The Scottish Sub-Aqua Club.   The Scottish Sub Aqua-Club was formed in the early months of 1953 and was the first sub-aqua club in the UK and one of the first in the world. It has grown and prospered through the years and it continues to do so. ScotSAC has been in the fore front in the development of the sport in the UK and has led the way in Diving Instruction for the disabled and NITROX diving, to name but a few. The club continues to improve its training and development, and has a safety record, which is second to none. The club has true to its name, remained a Scottish-based organisation though its influence and good name has spread out- with Scotland and a number of clubs have been formed in the North of England and Ireland. The Scottish base has meant that due to the relatively small size in Scotland’s population, ScotSAC has never grown to the vast size as some of its British equivalents, however despite the popular belief in some quarters, The Scottish Sub-Aqua Club is the governing body for the sport in Scotland. The “Scottish Diver” which is ScotSAC’s magazine carries the usual general diving articles, technical reports and more importantly branch news, which keeps the club membership informed on various branch activities. The magazine openly encourages branch members to send in articles and comments, and is a respected journal throughout the diving world. Training to Sports Diver and Master Diver levels are organised at branch level, though it should be emphasised that any branch can ask for assistance from the instructor network. Other courses such as 1st class, Marine biology, NITROX, Disabled Instruction, Instructor awards and Oxygen Administration are carried out at a national level (see later )   On joining ScotSAC members are entitled to the following A training schedule, Log book and protective wallet Dive Manual The ScotSAC constitution. Medical and Registration forms. The latest issue of  “Scottish Diver”.   Diving Qualifications ScotSAC Qualifications are amongst the best in the world, and are normally carried out at branch level with each branch following an agreed Training Schedule. This insures that the standards taught are the same in each branch. The candidate also takes their own time in the various assessments which increases the candidate’s confidence this in turn will make a better diver. The qualifications are as follows;   ·         Snorkel Diver                           ·         Sports Diver                            ·         Master Diver                        ·         First Class Diver                             For new members who wish to join ScotSAC and are currently qualified there are crossover qualifications to bring which will bring those members up to a similar qualification.   Instructor Qualifications ScotSAC has a large network of instructors of various grades. ·        Branch Instructor ·        Regional Instructor ·        Examiner   ScotSAC Courses Although the basic training i.e. Sport Diver and to an extent Master Diver awards, are carried out at branch level, ScotSAC offer some comprehensive courses which complements the branch training. The courses are;   1.        Branch Instructor course 2.       Master Diver workshops 3.       Regional Instructor courses 4.       Instructor for the Disabled 5.       Examiner course 6.       1st class workshop   There are also a number of endorsements within the ScotSAC syllabus   1.        ABLJ / Stab Jacket / BC 2.       Drysuit 3.       First Aid 4.       Oxygen Administration 5.       Nitrox endorsement 6.       Dive Leader 7.       Power Boat Handling 8.       Diver Coxswain 9.       Advanced Lifesaving 10.    Deep Rescue Diver 11.     Buhlmann Tables   More general courses are also available 1.        Marine Biology 2.       Photography 3.       VHF Radio 4.       NAS courses     Membership Grades ScotSAC has various membership grades. Ordinary, Joint, Junior, Associate, Student,  Family,  Junior Snorkler   Ordinary Membership is the standard membership grade for any individual over 18 years of age wishing to join a branch.   Joint Membership is for a couple who reside at the same address. They shall receive full club privileges, though only one copy of  “Scottish Diver”   Junior Membership is similar to Ordinary Membership except it is for 14 - 17 year olds.   Associate Membership is a non-diving member of a branch they will receive full club privileges except that they shall not be permitted to take part in any diving or training activities.   Student Membership is similar to Ordinary Membership except that proof is required, i.e. matriculation card or letter of acceptance.   Family Membership is for husband, wife and children under 18. All shall receive full club privileges, though only one copy of  “Scottish Diver”   For More details of ScotSAC and your nearest Branch.   Address – The Cockburn Centre, 40 Bogmoor Place, Glasgow, G51 4TQ Telephone / Fax – 0141 425 1021 E-Mail – ab@hqssac.demon.co.uk Website – www.scotsac.com   The Scottish Sub-Aqua Club The National Governing Body For The Sport In Scotland