News
BSAC influential in avoiding annual cylinder testing
BSAC helps change the international standard and avoids annual cylinder testing.
The new UK standard for the periodic inspection of recreational diving cylinders has been formally published, ending any uncertainty over the potential of annual testing.
The new published standard – BS EN ISO 18119:2018 – was adopted at the end of October 2018 and now means that the 2.5-year interval between internal (visual) inspections and five years between full inspection and test remain unchanged in the UK.
The last 18 months saw the potential of an annual cylinder inspection being introduced for recreational divers in line with the international ISO standard. However, the introduction of annual testing was widely rejected by divers, concerned about the rising cost without any evidence of improved safety.
BSAC campaign on behalf of divers
As the NGB for scuba diving, BSAC was influential in the development of the alternative new standard and managed to include a risk-based approach to ensure there was no change to the timing of the required intervals. BSAC also worked with many other recreational agencies, the UK commercial diving industry, the MOD, IDEST and the HSE to identify the way forward.
As a result, on behalf of the whole UK diving industry BSAC has now developed a universal risk assessment for cylinder testing. The assessment confirms that for recreational diving cylinders, providing the required mitigations are applied, the 2.5-year interval between internal (visual) inspections and 5 years between full inspection and test remain unchanged.
The risk assessment will be made available in the near future via the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) website and identifies appropriate procedures for the use and recharging of diving cylinders.
Note: clarification on the term ‘recreational’
The recreational sector of the diving industry is where diving is undertaken as a pastime, for example, BSAC clubs, or teaching recreational diving for reward, for example, dive shops, schools and independent paid instructors, who operate under the Diving at Work regulations (DWR) Recreational Approved Code Of Practice (ACOP). Diving at work conducted under any other DWR ACOP is not recreational.
For more information about BSAC please click here.
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.
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.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
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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