Training
All training at ISAC is in accordance with the British Sub-Aqua Club's (BSAC) detailed syllabus. As a minimum it will take you from a complete beginner through to an internationally recognized level of diving qualification where you can dive without the supervision of an instructor. Courses and further training are available to take you to higher levels of diving qualification and on to specialized subjects if you want to. All level of qualifications will involve some degree of lectures, usually practical pool training and open water sessions.

Our qualifications are awarded by BSAC and they are recognised and well respected all over the world. You can find out more about the BSAC qualification grades awarded by the club here.

Theory Lessons
All of the courses run by the club involve learning some theory. Theory lectures take place in a classroom environment and they are given by one of the club's qualified theory instructors. Lectures for new divers normally take place once per week on a Sunday afternoon.

Training materials, including textbooks and qualification logs are provided for trainees. Each course normally ends with a multiple choice type test.

Pool Training Practical training takes place at Fore Street pool in Ipswich between 7pm and 8:30pm on Thursday nights. From 8:30 to 9pm the pool is available to all members for swimming or snorkelling. In the pool, basic skills like bouyancy control, rescue techniques and mask clearing can be practiced in a safe environment under the supervision of qualified instructors.

Open Water Training
After a period of pool training, you will progress to open water to develop your skills. Initially, this is likely to be in relatively sheltered, inland sites like Alton Water near Ipswich or the National Diving Centre at Stoney Cove near Leicester.

As you progress, you will undertake progressively more difficult dives. Night dives, drift dives in strong currents and deep dives will all help you to gain skills and experience. All open water training is conducted under the supervision of a BSAC qualified instructor.

Ultimately, how far you progress is up to you. Initial training will take you to BSAC Sport Diver level and some members are happy to stay at this level. However, many of our members choose to undertake more training to progress to Dive Leader or Advanced Diver. There are also opportunities to attend short skill development courses. These are of one or two days duration and you can learn about subjects like oxygen administration or boat handling.