Diving is not a cheap sport, although diving and training with a club is a good way of keeping costs down for the individual. The approximate costs are outlined below, although these are only guidelines.

Joining the club involves joining BSAC. Instruction is provided by branch members who, although trained to a high standard and qualified to national level, are amateurs and make no charge for their time. Training costs are therefore confined to pool fees and air, included in branch membership dues, and some equipment purchase and hire. The club owns 6 full sets of scuba equipment for use during pool training and for hire to members for open water training. It has been found to be essential that trainees purchase their own basic equipment (mask, fins and snorkel) at the start of the course. This leads to greater comfort for the trainee and more efficient use of pool time. Other equipment can be bought gradually, as your finances permit.

Annual Membership Fees

Lothian Divers charge £75 per year which covers our running costs pool and classroom hire, equipment and boat maintenance, insurance etc. In addition to the club fee there is also a fee for joining BSAC which is currently £47 per year for a standard member. Full list of BSAC fees.

Lothian Divers also offer:
a) Contact membership for people living out with the club area for those that have been unfortunate and had to move away from the area.
b) Reduced membership of £40 if you already have a membership with another local BSAC branch.

BSAC membership includes liability insurance and a monthly copy of DIVE magazine (except Student/Associate members)

Crossovers From other organisations such as PADI and SCOTSAC etc.
The above fees are all you are required to pay as long as you are happy to dive under your current qualification. No further training is required, although we will encourage you to continue your diver training. If you decide to continue training then there is one theory lesson which introduces you to the BSAC structure and BSAC 88 tables, we do not charge for this lesson and we would be happy to provide this lesson even if you have no wish to further your training. Crossover Packs required if you want to further your training are £30 which includes the notes for the relevant course (Sports Diver/Dive Leader).

Course Fees

Ocean Diver is the initial BSAC course aimed at divers who have never dived before. The costs for this are : Ocean Diver Training Pack £30, Pool Costs £30 and we recommend you purchase a set of BSAC 88 deco tables and a log book. £17, £4 respectively. These plus the membership fees for the first year bring the cost to £201.50 in addition to which we will expect you to purchase a mask, fins and snorkel fairly early on in your training.

Sports Diver this is BSAC's second qualification aimed at divers with the ocean diver qualification or equivalent. Sports Diver pack (£20) or Course notes (£10) if you already have a pack from Ocean Diver, plus £10 for pool fees.

Dive Leader this is BSAC's third course aimed at qualified divers who want to broaden their diving and diving related skills. Dive Leader pack (£30) or Course notes (£10) if you already have a pack from Ocean/Sports Diver.

We occasionally run Skill Development Course such as Oxygen Administration, Practical Rescue Management, Boat Handling, 1st Aid for Divers these typically cost £15 for administration plus running fees which vary depending on what venue and equipment is required, typically though they come in at around £25-£30.

Equipment Purchase

You do not need to buy equipment initially as you can hire equipment the club and local dive shops. However when you get hooked this is an rough guide to how much the equipment costs.

Whilst these costs may seem expensive, please don't let them put you off! Much of the expense can be spread over a period of time, including the club membership which can be paid in installments over a few months. Kit can also be bought cheaper second hand.

Lothian divers have Cylinders, Buoyancy Compensators and Demand valves available for hire at £4 per item for the 1st day and £2 an item for subsequent dives. If hiring all three items it is £10 per day and £5 for subsequent days. Cylinders must be returned full.