PADI, SSI, SAA and RAID: the other UK diving agencies, and the HSE rules
Who else trains divers in the UK, how their grades line up with BSAC, and when the HSE's Diving at Work Regulations apply.
In this guide
- What you need first: Nothing.
- Cost: A PADI or SSI Open Water course at a UK centre is usually £445 to £900. A try dive is usually £55 to £160.
- What's next: Crossing over? Try BSAC Sports Diver. Going pro? PADI below, or BSAC instructor grades.
Who the HSE approves
For divers working on recreational diving projects, the HSE's approved list (January 2026) includes BSAC, PADI, the Sub-Aqua Association (SAA), SCUBA Schools International UK (SSI), the Rebreather Association of International Divers (RAID AB) and the Scottish Sub-Aqua Club.
PADI
- Open Water Diver: from age 10. You'll need to swim 200m (or 300m with mask, fins and snorkel) and float for 10 minutes.
- Divemaster: PADI's first pro level. Age 18+, Rescue Diver (or qualifying certification), Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care in the last 24 months, a physician's medical clearance in the last 12 months, and 40 logged dives to start (60 to certify).
- Instructor (IDC): a Divemaster who has been a certified diver for six months, with 60 logged dives (100 for the Instructor Examination), EFR training in the last 24 months, a medical in the last 12 months, and an EFR Instructor rating, which you can earn during training.
SAA
The SAA calls itself the CMAS issuing authority in the UK, run by its members as an association of independent clubs. The UKDMC advises it, along with BSAC and the Scottish Sub-Aqua Club, on fitness to dive.
How grades line up with BSAC
- Ocean Diver: PADI, SSI and RAID Open Water (or Advanced Open Water), and SAA Open Water.
- Sports Diver: PADI and RAID Rescue Diver, SAA Club Diver, and SSI Advanced Open Water with "Stress & Rescue".
- Dive Leader: PADI and RAID Divemaster, SAA Dive Leader and SSI Dive Control Specialist, each with an oxygen administration qualification.
Paying for a dive
If you pay an instructor or guide, the Diving at Work Regulations 1997 apply. The HSE says expect a diving project plan you're briefed on, at least three named roles (a supervisor, a person on the surface and a safety or rescue diver), first aid and oxygen arrangements, and staff divers with an in-date HSE medical certificate. If nobody is at work, the rules don't apply, and the HSE recommends following your training agency's guidance.
Source: Approved diving qualifications list (January 2026), Recreational divers paying for an instructor and Diving FAQs, HSE; Open Water Diver, Divemaster and Open Water Scuba Instructor, PADI; SAA home page; UKDMC home page; BSAC equivalent qualifications; all 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.
