Blogs
BSAC Release 2022 Incident Report
The annual diving Incident Report for 2022, which recorded a total of 182 incidents and six fatalities throughout the UK, has now been released.
As part of its role as National Governing Body, BSAC reports annually on diving incidents in the UK from all diver training agencies. The report is compiled by BSAC Incident Advisor, Jim Watson and data analyst, Ben Peddie.
The Incident Report and its data analysis aims to promote diver safety as well as understanding any trends that can support all the diving agencies in their diver training programmes and safety advice.
The 2022 report covers incidents from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022.
During this period, a total of 248 incidents were recorded in the UK and overseas, which sadly included six incidents resulting in six fatalities. Each fatality is a tragic and a sad loss, however this represents the lowest number of diving fatalities in a normal diving year since 1977 and equals the number of fatalities during the first year of the pandemic, when diving activity was severely limited.
From the conclusions of the report:
“Very sadly, this year there were 6 fatalities resulting from 6 diving incidents. This is the lowest number of diving fatalities in a normal diving year since 1977 and equals the number of fatalities during the first year of the pandemic. Whilst this could be interpreted as positive, the stochastic nature of the number of fatalities each year means that it is not possible to say that this is an emerging trend. Any medical incident in water can have a negative outcome when compared with a similar event on land, depending on the circumstances and the opportunity for a timely rescue.”
Other key features of the 2022 report:
- IPO continues to be an identifiable concern, with both confirmed and possible cases reflected graphically in the report. The data is being updated if medical confirmation is received.
- Illness and Injury was the most reported category of incident, although this may well have included DCI where we have insufficient information to allocate to that category.
- The absence of an early season spike continues, suggesting divers are exercising appropriate preparation for a return to diving activity.
The full BSAC Incident Report 2022 is now available for members and clubs to download. You can access the report at bsac.com/incidentreport
Help BSAC to keep diving safe
If you have been involved in or witnessed an incident, please report it – in confidence – and help BSAC to continue to shape a safe future for diving.
Whether you are a BSAC diver or dive with another agency, a recreational or technical diver or if the incident happened in the UK or overseas, BSAC wants to hear about it.
You can find the form online at bsac.com/reportanincident
If you want to know more about BSAC’s diving community, visit www.bsac.com
Are you just getting started out in underwater photography or are you a seasoned shooter who wants to take their images to the next level? Whatever you experience or ability, here’s an overview of underwater photography workshops.
What is an Underwater Photography Workshop?
The first thing to note is that this is not ‘school’! There are no compulsory classes and at workshops you are free to pick and choose what you take part in, or otherwise.
A huge part of learning and developing your skills is through experimentation, trial and error, responding to feedback, and honing your technique. Underwater photography workshops provide you with the perfect platform for practice and improvement.
There is no better alternative to hands on experience in an environment that is 100% dedicated to your development. Reading informative articles and watching videos on YouTube can never replace the value of one on one time with your camera rig, underwater!
Underwater photography workshops are generally structured around core components, namely: presentations, underwater practice, feedback and critique sessions, troubleshooting/one-on-one sessions, and technical support.
Other components of a workshop include dining, relaxing, and time for socializing too!
What Topics do Underwater Photography Workshops Cover?
Depending on the pro, the type of workshop and regional diving highlights, a wide range of topics may be covered from composition and lighting through to shooting techniques and editing.
Benefits of an Underwater Photography Workshop
- Improve Your underwater photography
- Learn from professionals
- Learn from other participants
- Expand your photography knowledge and understanding
- Try put new techniques
- Learn how to maximize your camera rig
- Phenomenal travel opportunities
- Memorable experience and new friendships
Underwater Photography Workshops in the Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
When it comes to underwater photography workshops that focus on shooting macro, muck diving, and unusual marine species, there can be no better destination on the planet than the Lembeh Strait.
The Critter Capital of the World, a Muck Diving Mecca, and the Twilight Zone are just a few of the names that have been given to this stretch of water over the years due to its high density, and diversity, of rare and unusual marine life.
Some of Lembeh’s most iconic species include the hairy frogfish, Pontohi pygmy seahorse, the Lembeh sea dragon, Mandarin fish, Bobbit worms, Rhinopias scorpionfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, tiger and harlequin shrimps, ornate ghost pipefish, harlequin crabs, and where do we start with octopus? Here’s just a few… wunderpus, mimic, blue ring, hairy, long arm, starry night, and coconut… and the list goes on!
Dive conditions in the Lembeh Strait can be extremely favourable for underwater photographers. There is little to no current making both moving around and remaining stationary a breeze. The comfortably warm water temperatures reduce the cold that can also set in when not on the move.
