BSAC has paid tribute to its amazing volunteers once again by recognising and celebrating award winners for 2023.
We are delighted to present the full list of BSAC award winners for 2023, as announced at the Go Diving Show, on Saturday 2nd March 2024 – our congratulations go to you all.
BSAC would be nothing without its volunteers and every year we aim to recognise the invaluable contribution our members make to the organisation, its aims and the community. Here are our well-deserving 2023 winners:
Award |
Awarded to |
Heinke TrophyPresented to the BSAC club furthering the interests of all club members and of BSAC |
Aberdeen Sub-Aqua Club for an amazing turnaround in the club's fortunes, thanks to the drive and determination of members. Read the full story |
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Aberdeen SAC
 Aberdeen, Heinke Trophy winners 2023 |
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BSAC Expeditions TrophyAwarded annually and presented to the organiser of the most significant British exploratory diving expedition of the year |
Clidive for their Atlantic Adventures exploration to the west coast of Ireland |
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Simon Rogerson
 Chris Wilson (L) accepts the award on behalf of Clidive from BSAC Expeditions Officer Andy Hunt |
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BSAC Safety AwardsPresented in recognition of endeavouring to save a life without involving diving techniques |
Darren McDonagh |
Alan Broadhurst Safety AwardsAwarded for the use of good diving lifesaving techniques. Presented to the rescuer, or rescuers, acknowledging and recognising their extreme bravery and use of good diving techniques |
Steve Marriott, Wilfred Wooldridge, Iain Dixon |
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Simon Rogerson
 Iain Dixon (L) receives a certificate from Edward Haynes, Chair of BSAC |
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Volunteer of the Year AwardPresented to a BSAC member who goes that extra mile in the promotion of the club's aims and objectives Kindly sponsored by |
David Wakelam |
Nationally assessed examination awards |
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First Class Diver AwardsAwarded to successful candidates of the FCD |
Howard Rawson, Stuart Girdler, Stephen Dorricott, Alison Gaudion, Jim Burke, Stephen Slater |
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Simon Rogerson
 First Class Divers, L-to-R: Stephen Dorricott, Howard Rawson, Stuart Girdler, Stephen Slater with FCD Chief Examiner, Dave Lucas |
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Open Water Instructor AwardAwarded to the most exemplary candidate on the Open Water Instructor Exams Kindly sponsored by |
Andrew Mott |
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Simon Rogerson
 L-to-R: John Perrin of Kent Tooling and Pete Bicheno, BSAC ITG Leader present Andrew Mott with his prize and certificate |
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AI AwardAwarded to the most exemplary candidate on the Advanced Instructor Exam Kindly sponsored by |
Ciara Corcoran |
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Simon Rogerson
 L-to-R: Brett Thorpe of Nautilus, Ciara Corcoran and Steve Capes, BSAC AI Chief Examiner |
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National Instructor AwardsAwarded to successful candidates of the National Instructor Exam |
Kevin Holmes and David Pegler |
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Simon Rogerson
 L-to-R: David Pegler, Sophie Heptonstall, NI Chief Examiner and Kevin Holmes |
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NI AwardAwarded to the most exemplary candidate on the National Instructor Exam Kindly sponsored by |
David Pegler |
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Simon Rogerson
 David Pegler receives his NI Award from Paul Child of Weezle |
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Wilkinson SwordAwarded annually to the candidate who has the most admirable performance in a BSAC nationally assessed examination |
Simon Rogerson
 Dai Atkins, BSAC NDO (L) presents the Wilkinson Sword |
| David Pegler | |
Congratulations to all our 2023 BSAC award winners.
Postponed awards
The following accolades were not awarded for 2023:
- Colin McLeod Award – presented to person(s) who, in the opinion of the Trustees of the BSA Jubilee Trust, have contributed to international cooperation and harmony in diving and associated activities.
- Peter Small Award – for ‘the most worthwhile and ambitious BSAC project, conducted in British waters.’
- HRH Prince of Wales Scuba Award - for outstanding achievement in scuba research.
For more information on the annual BSAC awards, go to bsac.com/awards.
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