BSAC Instructor Foundation Course · IFC · Hurghada
BSAC Instructor Foundation Course in Hurghada
The first step from diver to instructor. Two days that teach a Sports Diver how to explain theory, demonstrate skills, break them into stages, watch a student and give feedback that works. Finish as a BSAC Assistant Diving Instructor, teaching under supervision, with the warm water and real students of Hurghada to practice on.
What is the BSAC Instructor Foundation Course?
The BSAC Instructor Foundation Course, or IFC, is the first step in the British Sub-Aqua Club instructor training scheme, a two-day event that introduces a qualified diver to the essential elements of both theory and practical diving instruction. Candidates must be at least sixteen and hold BSAC Sports Diver or an accepted equivalent; no previous teaching experience is needed and there is no final exam. The event combines theory sessions, teaching demonstrations, a skill-development session in the pool and lesson planning, and every candidate delivers a mini classroom lesson and a mini pool lesson to a small group of fellow attendees. On completion you become a BSAC Assistant Diving Instructor, able to help teach Ocean Diver and Sports Diver classes under supervision. Red Sea Diving arranges the IFC in Hurghada subject to BSAC authorization and Instructor Trainer availability, with the price quoted per event and BSAC fees separate.
Moreover, teaching is a separate skill from diving, which is the whole reason the course exists. Therefore we review your certification before we confirm an event, and we explain in writing any BSAC fee that applies. The course follows the standards published by the British Sub-Aqua Club for instructor training.
BSAC Instructor Foundation Course in Hurghada at a glance
| Course | BSAC Instructor Foundation Course (IFC), the first step of the BSAC instructor training scheme |
|---|---|
| Price | Quoted per event; depends on candidate numbers, Instructor Trainer arrangements and format |
| BSAC fees | Membership, registration, materials, event charges and certification, charged separately |
| Duration | 2 days; BSAC also runs a one-day format with the classroom lesson delivered online |
| Minimum age | 16 years |
| Entry grade | BSAC Sports Diver, or an accepted equivalent from a recognized agency |
| Teaching experience | Not required |
| Content | Theory sessions, teaching demonstrations, pool skill-development session, lesson planning |
| Your lessons | A mini classroom lesson and a mini pool lesson delivered to 3 or 4 fellow candidates |
| Exam | None; continual feedback from the Instructor Trainer |
| Award | BSAC Assistant Diving Instructor, teaching Ocean Diver and Sports Diver classes under supervision |
| Next steps | Dive Leader, then the Theory Instructor Exam and the Open Water Instructor Course |
| Authorization | Run through the BSAC instructor training structure with a BSAC Instructor Trainer; dates confirmed per event |
| Location | Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt |
| Operator | Red Sea Diving, a BSAC training center in Hurghada, diving since 2000 |
How does the BSAC Instructor Foundation Course differ from PADI Divemaster and IDC?
The PADI route to teaching runs through Divemaster, a professional rating that takes weeks and forty logged dives to start, and then the IDC, which ends in a two-day examination. By contrast, the IFC opens the door to teaching at Sports Diver level, in two days, with no final exam and no professional membership.
Furthermore, the two lead somewhere different. A PADI instructor works for a dive center; a BSAC Assistant Diving Instructor teaches inside the club system under supervision, and grows into an Open Water Instructor as their own diving grows to Dive Leader. Consequently the IFC suits a diver who wants to teach with their club, whereas the IDC suits someone who wants to earn a living from it.
In short, both are taught here. Moreover, qualified instructors from other agencies usually take the BSAC instructor crossover route rather than the IFC, and we can advise on which applies to you.
What does the BSAC Instructor Foundation Course teach?
Teaching theory
Setting objectives, structuring a presentation, explaining diving concepts, using teaching aids, asking questions and checking understanding, so the student learns rather than listens.
Teaching practical skills
Preparing the environment, briefing, positioning, demonstrating, observing, correcting and debriefing, which is a different craft from performing the skill yourself.
Breaking skills down
Above all, splitting a skill into stages a nervous beginner can manage, because students copy exactly what they see.
Demonstration quality
Clear, controlled, accurate and easy to observe. In other words, deliberate demonstrations at the student’s level, not your own.
