News
BSAC Diving Conference 2016 award winners announced
The BSAC Diving Conference 2016, held at the Birmingham NEC on 22 October, saw over 600 delegates enjoy a packed and informative programme of BSAC news, diver training updates and open forums. With an increased number of breakout sessions, impressive external speakers and – new for 2016 – an after conference dinner, the 2016 event was a sell-out.
The keynote speakers – world-renowned authority on diving medicine Dr Neal Pollock and underwater explorer and filmmaker Jill Heinerth – informed and enthralled the conference audience while underwater photographer Steve Jones entertained the after dinner crowd.
Following the event, BSAC has announced the full list of BSAC Diving Conference 2016 award winners:
COLINS & CHAMBERS OWI AWARD – for the most meritorious candidate on the Open Water Instructor course
Winner: David Humphreys
ANALOX AI AWARD – for the most meritorious candidate on the Advanced Instructor course
Winner: Alan Brown
FIRST CLASS DIVER – awarded to the successful 2016 candidates
Michelle Haywood, Philip Welch, Martin Keane, Scott Ayrey, Tim Gort, Colin Walker
AP DIVING AWARD – awarded for the most admirable performance in the First Class Diver exam
Winner: Tim Gort
NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR – awarded to the successful 2016 candidates
Dai Atkins, Simon Child, Philip Johnston, Rob Sewell
WEEZLE AWARD – awarded to the person who performs most meritoriously in the National Instructor exam
Winner: Rob Sewell
WILKINSON SWORD – awarded for the most admirable performance in a BSAC nationally assessed examination
Winner: Rob Sewell
BSAC SAFETY AWARD – presented in recognition of endeavouring to save a life without involving diving techniques
Winners: Mark Paisey , Jack Ingle, Lee Woodmass
ALAN BROADHURST AWARD – awarded for the use of good diving lifesaving techniques
Winners: Jason Tamplin, Peter Routledge, Ashley Roberts, Mark Lamb
HEINKE TROPHY 2016 – for the branch judged to have done the most in furthering the interest of BSAC and its members
Winner: East Cheshire SAC
Commended: Severnside SAC and Sheffield University SAC
BSAC EXPEDITION TROPHY – presented to the organizer of the most significant British diving expedition of the year
Winner: Sub C Divers and Bury SAC (Northern Ireland Venture 2015)
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: Dave Shaw
SCUBAPRO COUSTEAU AWARD – for the BSAC member who goes that extra mile in the promotion of the club’s aims and objectives
Winner: Russell Field
THANK YOU AWARD – presented to those leaving positions at the time of the Conference
Mike Rowley, Maria Harwood, Paul Compton, Martyn Bowie and Phil Harrison
Check out BSAC’s Facebook page for more photos and news from the BSAC Diving Conference 2016.
To find out more about BSAC, visit www.bsac.com.
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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