If you have any questions, please call Nikki Evans on 028 90255277 or email BSAC-IRL SDCO

SDC Programme of Events

Important Notes

1 - Equipment

The column headed "Kit" in the table above refers to a brief summary only of the equipment that students are required to bring along to the course. The meanings of the various letters are:

A - Full Open Water Dive Kit
B - Drysuit or Wetsuit and buoyancy aid or lifejacket
C - Pool Dive Kit
D - RIB Boat

Students are advised to read SDC Student Requirements (PDF 111K) which contains detailed requirements for each course.

2 - Courses requiring Boats

As the BSAC does not own boats, courses that require boats are marked above. Students are required to bring boats to these courses. If boats are not available the course may be cancelled.

Conditions of use:

Boats must be in a seaworthy condition
Boats must carry the essential equipment detailed in the CDA Guidelines.
All boat costs must be met by the students using that boat and are not included in the course cost.
All students must wear appropriate clothing and a buoyancy device or lifejacket

3 - Hardboats

There is an additional charge for Chartwork and Position Fixing courses for the use of a hardboat for courses. There are many skills that can be taught in this environment, compared to a RIB, and we plan to use a hardboat for these courses whenever possible.

4 - Nitrox Courses

Advanced Nitrox and Combined Nitrox course costs do not cover the hire of the required Nitrox cylinders. If you cannot borrow or hire cylinders you will need to notify the SDCO so that other arrangements can be made.

How to apply for an event

Applications for an event should be made in good time prior to the course start date so that facilities and instructors can be booked. Details are finalised two weeks before, and we cannot add places after that date.

To apply for an event, follow the steps below:

Against the relevant course in the table above, click the link titled "Book It".
Complete the form; the fields with a red asterisk (*) are required.
Print the form using the "Print Form" button
Submit the form using the "Submit Form" button
Send the printed form, with the required attachments to the address shown
A confirmation email will be sent to you informing you of your booking details, the paperwork to be sent, and any specific equipment that will be required for the course.
You can check your bookings using the link at the top of this page and entering your email address.

Payment can be made by online booking, or by sending a cheque with the required paperwork. After the event is closed for bookings, refunds are not possible for cancellations, but suitably qualified replacement candidates may be sent providing the SDCO is advised first.

Please see our Terms and Conditions.

How to manage Branch SDCs

BSAC Branches can offer Skill Development Courses (SDCs) to their members, and may work jointly with other Branches to make an event viable. Alternatively, if there are a reasonable number of students who wish to undertake a particular course, probably between six and twelve, then we can arrange to run a Regional Course at your Branch premises. Contact us for more details.

If you would like to run a SDC for your branch members, Instructor requirements and order forms can be found at: www.bsac.com/branchsdcs

It is essential that all students are issued with their personal copy of the student packs at the time of the course.

SDC Process:

Order the course packs from HQ

· Online: www.bsac.com/sdcpacks

· Phone: +44 (0)151 350 6202

· Fax: Download order form from www.bsac.com/sdcorder and fax to: +44 (0)151 350 62152.

The packs will be delivered with all the necessary card applications and Report Form. Where some courses include written assessments, the theory assessment documents are sealed for the instructors.

Deliver the course

Feedback to BSAC HQ (ESSENTIAL):

· Complete and send the SDC Report Form to HQ (online alternative available)

· Complete Qualification Card applications and send to HQ (online alternative available)

Important Note:

All SDC packs are allocated a Unique Reference Number (URN) (printed on the card applications and student notes) and this must be detailed on the SDC Report Form. Where the online facility is used, the URN must be quoted.

Coaching Support:

The BSAC Regional Coaching Scheme may be able to provide experienced leaders to help a Branch run courses.

Some courses have specific instructor requirements. Branch organisers should refer both to the www.bsac.com/branchsdcs and to the requirements in the syllabus for the course at: www.bsac.com/sdc If you are short of the necessary Approved Instructors, then please contact us, and we will arrange for the necessary instructors assist you, although you will have to pay any expenses they incur.

This page was last updated on : 22 Jan 2011