Training other agency divers

Scuba divers trained with other agencies like PADI, SSI, GUE, etc. do not need to formally 'crossover' in order to continue diving and training with a BSAC club.

As instructors, here are some key things to remember when training divers who have previously gained qualifications with another diving agency:

• Divers from other agencies can continue their training with BSAC, moving on to the next BSAC diver grade relevant to their existing qualification, or complete any SDCs or workshops they are qualified to do. See BSAC’s diver grade equivalency chart to find out their next step.
• It is at the discretion of the Diving Officer and/or Training Officer to offer and provide remedial or refresher training.
• BSAC’s Diver Training Programme incorporates training modules such as drysuit, nitrox and SMB/dSMB use into Ocean Diver, whereas these skills would be a separate paid-for speciality with other diving agencies. This means that some other agency divers may need additional support when it comes to these skills, and they can access these modules for free to develop and consolidate their existing skills.

You can find more information about welcoming other agency trained divers in the club support section.

Progressing other agency divers within BSAC's Diver Training Programme

BSAC's instructor manuals are in the process of being updated to highlight skills which may need to be covered for those who train with other agencies before continuing their qualifications with BSAC.

The Sports Diver instructor manual covers skills which may need to be covered for those who learned to dive with another agency but who wish to progress their training to BSAC Sports Diver.

Other agency instructor crossover

Already trained instructors do need to complete a crossover course in order to teach BSAC qualifications.

More on instructor crossover