Qualification crossovers
Crossing over diving qualifications issued
by other organisations, to BSAC ones, is a simple process based on a Statement
of Alternative Training (SALT).
As with all new entrants, previously
qualified divers must complete and sign a medical self declaration prior to
joining. Once they have become a member of the BSAC they purchase a training
pack which includes the Qualification Log book, Sports Diver Manual and
background information on BSAC.
They will then be issued with a
"Statement of Alternative Training" (SALT) which recognises their
existing qualification as being one which BSAC considers to
be of a similar standard to an appropriate BSAC qualification. To obtain a SALT
Certificate, the new member must present evidence of the qualifications they
hold in the form of original and authenticated certificates,
training records in other agency logbooks, etc. Photocopies and / or verbal
assurances are not acceptable! The Branch will prepare the Certificate and
apply it to the appropriate page(s) of the member’s BSAC Qualification Record
Book.
The new member may take part in dives
appropriate to that particular grade of BSAC diver and use this as the base to
train for the next higher BSAC qualification. The SALT process has to assume
that the person has only just obtained the certificate they hold. It cannot
offer credit for additional diving experience since achieving the qualification
or training on incomplete courses.
Those divers who receive a Statement of
Alternative Training will be expected to attend an ‘Induction to the BSAC’
lesson which will cover :- How the Branch structure works. The aims and
function of the BSAC as the governing body and what membership offers. An
overview of the BSAC ’88 Decompression Tables. It will encourage further theory
study and skills practice to ‘close any gaps’ which might become apparent
irrespective of embarking upon training for the next higher BSAC grade.
Summary of SALT equivalency (For full
table see BSAC website)
|
Other Agency Qualification |
BSAC Qualification |
|
‘Entry Level’
qualifications (which do not include rescue training)
|
Ocean Diver |
|
‘Second Level’
qualifications (which must include rescue training)
|
Sports Diver |
|
‘Third Level’
qualifications (which must include dive leadership training)
|
Dive Leader |
|
Any higher level of
qualification, such as:
Because of the variation
allowed in training leading to higher diving qualifications awarded by |
Advanced Diver |