Just certified....?

[mikey6879]

Hi guys,
I have just received my open water last week however I'm unsure where I'm able to take my diving now and how to go about it. First of all i'm 15 years old and live in London, this therefore eliminates being able to go diving somewhere I cannot go to just for the day. This also means it would be pointless to join a diving club yet as im too young to go on an actual holiday and instead am limited to going somewhere just for the day.

A couple of possible places which spring to mind are Brighton and the Isle of Wight* as I can easily travel to and from these places by train *and hovercraft however I still have some problems. I don't have anybody in my family or friends who dive, therefore I am somehow going to have to find a buddy and also be able to find out good places to dive.

If I could be given some advice on how to find these buddies and get information on places to dive within an area then that would be great as I'm desperate to continue diving but unfortunately am in a very restricted position to do so because of my age and that I know nobody who dives.

Thanks,
mikey6879

 

[greatlakeswreckdiver]

First off - congratulations!

As an officer in our local dive club I can say there is more to being a member of a local club than going on dives. It gets you into a local group that gets you in contact with other divers that may be looking for the same as you so you can buddy up and make those day trips. Sure there are bigger events, but every month we hear of small groups getting together and hitting local dive sites.

 

[Phil_C]

Hi Mikey - congratulations on your certification.

I would suggest you see if there is a local BSAC club near you. Mine organise day trips and inland dives as well as holidays so there is usually plenty for all. In addition most BSAC clubs have access to a pool so can do ongoing training on club nights, not just on days away.

Search for a BSAC cub near you, if you don't have any success give BSAC HQ a ring, they are very helpful and may be able to put you n touch. Now having done the BSAC plug also look for SSI clubs as I know they exist, but have no personal experience and I know nothing about them, other than that they administer CMAS in the UK now and do have a number of clubs in various places. London is likely to have a club somewhere. If you do a search for their website I think they have a find a club feature on it.

I'm sure someone from London will be along and tell you what else is about. Good luck and dive safe - P

 

[dbulmer]

Mikey,
Your age might be a concern to some clubs - the bureaucracy that goes with the under 16s can be offputting to many clubs. BTW There are clubs which do welcome the under 16s so please don't be offended by what I just said it's just something you need to be aware of. Club diving is what I think you should be aiming at as you get a pool of diving buddies to dive with and a helping hand.

I will send you a PM shortly as what I want to advise you is better said on the phone.

---------- Post added March 31st, 2013 at 03:41 PM ----------

It would not be wise for you to go diving without getting a bit more practice in. Try going to the BSAC web site to get a list of BSAC clubs and then get your parents to call them on your behalf. That way you'll find out what the individual club policies are.

Diving in UK sea conditions is harder than it might appear and for your first UK sea dives I would recommend that you dive with someone more experienced. That in all probabilty is going to mean someone older as a buddy and where the club system really does excel.

Have you spoken to your OW instructor since certifying? He/she may also have a dive club that you could join ie pool sessions.