November 7, 2018 12.47 pm This story is over 73 months old

Lincoln scuba diver becomes master at 13

He’ll be one of the youngest masters in the UK

A scuba diver from Lincoln will become one of the youngest in the UK to qualify as a master diver.

Alex Ball, from Lincoln, is one of only a handful of youngsters in the country set to achieve the highest qualification in recreational scuba diving, achieving master level at just 13 years old. The youngest anyone can achieve this qualification is 12, making Alex one of the youngest in the UK.

Having started scuba diving as part of an after school club at LSST in Lincoln, Alex was instantly hooked. He completed his confined pool skills in the LSST pool and his open water course at Girton sailing club to qualify as a PADI open water diver.

Alex has also completed his advanced water course, rescue and first emergency responder courses. He has logged over 45 open water dives.

Simon Hotchkin of Stellar Divers who was Alex’s dive master and instructor said: “I have had the joy of knowing Alex since his first ever scuba experience at his school in February 2017. Having been his instructor for most of his journey from absolute scuba beginner to becoming a PADI Master Scuba Diver has been a pleasure.

“Becoming a Master Scuba Diver is a huge achievement and very well deserved, I am thoroughly looking forward to taking him through the Professional ranks and onto PADI Instructor.”

Alex has two more courses to complete in December which will then qualify him as a master diver.