Q: Who can join UPDUC?

A: Anyone is welcome to join the UPDUC and take part in its activities.

Q: How do I join UPDUC?

A: In the first instance come and see us at Freshers' Fayre on Wednesday 30th September or Thursday 1st October 2009 in Ravelin Park (look out for the massive orange RIB). If you can't make it, come and see us in The Eldon Arms on a Tuesday anytime after 8:00pm to get more information or contact us.

Q: How much does it cost to join?

A: The cost of joining depends on student status and qualification. For up to date information on the fee see the what will it cost page.

Q: Can I get a recognised Scuba Diving qualification with UPDUC?

A: Yes! Both BSAC and PADI are internationally recognised Scuba Diving qualifications, and are usually the most common.

Q: What are PADI and BSAC? What is the difference between the two?

A: PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and BSAC (the British Sub-Aqua Club) are both Scuba Diving training agencies.

PADI is an American invention, and is one of the most popular choices for scuba diving training abroad, due to its relatively easily condensed lessons enabling it to be fit into a week-long holiday. The training involves some self-study of theory followed by modular tests.

BSAC is the governing body for Scuba Diving in the UK; it was set up as a completely non profit way of getting British divers into the chilly waters around us! The lessons are aimed at British diving (with the thinking that if you can dive off our coastlines, then the clear blue waters of Egypt are a breeze!) They have also been formed around a club teaching basis. The training is based on theory lectures follow by an exam.

One is not directly ‘better’ than the other; they are just two different ways of teaching. At the end of the day, both organisations turn out safe, competent divers, and that’s what we like to see!

Q: How long is my training going to take?

A: That completely depends on your level of commitment. If you sign up to all the theory, pool and open water sessions available and turn up promptly, then you can whizz through it. A lot also depends on how quickly you take on board the skills – some get it straight away, others take a little while longer. Our instructors pretty much have endless patience though – we’ll get you through your training eventually!

Q: Do I need Insurance?

A: Yes, in order to dive with UPDUC we do require that you have 3rd party liability insurance. However, we are happy to help sort you out with BSAC insurance, that will completely cover you as well as give you a range of other benefits! If you don’t want to take on BSAC insurance, then it is completely up to you to provide your own and show proof to the Diving Officer before we can let you dive.

Q: I’m already a qualified diver, can I still join?

A: Of course! We love qualified divers, whether you’ve been diving for years, just learnt, or maybe did a course on holiday years ago and haven’t touched an aqualung since! Just bring in proof of your qualification, show it to our Diving Officer, and then we’ll get you in the water for a check out dive. After that you’re free to sign up to all the dive trips you want! We offer further training courses with most agencies if you want to progress further, but we’re not going to push them on you – if you want to stay at the qualification you are, then that’s fine too!

Q: I’m already qualified, but not that confident. What happens then?

A: We never push anyone into doing a dive they’re not comfortable with. If you’re scared witless, you’re not going to enjoy yourself, and then what’s the point in diving? We have tonnes of experienced divers and instructors on hand; so you can build up your diving confidence level and gradually gain experience at your own pace.

Q: Do I need to have my own equipment?

A: We have all the SCUBA kit and basic equipment you need to complete your entry level training in the pool and by request we require you to have your own Mask, Boots, Gloves, Strap Fins, Weight and Weight Belt for the open water session (though we have limited amounts of these, nothing is better than your own for fit and comfort). If you want to start buying your own kit, come and talk to us! We can tell you what worked for us, what didn’t, plus we have brilliant relationships with a load of dive shops that are more than happy to give UPDUC members nice discounts!

Q: Where do UPDUC go diving?

A: Our primary training sites are inland lakes such as Vobster Quay, in Somerset; Wraysbury Lake, near London; and Stoney Cove, in Leicestershire. We have regular trips to Plymouth, Cornwall, Oban, Selsey, Swanage and Portland; plus in the summer we go out on our RIB, Zulu Warrior, and explore the many dive sites in our own back yard, the Solent! Club trips have taken us as far afield as Lanzarote, Cyprus, Egypt, Norway, Belgium and Australia! We're always on the look out for new places to dive, so there’s no need to worry about doing the ‘same old’ dive sites over and over again with all that variety! ;)

Q: How can I be on the committee?

A: We hold nominations in April/May of each year when you can be nominated for positions of your choice for the following academic year? After this speeches are held at the AGM and the new committee is voted in. If you are interested in a certain position, speak to the person who holds the post currently for more information about the role.