Harrow Sub-aqua Club

Diving gives you the chance to enter a whole new world of weightlessness and freedom of movement.  You can get face to face with creatures from the cute and cuddly to the completely alien

There are social events for the whole family like after-dive barbeques, or just come along to the pub on Thursday night.

It also offers a window on history, diving on wrecks or participating in underwater archaeology

Where does the club dive?

In 2006 our UK trips included Plymouth, Portland, Portsmouth, Littlehampton, and the Farne Islands. We have also had trips to the Maldives and Sharm-El-Sheikh on the Red Sea. Most of our dives are on wrecks but we also do some drift dives, wall dives, and shore dives. There are thousands of wrecks around the British coast, sunk by the weather, collisions, or by actions in WW I and II.

Will I be able to dive on holiday?

Yes. BSAC dive qualifications are recognised throughout the world.

What is BSAC?

BSAC is the British Sub-Aqua Club. Over 50 years old, it is the largest dive club in the world and the governing body for the sport of SCUBA diving in the UK.

Are there age and fitness requirements?

You can start training with BSAC as young as 14 and continue diving into retirement.  Our branch does not take under-18s, but many other BSAC branches do.

If you are reasonably fit, and feel comfortable swimming a few lengths of our pool, then you can learn to dive.
For most people no medical is required.  If you can answer no to some simple questions and sign a self-certification form, you’re done.  If you have to answer yes, a medical is required.

Are ther lots of forms to fill in?

There are three straightforward forms, requiring little more than your name and address: BSAC membership, a medical self-certification, and an emergency contact details form. Five minutes is all it takes.

How much does it cost?

Diving is certainly not a cheap pastime, but you don't need to buy everything at once. In fact, it may be best if you wait until you are well along in your training before buying anything more than your mask, fins, and snorkel (less than £100). That way, you know whether diving is really for you, and have a little experience and an idea of what to look for.

A full set of kit for diving in the UK comes to around £1000.  Dive trips cost from about £30 for a day trip with two dives.

Is diving dangerous?

In the sense that driving can be dangerous, so can diving. But just as many of us drive every day, with proper training diving becomes an interesting, relaxing and enjoyable pastime.

How can I be sure I'll be taught properly?

All branch instructors have relevant teaching qualifications and lots of diving experience.  The training materials are prepared by top national instructors. BSAC training standards are endorsed by the Sports Council and the Health and Safety Executive.  There are no time constraints.  Unlike commercial diving schools, we can keep on practicing something until you are happy, at no additional cost.

What's involved, and how long will it all take?

All BSAC clubs follow the same training plan. There are seven classroom lessons, five pool lessons, and five open water lessons that are usually carried out in a lake.

Different clubs organise the lessons differently, but for each course we try to do one lesson - class or pool - each Thursday. Sometimes we can get an early start and do a classroom lesson followed by a pool lesson in the same evening. Two open water lessons can be accomplished on each trip.

All this means that it will not be quick, and additional time may be required if lessons are missed. This makes no difference to the cost of the training, but bear in mind that the instructors are not paid for this and give up their own time to keep the club going.

I’d like to try it but I’m not sure I can afford it.

We can arrange a try dive.  An instructor will show you what the equipment does and how to wear it, and then take into the pool for a one-on-one session. This will give you a better idea of whether diving is for you.

Where and when does the club meet?

We swim and train every Thursday night from 9pm to 10pm at the Harrow School Sports Centre (except during early closing in August).

How do I find out more?

We are often distracted at the start and end of the session, so the most convenient time to talk is after the session.

Contact us for a chat anytime. Call one of of our committee members.

You can also find out more at one of the BSAC websites: www.bsac.com or www.bsacsnorkelling.co.uk.

I don't live near the Harrow Leisure Centre. Is there somewhere nearer me where I can learn?

You can find a list of BSAC branches on their web site

Hermit crab ©Christian Skauge; Tjoeme and Noetteroey Diving Club, Norway.
All other pictures and text ©Harrow Sub-Aqua Club, 2006