Frequently Asked Questions

These pages answer the most common questions we receive.

Why join BSAC?

BSAC is both a club and an internationally recognised training agency based in the UK. Members get the benefits of both: adventure, opportunity, friendship and fun supported by the highest quality diver training, dedication to safety, and a worldwide network of clubs and centres.

A BSAC member is not a customer. They are part of a group who know one another, who share knowledge and history, and a dedication to diving with skill and care.

Why join the Brisbane branch of BSAC?

Brisbane-BSAC is the only BSAC branch in Queensland. We're a group of like-minded BSAC divers, including quite a high proportion of instructors and technically certified divers.

Does the club have equipment available for hire?

Yes. We have regulators, BCs and cylinders. We do not hire out personal kit such as wetsuits, masks, fins, etc.

Does the club have its own boat?

No. Unlike many UK clubs we do not have our own boat, club house or compressor. But before you judge us, see 'Where do you dive?' for why this is! Our low branch fee reflects this lean approach. A few members also have private boats that are suitable for diving.

What dives you typically do?

Brisbane-BSAC conducts six deep-pool dives each year that are free for members, at least six shore dives, and at least 12 boat dive trips, weather permitting. In between these there may be incidential club trips for training and spontaneous dives when conditions are too good to miss.

Where do you dive?

Brisbane-BSAC's 'local' are extends from Mooloolaba, about 100km North of Brisbane to Tweed Heads about 150km South and across Moreton Bay to Stradbroke and Moreton Islands. We do travel even further afield, usually into New South Wales, and conduct an overseas trip each year. Long distances and the diversity of sometimes challenging conditions are one reason we don't mind using expert dive operators instead of a club RHIB!

What is the rough cost of participating in the dives?

Pool and shore diving just requires participants to have or hire their own dive kit. At January 2024, double boat dives typically cost $200-$250 plus the cost of equipment hire and cylinders if required.

How much to join?

The full-year rate for Brisbane branch membership is $55.00.  New members joining after July will pay a pro-rata rate. This applies to all paying members. We do not have junior, student or family rates. Members also need to join BSAC. To join BSAC or renew and pay go online to the BSAC join page and enter the name or our branch: "Brisbane Sub-Aqua Club".

Questions?

Check out our FAQ page.

Dive Training

Why learn to dive with BSAC?

BSAC training is focussed on the individual member. It is done to a standard, not to a schedule or price. If you have difficulty with a skill, your volunteer instructor will work with you for as long as you need to master it. If they are unable to assist then other instructors are usually available in the club to contribute their expertise.

The end of your Ocean Diver course (BSAC's entry-level qualification) is not the end of your learning. If you dive as a member of a BSAC branch you will reinforce and continue to grow your diving skills. Brisbane-BSAC, for example, runs rescue days where members can practise vital buddy-rescue skills, as well as oxygen administration courses, buoyancy and trim practice days, and other skill-development courses and workshops. Apart from formal training, BSAC members come from a wide variety of diving backgrounds and share their knowledge generously and freely. It's amazing what you can learn sharing a drive to a dive site!

The result of this personalised, club based training is that BSAC qualifications are well-known and respected worldwide.

Is club training right for me?

BSAC club training best suits people who want to dive regularly, skillfully and safely, AND who also want to be a reasonably active member of the club. There are several reasons for this, but the most practical is that skill development will continue after your certification as you dive with more experienced club members on suitable club dives.

As good as BSAC training is, however, it is not for everyone.

• Learning to a deadline  :  If you have a short, fixed time frame in which you need to get your dive qualification then learning with Brisbane-BSAC may not be the best option. Our courses take as long as required, determined by your availability, your progress rate, weather conditions during the course and the availability of volunteer instructors.
• Seeking a certification  :  If you want to learn just to get a particular certification then a shop course may be more suitable. BSAC training best suits people who want to become divers and participate in club life, not just learn to dive.

How much does BSAC training cost?

Brisbane-BSAC is a not-for-profit association. Instructors are volunteers who are not paid for their time. However there are costs for BSAC training packs, equipment hire and for using commercial dive boats if applicable. In the Ocean Diver course trainees may be required to cover some or all of instructors' out of pocket expenses. Generally speaking you should not choose a BSAC course primarily to save money.

Find out more on our Training page.