The BSAC DfA Programme seeks to promote scuba diving to people with disabilities and provide divers, clubs and centres with the knowledge and skills to ensure that diving is safe for all BSAC members.
Divers with disabilities tend to be very motivated and most challenges can be overcome. Being part of a BSAC club has a lot to offer and scuba diving can offer both physical and mental respite for divers.
It is important to understand that people with disabilities may learn to dive or go diving just like any member of any club. The intention or aim of BSAC is for the diver to qualify as a diver and to join their local or chosen club as full member, enjoying all the benefits this brings.
Training for a disabled student should follow the BSAC syllabus in the Diver Training Programme (DTP) and the diving protocols of Safe Diving Practices. Deviations from the DTP should be exceptional and only warranted by the student’s disability. Help and advice is available from BSAC by email or by calling 0151 350 6203 and also by contacting the Diving for All Chief Instructor by email.
Training for a student with disabilities should ideally be delivered by a nationally qualified BSAC instructor who is a fully qualified DfA Instructor. Any BSAC member buddying a diver with an impairment or disability should ideally complete the DfA Dive Managers and Buddies course.
There are two courses:
BSAC’s Safeguarding policy contains further information on safeguarding vulnerable adults and equality and diversity within the organisation.
Promotional materials for clubs to download
You can download various posters to print locally in sizes A5, A4, A3:
Advertise the DfA Instructor course to your members... with the DfA Instructor downloadable poster.
Pop these up where your club meets so your members can see them easily.
Poster with no print marks (to print from a printer at home)
Poster with print marks (to take to your local printers)- Advertise to people with disabilities to join your club... with the DfA downloadable posters.
Print them out, pop your club's contact details on them and put them up in places like your pool, local schools, your workplace, community centres, local youth clubs...
Poster with no print marks (to print from a printer at home)
Poster with print marks (to take to your local printers). - We can also help clubs who already have DfA instructors with a UPVC banner, if you have the space, please send your request to our marketing team.
Not a BSAC member? Switch to BSAC and join the fun - find your local BSAC club or join BSAC online today.
If you need help finding a club please email hello@bsac.com and we'll send you your three nearest scuba clubs. Or if you fancy a chat call us 0151 350 6226 (Mon - Fri, 9 - 5:30).