, as the UK Governing Body, are endorsed by the Sports Council and the Health and Safety Executive.

An annual programme of instructor events is published for the BSAC branch system. BSAC Centres of Excellence are also able to provide Instructor Training events. Professional instructor events to facilitate instruction in BSAC Centres are organised through BSAC International to meet specific requests (for details please contact: centres@bsac.com.
Please note that to maintain proper quality control BSAC does not support independent instructors, all instructors must operate either through a BSAC branch, Coaching Scheme or a BSAC recognised training Centre.

For a full Programme of Courses and Events go to Programme of Events

CENTRAL BOOKING SCHEME
Members wishing to apply for places on any ITS event may contact Central Bookings at BSAC either using the Instructor Course Finder, or by telephone/fax/post. Please have your membership number available when calling. Many ITS events are fully booked months in advance so book early to avoid disappointment.

Information for overseas branches

OPEN WATER INSTRUCTOR

INSTRUCTOR FOUNDATION COURSE (IFC)
(Sport Diver)
The first step in qualifying as a BSAC Diving Instructor, (including the Instructor cross-over programme), is to attend the two-day IFC, where the essential elements of instruction are taught. The comprehensive student pack provides candidates with course notes a copy of the BSAC Manual 'Teaching Scuba Diving' and a copy of the Instructor Resource CD containing the Diver Training Program. On completion of the course, students are awarded the BSAC Assistant Diving Instructor certificate, which allows them to teach under supervision of a BSAC Open Water Instructor. Following completion of the IFC members who are Dive Leaders can further build their teaching experience by attendance at an Open Water Instructor Course (OWIC). Members who have attained Dive Leader grade can complete the Theory Instructor Exam (TIE) at any stage after attendance on the IFC. Following OWIC attendance, and after further practice and experience at Branch level, those who have gained Dive Leader status can apply for the Practical Instructor Exam (PIE). For details of the cross-over programme contact Central Bookings at HQ.

THEORY INSTRUCTOR EXAMINATION (TIE)
(Dive Leader + IFC)
The TIE is of one-day duration. Performance in the presentation of a 10-minute classroom teaching lesson and theory knowledge (1 hour, 60 question paper) is assessed. Candidates will receive further instructions once their application has been accepted. Following successful completion of the TIE, students will be awarded the BSAC Theory Instructor certificate, which allows them to teach, unsupervised in the classroom.
Candidates will receive further instructions once their application has been accepted.
Click here for information on Examination Pass Rates.

OPEN WATER INSTRUCTOR COURSE (OWIC)
(Dive Leader + IFC)
This one-day course, which combines both classroom and practical activities, is designed to develop the Assistant Instructor's skills so they are better prepared to teach trainee Ocean and Sports Divers in open water. Following completion of this course, members will be recognised as an Assistant Open Water Instructor and be eligible to take the Practical Instructor Exam (PIE).

PRACTICAL INSTRUCTOR EXAMINATION (PIE)
(Dive Leader + IFC + OWIC)
The PIE is of one-day duration at an Open Water Venue. Performance in practical teaching in the Open Water is assessed by the presentation of a 45-minute practical lesson in the open water. Following successful completion of the PIE, if the student holds a pass in the Theory Knowledge examination paper, they will be awarded the BSAC Practical Instructor certificate that allows them to teach practical skills unsupervised.
Successful completion of all elements of the TIE & PIE will lead to the award of the BSAC Open Water Instructor grade
Click here for information on Examination Pass Rates.

COMBINED INSTRUCTOR COURSES/EXAMINATIONS
Members also have the opportunity to qualify as a BSAC Open Water Instructor by attending IFC/OWIC/TIE/PIE combined events. Costs vary and details/application forms for each event are available from Central Bookings at BSAC HQ.

Click here for more information on COMBINED INSTRUCTOR EVENTS.

INSTRUCTOR INDUCTION PROGRAMME (For Instructors trained by other agencies)

ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR

ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR COURSE (AIC)
(OWI + Advanced Diver)
This course provides further coaching in open water instructional techniques, dive organisation, dive leadership and developing other Instructors, preparing candidates for the Advanced Instructor Examination (AIE).

ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR EXAMINATION (AIE)
(OWI + AIC + Advanced Diver)
The theory examination can be taken at any time, before or after, attending the practical exam and is usually held at local IFC and TIE venues, when those events are taking place. Candidates will receive further instructions once their application for the theory examination is accepted.

The practical examination is a two-day event at selected venues around the UK, Portsmouth, Dartmouth and Cumbrae in Scotland. Interest is high and the numbers on each event are limited due to the examiner:candidate ratio, so it is important to book early.

COMBINED INSTRUCTOR COURSES/EXAMINATIONS
Members also have the opportunity to qualify as a BSAC Advanced Instructor by attending AIC/AIE combined events. Costs vary and details/application forms for each event are available from Central Bookings at BSAC HQ.

Click here for more information on COMBINED INSTRUCTOR EVENTS.

NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR EXAMINATION (NIE)
The examination is open to those who have passed the First Class Diver theory exam within the past two years. The practical examination takes place in early summer. Application forms for NIE may be obtained from BSAC HQ and must be returned to National Instructor Chief Examiner, BSAC HQ by 31st March.

Click here for more information on National Instructor Preparation

For a full Programme of Courses and Events in go to Programme of Courses and Events

For a full Programme of Courses and Events in go to

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Page last modified: 13th May 2008 - 16:48:03