Joining and Training

Training

Grampian Branch welcomes new divers as well as "cross-over" divers certified by other agencies (e.g. BSAC, PADI, SAA). Please use the links below that match your experience

Try-A-Dive: Try a dive is a one hour introduction to Scuba in a safe swimming pool environment with all equipment provided.....read more here.......

Pool Training: New divers start with us during our pool training season which runs from early November to March at the International School of Aberdeen swimming pool (Season 2024 starts 19th Nov). During the pool sessions, trainees are instructed on a one-to-one basis by qualified instructors on various underwater skills, starting by snorkelling and soon thereafter progressing onto the use of SCUBA equipment. Regular theory sessions are normally held in blocks at Ruthrieston Community Centre..read more here

Open water training: You've completed your pool training?..then its time to take the plunge into the sea, where we continue a closely supervised and structured training programme..but its not just ticking off drills...you'll be amazed by the stunning underwater scenery and life even in our most benign training sites...read more here

Cross-over: Divers qualified by other organisations can have their qualification converted to a SSAC equivalent on joining our club and following a crossover schedule. We welcome trained divers and we will take into account your level of qualification and your experience. If you are dry suit trained you can join us directly in the ocean. if you are a holiday e.g. PADI diver, you'll probably need to do a few dry suit sessions in the pool and learn rescue skills. Please check out ScotSAC crossover tables here, and then contact us giving details of your previous experience/certification

"Under 18s/Junior Divers": Please enquire...our training capacity for juniors is constrained by various factors including our PVG obligations. For junior divers under 16 years old we require a parent or guardian to join and train alongside. The ScotSAC minimum age is 12.

More information on learning to dive with the SCOTSAC training schedules is available here.

Membership and equipment

The great advantage of learning to dive in a club environment is that, in addition to a wealth of knowledge and experience, you have access to a large selection of club dive kit so you can gradually and economically invest in your own while actively diving with club kit. The links here take you to further info on kit/costs and membership, but if you are new to diving, come to a try-a-dive session or a pool session and we can explain all the essentials.