With more holidays being taken in warm climates and tempted by numerous films and documentaries about the underwater world, it's only natural that people should want to explore it for themselves.
After just a few hours of tuition with the local BSAC Branch, the aspiring snorkel diver will be ready to properly explore the watery world. Such training will lead to recognised qualifications for which badges, certificates and certification cards are available.
The BSAC is the UK Governing Body for all underwater activities - including snorkelling. Those interested in developing their skills can become members of the organisation through the BSAC Branch system and can continue their training to higher grades. All instruction within the Branches is supplied by fully qualified BSAC instructors.
Snorkel Diver Grades
Basic Snorkel Diver:
Anyone trained to use the basic snorkelling equipment of mask, fins and snorkel in a pool environment.
Snorkel Diver:
A Basic Snorkel Diver who has progressed with pool training to be proficient in basic snorkelling skills and been assessed for readiness for open water snorkelling. On completion of training the student should be competent in the safe and correct use of mask, fins and snorkel for surface and breath hold dives in warm waters.
Ocean Snorkel Diver:
One who has achieved the status of Snorkel Diver and trained further to take a full and active part in open water snorkelling activities including rescue techniques and further advanced exercises. This grade of student, on completion of training, should be competent in the safe use of all appropriate open water snorkelling equipment including protective clothing and should be able to act safely as one of a buddy pair of snorkellers.
Advanced Ocean Snorkel Diver:
One who has achieved the status of Open Water Snorkel Diver and trained to have a greater level of theoretical knowledge in all aspects of snorkelling and having broad practical experience of snorkel diving. The Advanced Snorkel Diver should know how snorkelling skills might be applied to specialist activities.
Snorkel Dive Marshal:
One who has achieved the status of Advanced Snorkel Diver and trained to have further theoretical knowledge of snorkel diving and having practical experience of snorkel dive planning and leadership of snorkelling activities. The Snorkel Dive Marshal must also hold the BSAC Snorkel Lifesaver Award and on completion of the course will be capable of organising and supervising group snorkelling activities.
Entry requirements and duration of training
The minimum age for BSAC membership is 8 years. However, training for Basic Snorkel Diver and Snorkel Diver may be undertaken with younger students.
In all cases, parental consent if a minor and a satisfactory medical declaration are necessary.
Basic Snorkel Diver Course:
Age approx. 8 years (may be younger depending upon suitable equipment availability). Able to swim 50m freestyle.
Duration: Practical only, Total 2 hours.
Snorkel Diver Course:
Basic Snorkel Diver qualification.
Duration: Theory 75 mins, Practical 105 mins, Total 3 hours.
Open Water Snorkel Diver Course:
Hold Snorkel Diver qualification. Member of BSAC.
Duration: Theory 3 hours 15 mins, Practical 5 hours 45 mins, Total 9 hours.
Advanced Snorkel Diver Course:
Hold Open Water Snorkel Diver qualification. Member of BSAC.
Duration: Theory 2 hours, Practical 75 mins, Total 3 hours 15 mins.
Snorkel Dive Marshal:
Hold Advanced Snorkel Diver qualification. Member of BSAC. BSAC Lifesaver award.
Duration: Theory 2 hours.