Snorkeller

The wonderful aspect of snorkeling is that it is suitable for almost all age groups. All you need are fins, a mask and a snorkel and some fairly basic training - minimum equipment and preparation for maximum enjoyment. Sometimes seen as 'scuba lite' snorkeling is nonetheless a very rewarding activity which gives you an opportunity to appreciate earth's wonderful marine life and underwater landscapes. Training programmes can range from the very simple to the more advanced - here at scubadex we recommend BSAC as the association with a thorough and comprehensive snorkel training programme. What follows is an overview of their offered courses:

Basic Snorkel Diver

Anyone trained to use basic snorkelling equipment - mask, fins and snorkel - in a swimming pool.
Open to non-members of any age.

Practical Training (only)

• Swimming Skills without equipment
• Use of Snorkel
• Use of the Mask
• Use of Mask and Snorkel
• Use of Fins (no mask and snorkel)
• Use of Mask, Fins and Snorkel
• Surface Dives
• Assessment of competence

Snorkel Diver

Open to non-members of any age.

A Basic Snorkel Diver who has progressed with pool training to be proficient in basic snorkelling skills and assessed as ready 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 snorkelling and brief breath-holding dives, in warm water.

Theory Training

• The BSAC and its Training Programmes
• Basic Equipment
• Pressure, Breathing and Buoyancy
• Safe Snorkelling

Practical Training

• Diving Signals
• Entry and Exit
• Self Help
• Assessment of competence

Ocean Snorkel Diver (Minimum age 8 years)

A member of the BSAC who has achieved the status of Snorkel Diver, and has received further training to take a full and active part in open water snorkelling activities, including rescue techniques and further advanced exercises. On completion of training, this diver should be competent in the safe use of all appropriate open water snorkelling equipment including protective clothing and should be able to act as one of a buddy pair of snorkellers.

Theory Training

• Breath-hold Diving
• Skills and Equipment
• The Heart and Lungs
• Rescue & Rescue Techniques
• Safe Snorkelling Practices
• Planning Snorkelling Trips

Practical Training - pool / sheltered water

• Entry methods
• Mask refit and clear
• Use of Weightbelts
• Buoyancy aids Rescue Techniques
• Tired Swimmer Tows
• Snorkel Diver Skills Test

Practical Training - open water

• Full Equipment Familiarisation

Qualifying Dives

• Make three Open Water Qualifying Dives
• Use of Compass
• Open Water Skills Test

Advanced Ocean Snorkel Diver

A member of the BSAC who has achieved the status of Ocean Snorkel Diver, and trained to have a greater level of theoretical knowledge in all aspects of snorkelling and having broad practical experience of snorkelling. The Advanced Ocean Snorkel Diver should know how snorkelling skills might be applied to specialist activities.

Theory Training

• Causes and effects of pressure change
• Elementary marine biology
• Diving from small boats
• Snorkelling activities

Practical Training - open water

• Navigation
• Ropes and Ropework

Qualifying Dives

Make five Open Water Qualifying Dives. These dives should:

• Be of at least 20 minutes duration each
• Be gained on not less than three different dates
• Provide experience of both fresh and sea water sites.

Snorkel Dive Marshal

An Advanced Snorkel Diver who is trained and qualified to organise and supervise group snorkelling activities.

Theory Training

• Organisation of snorkelling activities
• Leadership of snorkelling activities
• Open Water dive planning

Qualifying Dives

Make five Open Water Qualifying Dives. These dives should:

• Be of at least 20 minutes duration each
• Provide experience of five different snorkelling activities
• Two dives to be used by Instructor to demonstrate organisation and leadership skills
• Subsequently, the last two dives to be used to assess the candidate's competence as an organiser and leader of snorkelling activities.