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Different diving Agencies provide training in difference ways, and at different costs. To find out which is best for you, read on.
Which Agency
In the UK there are three main agencies through which you can learn to dive; The BSAC, PADI & the SAA. Each will provide excellent and safe training programme's. The branch based systems are usually less expensive and provide additional support through local social diving clubs.
The British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC)
History & structure
The British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) was founded in 1953 by a small group of like-minded enthusiasts. It has grown significantly to be the largest members' diving club in the world with more than 55,000 members and a network of over 1,500 branches. Additionally, there are BSAC diving schools and resorts around the world.
The BSAC is the governing body for the sport in the UK. With HRH Prince Charles as President, the overall organisation is run by a Council which is elected by the membership. Co-ordination of the administration of training courses, membership and technical advice, takes place at the BSAC Headquarters in Ellesmere Port.
Joining
Divers join a local BSAC branch and pay an annual subscription. This does vary from branch to branch so you might want to shop around. Each branch is managed by its own committee and as a BSAC member you can access all of the training and diving facilities within that branch.
In addition, each BSAC member receives an annual subscription to the BSAC's monthly magazine 'Dive', enabling members to keep up to date with BSAC and other diving developments. Also included in the membership fee is a form of third party insurance cover.
One of the main advantages of the BSAC branch structure is that it is non- profit making, each branch is run by unpaid enthusiasts and training is provided by unpaid instructors. Therefore learning to dive with BSAC is generally less expensive.
Training
Branch training is provided through a highly structured diver training programme. Most of this is ran at the local branch level but some of the more advanced courses are run at Regional or National level.
The diver training programme offers the student a sensible balance of diving theory and in-water practice, with the emphasis always remaining on safety and the familiarisation of key underwater skills. The training course will build progressively on the knowledge acquired by the student, but at a pace that allows the student to develop their confidence its the water and progress at a speed which they are comfortable with.
A typical beginners' course will start with an introduction to the necessary equipment and the 'must know' theoretical points that are essential for any dive. Familiarisation with the equipment will be learned in the pool or in sheltered water at shallow depths, until the student is comfortable with the 'underwater sensation'. As confidence and the skill-set develops, new techniques are taught, such as buoyancy control and safety and rescue procedures, whilst the student makes a series of progressively more adventurous dives.
Supporting the branches and schools are regional teams of National Qualified Instructors (NQI's), who visit branches on a regular basis to provide technical support as well as to assist in any other matters. These teams also stage specialist training courses, either for the members of a branch, or on a regional level when local branches get the opportunity to meet each other and compare notes on their branches' progress and diving activities.
The BSAC training is renowned worldwide for its ability to produce a rounded complete dived who is comfortable diving in any underwater environment and with a certification that is recognised all around the world.
Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
History and structure
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is the largest recreational scuba diver training organisation in the world. PADI was founded in 1967 by John Cronin (former President of US Divers Corp), and Ralph Erickson (a former university professor), who still respectively hold the roles of Chief Executive Officer and President.
More divers world-wide participate in PADI programs than any other, making PADI diver credentials the most recognised and respected in the world. PADI has issued more than 5 million certifications and it services professional members and dive consumers in more than 175 countries. Indeed, since 1985 an estimated 55% of all divers around the world are trained by PADI instructors using PADI's instructional programme's.
Presently, PADI internationally certifies well over half a million divers each year and has averaged a 15% increase in certifications every year since 1981. Last year 728,295 certifications were issued world-wide and over 100,000 of these were issued through PADI International Ltd situated in the United Kingdom.
Joining
Essentially you enrol for each course you take. PADI instructors are professionals in that they make their living by selling courses so the courses are more expensive.
Training
The PADI system of diver education begins with the Open Water Diver course. This course involves theory lessons, skill practice in confined water, and finally the actual scuba diving in open water; all under the guidance of a PADI Instructor.
After successfully completing the course, you will be issued a PADI Open Water Diver certification card. This internationally recognised credential is your ticket to dive charters and resort diving, the rental of scuba equipment, and to continuing education such as to the PADI Advanced Open Water or the special diving programs.
The PADI training materials are excellent and include CD-ROMs and videos.
PADl's educational approach to the training of divers provides not only the entry-level Open Water Diver course, but also a complete array of continuing education courses designed to progress divers through increasing skill levels, to enhance safety skills, and to introduce them to specialised diving activities. Besides such courses as Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Dive Master and Assistant Instructor, there are also eighteen different standardised specialty courses available, each aimed at helping you get the most fun and enjoyment possible out of diving.
Sub Aqua Association (SAA) 
History and Structure
The Sub-Aqua Association (SAA), first came about towards the end of 1974 when a small group of eminently well known individuals, who happened to be involved with the publishing of a scuba diving magazine, realised that of all of the diving enthusiasts in the United Kingdom, almost half were members of totally independent clubs. These clubs existed purely for the benefit of their members and family and friends.
