The Scottish Sub Aqua Club

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Course Overview

The Branch Instructor (BI) qualification is the first rung of the SSAC Instructor ladder allowing BIs to instruct new members of their own branch take their first steps in learning to dive. During the B.I. course and training, you will learn the basic skills needed to instruct diving safely and in a way that is fun. You should be keen to relay your own knowledge to others and help them to grasp the skills they need to enjoy the sport. It will be hard work sometimes but can also be very rewarding. At the end it will have been your training that gave your branch that newly qualified and competent diver.

Scope of the award

• Complete the one-day SSAC Branch Instructor Course organised and set by the NDC.
• Complete 2 practical pool sessions of at least one-hour sessions under supervision of your Diving Officer and Regional Coach or nominated R.I. (or above)
• Complete 2 practical open water sessions under supervision of your Diving Officer and Regional Coach or nominated R.I. (or above)
• Candidates must also completed a successful Enhanced Disclosure check and selection procedure in line with the SSAC Child Protection Policy prior to appointment as a BI. Disclosure must be registered to SSAC.
  

Pre-Requisites

All divers must satisfy the following prerequisites;

1. Hold current membership of the Scottish Sub-Aqua Club.
2. Have been a SSAC Sports Diver for at least eighteen months
3. Hold current medical certificate.
4. Be aged 18 or over (unless recommended by RC).
5. Have at least 75 correctly logged dives.
6. Have completed the Master Diver 'dive leader' endorsement.
7. Have attended the Master Diver lectures on Safety and Emergency Procedures and Advanced Decompression Theory.
8. Have the recommendation of the Branch Diving Officer (BDO).
9. Have the recommendation of the Regional Coach. This prerequisite is desirable for most candidates, but essential for those recommended by "Acting" BDO’s.
10. Complete 2 practical pool sessions of at least one-hour sessions under supervision of your Diving Officer and Regional Coach or nominated R.I.
11. Complete 2 practical open water sessions under supervision of your Diving Officer and Regional Coach or nominated R.I. (or above)
12. Have completed a successful Enhanced Disclosure check via Scottish Criminal Records Office. Disclosure must be registered to SSAC.

Note: Items 1-9 must be completed before attending the BI Course. Items 10-12 must be completed within 12 months of course attendance. Candidates who do not complete within this time are invited to attend a further course free of charge.

Instructors from other organisations who are crossing over and do not meet the above pre-requisites should contact the BI Course Director via SSAC HQ.

Course Dates

Saturday 31st May 2008 SSAC HQ

Saturday 6th September 2008 Napier University, Edinburgh

Saturday 22nd November 2008 SSAC HQ

Saturday 31st January 2009 SSAC HQ

Branches may request other courses dates where sufficient numbers are available to attend. Contact the BI Course Director for further information.

Cost: £35

Download the recommendation Form

Download the Course Booking Form

Course Director: Murray McCallum