UPSACUniversity of Portsmouth Sub Aqua Club
A diver face to face with a grey seal in green British water Zulu Chief the UPSAC boat A grey seal swimming just beneath the surface A lobster sheltering under a kelp-covered ledge Split-level shot of a diver at the surface among rocks Wreckage encrusted with orange sponge and anemones

University of Portsmouth Sub Aqua
Club

Learn to Dive

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Website last updated 31 Aug 2026

Watch this space for Freshers & new joiner information

Who we are

About UPSAC

Welcome to the University of Portsmouth Sub-Aqua Club (UPSAC)! We’re not just any club; we’re a vibrant University Society and a proud branch of the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC).

A diver exploring a British reef
No experience needed to start — this is where the training takes you.

Here’s what we offer:

  • TrainingNew to diving? No worries — we provide in-house training to get you started.
  • Dive tripsJoin us for some epic dive adventures and explore the underwater world.
  • Social eventsWe host awesome socials that are perfect for meeting new friends and having fun.
  • FriendshipsDiving attracts a diverse, fun crowd and creates life long friendships.

If you’re already a qualified diver from any recognised training organisation, you’re totally welcome here! Just show us your logbook and qualifications, and you’re good to go.

Diving is an experience like no other. Many members who wait to join until their second or third year often say they wish they had jumped in sooner. With a fantastic community both in and out of the water, UPSAC is the perfect way to enhance your university experience and make lasting memories.

Ready to dive in? Come chat with us, and let’s get you started on this incredible journey! Check out our social media for more photos and updates on club activities.

UPSAC Calendar

The club year

Key dates

Everything coming up, in order. The next event is marked in orange, and anything that has already been and gone dims itself — so this list is always up to date.

  1. Every Tuesday, 8:30pm Weekly

    Club nights

    Brass Monkey

    Drop in for the weekly club night, plan dives and catch up with friends.

    Look for people in UPSAC shark tops, say hello and ask if you have questions.

    The Brass Monkey on a street corner at night, its illuminated sign lit above windows full of people, with drinkers out on the pavement

  2. Tuesday 15 & Wednesday 16 Sep 26

    Freshers Fayre 2026/27

    Ravelin Park, next to the SU Building

    Come and see us and find out more about the club.

    Our union page

    The UPSAC stand at the Freshers Fayre

  3. Thursday 17 Sep 26, 6:30pm

    Start of year pub crawl

    Come and see us and find out more about the club, or just come and have some fun!

    UPSAC pub games will be in play (voluntary participation) — read the rules.

  4. Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 Sep 26

    Book a diving experience in the pool

    Try dives

    You don’t need to be a club member to do this. See if you like being underwater breathing!

    If you are interested and would like to book a slot or have any further questions, please contact Missy Smith at upsac@upsu.net, or come and meet us at one of the fresher meets and greets.

    You need to be able to swim 200m without stopping. Check you are medically fit using the UKDMC declaration. If you have any medical conditions please speak to our Diving Officer, Lee Hird.

    A try dive taking place in the pool

  5. Tuesday 22 Sep 26, 6:50pm for 7:00pm

    Club intro lecture

    Location to be announced

    Learn about the club; costs, training, diving trips, socials, next steps … how it all works!

    This lecture is really useful if you are joining or trying to decide.

    If you missed this, please come and find us on Tuesdays or message us.

    Members at the UPSAC club intro lecture

  6. Thursday 29 Oct 26

    Halloween pub crawl

    Best pub crawl of the year!

    UPSAC members in costume on the Halloween pub crawl

  7. Saturday 7 Nov 26

    Bonfire beach party

    Bonfire, fireworks and swimming (if you are a nutter).

    UPSAC Bonfire Night poster: annual bonfire meet on Southsea beach, 7pm bonfire lighting, 7:45pm fireworks

  8. Saturday 5 Dec 26

    Christmas party

    The club’s Christmas get-together.

    UPSAC Christmas Party graphic

  9. Date to be announced Date TBA

    End of year party

    Awards, meal, dancing, smart dress.

    UPSAC End Of Year Meal graphic

Divers welcome

Already qualified?

We welcome qualified divers from any recognised training organisation — a diver is a diver to us. All you need to do is present your log book and qualification.

Existing BSAC divers are able to further progress their training in-house. Speak to Josh Tuff (Advanced Training Officer).

Please come and talk to us so that we can discuss the next steps to get you in the water with us! See Lee Hird (Diving Officer) if you wish to discuss your diving qualifications or diving in general.

  • Training Officer and Try Dives

    Missy Smith

    Booking a diving experience in the pool, and organising your training.

  • Advanced Training Officer

    Josh Tuff

    In-house progression for existing BSAC divers.

  • Diving Officer

    Lee Hird

    Qualifications, medical questions and diving in general.

Like what you see?

Contact us & social media

Facebook is our primary way to communicate with members. Everything else reaches us too.

Union website

Join the society and see us on the Students’ Union site.

Our group page

Facebook

This is our primary way to communicate with members. Contains all info on UPSAC including socials, dive trips and more …

Public page Private members page

Instagram & Snapchat

Find us on all three under the same name.

uop_subaqua

Email

Questions about joining, try dives or training.

upsac@upsu.net

From above and under the water

Photos & video gallery

58 photos and clips from club dive trips and socials. Tap any one to open it.

Information

Documents

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