Dive Leader

The third part of the BSAC syllabus, Dive Leader is considered to be equivalent to PADI Divemaster. This dive course concentrates on leading dives and taking charge a variety of dive situations, including rescue. A much larger course, it is split into 12 theory lessons, two practical lessons on dry land and seven open water dives.

Upon qualification as Dive Leader, a diver can descend to a maximum depth of 35 metres, extendible under training to 50 metres. A Dive Leader can dive with any other class of diver and is much more responsible for his own advancement. Together, dive leaders can extend their own skills without relying on a more experienced diver, as long as they do not plan to dive in challenging circumstances. They can structure and then lead a variety of dives, including those requiring complex air planning and decompression stops.