BACK | SURFACE | E-MAIL | SITE MAP

PAGE 2.2 - 21 AUG 2008

THE BRITISH SUB-AQUA CLUB established 1953 - DIVING FOR DIVERS

(LINK CHECK 21/8/2008)

Notice, FAQ, Link page MARINE DIVERS CALENDAR 2008 / 2009

CONTACT MARINE DIVERS: info@marinedivers.com Tel: (852) 2656 9399 / 9194 0221 Fax: (852) 2656 9399

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Jellyfish - Hong Kong

THIS PAGE

GENERAL

Why choose BSAC rather than other diver training agencies?

* BSAC was 50 years old in 2003 - so it has been around longer and has more experience than other training agencies.

* BSAC is the largest diving club in the world - you become a member, not a client.

* BSAC is recognised as the leading recreational diver training agency.

* BSAC regulations do not permit large groups for training. An Instructor has two hands so is limited to two students in the sea.

* BSAC Theory lessons are formal - Instructors teach you the knowledge, rather than giving you a video to watch or manual to study.

* BSAC Course fees with Marine Divers include most costs - instruction, equipment hire, transport, trip charges, certification (unless otherwise stated).

Equipment - Marine Divers does not require you to rush out and spend a lot of money on equipment before you start a course. We want you to be sure you enjoy the sport before you start buying your own kit. Even then, we will accompany you to a shop if necessary to give you advise; we obtain discounts for you in shops; you don't have to buy a full set in one go - our equipment is still available to you to hire. Our equipment is some of the best in Hong Kong. Our Instructors use the same as you. The only thing we don't supply is a prescription mask if you need one. You may have your own equipment. If we don't have any kit to fit you, we go out and buy some for our stock.

Transport - You may have your own transport

Trip charges - Most training is done on shore dives, but boat trips may be conducted from different size boats, so costs vary.

Certification - no extra cost. A Certificate for framing and a dive suit badge are included.

Course fees are discussed and decided before you start the course. No surprises.

* BSAC Course fees with Marine Divers vary depending on program designed for you. Generally, the longer the course duration, the cheaper the course is. You have to decide on what suits your budget and availability.

* BSAC Course materials are not included in the course fees as some items are optional; others are required after the course, which are useful to have for the course. You have to decide what you want above the minimum. Marine Divers does not lend or rent manuals for the duration of the course. BSAC requires every member to have their own relevant manuals etc. You need these for study.

* BSAC is a club, so there are membership fees to pay, unlike with other training agencies, which are NOT clubs - to BSAC (for recognising your qualifications) and to your local branch (Marine Divers) who administer you etc. There are many benefits of membership, which are worth the membership fees.

* BSAC Certification / Qualification is awarded at Branch Level by the Diving Officer / Chief Instructor. So you get your proof of qualification immediately, unlike in other agencies where you have to wait for the certification to be sent to and return from agency headquarters (often with errors, or sometimes lost).

* BSAC classes are generally smaller than in other agencies, often Individual training is provided. Large classes aren't conducive to all students learning fully. No more than 4 per Instructor in the pool. No more than 2 per Instructor in the sea.

* BSAC looks after its members (we don't treat you as a client) - a more personalised and friendly service - lessons at your home, or at our training locations - its up to you and the size of the class.

* BSAC training produces more capable, competent, confident, skilled divers.

BOTTOM LINE - YOU GET A BETTER DEAL WITH BSAC

TRAINING

Ellen and Graeme planning their dive on Ocean Diver course

1. Where can I get trained?

Marine Divers conducts SCUBA diver training in Hong Kong, Philippines and Thailand depending on time of year and student requirements.

Snorkel training is conducted in HK only.

Most of our training is conducted at the United Services Recreation Club, Kowloon - nice and central, see the links page to view their facilities and for a map (you may even wish to join USRC and take full advantage of this "Oasis in the middle of Kowloon")

It is possible for you to do Theory lessons at your own home, and pool lessons in your own pool (if it is deep and large enough).

Alexis and Fion kitted up, ready for a pool lesson at USRC

2. When can I get trained?

All Phase 1 (theory and pool) training is conducted in Hong Kong at any time of the year.

Indoor or outdoor pools may be used.

Phase 2 (open water) training is conducted all year round in HK or overseas if requested or during colder months (Dec - Feb).

