About
— Bristol Diving Club, also known as Bristol No3, is a branch of the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) that was formed in 1953. It is the third branch to be recognised as part of this organisation, which has grown to include hundreds of branches and thousands of members in the UK and worldwide.
- The club is located in Bristol, UK, and is equipped with its very own Air and Nitrox Compressor system. This system is fully tested, insured, and capable of filling cylinders up to 300 bar. Club members, once trained, have free use of this facility, which helps them save money compared to the cost of fills at dive shops.
- In addition to the compressor system, the club also owns 6 sets of scuba equipment dedicated to pool training. Lectures are enhanced by digital multimedia presentations, and First Aid training is made as realistic as possible with the aid of modern resuscitation manikins.
- One of the highlights of the club's equipment is their own club boat, a Humber destroyer 6. 5m rib. This boat is fitted with a 140hp V4 outboard, state-of-the-art GPS navigation and Sonar Echo systems, and a comprehensive array of essential safety equipment, including VHF radio, Flares, and a Dive recall system.
- The Bristol Diving Club has a diverse membership that brings people together from all walks of life and across all age ranges. Members come from various locations, including Swindon, Taunton, and Cheltenham.
- The club meets on Monday nights for a one-hour pool session at Bristol South swimming pool. After the pool session, there is a general get-together at their Clubhouse, which is located in the Cumberland Basin, between the River Avon and the Floating Harbour. The Clubhouse, opened in 1967, covers a total area of about 100 square metres and provides facilities such as toilets, heating, lecture facilities, and a sophisticated commercial alarm system.
- Membership requirements for the club include being able to swim two lengths of the pool (freestyle) and completing a self-certification medical declaration. The club actively encourages and trains young people, from the ages of 12 to 80, though under 16s require a parent or guardian to accompany them on diving trips.
- Joining the Bristol Diving Club as a BSAC Club member comes with several benefits. These include third-party liability insurance cover up to 5 million, a monthly issue of Dive magazine delivered to your door, free training by nationally qualified instructors, and access to specialist training courses.
- The cost of BSAC membership with the Bristol Diving Club is 16.
