News
And the BSAC Diving Conference 2013 award winners are…
More than 400 delegates enjoying a packed programme of news, diver training and skill development course updates and open forums at BSAC’s Diving Conference which was held this year at DIVE 2013. The speakers at the conference – renowned Diving physician Prof Simon Mitchell and polar cameraman and diver Doug Allan – also went down a storm.
BSAC have revealed their Diving Conference award winners. There will be a full report and pictures from the BSAC Diving Conference 2013 in the December issue of SCUBA magazine (out from the 12th November) but in the meantime here are the winners:
BSAC AWARDS 2013
COLLINS & CHAMBERS OWI AWARD – for the most meritorious candidate on the Open Water Instructor Course
Winner: Damian Gascoyne
ANALOX AI AWARD – for the most meritorious candidate on the Advanced Instructor exam
Winner: Jason Hall
FIRST CLASS DIVER – Awarded to the successful 2013 candidates
Martin Smith, Maria Harwood, Gordon Lambert and Hubert Desgranges
AP VALVES AWARD – awarded for the most admirable performance in the First Class Diver exam
Winner: Maria Harwood
NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR – Awarded to the successful 2013 candidates
Louise Whitehouse and Michelle Kim
WEEZLE AWARD – awarded to the person who performs meritoriously in the National Instructor exam
Winner: Michelle Kim
WILKINSON SWORD – awarded for the most admirable performance in a BSAC nationally assessed examination
Winner: Louise Whitehouse
BSAC SAFETY AWARD – presented in recognition of endeavouring to save a life without involving diving techniques
Winners:
Fort William: D Sydenham, S Duncan, C Harvey, R Higgins, G Melville, P Johnson, R Douglas, K Douglas, S Gosden, R Hollstein
Wraysbury: Joanne White, Yvonne Tatchley, Mark Bruce, Paula Hutton, Mark Edwards, Paul Compton
ALAN BROADHURST AWARD – awarded for the use of good diving lifesaving techniques
Winners:
David Williams, Marian Boyde, Peter Craig, Chris Tridgell, Jackie Bush, Clive Bush; Anthony Smith; Neil Hope
BSAC EXPEDITIONS TROPHY – presented to the organiser of the most significant British diving expedition of the year
Winner: Tyneside Branch 114 (for their Skerryvore expedition to Tiree)
PETER SMALL TROPHY – for the branch who has undertaken the most worthwhile underwater project of the year
Winner: Southsea SAC (for their project ‘Kedge Hook’ – HM Landing Craft Tank 427)
COLIN McLEOD AWARD – to the person/s who in the opinion of the BSA Jubilee Trust has contributed to international cooperation and harmony in diving and associated activities.
Winner: Dr John Bevan (a founding member of the Historical Diving Society)
SCUBAPRO COUSTEAU AWARD – for the BSAC member who goes that extra mile in the promotion of the Club’s aims and objectives
Winner: Mark Wilson
THANK YOU AWARDS –
Retired from Regional Coaching positions during 2013 – Dr Pat Farrell, Mark Callaghan and Len Young
For long-standing support as BSAC liaison officer to the UKSDMC – Dr Pat Farrell
HEINKE TROPHY – for the branch judged to have done the most in furthering the interests of BSAC and its members
Winners: Oxford BSAC
Commended: Abu Dhabi SAC
SUUNTO BRANCH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2013 – nominated by their fellow branch members
New Volunteer of the Year – Angela Clewes (Chorley SAC)
Young Volunteer of the Year – Lucy Fanet (Budehaven SAC)
Event Organiser of the Year – Sandra Burgen (Bradford SAC)
Long-serving Volunteer of the Year – Paul Nusinov (Swansea Yacht & SAC)
Instructor of the Year – Nigel Hilburd (Rhondda SAC)
Branch Volunteer of the Year (general) – Dave Hoskins (Swindon SAC)
JONATHAN CRUSHER OF THE YEAR – presented to the most outstanding Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Nigel Hilburd
you can check out BSAC’s Facebook page for more photos and news from the BSAC Diving Conference 2013.
Blogs
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Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
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With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
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This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
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Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
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It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
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News
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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