The course
The ocean diver qualification is the first out of five qualifications you can get with the British sub aqua club. It consists initially of a number of theory lessons in a classroom, and try dives in a pool. this is followed by a number of open water dives before being awarded the qualification. This course can be completed in about four weekends, but this will depend on personal skills and will be decided on an individual basis.

Theory is mainly done on a Thursday evening at Chelsea Barracks, and this is where most information can be picked up about future events. If Thursdays are not good for you, it is possible to run intensive weekend courses, but this is numbers dependant.

The practical work consists of personal skills development and close work with a buddy, working on rescue skills and buddy checks. when qualified you will be able to dive with another ocean diver to a max depth of 21m.

The training takes place at a number of locations, Horsey Island in Portsmouth is a favourite due to it being only 6m deep in a controlled environment. Stony cove is another popular choice, there are many underwater attractions down to 35m with good facilities on shore. Once you have reached ocean diver, you will be introduced to costal diving which is on a completely different level! Details of several common dive sites can be found on the "other useful stuff" page.

The cost
Expect to pay around £200 during your ocean diver course. don’t worry, we wont ask for it all in one go. this can be paid over the training weekends. This money will cover membership to BSAC, LMDC and kit hire for a year. When we go to sites other than Horsey island (military base) an entrance fee will apply, and you will have to pay for air fills and any extra things you might want (ie food etc) Accommodation will normally be in an army/navy base which should include food as well.

This may sound like a lot of money, but for a dive course this is cheap, and for the first time ever, you will get paid by the unit for the training you do, so you should make a small profit. LMDC is a non profit club and its charges are solely for kit maintenance. Details of costs will be provided on the first weekend.