dive training

The first diving officer Jack Atkinson largely organised the club's diving programme which led to the first manual in 1959 although BSAC handbooks were printed in 1954 and 55.

No swimming was allowed in the pool if members were training with underwater equipment. Bath discipline was very strict.
Skin diving was snorkelling using "the basic equipment" of fins, mask and "snorkel tube".

The swimming and floating test in 1961 included picking weights up from the bottom of the pool and holding them up in the air. The trainee progressed to intensive snorkel lessons and tests eg tow an adult 50 yards, land and give artificial respiration.

To be classified as a third class diver the trainees had pool aqualung training, 3 open water dives and a skin diving test, 4 training periods assisting in the equipment room and 1 evening looking after the record book at the pool entrance.
The qualification enabled a diver to act as bath marshal to maintain discipline during pool training, to give instruction to third class level and to become a full member of the club.

The second class diver had open water aqualung training which included 10 dives (5 in the open sea) deeper than 10m for a minimum of 15 minutes, free ascents from 30ft and 50ft, a 20ft circular search, 4 sessions assisting with the compressor and a written exam set by the branch with a 2/6 entrance fee.
A second class diver could act as a dive marshal and could endorse log books.

The first class qualification was for divers between the ages of 20 and 50. They had to have 30 dives over and above those required for second class, a bronze life saving medallion and a letter of recommendation from the club committee.

The Club Med led the world in diver training in the early 1960s and was the major destination for dive holidays. Instructor qualifications were started in 1965. Before that divers could only get an "Instructor's Endorsement" at ages 25-50.