BSAC Launches New Deeper Diver Course Extending Training to 50m

The British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) has announced the launch of its new Deeper Diver Skill Development Course, giving experienced divers a structured pathway to extend their open-circuit diving to a maximum depth of 50m. The move represents a significant expansion of BSAC’s deep-diving framework, building on changes introduced to the Dive Leader grade in 2023 and responding to growing demand for more advanced depth training within club diving.

Designed for qualified Dive Leaders and above, the Deeper Diver course focuses on developing the knowledge, judgement, and planning skills required for safe diving beyond 40m. According to information published by BSAC, the programme emphasises risk-based decision making rather than depth chasing, reinforcing the organisation’s long-standing safety-first philosophy.

Flexible learning with optional depth experience

One of the key features of the Deeper Diver course is its flexibility. Divers can complete the theory component either through eLearning or traditional in-club classroom sessions, allowing clubs and individuals to tailor the course to their circumstances. An optional practical element enables divers to undertake open water depth dives, with successful completion qualifying them to dive to 50m.

Importantly, the course introduces the option to use weak trimix during training dives. Where chosen, divers may use mixes containing between 20 percent oxygen and 40 percent helium, offering reduced narcosis and increased clarity at depth. This marks a notable development for BSAC, as trimix becomes more formally integrated into its advanced non-technical training pathway.

Who the course is aimed at

The Deeper Diver course is open to BSAC members who hold the Dive Leader qualification or equivalent, are nitrox qualified, and are already competent in planning and executing decompression dives. The programme applies exclusively to open-circuit diving systems, with the theory syllabus covering deep-diving physiology, decompression considerations, gas planning, and the practical limitations that become increasingly relevant at depth.

On completion, certified Deeper Divers are expected to make informed, conservative decisions about dives beyond 40m, supported by improved planning skills and a clearer understanding of personal and environmental limits.

Instructor pathways and future progression

BSAC has also outlined clear routes for instructors wishing to teach the new course. Existing Open Water Instructorswho hold Sports Mixed Gas or relevant rebreather qualifications can deliver Deeper Diver training immediately, while others can qualify through additional experience and depth exposure. The course also links into BSAC’s wider Skill Development Course structure, contributing toward longer-term progression into mixed gas training.

What this means for experienced divers

With the introduction of Deeper Diver, BSAC strengthens its position as a leader in structured, club-based diver education. The course bridges the gap between traditional recreational depth limits and more advanced mixed gas training, offering experienced divers a controlled and well-supported route to deeper water.

Further details on the syllabus, prerequisites, and delivery options are available via BSAC’s official training information pages, where clubs and divers can explore how the new course fits into their wider diving plans.