Ocean Diver
Theory Lessons

Ocean Diver Training OT1

Diving Equipment and Diving Signals OT2

The Body & Effects of Diving OT3

Planning to go Diving OT4

Going Diving OT5

What Happens If...? OT6

Enjoying Your Diving OT7

Ocean Diver Training - Theory Lesson OT1

• An introduction to trainee divers about to undertake Ocean Diver Training in a BSAC Branch or School.

• Have been introduced to the structure of your Branch/School and the BSAC
• Understand the benefits of BSAC Membership
• Understand the benefits of training and diving with the Branch and cost implications
• Understand the Aims and Course contents of Ocean Diver
• Understand the ongoing progression after qualifying as an Ocean Diver

• Sports Manual
• Student Workbook
• Qualification Record Book
• Copy of Dive Magazine

Note: There are two visual aid presentations and instructor notes for this lesson, one for BSAC Schools and one for Branches

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Diving Equipment and Diving Signals - Theory Lesson OT2

• An introduction to the diving environment and the specialist equipment divers need. The lesson concludes with signals.

• Have a basic understanding of air and water pressure and the effects on the diver in the underwater environment
• Understand the purpose and function of Basic Kit
• Understand the purpose and function of SCUBA Kit
• Understand the need for Diving Signals

• Mask, Fins & Snorkel
• Student Workbook
• SCUBA Equipment - Cylinder, Regulator + Octopus

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The Body & Effects of Diving - Theory Lesson OT3

• Having introduced in the previous presentation how air and water pressure affects divers in relation to Basic and Scuba Equipment, this session looks in more detail at the Human Body and the effects of diving on it. Understanding the body and some of the effects of diving provide a background to future lessons on diving disorders, prevention and treatment.

• Have a basic understanding of the Body Mechanisms, Metabolism, Respiration and Circulation
• Understand the effects of diving on the ear and sinuses
• Understand that thermal protection prevents heat loss
• Have a basic understanding of buoyancy and how diving equipment can alter a diver's buoyancy
• Understand the need for general awareness and fitness before diving

• Different types of diving suits. A weightbelt

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Planning to go Diving - Theory Lesson OT4

• Before getting into the water on any dive there must be a plan to ensure the management of nitrogen in the body and that the diver has sufficient air for the planned dive.

• Have a basic understanding of the effects of nitrogen on the body when diving
• Understand that management of nitrogen is crucial to minimise the risk of decompression illness (DCI)s
• Understand the BSAC Tables terminology
• Understand how to use the BSAC tables to plan one dive and then two no-stop dives
• Understand the basic differences between tables and computers
• Understand that whether using tables or computers they are not infallible
• Understand the principle of the Rule of Thirds to plan and monitor Air on dives

• Copies of the BSAC 88 Tables to allow students to work with the Instructor on dive planning exercises. A dive computer to show as an example.

• A fizzy drink can or bottle to demonstrate fast release of gas bubbles

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Going Diving - Theory Lesson OT5

• Following on from the last lesson, this lesson offers practical advice to students on going diving. They will recognise many elements from early practical sessions and the lesson is giving guidance on what to expect on dives

• Understand that diving is an adventurous sport and it's risks need to be assessed to make it as safe as possible
• Understand the importance of diving as a buddy pair
• Understand that diving is controlled by a Dive Marshal and how the buddy pair fits into the overall management of diving within a group
• Understand the importance of the Buddy plan, Brief and Buddy Check
• Understand what to expect and consider during a dive
• Understand how to use underwater pilotage
• Understand vision underwater

• A Dive Flag, a diving torch

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What Happens If...? - Theory Lesson OT6

• Diver training is "preventative" training, not only in teaching diving skills but anticipating how to recognise and resolve problems should they arise. As students are at an early level of training, some of the areas considered are for their awareness rather than in-depth knowledge and will be built on through later diver training grades

• At the end of this lesson students should
• Understand that anticipating problems is part of training and planning
• Understand the cause, effects and resolution of potential problems relating to:
• DCI, effects of Nitrogen and Lung damage
• Nitrogen Narcosis
• Air
• Understand that Oxygen Administration is a First Aid tool for divers and Recompression treatment should be sought following any abnormalities presenting after a dive
• Understand the importance of resolving underwater problems early
• How to effect a rescue

• Oxygen Administration kit

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Enjoying Your Diving - Theory Lesson OT7

• When students have completed their Ocean Diver training they will begin to extend their diving either with a BSAC Branch, BSAC School or on other organised dive trips. Students will begin to experience a variety of different dive sites and different diving conditions. This lesson is to remind them that what they have already learned and experienced through their training can be carried forward to new diving experiences. As qualified divers, they need to incorporate some of the advice within their dive planning and actual diving.

• That students understand the different types of diving they may experience in the future
• Understand diving conditions and different diving platforms
• Understand the characteristics of reef, wreck and night diving
• Understand that reef and wreck diving carries a responsibility in protecting these sites for future divers
• Understand the considerations when snorkel diving and snorkelling buddy techniques
• Understand particular considerations for holiday diving which may take place outside a branch or school
• Understand how to progress their diving and training experience once qualified as Ocean Divers

• A diving knife or net cutter, a diving Torch, a light stick or strobe light

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