One of the best things about being part of BSAC is the opportunity to keep learning, keep progressing and keep discovering new parts of our sport. Whether you're a newly qualified snorkeller or an experienced diver, there’s always something new to explore.
If you’re thinking about your goals for 2026, here’s a pick of five excellent BSAC courses to consider — each offering fresh skills, confidence and adventure.
1. Instructor Foundation Course (IFC)
If you’ve ever thought about giving back or helping others learn, the Instructor Foundation Course is the perfect place to start.
The IFC is friendly, fun and confidence-building, designed to introduce you to the core skills of delivering safe, engaging training. You’ll learn how to teach both theory and practical sessions, work with real students and become part of BSAC’s fantastic instructor community.
Even if you’re not sure you want to become a full instructor yet, the IFC is a brilliant course for improving your own diving, leadership and communication skills.
Underwater Surveyor
Curious about marine life? Interested in habitat records, wreck surveys or conservation projects? The Underwater Surveyor course opens the door to a whole new world beneath the surface.
You’ll learn how to identify seabed types, recognise common species and record what you see in a structured, scientific way. These skills can transform your diving — suddenly every reef, kelp forest or wreck becomes a place full of data, clues and stories.
It’s a great option for divers and snorkellers who want to contribute to citizen science or add value to club expeditions.
Find and book an Underwater Surveyor course
3. Diving for All (DfA) Awareness
BSAC’s Diving for All Awareness course is all about building a supportive and inclusive diving community.
You’ll learn how to recognise different accessibility needs, remove barriers and support divers and snorkellers with disabilities. It’s a powerful way to help make sure everyone can enjoy the water safely, confidently and with the full support of their club.
For committees, instructors, dive managers and enthusiastic members alike, it’s a course that genuinely strengthens club culture.
4. Work towards your next diver grade
2026 could be the year you take the next step in your diver training — whether that’s progressing from trainee to Ocean Diver, Advanced Ocean Diver to Sports Diver, up to Dive Leader.... or beyond!
Each BSAC diver grade opens up new opportunities: deeper diving, different environments, more responsibility, improved expedition skills and greater confidence in the water.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to progress, set a goal, talk to your club instructors and make the most of the year ahead.
5. Lifesaver and Advanced Lifesaver Award
Emergency skills are some of the most valuable you can develop as a diver. As a BSAC member you have access to a range of safety courses, including First Aid for Divers, Automated External Defibrillator, Practical Rescue Management and many more. So why choose the Lifesaver and Advanced Lifesaver Awards? Well, these two useful courses are accessible irrespective of your current dive or snorkel grade, and will give you the knowledge and confidence to manage real-world situations — from recognising an incident early to providing effective first aid and rescue support.
These courses build teamwork and leadership, develop practical rescue skills and help ensure you’re ready to step up when it matters.
They also strengthen your club’s resilience and safety culture — something every member benefits from.
Make 2026 your training year
Training isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about building confidence, discovering new interests and sharing achievements with your club buddies.
Whether you're stepping into instructing, learning to survey a kelp forest, improving accessibility in your club or aiming for your next diver grade, there’s a BSAC course waiting to inspire your next adventure.
