What days and times do you meet?
We meet at the Witham Leisure Centre on Thursday nights, with a meeting at 8.00pm, and pools from 9.00pm.
Is there an age restriction?
Presently we are only accepting SCUBA diving trainees over the age of 18 years of age. This age restriction may change in the future. If you are seeking training for an under 18 year old, you can still contact us and we’ll try to assist you in finding a club/school who can.
Do I need a medical?
This is an important aspect of taking up SCUBA, so there is a bit of background here.
Process: The UKSDMC therefore recommend that a new medical self-declaration form must be completed annually by each member on renewal of membership. This form is a legal document and the signed declaration confirms that the declaration is truthful. If a diver answers ‘No’ to all questions on the form.
If a diver answers ‘Yes’ or is unsure on any area, they should not sign the form but must seek advice from a Medical Referee. It will not necessarily disqualify you from SCUBA training, but it is important to follow this through to ensure that it is save for you.
From an initial telephone call and depending on the advice of the referee, the diver may be able to complete the form, or get the form endorsed by a Medical Referee by posting it to them with a stamped addressed envelope for return. If the diver is advised to see a medical referee and is passed fit to dive, a copy of a current Certificate of Fitness to Dive signed by the medical referee should accompany the annual medical declaration form. (The referee will determine for how many years that certificate of fitness will be valid).
Click here for a link to the Medical declaration form:http://www.bsac.com/scubamedicalform
Background: The requirement for evidence of medical fitness to dive within the UK Sport Diving agencies (British Sub Aqua Club, Scottish Sub Aqua Club and the Sub Aqua Association) is met by the Self-certification process recommended by the UK Sports Diving Medical Committee (UKSDMC), an advisory body comprising doctors who specialise in diving medicine. These recommendations are as a result of a study undertaken by Dr S Glen and his colleagues at Edinburgh University involving all the members (around 3000) of the Scottish Sub Aqua Club (SSAC) and publication of this study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
I wear Glasses, will this stop me diving?
No but you have several options.
1. Normal mask + Stick on lenses
2. Contact Lenses and a normal mask.
3. Insert Prescription Mask
4. Bonded Full Prescription mask
1. Normal mask + Stick on lenses. These work on the same principle as reading glasses allowing you to see your contents gage and dive computer. Pro: Relatively cheap. Con: As it’s stuck on may come loose if mask floods; DIY assembly
2. Contact Lenses and a normal mask. Pro: can wear a normal mask & On surface you can see, no need to find safe place on boat or shore for glasses. Con: Risk of losing a lens if your mask floods.
3. Insert Prescription Mask. Your prescription is glazed onto a removable insert. Pro: easy to update when prescription changes, no need to buy a new mask. Con: Depending on thickness of insert can be uncomfortable; once on boat/ shore need glasses
4. Bonded Full Prescription mask. Pro: Your prescription is glazed into the lenses of the mask. Con: very comfortable; expensive; need glasses on the boat/shore.
Do I need to be able to swim?
While you don’t need to be a strong swimmer, you do need to be confident in the water and pass a swim test.
How do I join?
Come along to the Club on a Thursday night at 8.00pm or contact us by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone 07598947208.
Do I need any kit to start training?
We provide all the kit you’ll need for training (with the exception of diving suits – necessary for the Open Water part of training). But you’ll need to bring your own swimwear and towel to the pool sessions. We recommend that you buy a mask, fins and snorkel early on, as you can use some of your own kit and you’ll be comfortable with these pieces of equipment. There are lots of people in the club who can offer advice on what to buy, and where to buy it!