Jason (6) on Basic Snorkel Diver course at his home pool

3. How much does it cost to train with Marine Divers?

We are not the cheapest by any means, preferring to offer Quality, Flexibility and Value for money.

BSAC and Marine Divers put Safety FIRST and at all times, this means small groups in training, progressing at a rate to suit individual students not the group or school, Instructors and Dive Leaders taking fewer buddies on dives, fewer divers in the water at any time, higher levels of above and in-water supervision, less divers on dive trips, more expensive and newer equipment etc etc.

Before you decide to train with anyone, check out their facilities, their equipment, their procedures and Instructor qualifications - its your safety.

Marine Divers are pleased to offer a FREE Try-Dive in the pool if you wish, prior to starting training - a chance for you to check us out, for us to see your aptitude for the sport, and for you to complete the swimming test and administration.

As a guideline, a standard Ocean Diver beginners SCUBA course (equivalent to reaching the second grade with other training agencies) costs $5335 for our branch members.

There are other charges for memberships, manuals and logbooks etc.

We prefer the personal touch, so you should arrange to meet us at a Club Night to discuss your personal needs - contact us for details.

There are often promotional packages for families or groups which you can take advantage of.

Payment is required in advance - this ensures commitment and saves on both sides in the long run.

DIVING

Jules (DL) checking out a Lion Fish on the Sai Wan wreck (HK)

1. Where do Marine Divers do their diving?

We dive in eastern HK waters (see the Diving in HK section), and overseas, particularly Philippines and Thailand, but further afield - see the dive site details, expedition / trip reports and the Diving with Marine Divers sections.

Base for Shore diving at Artillery Ramp (HK)

2. When do Marine Divers run dive trips?

We dive any day or night of the week, all year round, to meet demand particularly of our members.

Most popular time is obviously weekends, but for those who work shifts or have midweek days off, we are most happy to organize diving for them.

All you have to do is contact us, discuss your needs and make a booking. Payment is required in advance which can be done by bank transfer.

You can do 2 shore dives in as short a time as 4 or 5 hours.

Ginger on Small Boat at Whiskey Beach (HK) in January

3. How much does it cost to dive with Marine Divers?

Please contact us to discuss what rates apply to you.

Branch members get preferential discounts on our commercial rates.

Non members pay commercial rates which may be more than other operators, but there are many advantages of diving with Marine Divers such as smaller groups, more flexibility etc. BSAC diving practice is to dive in buddy pairs not large groups. So you will usually be diving with a Dive Leader or Instructor on your own.

Dive costs depend on type of dive - shore, small or large boat, numbers diving, your grade etc.

Equipment hire etc costs for a full set of equipment are only $200 for members, $300 for non-members. Second suit if you need one in winter provided FREE!, torches for night dives etc.

Transport to and from dives can be provided at extra cost.

Personal attention to your requirements is most important to us.

SOCIAL

Andrew and Carmen - HK Divers Ball 2001

1. When does Marine Divers BSAC Branch hold its Club Nights?

Marine Divers Sub-Aqua Club (MDSAC) meets every Tuesday night (unless rearranged due to holidays etc)

Dave, Jane, Gary, Aki - HK Divers Ball 2001

2. Where does Marine Divers BSAC Branch hold its Club Nights?

MDSAC meets at the United Services Recreation Club, Kowloon. See their web site to view their facilities and for a map: www.usrc.org.hk.

If visiting the USRC, please be aware that this is a private club, so please adhere to the rules on mobile phones and please check in at reception to be directed to our location - maybe the pool, but probably one of the bars!!

As a visitor you are a guest of the Marine Divers Diving Officer / Chief Instructor, who is responsible for your conduct while on the premises. First beer is on him!!

Tuesday Club Nights start 1600 for Junior members, 1900 for Adults.

Saturday Club Afternoons and summer Tuesday Club Afternoons start at 1400.

A right pair of waiters! Ginger and Jules - HK Divers Ball 2002

3. How much does it cost?

Club Nights are FREE for members and any visiting divers - this is our chance to meet each other.

Drinks, snacks and meals may be purchased with coupons obtained from reception.

For Special events such as Speaker Nights there may be a charge to cover room hire (kept to a minimum), a buffet is usually organized at approx $100 per head.

Surface (Home)

Introduction

Organization

Notices / FAQ / Links

Articles & Photos

MDSAC members only

Training

Dive Hong Kong

Dive with Marine Divers

Marine Divers Social

Other services

AFLAG Products

Sitemap