Most of these clubs were efficiently organised, adopting a variety of well tried and tested training programme's from other organisations, with some developing their own and in a few cases developing from military origins. The disadvantage of this situation was that the very nature of being 'independent' meant that they stood alone and were known only locally. With the rapid growth of recreational scuba diving this meant that a large majority of the diving fraternity had no say in the United Kingdom's diving affairs. For the benefit of divers everywhere this needed to be addressed.
Initially, a very informal but comprehensive register of these independent non-affiliated clubs was compiled so that they could liaise and help each other. However, by early 1976 and with literally dozens of clubs on the register all seeking unity without dictation from a central body, it became apparent that something more formal was needed to satisfy ever increasing needs. Hence the Sub-Aqua Association was born, to give a voice to independent diving and to promote and support the interests of all those previously unrepresented independent sub-aqua clubs.
Today there are typically in excess of 400 member clubs situated throughout the UK, and you can be sure there will be one local to you. We also have an increasing number of overseas clubs joining the SM, our training programme and diver qualifications now being recognised and accepted world-wide. Throughout its rapid growth the Sub-Aqua Association has remained true to its guiding philosophy, that all member clubs should retain their independence.
The SAA has formulated a set of membership guidelines and standards, and also a highly respected and enjoyable diver training system which clubs follow when qualifying their members. A copy of the manual containing all the relevant information is issued to all clubs on joining the SAA. The association has a policy of accepting other organisations' approved training programme's as long as they meet our national standards. The SAA is happy to liaise and work with all diver training agencies for the common goal of supporting divers everywhere whatever their affiliation. It is for good reason that the SAA have become known as, 'The friendliest divers in the world'.
A regionally structured organisation is maintained with 14 regions each with their own regionally elected representative. All of these officers meet at least twice a year with the Executive to form the National Council. The Executive Committee meets quite frequently so as to keep abreast of the constantly changing pace of diving today. Day to day contact between the SAA and the club itself is usually done through the club's secretary, it is their duty to keep the club informed of all relevant information coming from central office.
All of the main administration is conducted from the SAA's central office in Liverpool, where you can be assured of a warm welcome should you wish to drop in. By centralising the administration it makes communication between the clubs more efficient and keeps running costs down to a minimum thus keeping membership fees low. At the same time, having a central office means that we can develop and market for our clubs a wide range of items necessary for the successful running of their club through our very successful sales shop. Items such as training aids, manuals certificates, and a whole host of support and promotional materials, such as posters, badges and clothing. All of which are available by mail order, at exhibitions and workshops at the Annual General Meeting' and via their internet site.
Training
Whether a novice, or a seasoned diver seeking to gain further qualification, the SAA diver training programme which has evolved through the club system, has been designed to ensure that you learn in a safe, progressive, and most importantly an enjoyable manner. You will be taught skills at a pace which suits you as an individual, scuba diving is a non-competitive sport so it is not the first past the post that matters.
Depending on the facilities offered by the local club, a member will acquire their skills over a period of weeks rather than days as is the 'norm' in most diving clubs and schools. This gives you time to absorb and enjoy your training, making new friends along the way. However, there are opportunities in clubs with a high ratio of efficient instructors to train you far more quickly if you wish; depending on your level of competence and the available time and resources.
As a novice you will generally commence with pool- training, gaining basic skills and knowledge. When you are confident and ready the transition from pool to the open sea is safely carried out with the assistance of friendly, competent, and professionally minded instructors who have all trod along the same path themselves and are thus well aware of your needs.
Following completion of basic training and at ail time throughout your membership, the SAA prides itself on the follow-up training at ancillary courses that are available should you have a strong inclination to a particular aspect of the sport. Examples include: boat handling (recognised by the RYA); VHF radio; Diver Rescue (recognised by RLSS); conservation, archaeology or underwater photography.
Also we have an official magazine, SCUBA World, a copy of which is sent to each club's Diving Officer every month, it is filled with features and articles and carries important news to our members. Members are invited to submit -articles and news about their clubs and, being a newsstand magazine, it is a sure fire way of getting your club the recognition it deserves, besides its usefulness in attracting new members. Clubs can also purchase extra copies at a discounted price to sell on to their members, thus giving the club an additional source of income.
The benefits of belonging to the SAA are many. Besides offering internationally recognised diving qualifications the strength of the association provides support and security for its members not only in the form of third party insurance but also by providing them with personal accident cover, something no other organisation currently provides. Members also receive discounted rates from national companies covering vehicle breakdown and many other things, all inclusive within their annual membership fee.
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