All dive training carried out within the ESSAC, is performed by qualified British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) instructors. The BSAC, one of the oldest diving organisations in the world and been training people to dive since the early fifties. During this time their Diver Training Programme has been regularly updated and improved, to keep pace with developments in equipment and diving knowledge. The primary objective of the programme being to produce confident and self-reliant divers, whilst keeping safety uppermost.

Diving skills are taught progressively so that each new experience is built upon step by step. Following basic training in the safety of a swimming pool or protected area, students soon complete their first open water dives to achieve Ocean Diver certification. This progression continues to Sports Diver and beyond, where open water skills and techniques are further developed and experience gained. Both of these courses contain a combination of Classroom (Theory), Swimming Pool, and Open Water lessons.

Theory & Pool lessons take place from late October until early April. With theory lessons being held in the ESTEC Training Centre (during the week) and the pool sessions held (every Saturday) at the Sterrenbad swimming pool, in Wassenaar. Attendance to ALL theory lessons is highly desirable mandatory and regularly attendance at the pool sessions is essential, in order to ensure that you progress smoothly & efficiently through the course.

Open Water training normally starts mid April and continues throughout the summer. Once again regularly attendance is essential, if you are to make steady progress.

Once a qualified diver, you can actively participate in all club Diving Events & Expeditions. It will also possible for you to participate in BSAC organized Skills Development (SDCs) and Instructor Training Courses. You may even want to continue training, within the ESSAC, to acquire the Dive Leader & Advanced Diver qualifications.

Details of the cost of dive training with the ESSAC can be found at Diving Fees.

Further details of the regional, national & international training events, organised by BSAC, can be found on their European Website.