Frequently Asked Questions
At what age may one start to learn to SCUBA dive?
The British Sub Aqua Club accepts young people as members from the age of 12. However, the Belfast Sub-Aqua Club does not accept full diving membership applications or undertake any SCUBA DIVING with persons under the age of 18.
Where should I learn to dive?
If you live in the UK or Ireland and are likely to do most of your diving around these coasts, we recommend that they you should undertake entry level training with a local BSAC Club or alternatively with a recognised BSAC school.
Should I learn to dive on holiday?
Doing basic SCUBA courses on holiday in warm waters is great fun with lots of visibility. If that is where you mainly wish to dive, go for it.
Is it possible to have a try dive?
Our instructors recommend that you come to one of our Try Dive sessions in the pool before committing yourself to the entry level OCEAN DIVER course.
How soon can I start to learn to dive with the Belfast SAC?
The entry level course, OCEAN DIVER, is available with the Belfast club from October to April each year.
What does the OCEAN DIVER course entail and how long does it take?
The OCEAN DIVER course consists of 5 pool sessions of about 1 hour each, 6 theory lessons of approximately 30 minutes each, some home study followed by a multiple choice theory test. The pool training and lectures can be completed in 5 to 6 Monday club nights. Initially, the Belfast Club will supply all the SCUBA equipment for the pool training part of the course. For the open water training part of the course, students must provide their own equipment. Our instructors will advise on all matters relating to SCUBA equipment. To be awarded the OCEAN DIVER qualification, the student must pass the theory test and complete some open water sea dives under supervision of an instructor and using their own SCUBA kit.
What are the Membership Fees?
The membership fees of the Belfast Sub-Aqua Club are due each year on the common renewal date of 1 st May. New members joining at other times of the year pay fees on a pro rata basis. The fees include membership of both the Belfast Sub Aqua Club and the British Sub Aqua Club, which is the governing body of the sport.
Fees are reviewed on an annual basis.
What are the Training Fees?
Students joining the club to learn to dive will be required to pay the relevant training fee for that course. This covers all training material as supplied by BSAC for specific courses.
Is it possible to do a dry-suit diving course?
Learning to use a dry suit for diving is an integral part of the BSAC OCEAN DIVER course, unless the student opts for a snug fitting wet suit or semi-dry suit.
If you are new to dry suit diving our instructors will advise you on the types of dry suit that may be suitable for your needs. Following purchase, they will ease you into dry suit diving, initially through some pool instruction and then onto sheltered open water instruction to fine tune weight and buoyancy control procedures.
How does the Belfast Club organise its diving programme?
Most local diving expeditions take place between March and the end of September.
The Club's diving subcommittee prepares an agreed diving programme and appoints "dive managers" for the individual expeditions. The programme is of course weather dependant with alternative locations available as the case may be. Numerous ad hoc diving expeditions are undertaken throughout the year organised by the diving officer in collaboration with members.
In addition, members are proactive in organising diving expeditions to warmer waters, for example, the Red Sea, Malta, or colder waters, such as, Scapa Flow, Sound of Mull or the Norwegian Fiords.
I have Diving Qualifications from another training organisation; may I dive with the Belfast Club?
Yes. You may dive as a guest of a member of the Branch; within the health and safety limitations of your current diving qualification.
How can I get more information?
Please contact us by e mail including a return telephone number so that we can contact you.
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