BSAC First Class Diver: the top grade
What BSAC asks for First Class Diver: 100 dives since Advanced Diver, six Skill Development Courses and a three-part national exam.
In this guide
- What it is: BSAC's highest diver grade, for divers who can run safe but challenging expeditions in the UK and abroad.
- What you need first: Advanced Diver, 100 dives since qualifying (at least 20 deeper than 30m), and six Skill Development Courses (listed below).
- What you'll learn: Expedition planning, leading teams and diving theory at the highest level.
- How long it takes: There's no set programme. You prepare with mentors and preparation events.
- Cost: BSAC doesn't publish prices for the prep events or the exam.
- What's next: Diving track: expeditions and national roles. Instructing: First Class Diver is needed to go from Advanced Instructor to National Instructor (see instructor grades).
Before you start
- Hold BSAC Advanced Diver.
- Have logged 100 dives in a range of conditions since qualifying, at least 20 of them deeper than 30m.
- Have passed these Skill Development Courses:
- Chartwork and Position Fixing
- Diver Coxswain Award
- Oxygen Administration
- Practical Rescue Management
- Advanced Lifesaver
- First Aid for Divers
The exam
Three modules, assessed nationally. You can take them in any order:
- A theory knowledge exam.
- An advanced expedition plan.
- A two-day practical diving assessment, judged against 12 criteria including teamwork and leadership.
How to begin
Register your interest with BSAC. The First Class Diver Chief Examiner can then give you general and specific advice. You'll need full open-water kit and access to some specialist equipment.
Medical
A BSAC self-declaration medical form, done when you join and every year after. Answer yes to anything and you'll need to see a UKDMC medical referee.
Source: First Class Diver, Advanced Diver and Diving fitness and medical forms, BSAC, checked October 2026.
Governing body: British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC). It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for scuba diving, so it's the official place to find out more. PADI and SSI run their own courses too.
Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
