If you've ever thought about becoming an instructor, or helping more divers discover the magic of breathing safely under the waves, then the BSAC Instructor Foundation Course (IFC) might be just what you need.
The Instructor Foundation Course is BSAC’s gateway into instructing — a short, accessible introduction to the theory and practical skills needed to begin teaching diving. It’s not a full instructor qualification, but it gives you hands-on experience, teaches you how to break down and coach skills, and lets you dip your toes into the role of instructor — all in a supportive environment.
Because it's compact and focused (now a one-day course), the IFC is ideal for winter weekends when open-water courses are harder to schedule. Here’s why it’s a great winter project — and how you or members of your club can benefit.
What you’ll learn on the IFC
The course balances classroom and pool-based sessions to give a well-rounded feel for instructing. Key elements include:
- Presentation and theory instruction skills: how to break complex topics into digestible bits, choose effective visual aids, structure a lesson, and deliver to a small audience.
- Demo-mimic skill teaching method: you’ll see demonstrations of diving skills, then coach others in mimicking them — a classic ‘show, then guide’ teaching approach.
- Lesson planning and feedback: practising how to plan and structure mini-lessons (pool and classroom), then deliver those, and give/receive feedback.
- In-water coaching: working in the pool, you’ll learn how to supervise and guide students through basic skills, splitting them into manageable steps, adjusting your teaching as needed.
As part of the course, you'll deliver a short classroom lesson (online for the one-day IFC) and a mini pool session to your fellow candidates. The aim is to build confidence and insight, not to assess you harshly.
To enrol, you must hold a BSAC Sports Diver qualification (or equivalent) and be at least 16 years old. After finishing, you'll be an Assistant Diving Instructor, able to help teach Ocean Diver and Sports Diver classes (pool, classroom, and open water) under supervision.
Here are a few reflections from divers who’ve joined an IFC:
It covered a lot of fundamental techniques such as mask clearing, controlled buoyant lift… which was nice to practice.
The presentation itself only covers one subject … small groups of 4 or 5 students … you aren’t giving it for long.
How to join an IFC
- Log in to MyBSAC and check for scheduled IFC courses.
- Alternatively, approach a local BSAC Training Centre and ask when their next IFC is being run.
- Make sure you meet the prerequisites (Sports Diver or equivalent, age 16+).
- You’ll need to bring pool-suitable dive kit (single cylinder, demand valve + alternate air source), weights, slate, and writing materials.
If your club wants to encourage its members to become Assistant Diving Instructors, you might consider subsidising part of the cost (if your club finances permit), or offering ‘winter instructor scholarships.’ Many clubs already subsidise or refund instructor training expenses for members.
Upcoming IFC dates
- IFC Swindon, Wiltshire – 11 October 2025
- IFC Dartmouth, Devon – 11 October 2025
- IFC Pentre, Glamorgan – 18 October 2025
- IFC Hampton, Middlesex – 2 November 2025
- IFC Doncaster, South Yorkshire – 8 November 2025
- IFC South Shields, Tyne and Wear – 15 November 2025
- IFC Stoney Cove, Leicestershire – 22 November 2025
Help me book an Instructor Foundation Course!
Can't see a date or location that suits you? No problem, please contact bookings@bsac.com or call 0151 350 6205 to discuss your training options.
