You'll be amazed to discover that the BCU requirements are complicated! Your certificate must be issued by an HSE approved centre or be on the BCU list of recognised courses. The minimum course length, found on the BCU website is as follows;
| Old Scheme | New Scheme | |
| Level 1 | 1 day | 1 day (if working independently) |
| Level 2 | 1 day | 1 day |
| Moderate Water Endorsement | n/a | 2 days |
| Level 3 | 2 days | 2 days |
| Level 4 | 2 days | n/a |
| Level 5 | 2 days | n/a |
| 4 Star | 2 days | 2 days |
| 5 Star | 2 days | 2 days |
