Step by step · 8 guides

Scuba diving: from first course to instructor

Start with your first scuba course, then work up the BSAC diver grades. Along the way you can train as an instructor, or look at the other UK diving agencies. Every step is here in order.

Quick links

Prices

What it costs

Experience day
£55 to £160 per person
Become qualified
£445 to £900 (PADI or SSI Open Water)
Per dive
£65 to £120 a dive

Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.

Governing body

Start here

  1. Step 1: Your first scuba course: what happens and how to choose oneYour first scuba course: what happens and how to choose one.Read the guide →

BSAC diver grades

  1. Step 2: BSAC Ocean Diver and Advanced Ocean Diver: your first two gradesBSAC Ocean Diver and Advanced Ocean Diver: your first two grades.Read the guide →
  2. Step 3: BSAC Sports Diver: deeper dives, decompression and rescue skillsBSAC Sports Diver: deeper dives, decompression and rescue skills.Read the guide →
  3. Step 4: BSAC Dive Leader and Advanced Diver: plan and lead divesBSAC Dive Leader and Advanced Diver: plan and lead dives.Read the guide →
  4. Step 5: BSAC First Class Diver: the top gradeBSAC First Class Diver: the top grade.Read the guide →

BSAC instructor grades

Starts once you're a Sports Diver (step 3) aged 16 or over. Each instructor grade also needs the matching diver grade (steps 4 and 5).

  1. Step 6: BSAC instructor grades: from Assistant Diving Instructor to National InstructorBSAC instructor grades: from Assistant Diving Instructor to National Instructor.Read the guide →

Other agencies and paid instructing

  1. Step 7: PADI, SSI, SAA and RAID: the other UK diving agencies, and the HSE rulesPADI, SSI, SAA and RAID: the other UK diving agencies, and the HSE rules.Read the guide →

For everyone

  1. Step 8: Scuba diving in the UK: medicals, prices, who's in charge and emergenciesScuba diving in the UK: medicals, prices, who's in charge and emergencies.Read the guide →

Ready to start? The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport, or use the enquiry form to have a coach found for you.