The first step in qualifying as a BSAC Diving Instructor, (including the Instructor cross-over programme), is to attend the two-day IFC, where the essential elements of instruction are taught. The comprehensive student pack provides candidates with course notes and a copy of the BSAC Manual 'Teaching Scuba Diving'. On completion of the course, students are awarded the BSAC Assistant Diving Instructor certificate, which allows them to teach under direct supervision of a BSAC Open Water Instructor. Following completion of the IFC members who are Dive Leaders can further build their teaching experience by attendance at an Open Water Instructor Course (OWIC). Members who have attained Dive Leader grade can complete the Theory Instructor Exam (TIE) at any stage after attendance on the IFC. Following OWIC attendance, and after further practice and experience at Branch level, those who have gained Dive Leader status can apply for the Practical Instructor Exam (PIE).
THEORY INSTRUCTOR EXAMINATION (TIE)
(Dive Leader + IFC)
The TIE is of one-day duration. Performance in the presentation of a 10-minute classroom teaching lesson and theory knowledge (1 hour, 60 question paper) is assessed. Candidates will receive further instructions once their application has been accepted. Following successful completion of the TIE, students will be awarded the BSAC Theory Instructor certificate, which allows them to teach, unsupervised in the classroom.
Candidates will receive further instructions once their application has been accepted.
OPEN WATER INSTRUCTOR COURSE (OWIC)
(Dive Leader + IFC)
This one-day course, which combines both classroom and practical activities, is designed to develop the Assistant Instructor's skills so they are better prepared to teach trainee Ocean and Sports Divers in open water. Following completion of this course, members will be recognized as an Assistant Open Water Instructor and be eligible to take the Practical Instructor Exam (PIE).
PRACTICAL INSTRUCTOR EXAMINATION (PIE)
(Dive Leader + IFC + OWIC)
The PIE is of one-day duration at an Open Water Venue. Performance in practical teaching in the Open Water is assessed by the presentation of a 45-minute practical lesson in the open water. Following successful completion of the PIE, if the student holds a pass in the Theory Knowledge examination paper, they will be awarded the BSAC Practical Instructor certificate that allows them to teach practical skills unsupervised.
Successful completion of all elements of the TIE & PIE will lead to the award of the BSAC Open Water Instructor grade
ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR COURSE (AIC)
(OWI + Advanced Diver)
This course provides further coaching in open water instructional techniques, dive organisation, dive leadership and developing other Instructors, preparing candidates for the Advanced Instructor Examination (AIE).
ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR EXAMINATION (AIE)
(OWI + AIC + Advanced Diver)
The theory examination can be taken at any time, before or after, attending the practical exam and is usually held at local IFC and TIE venues, when those events are taking place. Candidates will receive further instructions once their application for the theory examination is accepted.
The practical examination is a two-day event at selected venues around the UK, Portsmouth, Dartmouth and Cumbrae in Scotland. Interest is high and the numbers on each event are limited due to the examiner:candidate ratio, so it is important to book early.
NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR EXAMINATION (NIE)
(1st Class Diver & AI)
The examination is open to those who have passed the First Class Diver theory exam within the past two years. The practical examination takes place in early summer. Application forms for NIE may be obtained from BSAC HQ and must be returned to National Instructor Chief Examiner, BSAC HQ by 31st March.