Why now is the perfect time to learn to scuba dive with BSAC

You may have come home from your holiday with vivid memories: colourful fish, coral, maybe even that first try dive underwater. Summer gave you a taste … but autumn is your chance to turn that taste into something lasting.

Now the days are getting shorter, and your summer destination is a fond memory, consider this: autumn is one of the best seasons to begin scuba diving training. With BSAC you can do it in the most comfortable way — starting in a pool, with all the safety, support and expert guidance you need.

Here’s why starting now makes sense — and how BSAC can help make your diving dream real.

Why autumn makes sense

1. Ideal conditions
   Pools are warm, controlled, predictable. No choppy seas, no surprising currents. As the weather outside becomes more variable, you’ll appreciate the comfort of pool training more than ever.
2. More availability and flexibility
   Clubs and training centres tend to have more capacity in the off-peak. You’ll likely get more flexible scheduling, more personal attention, less crowding.
3. Build confidence before next summer
   Learn your skills now — theory, breathing, buoyancy — so when you are next in warm ocean water, you’re calm, competent, and free to enjoy instead of being nervous.
4. Join a community through the darker months
   The social aspect of diving is huge. Meeting others, training together, doing pool sessions: great for motivation, for keeping active, for beating the autumn blues.

Why BSAC is a great choice for your training

Here are what you get by choosing BSAC:

• Trusted, quality training: BSAC has over 70 years of experience with a well-established track record for safety, thoroughness, and instructor support.  
• Learn near you: there are local BSAC clubs and centres all over the UK, so you don’t have to travel far. Enquire
• Full support & equipment: You don’t need to buy everything to start; BSAC provides kit for the practical parts. For some clubs/centres, all you might need is your own mask and snorkel.  
• Flexible learning: Theory can be done via eLearning, so you can fit it around work or other commitments. Pool sessions, then open-water dives when you’re ready. 
• Suitable for many ages and fitness levels: There are beginner courses starting from around age 10 or 12, depending on level; scuba training begins with medical checks to ensure safety.  

What scuba training with BSAC looks like

Here’s what you’d expect practically if you start now:

1. Enquire with BSAC/find local club or centre
   Fill out the enquiry form and our team will match you with the right training provider.  
2. Theory/eLearning
   You’ll work through the foundational knowledge: how pressure works, how the gear works, safety protocols, environment etc. Usually takes 8-10 hours at your pace. 
3. Pool training
   In a pool, under supervision: practicing breathing underwater, basic skills, safety drills etc. Safe environment to build confidence.
4. Open water dives
   Once you're comfortable in pool, you move to open water (e.g. a lake, quarries, or sea) for real-world experience with instructors.
5. Get qualified and dive regularly
   After the Ocean Diver course (or Discovery Diver for younger divers), you become certified and can join club dives, trips, etc.  

What it could cost*

• Theory via eLearning + Membership:
  The Ocean Diver theory/eLearning with membership costs around £149, Discovery Diver (younger divers) about £121.50 (or less for 12-17 year olds).
• Practical training:
  With a training centre: budget for £450-500 over roughly three days. With a club: lower cost, spread over weeks, approximately £200-250. 
• Time:
  Theory takes perhaps 8-10 hours. Pool plus open water can be done over a few days (if intense) or weekends over several weeks. It depends on how quickly you want to progress and how often you train.  

*Please note the costs will vary, depending on your membership type and chosen course, whether your train with a club or centre, and the route to qualification ie eLearning vs in-person. Contact the BSAC team to find out more.

Your autumn diving plan

Here are some ideas to make the most of starting now:

• Set aside week day evenings for pool sessions.
• Join a BSAC club local to you. Even if you don’t plan to dive weekly, just being part of the group helps.
• Get your theory sorted over autumn and winter so you’re ready to dive outdoors once weather and conditions permit.
• Use autumn and winter to try drysuits, colder water dives, or indoor pool training to build resilience.

What are you waiting for? Start now...!

If you left summer thinking “that was amazing — but scary”, or “I loved looking underwater but felt I didn’t really know what I was doing”, autumn with BSAC is your chance to change that. Start in a warm pool, learn slowly, build confidence, and when summer comes around again, you’ll be a trained diver ready to explore.

Enquire now