Confused about Scuba diving

Lingxi_Wang · 02-10-2007, 03:25 PM

Hi

I'm a University student in the UK. I have always had an interest with the sea and have done some snorkling when I was in Egypt last summer. I had originally intended to take up Scub diving with my university this year, but I just did not have the time and so have decided to put it off to this summer.

I started doing some research about scuba diving and I am really confused. I know there are loads of scuba diving bodies. But which oine is the best I know in the UK there is BSAC and internationally there is PADI. What is the difference between them? Also I know that where you learn to dive can also have an impact, so if I learn in a warm enviroment like the Med or Thailand will this affect me diving in the UK? I am really confused and if someone could help me by answering some of my questions I would be most gratful thanks.

**glynneco** · 02-12-2007, 10:37 PM

I can't speak to BSAC. PADI on the other hand is well known and can be quite good for rec diving. It is a lot like school though. As a student you can slide by or delve deeper into the subject matter. A dive "mentor" could be very useful. Check out local dive clubs or your local dive shop. They can direct you to folks who are into diving.
Learning to dive in "blue water" can spoil one. I learned to dive in a cold, low vis, dark quarry. After that anything is better.I was on a boat in the Caymans and ran into a fellow diver who lived near me. I suggested we meet up back home and go dive in the quarry. He looked at me quizically and asked 'Why?" Why would anybody want to dive in that soup? So, yes, if you want to dive locally I'd learn to dive there and then be pleasantly surprised by blue water.

**Scuba Mama** · 02-13-2007, 03:59 PM

I can only speak on the PADI said also. Ours brothers across the pond will have to fill you in on BSCA. PADI is a world wide organization and there certification program is good. As I understand, diving in the UK is a little different and divers have to be part of a club. I may be mistaken but check with the local clubs and find out what the rules are and that should help you get the answer you need. I also agree with Glyennco diving where the vis is not the utmost having to deal with more gear on makes warm blue water diving easier and fun. I have also had a great time in the quarries with fun experiences there also.

**Kev Martin** · 02-13-2007, 04:37 PM

Are you still at University? Will you be doing any diving with the Uni Sub Aqua Club?

I ask because the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) is actually the governing body for sub aqua diving in the Athletic Union of all UK universities. Before that sets anyones teeth on edge, I will then go on to say that this in no way stops other divers (PADI, NAUI, SSI etc) from diving with a university group.

In terms of what it means for, say, a PADI diver joining the University Dive Club. If said diver wished to advance their diving qualification within the Uni dive group, they would have to cross over to the BSAC in order to undertake further training. If they were happy with their existing training organisation, then they would just find a local school and undertake their training there.

There are arguments as to which organisations training is better. As both a PADI instructor and a BSAC instructor I find that each has their strengths. PADI teaching materials are, to my mind, some of the best educational tools produced in the world. BSAC has a tendency to teach some of the most basic rescue skills (controlled buoyant lift and in-water air ventilations) right off the bat in their equivalent to Open Water training. (Worth discussion, I would be really interested to get some ideas/feelings on this anyone?)

The only other big difference is that the BSAC is not a professional organisation per se. Each club has its own instructors who work locally and the idea is that each club will 'grow' and 'nurture' their own instructor core in-house.

As to where you will be diving, I think that Scuba Mama and Glynneco have already covered that topic most thoroughly.

Whatever your decision, enjoy and be safe.