How much does it cost to join?
No experience at all - your first year is the most expensive. Our Training Package costs £250 for the first year, payable in 2 installments. Subsequent annual membership is reduced to £155.50. But please note that you must be a competent swimmer before you can join.
New, but trained to at least BSAC Ocean Diver - annual membership is £155.50 (on producing your logbook and BSAC membership number). Dual Membership with another BSAC branch & at least OceanDiver - annual membership is £110 (on producing your logbook and BSAC current membership receipt). But please note, if you are joining as a mixed gas diver, your first year will cost you £250 and £100 thereafter.
Trained, but by another training agency - dependent on stage reached (consult our Diving Officer). Click here for BSAC diving grade equivalents. A small charge may be made if you require top-up training to bring you up to Club Diver.
What do I get for my money?
- Full Membership of Castlereagh SAC
- Full membership of the British Sub-Aqua Club
- Monthly full colour BSAC magazine "Dive"
- Full 3rd party insurance cover (pool and open water)
- Full theory and practical training to Dive Leader & beyond.
- All Training Manuals, Student Workbooks and Logbook.
- All pool entrance fees, and as much compressed air as you can breathe.
- The use of training equipment - Buoyancy Jackets, cylinders & breathing apparatus.
- The use of the Club Rooms for theory training and social activities.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. You must be 18 years old or over. We cannot take anyone below this age.
There is, however, no upper age limit.
How do I join?
Simply come along to the Robinson Centre, Montgomery Road, Belfast any Thursday night at 9.00pm, between September and April for a free trial, and we will answer any other questions you may have.
Alternatively, phone the Robinson Centre on 028 90703948 for a contact telephone number and give us a call.
Do I need a Medical Examination?
Not normally. You will only need to complete a BSAC Medical Self Certification Form. However, if you have recently been under medical supervision or are taking prescribed drugs, you will need to have a medical carried out by your own doctor. A separate BSAC Medical Form is available from the Club to take with you. See the Membership Secretary.
Will I have to buy a lot of expensive equipment?
Castlereagh has its own training equipment so you won’t have to buy anything initially. When you have settled in to the training, then is the time to think about gathering together the equipment little by little.
Some of the major items are expensive, but they will last for years. Second-hand items are continually coming on the market, but do ask someone's advice before you buy anything.
When can I start training?
Our Training Officer will be able to explain the Training Programme and time-table. Remember that if required, the Medical must be taken before you can start pool aqualung training.
What do I do after I have finished training?
Castlereagh not only trains you. We organize weekly dives at local sites, and at holiday periods we run trips to destinations further a-field. On the social side there are regular get-togethers at events such as fund raising nights, annual dinners etc.
What else is there to do?
As well as joining in our Club activities, there will be opportunities to broaden your diving experience by going on specialist courses such as - Boat Handling; Search and Recovery; Navigation and Chartwork; First Aid; Underwater Photography and many more.
Instructors always needed!
Alternatively you may like to turn your talents to becoming an Instructor within the Club. There are courses for this too. We are always in need of instructors.
Harmony within our Club
Castlereagh SAC has always prided itself that it is a "political/racial/religious/sexist free" club and we will fight tooth-and-nail to keep it that way.
We also adhere to the BSAC's Child Welfare Policy, Equality in Sport Policy and Drug Abuse Policy.
It has to be said that if you have a problem with any of the above then maybe Castlereagh SAC is not the club for you.
Otherwise we will do our best to accommodate your desire to join us - numbers permitting.
