Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of Thistle Divers?
The club was founded in 1972 and was initially called Thistle Free Divers. In 1975 the club became affiliated to the British Sub Aqua Club and was renamed Kirkintilloch Thistle Sub Aqua Club. Following the closure of the Kirkintilloch swimming pool, the club moved to Kilsyth and has recently changed it's name to Thisle Divers

How much does it cost to learn to dive?
As a new member charges are as follows:
Adult * £175
Student / Child £111.50

The fees include tuition, training material, use of pool equipment and 1 years membership of BSAC.

Membership fees for subsequent years are as follows
Adult* £100
Student / Child £38
* Discounts are available for 2 or more members in the same household.

What do I get for joining BSAC?
Sport Diver and Instructor Training using an internationally recognised and admired system based on over 40 years of experience as the UK
Governing Body for the Sport .
A vast selection of specialist skill development courses, available at members' prices.
Third party liability insurance cover included in your subscription.
Monthly copies Dive magazine delivered to your home.
Quality service and back-up from the Diving Technical Department at BSAC Headquarters.
Support, advice and specialist training from the BSAC Regional Coaching Teams.
Highly competitive full equipment and travel insurance cover, exclusively tailored for BSAC divers' needs.

What is the minimum age for learning to dive?
The minimum age for learning to dive with Kirkintilloch Thistle is 16.

Do I need a medical?
BSAC now operate a policy of self declaration. A copy of the self declaration form is contained in the try dive pack. If you can answer 'no' to all the medical questions simply sign the form and keep a copy. If you answer 'yes' to any of the questions it will be necessary to contact a medical referee to determine if you are fit to dive.

Please do not assume that a 'yes' answer will bar you from diving. If you are unsure, advice is available from medically qualified club members.

How long does the training take?
Training is split into 3 sections - theory lessons, pool training and open water diving. Theory lessons and pool training are carried out on Monday evenings. Theory lessons are normally held from 7.30 till 8.45 with pool training from 9 till 10. Open water dives are organised after pool and theory training has been completed.

What qualification do I get at the end of my training?
At the end of the course you should have completed all the theory, exams and sheltered water training for both the BSAC Ocean Diver and Sports Diver qualifications (see below for details).

To complete your Ocean Diver qualification you will need to carry out 8 training open water dives with a qualified instructor. Completing the Sports diver qualification requires a further 4 training dives.

Ocean Diver
A diver who has gained open water diving experience and is considered ready to take part in dives partnered by a diver of the same, or higher, grade provided that the dive has the explicit approval of the Branch Diving Officer or Dive Marshal. The BSAC Club Diver will not have sufficient experience to take students on open water dives; or to conduct dives involving decompression stops. BSAC Club Divers are restricted to a maximum depth of 20 metres.

Sport Diver
A diver who has gained open water diving and diver rescue experience, and is considered ready to take part in dives partnered by another diver. BSAC Sports Divers are restricted to a maximum depth of 35 metres.

What equipment to I need to buy?
Within a few weeks you will be expected to purchase you own mask, fins and snorkel. Other equipment for pool training will be provided by the club.

As good quality mask, fins and snorkel can cost up to £100 please do not rush out and buy kit. Some of the early lectures will explain what type of equipment to buy. In addition club members can provide advise on what to buy and where to get the best deal. When you are ready to carry out open water dive, equipment can be hired from the club at a cost of £20 per weekend.

If I want to buy my own gear how much will it cost?
A basic set of new equipment will cost from £1000. However there is no need to buy this all at once or to buy all new equipment. There is a reasonable second hand market for equipment and club members are happy to provide advice on what is a good buy.

What is the difference between BSAC and PADI?
BSAC is a diving club run for the benefit of it's members, PADI is a commercial organisation offering diver training. Qualifications from both organisations are recognised worldwide.

A PADI open water course equivalent to Ocean Diver is approximately £300. The advantage of PADI is that because of it's commercial nature, course are more intensive and can be completed in a matter of days. The advantage of a BSAC club is that when you have completed your training you have some friends to dive with.