As leaves fall and BSAC branches prepare for the winter training season, Chair Edward Haynes provides an update on the activities and initiatives to look forward to over the coming months.
I hope you've all had a brilliant summer of diving and snorkelling, full of underwater fun and adventures. Now the long nights are drawing in and we shift our focus towards winter activities, I wanted to provide an update on what's currently happening at BSAC.
2024 Diving Conference
You’ll be aware that the BSAC Diving Conference returns on Saturday 19th October 2024! It has been five years since we last got together, which gives us a lot to talk about, and a big social occasion is long overdue. There’s something for everyone, but I’d draw your attention to the new Association Membership Software (AMS) session, which will demonstrate to branch officers the functionality for managing your own club’s membership. The AMS will enable clubs to advertise their own Skill Development Courses (SDCs) being run locally to neighbouring BSAC clubs, to help pool resources and make them financially viable.
Other conference highlights include a number of world-renowned speakers, informative breakout sessions for Branch Officers, new Open Water Instructors and more. One presentation will include advice on gas blending stations and the challenges that need consideration when upgrading your club’s system. Take a look at the BSAC Conference website, plan your sessions and get your tickets now.
Buy tickets now Conference website
BSAC Egypt Liveaboard trips
We finalised an agreement with BSAC Egypt in July for a series of Red Sea liveaboard sailings for 2025 - see here for details and to made a booking. If your club wants to book a boat not on the schedule please contact Adrian at HQ and we’ll see if an additional boat can be booked for your club.
Independent directors
The ongoing updating of BSAC’s Governance arrangements, managed by the Honorary Secretary Andy Shenstone, has enabled two independent Non-Executive Directors to be appointed to Council. Alistair Dickson joined Council in May followed by Caroline Royle in July. They have both started to contribute to our future strategy and challenge aspects we, who’ve come through the system, take for granted. Their helpful contributions show the benefit of non-BSAC thinking.
Open recruitment for volunteer positions
Following the appointment of Dr Linda Ritson, the new BSAC Safeguarding Officer, we have re-energised the campaign to have a trained Welfare Officer in each club. We will soon be advertising for a new lead for the ‘Environment and Impact’ sub-committee to take over from Jane Maddocks.
Council has a number of sub-committees, like ‘Environment and Impact’ and ‘Nominations’ that undertake research, discussion and develop policies for presentation to Council for approval. The advantage of these committees is it frees up time at a Council meeting, with the detailed work being done beforehand.
In line with BSAC’s Governance changes the National Diving Officer (NDO), Sophie Rennie, has also gone out to the membership for key positions on NDC for projects as they come up.
New course releases
Hot off the press – BSAC has just introduced the new Adventure Diver course. Made up of a try dive plus two eLearning modules, the course is a more comprehensive scuba taster for those interested in learning to dive before they commit to Discovery Diver or Ocean Diver grades to continue their training. If you have keen try divers, aged 10 years old and above, the Adventure Diver course costs £60, which includes 12 months’ BSAC membership. Check out bsac.com/adventurediver for more info.
My final thought: DCI denial
It’s not just a river in Egypt: in August, I conducted an Advanced Diver Controlled Buoyant Lift (CBL) assessment. Later in the day after a swim I developed a pain in my back. When I woke up the next morning it occurred to me my back pain could be linked with the previous day’s diving. I could have convinced myself it was just a pulled muscle, but that would be DCI denial. After phoning 01234 567890, the Aberdeen Hyperbaric Chamber, for advice and many in depth questions from the diving doctor, it was concluded that I had pulled a muscle. The diving doctor contacted me again in the evening as a follow up, just in case. Stay safe, and dive safe!
I look forward to seeing you at the Diving Conference on 19 October.
Edward
BSAC Chair
