Vectis Expeditions, a BSAC Centre of Excellence specialises in expeditionary diver training – something that would describes most UK diving out of a quarry!

 We aim to train up divers to give them the competence and confidence support their own club diving expeditions.

BSAC Dive Leader (equivalent to PADI Divemaster) is an internationally recognised qualification that complies with ISO 24801-3:2014 and is also recognised for work under certain Approved Codes of Practice (ACoP) by the UK HSE Diving Inspectorate (in case you’re interested in going commercial).  It is a pivotal grade, a pre-requisite for you to become an fully fledged diving instructor and one where your own skills and responsibilities need to step up a gear.

To achieve it in a reasonable time frame requires a commitment from students and a campaign plan which includes going diving lots in a variety of sites and conditions!

Andy’s Bootcamp for Geoff and Elliot comprised three main elements completed over the course of the year.

1. pre-expedition training sessions at Vobster Quarry to complete core rescue drills and a BSAC Oxygen Course (a pre-requisite requirement)
2. provided real life diving expeditions environment at the Isles of Scilly to facilitate dive management and planning aspects of the training and  complete more rescue scenarios
3. everyday shore diving expeditions on a series of challenging shore dives around the Isle of Wight

The plan dovetailed around real work diaries and also importantly the work they had done within their own private and club dives.

The plan was designed to complement rather than compete with their club efforts to support their personal development.

Well done Geoff and Elliot for your effort and hard work and making this adventure such a great craic and also for suggesting we call it “Andy’s Bootcamp!”