Observation and correction
Recognizing a difficulty as it happens, working out why, and fixing it on the next attempt instead of after the lesson.
Constructive feedback
Likewise, what happened, why it happened and how to improve it: clear, specific and practical, rather than “that was wrong”.
Lesson planning
In addition, organizing a session around objectives, student level, equipment, environment, demonstration, practice, safety and assessment.
Student safety
Ability, comfort, depth, conditions, positioning, supervision and emergency procedures, built into the plan rather than added afterward.
Your own lessons
Finally, a mini classroom lesson and a mini pool lesson, delivered to a small group of fellow candidates with feedback from the Instructor Trainer.
However, being a good diver does not automatically make anyone a good instructor. In other words, the IFC is where you start learning how another diver learns.
How is the BSAC Instructor Foundation Course scheduled?
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Confirmation, before anything else
To begin with, we confirm the event: BSAC authorization, the Instructor Trainer, the dates and enough candidates. Consequently, do not book flights for an IFC until we confirm it in writing.
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Pre-reading
Then the BSAC instructor materials at home, so the event starts with teaching rather than reading.
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Day 1: how to teach
Next, theory sessions on instruction, teaching demonstrations by the Instructor Trainer, lesson planning and a skill-development session in the pool.
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Day 2: you teach
Afterward, your own mini classroom lesson and mini pool lesson to three or four fellow candidates, each followed by structured feedback.
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Assistant Diving Instructor
Finally, your ADI award and a clear picture of what you can teach under supervision, which depends on your own diver grade and current BSAC standards.
However, the exact format follows the authorized event. In fact, BSAC also runs a one-day IFC with the classroom lesson delivered online, so we confirm the schedule for each Hurghada event rather than advertising a single universal one.
Who can join the BSAC Instructor Foundation Course?
- At least sixteen years old
- Also, BSAC Sports Diver or an accepted equivalent from a recognized agency
- Likewise, a current BSAC member, or willing to join before the event
- In addition, medically fit to dive, with the BSAC declaration completed
- Furthermore, no teaching experience needed; that is what the course is for
- Above all, divers who enjoy helping others learn
Not there yet? The BSAC Sports Diver course is the entry grade, and a Dive Leader unlocks the next instructor steps. Moreover, qualified instructors from PADI, SSI or CMAS usually belong on the BSAC instructor crossover route instead, so send us your certifications first, because we confirm the right route before we confirm anything else.
What does the price include?
Included
- The local IFC arrangements with a BSAC Instructor Trainer
- Also, theory-teaching and practical-teaching development
- Instructor feedback on your lessons
- In addition, the classroom and pool facilities
- Cylinders and weights for the included pool sessions
- Likewise, the practical diving arrangements stated in your quotation
- Furthermore, hotel transfer within central Hurghada on training days
Possible extras
- BSAC membership and registration
- Also, the BSAC event charges and instructor-training materials
- Later instructor examinations and certification fees
- In addition, full equipment rental unless included in your booking
- Extra open water diving days
- Likewise, accommodation, flights, visa and insurance
- Transfers from El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh or Soma Bay
Therefore your written quotation shows the training price and each applicable BSAC fee as separate lines. In fact, the price depends on the event, which is why it is quoted rather than printed.
Why train in Hurghada?
An instructor course is only as good as the students you get to practice on, and Hurghada supplies them all year: warm water, a training pool, sheltered reefs within minutes of the marina and a constant flow of international divers at every level. Consequently the two days of the IFC sit inside a place where you can watch real lessons happen every morning.
Moreover, the same base runs daily diving and liveaboards, so a new Assistant Diving Instructor has somewhere to keep gaining experience under supervision. Our procedures sit on the diving safety page.
Furthermore, the IFC combines well with a Red Sea holiday or with the Dive Leader course, which is the grade the next instructor steps require.
Gallery
Instructor training in pictures
What comes after the BSAC Instructor Foundation Course?
Teach under supervision
As an Assistant Diving Instructor you help teach Ocean Diver and Sports Diver classes, in the classroom, the pool and open water, alongside qualified instructors.
Dive Leader
By contrast, if you are still a Sports Diver, your own diving comes next: Dive Leader is the grade that unlocks every further instructor step.
