The Club
If you are interested in joining our club, please read the information below, where hopefully most of your basic questions can be answered. If you have any further questions or require more information please don't hesitate to contact any of the committee members on the contacts page.
Can anyone join the club?
Yes, anyone over the age of 16 can join the club.
Do I have to be able to swim like a fish and
hold my breath for 10 minutes underwater?
No, you don't need to swim like a fish but you must pass a basic swimming test. Part of the test requires you to swim around 350 meters (14 lengths), tread water for 30 seconds, recover 3 small objects from the bottom of the pool and you only need to hold your breath for 30 seconds underwater.
DID YOU KNOW.....The official World record for breath holding underwater is 9 mins 8 seconds held by a German man!!
Will I get the BENDS?
No, We will teach you how to dive safely how to deal with Decompression and how to avoid getting the bends.
What will I see down there?
The waters which lie off the Scottish Cost line are a Mecca for divers. The the vast array of different sea life, clear waters and almost 500,000 shipwrecks scattered around the coastline make Scotland and St Abbs one of the top dive sites which regularly attracts divers from all over the world.
Will it be dark and cold ?
Underwater visibility can vary during the year from 2 meters up to 20+ meters. The water temperature can also vary during the year, typically its around 8 degrees in April / May up to around 18 degrees in August. Don't forget we dive using drysuits which just as they sound keep you dry and warm.
Can I try diving to see if I like it first?
Yes, the club organises various free " Come & Try " nights where you simply come along to Hawick pool where we explain the basics to you and then you get to go for a swim around the pool using SCUBA gear. Be sure to check out this website around September time for confirmation of Come & Try dates.
I am already a trained diver with
another organisation can I crossover
to your club and ScotSAC?
Yes, new divers are always very welcome there is no problem crossing over from the dark side to join the club and ScotSAC. Crossover/ Transfer form's are available from the club secretary.
Ok I Love it ! where do I sign?
Ok firstly you must join the Scottish Sub-Aqua Club. By Joining ScotSAC you are then covered by insurance for diving, you will receive your training manual, divers log book, divers training schedule and subscription to the Scottish Diver magazine. This will cost you £42 per year plus an initial joining fee of £27. Click HERE to download the ScotSAC application for Membership form.
You must then join the Border Sub-Aqua Club, with this you will receive all your training, theory lectures, pool training in Hawick swimming pool, the use of all the club equipment in the pool and for your first 10 open water dives (in the deep blue sea) and you will receive the club newsletter and a membership card. This will cost you £80 per year.
To join both ScotSAC and the Border Sub-Aqua club contact Robin Brydon the club secretary and Robin will send you a Joining pack with all the relevant paperwork to get you started.
Do I need a medical to dive?
Yes, you do require a medical. Dive medicals are self-assessed, but the club requires that your first medical should be carried out by your own GP (some practices charge for this).
ScotSAC require an annual Self Certificate Medical which can be viewed or downloaded here Medical Form. You will need Adobe Reader to view this file you can download here.
Will I need to buy lots of expensive
equipment?
New members will have free use of club equipment throughout pool training and their first ten open water dives. The club will then charge £10 per dive thereafter. You will also be expected to buy a mask, fins & snorkel in the early stages of training. Cost of equipment can vary depending on whether you buy 2nd hand or new. Good discounts can be obtained through the club - please ask for details. Below is a list of what you can expect to pay for basic equipment.
Mask:- £20-40
Fins:- £30-55
Snorkel:- £5-15
More experienced members are always willing to give help and advice when it come to purchasing equipment. Checkout the For Sale section it might just have what you are looking for!
RETURN TO SURFACE.