BSAC’s Twin-set Diver is a great course not only to extend your gas supplies but also as a first introduction to the equipment used for safer planned decompression diving.
It’s a stand-alone course that also complements and supports the Accelerated Decompression Procedures (ADP).
I wanted to move to a twin-set as I was looking to do longer dive times, be more self-sufficient and safely plan for decompression diving. This course was the ideal introduction and I’m now confident with my kit, I am more streamlined and really enjoying my diving!
— Claire Skidmore, Southport BSAC
Twin-set Diver introduces an experienced club diver to the theme of self-sufficiency within buddy diving. You will learn how to become your own first port of call in an emergency and understand the equipment needed for this.
To enrol on the Twin-set Diver course you must have already successfully completed a BSAC Sports Diver course, or equivalent from another recognised training agency.
You should also have 20 or more logged dives as a Sports Diver.
You will develop your knowledge of twin-set diving including:
- Kit configuration and ancillary equipment stowage.
- How to respond to kit failure.
- Practical twin-set diving techniques, including gas isolation and shut-down drills.
- Multi-contingent dive planning for more adventurous diving, including run-time schedules.
The Twin-set Diver course includes four theory sessions, a dry practical session and a dive-planning session. It also includes a sheltered-water lesson, and two open-water dives with planned run times of between 25 and 40 minutes to ensure that you have plenty of in-water time to practise the skills and discipline needed for twin-set diving.
This is a continually assessed course during which students must reach the required performance standards.
A Twin-set Diver is competent to plan and conduct dives using a twin cylinder configuration within the limits (including depth and breathing gases) of their diver certification.
An Advanced Twin-set Diver is a Sports Diver who has successfully completed Twin-set Diver and Accelerated Decompression Procedures (ADP) courses. They can plan and conduct dives to an extended maximum depth as defined by the current maximum air or nitrox depth limit recommended by BSAC, currently 40m, using breathing gases that they are certified for.
You could do this course at a regional event or local club. Not all clubs run Twin-set Diver courses, so please check if you are interested.
Alternatively, book your place on a scheduled Twin-set Diver course online now.
Not a BSAC member? You can do this course by joining BSAC directly or joining via a local club. Find a club.
Students will be given a pack of supporting learning materials. You will need full open-water dive kit suitable for local conditions and a twin cylinder configuration, which could be back-mounted independent twin cylinders, back-mounted manifolded twin cylinders or side-mounted independent twin cylinders. You will also need additional redundant buoyancy provision – such as a drysuit and BC, or a double-bladder BC – and an appropriate configuration of long second-stage hoses.
Your next steps – developing your skills
After completing Twin-set Diver and consolidating your skills, your options for diving will expand.
- If you want to use the primary donate (PD) method in an out-of-gas situation, you can take the Primary Donate Workshop within your club or region.
- You can develop your decompression diving skills on an Accelerated Decompression Procedures (ADP) course.
- Progress to Sport Mixed Gas Diver (50m) after completing ADP and enjoy the benefits of reduced gas density and narcosis, which ensure greater comfort and enjoyment at these extended depths.
- You could develop specific skills to expand your diving interests further. Imagine understanding more about wreck diving, driving a dive boat or becoming an underwater photographer. Check out the Skill Development Courses (SDCs) you can get involved in.
- You could sign up for BSAC’s Instructor Foundation Course (IFC) to become an Assistant Diving Instructor, or develop your existing skills as an Open Water Instructor, or above, to become a Twin-set Diver Instructor.
Not yet a BSAC member?
You can do this course by joining BSAC directly or joining your local club.