Lembeh Resort and Underwater Photography Workshops
Lembeh Resort not only offers luxury accommodation in the Lembeh Strait but it is also offers a complete suite of facilities for underwater photographers and enthusiasts. Here is a ‘snapshot’ of the camera and imaging services that are on offer at Lembeh Resort – inside and outside of underwater photography workshops:
Photography Facilities
Lembeh Resort offers a suite of facilities for underwater photographers, including:
- The only Backscatter Authorized Photo Center in Asia
- Photo Center offering camera, housing, lights and accessory rentals and purchases, onsite repairs, onsite 3D printing of small components, professional support and assistance, full workshop support
- Full time onsite Photo Pro
- Full time onsite Marine Biologists
- Marine biology and underwater photography trained Dive Guides
- Spacious camera room with individual work spaces, lights, and power points
- Varied diving options including single dives in the Lembeh Strait, two or three tank dive trips, day trips to Bangka, east coast Lembeh trips, blackwater, bonfire, night, and Mandarin fish dives.
Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2025
The renowned Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop is back in January 2025 for the 12th year running!! This unique workshop is hosted by not one but three worldclass photo professionals. The 2025 workshop features: Ron Watkins (USA), Paul Duxfield (UK), and Renee Capozzola (USA). The week-long workshop promises to be packed with incredible diving, Pro presentations, and one-on-one instruction and feedback.
2025 Workshop Schedule and Dates:
- Pre-Workshop: January 8th ––10th (time to relax and unwind after traveling and enjoy some of Lembeh’s famous dive sites.)
- Workshop: January 11th – 17th (Capturing Critters in Lembeh 12th Annual Workshop)
- Workshop Extension: January 18th – 19th (Additional Day Workshop Extension)
- Post-Workshop: January 20th – 21st (Stay additional nights and enjoy extra diving days or some time to relax and explore more of North Sulawesi)
Find Out More:
Meet the pros and find out more about the Capturing Critters in Lembeh 2025 underwater photography workshop, including prices and workshop inclusions, here:
If you are ready to book your place on the January 2025 Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop – contact Lembeh Resort at: reservations@LembehResort.com.
For a truly exceptional diving experience, Liquid Diving Adventures offers a Full Moon Spawning trip from May 20-30, 2025, aboard the Palau Siren liveaboard. This carefully timed journey coincides with the spectacular spawning events of red snappers, creating a breathtaking underwater display that divers won’t want to miss.
During the full moon, red snappers gather in large schools at specific spawning sites, where they release their eggs and sperm in a synchronized event that fills the water with vibrant colors. This incredible spectacle attracts various predators, including sharks and larger fish, which come to feed on the plentiful eggs. Divers have the unique opportunity to witness this dramatic interaction, showcasing the dynamic relationships within the marine ecosystem.
Liquid Diving Adventures curates this experience to provide divers with unparalleled insights into the behavior of red snappers during their spawning ritual. Expert guides share valuable information about the species, their habitat, and the significance of these events to the overall health of the reef ecosystem, enhancing the experience for all participants.
In addition to the thrilling spawning events, some itineraries also offer the chance for blackwater diving. This night-time adventure lets divers explore the ocean’s depths, encountering bioluminescent creatures and other fascinating marine life that thrive in the darkness.
About Palau Siren
The Palau Siren is a 40-meter motorsailor meticulously designed and constructed for divers. Built in Indonesia, this vessel is handcrafted from ironwood and teak to ensure durability and elegance. With a dedicated crew of 12, the ship caters to the needs of up to 16 divers.
Accommodations include eight air-conditioned cabins, each equipped with entertainment systems and ensuite bathrooms. The ship boasts an air-conditioned dining area and lounge that features a cocktail bar, sofas, a flat-screen TV, and a comprehensive entertainment system. To help divers unwind after a day of exploration, daily massage services are available.
Dining is a delightful experience on board, with a covered outdoor dining area where meals are served buffet-style, complemented by an upper-level sun deck furnished with chaise lounges. The covered dive deck is well-equipped with individual gear stations and storage lockers for each diver.
For convenience, all Siren charters provide tanks, weights, BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, masks, and fins at no additional cost, allowing divers to book their trip without the hassle of bringing personal gear. The main lounge features a professional-quality camera and video station for those looking to capture their underwater adventures.
The Palau Siren operates year-round dive trips to Palau, offering complimentary nitrox and supporting rebreathers, though it does not accommodate technical diving. Please note that rebreathers are not available for rent on board.
BOOK IN NOVEMBER AND SAVE $1200 USD!
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