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SSI Sea Survival Course Initiative

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SSI pleased to support the RNLI and BDSG (British Divers Safety Group) in the Sea Survival Course initiative.

SSI launched their program with a Train The Trainer event and a combined Diver / Lifeboat training exercise at the RNLI College in Poole on the 13th June 2018. SSI want this course to be something more than just another teaching specialty rating that instructors hold but never use; they want them to get their students out diving and introduce them to some of the great coastal locations that they have here in the UK.

This event was designed to give SSI Trainers and Instructors a greater insight into what is involved in ensuring the best possible outcome in different diver emergency situations. As well as being presented with the course outline and teaching materials, candidates participated in workshops on effective teaching techniques for the practical elements of the program. They were also given valuable information from the RNLI and MCA (Marine Coastguard Agency) staff who were involved and participated on the day. They can now share this knowledge and experience with their own students and when co-teaching new SSI Sea Survival Instructors. The SSI Sea Survival program although initiated in the UK will be available to SSI instructors worldwide.

Train the trainer day with Scuba Schools International and hosted by the RNLI at headquarters in Poole. The day involved a diver search and recovery exercise with the Swanage Shannon and D-class lifeboats, as well as the poole Atlantic 85 and D-class inshore lifeboats. Community Safety, prevention, Respect the Water.

The main aim of the program is to provide the student with the information and skills required to enjoy and dive safely in UK costal conditions. It is ideally suited to those making their first UK sea dives and divers who have learnt whilst on holiday overseas who would like to get involved in UK costal diving. The course covers dive planning including predicting tides and weather to make sure you have the best dive opportunities, the equipment required for UK costal diving an optional confined water session and two dives that include skills review and new skills that could save your life if you should end up needing to be assisted by the RNLI or other rescue services.

The training exercises completed on the day, as well as providing experience for the dive professionals, were a big learning opportunity for the crews of the Swanage and Poole Lifeboats. They highlighted some of the difficulties and challenges of extracting a kitted conscious and unconscious diver from the water into the different vessels used. Whilst de-kitting and exiting in to a small rib may be common place for divers, for some of the crewmembers a real situation may be the first time they have encountered dive equipment. We would recommend all dive centres and clubs work closely with their local RNLI stations to offer joint training opportunities, many of those involved in the day are already liaising with their local stations to run lifeboat crew training exercises alongside their Sea Survival programs.


SSI would like to acknowledge Swanage Boat Charters and Bryan for the use of the charter boat Viper for the practical exercises.

All images by: Nathan Williams RNLI

For more information about SSI please visit their website by clicking here.

For more information about the RNLI please visit their website by clicking here.

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Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition

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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.

Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities

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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Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators

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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Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure

Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.

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Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages

This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.

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.

For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.

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Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity

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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!

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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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