Theory and Open Water Instructor
Then, as a Dive Leader, the Theory Instructor Exam makes you a classroom instructor, and the one-day Open Water Instructor Course leads toward full OWI status through the practical assessment.
Overall, the BSAC instructor route runs: Sports Diver → Instructor Foundation Course → Assistant Diving Instructor → Dive Leader → Theory Instructor Exam and Open Water Instructor Course → Open Water Instructor → Advanced Instructor → National Instructor. Meanwhile, an EFR Instructor rating adds first-aid teaching alongside either system.
Why us
Why train with Red Sea Diving
Safety first
Above all, student safety sits inside every lesson plan on the course, exactly as it sits inside every dive we run.
Since 2000
Indeed, more than two decades of diving and liveaboard operations out of Hurghada, on every Egyptian route.
Real students
Furthermore, a training center with courses running every week means real lessons to observe and, later, real students to help teach.
Two systems, one center
Moreover, we teach both BSAC and PADI, so we can tell you honestly which instructor route fits your goals.
Transparent pricing
In addition, we explain the event price and every applicable BSAC fee in writing before you confirm.
A place to keep going
Likewise, Dive Leader, daily diving and liveaboards under the same roof, so the road from ADI to Open Water Instructor stays open.
Questions
BSAC Instructor Foundation Course questions and answers
Price and booking
How much does the BSAC Instructor Foundation Course cost in Hurghada?
We quote the price per event, because it depends on candidate numbers, the Instructor Trainer arrangements, the format and the facilities. Therefore send us your dates and qualifications for an individual quotation.
Are BSAC fees included?
Not automatically. We charge applicable BSAC fees separately unless your individual quotation specifically states that they are included.
Can I complete the IFC in Hurghada?
Yes, subject to BSAC authorization, Instructor Trainer availability, candidate numbers and dates. Consequently, do not book flights for an IFC until we confirm your event in writing.
How long does the BSAC Instructor Foundation Course take?
Two days. However, BSAC also runs a one-day format with the classroom lesson delivered online, so we confirm the exact schedule for each Hurghada event.
Requirements
How old do I need to be?
Sixteen. Later instructor examinations require eighteen.
What diving qualification do I need?
At least BSAC Sports Diver or an accepted equivalent from a recognized agency, plus current BSAC membership.
Do I need to be a Dive Leader before the IFC?
No. You can start the IFC as a Sports Diver. However, progression toward Open Water Instructor requires Dive Leader.
Can PADI, SSI or CMAS divers join?
Divers with an accepted equivalent qualification may be eligible, and we review your certification first. Nevertheless, qualified instructors from other agencies usually take the BSAC instructor crossover route instead.
The course and after
Is there an exam on the BSAC Instructor Foundation Course?
No. Instead, you deliver a mini classroom lesson and a mini pool lesson to a small group of fellow candidates, with feedback from the Instructor Trainer.
What qualification do I receive after the IFC?
BSAC Assistant Diving Instructor, your first award in the BSAC instructor training scheme, teaching under the supervision of qualified instructors.
Am I a full BSAC Open Water Instructor after the IFC?
No. The IFC is the beginning of the pathway. In addition, Open Water Instructor status requires Dive Leader, further training and the instructor assessments.
What comes after the IFC?
Teaching experience under supervision, Dive Leader if you are still a Sports Diver, and then the Theory Instructor Exam and the Open Water Instructor Course on the way to full OWI status.
Book your BSAC Instructor Foundation Course
Send us your full name, your age, your nationality, your current diving qualification and training agency, your number of logged dives, the date of your last dive, your BSAC membership status, any existing instructor qualifications, your preferred dates, the number of candidates and your equipment requirements. Then we review your qualifications and confirm the appropriate training options and the event price in writing. For liveaboard diving in Egypt see also redsealiveaboard.net, and read the current fitness guidance from Divers Alert Network.
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Prefer to talk? Message us on WhatsApp or call +20 105 005 6542. In fact, we answer 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Red Sea Diving, Madares Street, Hurghada 1, Hurghada 84511, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt. Diving and training here since 2000.
This page was last reviewed by the Red Sea Diving instructor team in September 2026.
