Diving and sub aqua

There are two bodies in the UK who represent the sport:

• The British Sub Aqua Club
• Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) (international)

Both have their own schemes and both approve providers who are listed on their websites. Diving is a rewarding activity and organising instruction requires a great deal of care to ensure that appropriate consents are forthcoming.

Outside of basic instruction, diving presents a higher level of risk than other water activities and consequently it is one that the Local Education Authority requires to be notified of well in advance. However, contacting a recognised provider should provide most of the assurance that is sought.

Snorkeling is often the gateway to the more complex activities of sub aqua diving for young people.

It is however a challenging activity in its own right and therefore also requires to be supervised by appropriately qualified and experienced leaders.

Greater care is also required if the activity is arranged abroad where there may be different support available in an emergency. It would be essential to ensure that there is adequate travel and medical insurance on the basis of a diving activity.

Further information can be obtained from The British Sub Aqua Club website from the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) website.