Sub-Aqua Association
Encyclopedia
The Sub-Aqua Association or SAA is a diver training
organization for scubadivers in the United Kingdom
. The association and some other UK-based diving groups have traditionally used a club-based system with unpaid instructors, while the other principal training agency, PADI
, organises most of its training programs through professional instructors and dive shops. The other major dive associations in the UK are the British Sub-Aqua Club and the Scottish Sub-Aqua Club.
), the international umbrella organisation for diver training organizations, and has a seat on the CMAS Board of Directors, the CMAS Technical Committee and CMAS Scientific Committee.
Application for CMAS cards (qualification or "C-cards") for divers in Great Britain is done via the SAA and its qualifications are accepted world-wide through the CMAS affiliation.
The association's training focuses on preparedeness for the relatively cold and often visibility restricted waters around the UK. The SAA training also aims to be as comprehensive as possible, emphasizing rescue
training very early in the programme. The association exercises regulation of its membership and has disqualified divers found guilty of breaches of its safety rules.
The SAA is a member of the British Diving Safety Group (BDSG), and collaborates with other external organisations, such as the Marine Conservation Society
, Seasearch, and other environmental groups, the media, and examination boards to provide advice and expertise.
The SAA also acts as an advocate for amateur divers in the UK, representing their views to government agencies and similar bodies.
Diver training
Diver training is the process of developing skills and building experience in the use of diving equipment and techniques so that the diver is able to dive safely and have fun....
organization for scubadivers in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. The association and some other UK-based diving groups have traditionally used a club-based system with unpaid instructors, while the other principal training agency, PADI
Padi
Padi or PADI may refer to:* Padi, Chennai, India* Padi , a musical group* Paddy field, a type of cultivated land * Professional Association of Diving Instructors, a scuba organization...
, organises most of its training programs through professional instructors and dive shops. The other major dive associations in the UK are the British Sub-Aqua Club and the Scottish Sub-Aqua Club.
History
The Sub-Aqua Association was created in 1976 to represent diving clubs outside of the BSAC branch structure. Its training structure is based on the BSAC levels and offers a full range of diving qualifications. The association is made up of independent clubs, while British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) is a single club with many branches.Training
Sub-Aqua Association member clubs maintain their independence and individual clubs organize diving programs and instruction according to the national standards of the association. The association provides regional and national support for these activities. The SAA is the UK affiliate to World Underwater Federation (CMASCMAS
CMAS may stand for:* Commercial Mobile Alert System, a system for distributing emergency alerts to mobile devices* Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques, the international umbrella organization for underwater sports, both competitive and recreational * CMAS* SCUBA Diver, a diving...
), the international umbrella organisation for diver training organizations, and has a seat on the CMAS Board of Directors, the CMAS Technical Committee and CMAS Scientific Committee.
Application for CMAS cards (qualification or "C-cards") for divers in Great Britain is done via the SAA and its qualifications are accepted world-wide through the CMAS affiliation.
The association's training focuses on preparedeness for the relatively cold and often visibility restricted waters around the UK. The SAA training also aims to be as comprehensive as possible, emphasizing rescue
Diver rescue
thumb|right|Beaching a casualty while providing artificial respirationDiver rescue, following an accident, is the process of avoiding or limiting further exposure to diving hazards and bringing a SCUBA diver to safety...
training very early in the programme. The association exercises regulation of its membership and has disqualified divers found guilty of breaches of its safety rules.
The SAA is a member of the British Diving Safety Group (BDSG), and collaborates with other external organisations, such as the Marine Conservation Society
Marine Conservation Society
The Marine Conservation Society a UK charity for the protection of the seas around the United Kingdom, and for the protection of their shores and wildlife.According to their website MCS's Vision is:Their website also states:...
, Seasearch, and other environmental groups, the media, and examination boards to provide advice and expertise.
The SAA also acts as an advocate for amateur divers in the UK, representing their views to government agencies and similar bodies.