Frequently Asked Questions

I think I'd like to learn to dive but I don't want to pay a lot of money and then find I don't enjoy it.

We occasionally run "Try-Dives", which, for a small cost, allow people to learn more about the sport and try out the gear in the pool. If people then decide to carry on and learn to dive, the cost of the Try-Dive is deducted from the first year's membership fee.

I want to dive on holiday - can you train me to dive before I go?

Possibly. Priority for training course places will be given to people who intend to dive with the club, however, should there be space on a course we will accept "holiday divers". However, there will be no reduction in cost as all trainees must be full club members for insurance purposes.

Are there any age limits for scuba diving?

Yes, there is a lower age limit of 14 and for divers under 16 we would want a parent or guardian to accompany student on dive trips. There is no upper age limit.

What does the training cost?

Please see the Costs page for up-to-date fees. The cost of learning to dive within a club environment is much lower than training with a commercial organisation. The training fee includes, pool equipment hire, air-fills and all training materials.

What kit do I need to buy?

To start off with, nothing as we can supply pool training kit. As your training progresses you will need to buy gear ready for diving in the sea and this will be explained as part of the training.

Why should I join a BSAC club?

Firstly BSAC and BSAC clubs are non-profit making so all money paid in is for the benefit of the members. Secondly you will be part of a group which can advise and help with diving and diving related matters.  While you may be able to get this with another organisation, you may have to pay for it.

Why should I join Orpington BSAC

Our club is small and very friendly. Most of us simply want to dive and we organise and run our own trips. We have a range of skills amongst our members. We enjoy both UK diving as well as diving in warmer waters.

How much does membership cost?

Annual membership of the Orpington Club is £163 which includes annual membership of BSAC, third party dive insurance, use of the Dragons pool and social facilities on a Thursday night and use of club equipment (for a small hire charge). Please see the costs page for more information.

I'm a PADI diver, can I use my qualifications within BSAC?

Yes BSAC recognise qualifications gained with PADI and other diving agencies, however they don't all have a one-to-one correlation with a BSAC qualification so please contact us to find out.

What does Scuba mean?

Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus

What do divers breathe underwater?

Usually compressed air, although in recent years other types of gas have being introduced such as "Nitrox" which is compressed air with some extra oxygen added.

I want to buy all my own kit; what do I need and how much will it cost?

Tricky one! General advice is to not spend too much money for a sport you have not tried before. It's better to join a club (like Orpington BSAC) and be sure you really do want to dive then start buying kit. Also, there is a great deal of second-hand kit available so it may not be too expensive. It is however an expensive sport and you can spend well over £1000 if you want.