For all trainees beginning scuba training, no knowledge or experience is required.  The Club provides all the scuba equipment throughout the pool-training period, free of charge; this is one of the benefits of membership of LSAC. 

Scuba training is broken down into two sections – pool training and theory lectures

Pool Training

The whole structure of our pool training is one of confidence building, coupled with the repetition of skills taken with small steps each week, until the instructor and the candidate are satisfied that all the targets of skills and safety are met.  Topics covered during the pool training are assembling the aqualung gear, testing the gear before use, trying out all the features of the equipment in a shallow depth and controlling buoyancy.  There is a minimum of six pool sessions each one lasting an hour.  There is no time restriction as everyone progresses at a different rate.  The emphasis is on the trainee having attained the required skills and knowledge to the satisfaction of both himself and his instructor.  If more pool time is needed then it will gladly be given.  All training is carried out in the Lisburn swimming pool allowing a maximum of comfort and safety.

Theory Lectures

There are seven theory lectures with each one lasting a minimum of one hour and take place before pool training.  As the trainee progresses with hands on experience, so do they progress with all the relevant knowledge and theory.  The emphasis of most of the theory lectures is towards safety and all the information is backed up in BSAC workbooks provided with membership.

Some of the lecture topics include – physics of scuba diving, scuba equipment, gases under pressure.  At the end of the theory lectures the candidate sits a basic examination of 30 multiple choice questions based on all the information which they have been taught.  All theory lectures take place in the Clubrooms.

Once the instructor is satisfied that you are confident in all skills and that you have completed all the requirements of the scuba training, then it is time for you to dive in the open water.

On your first couple of open water dives an instructor will take you to a safe and shallow depth and you can then begin to build up your skills and confidence.

It is at this stage that trainees should start to buy their own equipment.  The Club owns equipment for loan to members who are training, but trainees are encouraged to purchase their own equipment.  Alternatively, The Club will hire equipment to those members who do not own their own gear, with the exception of dry/wet suits, which can be hired from most dive shops.