AIDA is the worldwide federation for breath-hold diving. Established in 1992, AIDA manages and oversees the recognition of records, organises competitions and sets the standards for freedive education. AIDA qualifications are recognised throughout the world - you can freedive with other AIDA divers, safe in the knowledge that they have been trained to the same standards as you.

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Note that some AIDA training programmes may require you to travel to locations other than Vobster Quay for training.

For info on AIDA courses and to find an instructor near you, visit the BFA website or ring Emma Farrell on 07980 648892

		AIDA * & ** Freediver £POA 3 Days

For beginner and intermediate freedivers, this course is a fantastic introduction to the sport. Covering pool work with simple breath holds and underwater swimming, theory, safety and open water practice on the 'Lily Pad' at Vobster. You will receive a * or ** certification depending on your performance.

Note that you do not have to hold an AIDA * Freediver certification in order to undertake the ** course.

Course Info: AIDA * Freediver (click to expand)

Prerequisites Be 16 years of age or older Be able to swim at least 100m non stop Performance Requirements - Pool sessions Static Apnea - 1 minutes 15 seconds Dynamic Apnea - 25 metres Performance Requirements - Open Water Constant weight 8m Rescue on the surface Buddying from 8m

Course Info: AIDA ** Freediver (click to expand)

Prerequisites Be 16 years of age or older Be able to swim at least 200m non stop without fins and at least 300m non stop with mask, fins and snorkel Knowledge development Classroom session Exam - pass mark 75% Performance Requirements - Pool sessions Static Apnea - 2 minutes Dynamic Apnea - 40 metres Performance Requirements - Open Water Constant weight 16m Rescue from 10m Buddying from 10m

		AIDA *** Freediver £POA 3 Days

This course is for intermediate and advanced freedivers. It will look in more detail and depth about physiology, psychology, physics and freediving safety. More advanced buddying and rescue skills will be covered as well as performance freediving.

If you are an AIDA *** freediver then you can supervise a BFA affiliated club pool session and teach the BFA pool induction if you have been observed leading a session first by a BFA committee member who is also an AIDA instructor.

Course Info: AIDA *** Freediver (click to expand)

Prerequisites Be 16 years of age or older Have completed AIDA ** Freediver Course Knowledge development Classroom session Exam - pass mark 75% Performance Requirements - Pool sessions Static Apnea - 2 minutes 45 seconds Dynamic Apnea - 55 metres Performance Requirements - Open Water Constant weight 24m Rescue from 15m Tow freediver on surface 25m on surface Remove own mask at 10m and ascend to surface Pull up from 15m after stimulated leg cramp Buddying at least 4 times

		AIDA **** Freediver £POA 4-5 Days

This course is for advanced freedivers only and is part of an instructor development program. You will receive a First Aid CPR qualification as part of the course, learn more freediving theory, as well as how to assist instructors. You will also be expected to perform stamina tests in the water and deep rescues. The course takes place over evenings and weekends.

Course Info: AIDA **** Freediver (click to expand)

Prerequisites Be 16 years of age or older Have completed AIDA *** Freediver Course Have completed a course in First Aid and CPR within the last two years (this is offered as part of the EFR & Rescue Freediver course below) Knowledge development Classroom session Exam - pass mark 75% First Aid and CPR training Teach a classroom/deep tank/open water session to students observed by instructor (AIDA 1-3 star, or AIDA Deep Tank Freediver courses) Teach a breathing and stretching session to students observed by instructor Design and teach a pool session for AIDA ** pool freedivers Performance Requirements - Pool sessions Static Apnea - 3 minutes 30 seconds Dynamic Apnea - 70 metres Swim 25 metres, pick buddy up from bottom of pool, correct surface procedure and tow buddy 25 metres on the surface Performance Requirements - Open Water Constant weight 32m Constant weight to 20m 4x, rest period 2 minutes between each dive Rescue from 20m followed by correct surface procedure and tow for 50m on the surface Rescue from 15m with one bi-fin

		AIDA Instructor £POA 4 Days

This course in the culmination of the instructor development program. You will be expected to teach other students and demonstrate your ability in the water. After passing this course you will be able to instruct and certify students on your own up to the level of AIDA *** Freediver

		EFR & Rescue Freediver £POA 1 Day

This course takes place over a day and is suitable for scuba divers, freedivers and non divers alike. In the morning you will complete an Emergency First Response First Aid CPR and Secondary Care course. This certified course meets HSE recommendations for appointed person in the workplace and follows the priority of care used by professional emergency care providers.

You will learn how to identify and respond to a variety of emergency scenarios which could take place in the water, at home or in the work place. You will receive a video or DVD to accompany the course as well as a manual. The certification is valid for 2 years and must be renewed in order to refresh and update your skills.

After lunch we move onto the water for practice of skills in specific relation to freediving. This includes rescue at the surface and towing, practice of different scenarios, advanced underwater rescue skills, deep rescues, use of the rope lift and joint rescues.

The morning course is suitable for all, including children. The afternoon course is suitable for swimmers, scuba divers and freedivers, although it is likely that the deep and joint rescues will only be attempted by AIDA ** freedivers and higher.

Although dealing with potentially serious issues, the day will be lots of fun with plenty of imagination needed when planning test scenarios for the group!

Course Info: EFR & Rescue Freediver (click to expand)

What is included? Entrance to Vobster Quay and use of the BFA 'Lily Pad' diving platform EFR Manual plus DVD or Video Equipment hire - CPR Mannequin, gloves, ventilation barriers, gauze pads and dressings Lunch All tuition by EFR and AIDA instructors Knowledge review and paperwork EFR certification and card Freediving Insurance What is not included? Freediving Equipment - If you require kit hire then this can be arranged through the course organiser for £20.00 per day. This will include mask, fins, weight belt and weight, snorkel, neoprene gloves and socks, lanyard. Wetsuit hire can be arranged through Vobster When is the next course? 28th August 2006 Contact Emma Farrell for further dates! NOTE - If you are enrolled in the **** freediver instructor development program then this course is free!

		AIDA Deep Tank Freediver £POA 2 Days

This course is a fantastic introduction to the sport and brilliant practice for more experienced freedivers. Taking place at the SETT in Gosport, a diving tank that is warm 34 degrees and 30 metres deep! The course covers the theory and exam for the AIDA ** freediver qualification. Click this link to find out more.