Phoenix NW SAC and BS-AC
Our Club is affiliated to the British Sub-Aqua Club (BS-AC). The BS-AC was formed in the early 1950’s and is the UK governing body for the sport of diving. The club is now the worlds largest, with a membership of over 55,000 divers through more than 1,200 branches. The BS-AC also has branches and schools worldwide in over 50 countries and was a founder member of the World Underwater Federation. The club is highly respected for its comprehensive training program, which incorporates high standards of safety.

**For a more detailed description of each diver grade, click on the diver grade heading.

Ocean Diver
A diver who has completed sheltered and open water training and has been assessed to be competent in the safe and correct use of aqualung diving equipment. With sufficient diving experience the club diver can take part in dives partnered by a diver of the same or higher grade to a maximum depth of 20m. The Ocean Diver will not have been trained to carry out decompression dives or be able to dive with students.

Sports Diver
A diver who has gained additional training and experience to carry out dives involving decompression stops. The Sports Diver is also trained in diver rescue skills and will gain experience of deeper diving to a maximum depth of 35m if they wish.

Dive Leader
An experienced, responsible diver, competent in dive leadership who may dive lead Club and Sports Divers on open water dives.

Advanced Diver
A fully trained, experienced and responsible diver who is competent to organise and lead Branch diving activities.

First Class Diver
An advanced diver who has attained a higher than average level of diving knowledge and ability and who has been assessed through nationally conducted examinations. A first class diver is able to lead divers in order to achieve major tasks or project objectives.