For more information on the work of the National Diving Committee, go to bsac. com / ndc MAY 2026 ADVERTISERS
SCUBAHUB
23 RIBs enjoy a blast up the Menai in Beaumaris, participants gathered by the RNLI boatshed to present the cheque to the Beaumaris RNLI Launch Authority and shore crew. The final total raised by the Menai Boat Run 2026 for the Beaumaris lifeboat has now topped £ 1,726.
Speaking after the event, Chester SAC’ s Diving Officer Steve Clarkson, thanked everyone who took part. Steve, who has taken over coordinating the event from his club’ s former DO, Dave Parry, said the boat run had become an important fundraiser as well as a great day out.
“ Running the Beaumaris Lifeboat Station costs more than one hundred and fifty thousand pounds every year,” Steve explained.“ Events like today don’ t just raise funds— they keep boats fuelled, crews trained, and lifesaving work ready for the next call.”
DIVING CLUBS FROM ACROSS THE northwest and beyond descended on the Isle of Anglesey to take part in 2026 Menai Boat Run.
Held as a pre-season‘ blast’ for club RIBs as well as a fundraiser for the RNLI, the Menai Boat Run was started by East Cheshire in 2007 and is now organised by Chester Sub-Aqua Club. And its popularity shows no sign of waning.
This year’ s event included 150 members and 23 boats from 19 different BSAC clubs from as far away as Luton. Also joining the flotilla on the Menai were two Atlantic class ex-RNLI lifeboats, including Blue Peter 1, which was originally bought by viewers of the iconic BBC1 children’ s programme.
After the traditional fish and chip lunch
Meet the new OWI Chiefs
BSAC’ S NATIONAL DIVING COMMITTEE( NDC) has announced its new Open Water Instructor( OWI) Chief Examiners, with National Instructors Ali Gaudion and Michelle Kim sharing the key role. Ali and Michelle take over the post from outgoing OWI Chief Examiner Sam Clarke.
BSAC’ s National Diving Committee( NDC) is a volunteer-led body of experienced divers that supports and develops all aspects of diving, snorkelling, training and safety standards within the British Sub- Aqua Club. The Open Water Instructor( OWI) Chief Examiner ensures consistency of all exams relating to the OWI qualification for both UK and overseas events, as well as awarding the qualification of Open Water Instructor to successful candidates.
Ali and Michelle bring a combined 30 years’ experience of BSAC’ s Instructor Training Scheme( ITS) to their new shared role. Ali has been teaching on the ITS since 2014, predominantly on the Open Water Instructor events. She has also been the Greater London Regional Coach. Meanwhile, former BSAC Council member Michelle has been teaching on OWI events for more than 18 years, having joined the ITS team in 2008.
Ali said they were looking forward to building on the work that has already been done to modernise and improve the OWI events, most recently the new one-day format for the Instructor Foundation Course.
Ali Gaudion Michelle Kim
“ Having had a really successful trial period testing several changes, our aim is to support HQ to update and finalise instructor and student resources for future events,” she added.
On sharing the OWI Chief Examiner position, Michelle said they collectively brought a significant amount of OWI teaching experience.
“ We also recognise that we have slightly different skillsets and given the size of the role, we felt we’ d be able to tackle it much more effectively together,” she added.
National Diving Officer Sophie Rennie welcomed Ali and Michelle to the National Diving Committee.
“ Ali and Michelle bring a wealth of experience to their new shared role, which will ensure a high standard of quality, safe and consistent instructor training for our members. I look forward to working with them all in their new role.”
For more information on the work of the National Diving Committee, go to bsac. com / ndc MAY 2026 ADVERTISERS
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