Sub-aqua

Some sub-aqua links:

Merchiston sub-aqua: the first 25 years

Red Sea dives: some photographic memories

The Ocean Bounty: some photgraphic memories, 1988-2005

BSAC: www.bsac.com

Merchiston Castle School Sub-Aqua Club is a youth branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC).

Training

The entry activity for a pupil with no previous diving experience is to 'Experience Scuba'. This involves an introductory lecture followed by a pool session.

After 'Experience Scuba' we train towards the 'Ocean Diver' qualification which takes a further two terms of lectures and pool sessions before the trainees are ready for their first open water dives. We dive mainly at St.Abbs, which is a voluntary marine reserve, about an hour's drive down the coast from the school. Occasionally we go through to the west and dive in Loch Fyne. Five open water dives are required to complete the Ocean Diver qualification.

The next grade is called 'Sports Diver' which requires further lectures, training and diving experience. This is a good target qualification to have before leaving school.

Branch Training Policy

• All training is carried out by BSAC qualified instructors.
• Maximum of 4 trainees per instructor when pool training.
• Minimum training age is 14.

Branch Diving Policy

Octopush

This game, played on the bottom of the swimming pool, provides an excellent means of developing snorkelling skills. It is a competitive team game for up to six players on each side. There is a puck called the 'squid', made of lead, that can be passed over the bottom of the pool using a short stick called a 'pusher'. The objective is to score by shooting the squid into a goal at opposite ends of the pool. Opposing players can tackle and intercept passes.