Welcome
Now is our winter of confinement made glorious summer – at least , I hope it is . As I write , the Covid statistics are on a downward curve and the government has timetabled a return to normality . I hope I ’ m not speaking too soon , but it looks as if we ’ re going to be diving this summer !
My friends at BSAC have been on top of their communications throughout the pandemic ; they ’ ve been issuing plenty of missives on what exactly will be permitted as the timetable progresses . You can expect plenty of advice on how to stay safe during the resumption of diving , and , hopefully , diver training . Some of it will be issued in the pages of SCUBA , but for up-to-the minute news please keep an eye on Facebook and BSAC . com .
It seems likely that diving in the UK ( or for overseas members , your home country ) will be the norm for most of 2021 , as the complexity of international travel is dependent on a wider infrastructure being safe and ready for travellers . Of course , a very limited amount of travel has been taking place during the pandemic , but it has been sporadic and prone to cancellations .
Is now a good time to book a diving holiday ? Certainly , in the UK from June onwards , and possibly for later in the year when overseas travel should hopefully open up . For overseas booking , my advice is to speak to your tour operator , explain your priorities and know exactly where you stand regarding delays or cancellations . As always , book only with a bonded tour operator who can refund you in the event of a business closing down , and make sure your medical insurance covers Covid treatment .
For UK bookings , my advice is similar . Speak to your accommodation and diving providers , and establish your rights in the event of further restrictions . You need to know exactly where you stand , especially if you are booking on behalf of a group .
These precious months are going to be busy , not only with people who would otherwise be overseas , but with last year ’ s bookings who agreed to hold over for 2021 . There is a lot to be said for getting your summer UK diving arrangements finalised as soon as possible , if they are not already .
Finally , don ’ t forget your own health . Make sure you are physically ready to dive , and to build up your depth and difficulty gradually as the season progresses . You can read more about a safe return to diving in this issue ’ s HUB section .
Cover photo : Diver ascending in Shetland , by Robert Bailey
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