NORTH HERTS DIVERS 

About us

AN INTRODUCTION TO DIVING

Thank you for your interest in diving.  This article is designed to give you some initial information about Diving and our club, North Herts Divers.  There's a whole new world out there waiting to be explored by divers.

The British Sub-Aqua Club

Our club trains divers using the syllabus of the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC), to which we are affiliated.  BSAC is the governing body for scuba diving in Britain and is the largest diving organisation in the world.  On joining our branch, you will be entitled to all the services it can provide including internationally recognised qualifications, a tried and tested system of training, advice, representation, insurance, and a monthly magazine, all of which are available free of charge. Other publications, such as the Sports Diving training manual, further Diving Manuals and training materials, diving guides and wreck registers, as well as courses on specialist diving topics, are also available for an additional charge.

North Herts Divers

North Herts Divers is based in Stevenage and is comprised of members of all ages and from all walks of life, with a very broad range of knowledge and experience.  We can offer.....

·         Use of Stevenage swimming pool each Wednesday evening

·          Air compressor for filling diving cylinders (free to club members)

·          Day trips to inland diving sites for training

·          Weekend trips to the sea, usually the South Coast

·          Use of our own inland diving Lake (subject to club rules)

·          Longer trips to Cornwall, West Wales and Scapa Flow.

Once you have completed your pool training, you will have the opportunity to join in with these trips as well as the other events organised by the club.

How soon will I be diving?

The important thing about club training is that it is done at your pace and ability.  There is no real time limit.  The first course is designed to take about 12 weeks (this will only be accomplished if you turn up every week, practice what is taught and read the necessary information) to cover the theory and a couple of days to finish the open water dives (see "The Training", below).

But do I have to be a great swimmer?

You don’t have to be a champion, nor especially fit.  You only need to be good enough to keep you safe, show confidence and be able to swim a few lengths.  The training is designed to build up confidence and skills as you progress.

Who can join?

Anyone over 18 (or 14 if your parent/guardian is also a member). We welcome disabled divers, providing we can arrange suitable instruction to ensure your safety given your particular limitations.

What do I need?

Initially all you need to buy are a mask (£20), fins (£25), a snorkel (£7) and a weight belt (no weights yet - about £7).  If you have your own scuba gear, fine.  If not, we will supply you with a basic set of kit for the course.  You will also need a Self Certification Medical form, duly completed……..oh, and of course a swimming costume!

The Training

Courses for the basic BSAC Ocean Diver qualification start three times a year, usually in March, July and November.  Ocean Divers are usually permitted to dive with those of a similar or higher grade.  The weekly pool training lasts approximately 12 weeks, and is followed by five open water lessons.  Your instructor will arrange pool sessions and open water dives.  You will need your own diving suit for the open water lessons, or you can hire a suit from several local dive stores.  Theory lessons are on Wednesday evenings from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. followed by pool training from 9:00 to 10:30 pm.  Punctuality is very important for both the theory and the pool as our time is limited.  You will then probably want to progress to the Sports Diver qualification and, maybe, on to Dive Leader and Advanced Diver.

All training at North Herts is provided free, including your tuition and air fills: the cost is covered within the monthly membership subscription.  The only costs you will incur are the course materials supplied by BSAC (around £37) and a share of any incidental diving costs (travel, boat hire, and so on).

If you want to learn quickly, or if you cannot regularly make Wednesday evenings, BSAC diving schools offer a suitable alternative.  Phone BSAC headquarters on 0151 350 6200 for the address of your nearest school.  Don't forget that you can come and join us after your course.  Our club offers a lot more than just training.

Is Diving Expensive?? - The Costs…

Although it can be, it need not be out of reach to anyone. Equipment can be bought in stages as the training progresses and there is a lot of second hand kit for sale.  Alternatively, the larger more expensive parts can be hired initially from local dive shops or members.  Membership of North Herts Divers is £180 per year (usually paid by direct debit of £15 per month) plus £45.50 per year to BSAC.  Abated membership for BSAC (usually £28) is available for partners who are willing to share one copy of the manual and Dive magazine.

Typical New costs are for your own equipment are :

Demand valve £180

Air cylinder £150

Buoyancy compensator £300 (Cheaper Versions available)

Semi Dry suit £160

Boots, gloves etc. - say £50

Lead weights - about £ 25

Once qualified, you will probably need accessories such as a knife (£20), depth gauge (£25), watch (£50), compass (£25), torch (£15 - £200 say ~ £35) and surface marker buoy and reel (£50). Buying second hand you could easily pick most of the above up for between £500 - £600 and this may only be a year or two old. Once you have your own gear, your diving will cost you about £3 for your air, £12 (typically) for a small boat dive, plus your share of boat and car fuel.  For longer trips there's also the B&B, food and drink to consider too.

If you become really keen on the sport, you may want to invest in further equipment, such as a drysuit, a dive computer, or a large torch.  You might also want to purchase underwater cameras or videos, or maybe a share in your own boat!

Although this all sounds like a lot of money, a full set of equipment can cost less than £1,200 (a good deal less if you buy second hand).  It does not have to be bought all in one go - your instructor will tell you which items you need next as the course progresses. The costs compare very favourably with other sports.

How is the club run?

The club has an elected committee and a set of rules and so on, but everyday decisions about dive trips, dates and destinations can be made by the members themselves.

What sort of diving does the club do?

Dives take place on Sunday mornings at Arlesey's "Blue Lagoon" throughout the year.  During the dive season there will be day trips or weekend trips to the south coast, or longer trips to dive sites further a field: have a look at our calendar to see what is on. Although not so warm or clear, British waters provide an amazing variety of dives sites with literally thousands of dive sites.

Social

As well as the diving, we try to put on social get-togethers: either BBQs at Arlesey or an evening in a local restaurant.   We regularly meet up after the pool session at "2 Dry" in Stevenage Old Town.

What Now?

If you have not already done so, give the club phone a ring and speak to Tim to arrange to come along and have a go.  If you think you might like to join, come back the following week and speak to Derek Angus, the Training Officer, who will tell you when the next course starts, and if there are any places available.

More Information

If you would like more information then please email us at info@northhertsdivers.co.uk