Training
GLUG is a Dive Club, rather than a Dive School, but because of the rising number of training enquiries, we have now appointed a committee member to help you to find the right training. Although his role is aimed at new divers, qualified divers are also welcome to ask for information about further qualifications - just go to our Contact Form, and select “Dive training” from the list of options.
GLUG welcomes members from all diving organisations, although the majority of our members seem to be either PADI or BSAC qualified. We therefore aim to offer easier access to training with these two organisations, however we can also offer advice about training with other organisations such as NAUI, SSI, and SAA.
Choosing a Dive Organisation
We’ve put together the following table to compare some of the features of PADI and BSAC, to help you choose:
| PADI | BSAC | |
|---|---|---|
| Training | Primarily School-based short courses | Mainly club-based over several weeks |
| Membership Fee | None | £45.50 to Central organisation, plus local club fee (£5 for Dorothy Divers - most clubs charge much more!) You also have to be a GLUG member (additional £10) |
| Courses | Pay for each course | Instruction is free - just pay for trainer’s and own expenses (e.g. pool fees, air fills, transport to OpenWater sites), plus course materials (£30) |
| Time Frame | Qualification possible within 5 days | Normally takes several months |
| Location | UK or overseas (or a combination: Theory in UK, Dives overseas) | All training takes place in UK or can take place at a BSAC school overseas |
| Training with GLUG | Annual training holidays - subject to demand | Training with Dorothy Divers - GLUG’s own branch of BSAC |
BSAC training in the UK
GLUG offers at-cost training through our own BSAC branch, Dorothy Divers. Training sessions are run at a London Pool, subject to demand. For more information, please send an email via our Contact Form (choose “Dorothy Divers” from the drop-down list). We also would be able to suggest a BSAC club near to where you live (out of London divers).
PADI training in the UK
We don’t currently offer Basic PADI Dive training here in the UK. For Divers who are looking to gain further dive qualifications, one of our members, Scott, can offer PADI Advanced and Speciality courses lasting 2-6 days depending on the course. Course prices start from £160 per person. For more information, please email us using the Contact Form.
If you have any questions regarding which training agency to use, once again please contact us using the Contact Form and our training co-ordinator will get back to you.
Training trip
Subject to demand - we will organise a training trip to an overseas destination, which together with a warm climate and sea water will make an ideal way to begin diving.
If you’re interested in such a trip, please send us an email via our Contact Form (select “Dive training”).
Fred Wynn
BSAC OWI 5374/PADI OWI 494460