BRANCHES UKDIVING + CENTRES
Centres Forward
Roho ’ s race to Belize
Mark Paisey interviews a father-and-son buddy team who chose the BSAC training route with their local centre , Robin Hood Watersports
Branch + Centre Partnership Scheme explained
Designed to support branches with their training , the model is that new members join your branch , train at the centre , then return to your branch as qualified divers .
Benefits to branches :
• There ’ s no cost to enter , and you can withdraw at any time
• The scheme enables BSAC clubs to take on more new members , year-round
• It assists with resource challenges , such as lack of instructors , or pool access
• The partnership supports and cements relations with local BSAC dive centres
More information and benefits at bsac . com / PartnershipScheme
Ben Shacklock and his son Luke enjoying underwater Belize
” Nothing was too much trouble ,” says Ben Shacklock who , with his son Luke , completed their Ocean Diver training last November at Robin Hood Watersports ( RoHo ).
Ben , who had previously completed a PADI Open Water course five years ago , decided to undertake BSAC Ocean Diver with Luke ahead of their holiday to Belize . “ Time was tight ,” says Ben who , having approached Harrogate BSAC , decided centre-based training was the way to go .
“ We chose BSAC training because of the reputation of being thorough and safety conscious , which was a priority for my son . We also liked the fact that Harrogate BSAC would be there for continuity afterwards and we could continue our training and diving with them .”
“ RoHo were very clear getting the training arranged and flexible to our
28 needs with dates . The instructors were excellent , knowledgeable and approachable , they gave us plenty of time to practice ; we never felt rushed . Luke enjoyed all the skills and I think it ’ s fair to say he appreciated the ‘ doing ’ rather than the talking aspects of the course .
“ RoHo were brilliant at arranging drysuits to fit , taking a day to do this and were really flexible making the last training day happen when bad weather stopped training . The logistical and support elements were fantastic throughout . The cost of two days of pool training , one day of drysuit fitting and two days of open water training was very reasonable . “ The mentoring process also reflected well on BSAC as we had a response as soon as we sent an email question , it was great that people were interested in us . We can now go diving in Belize .” �
PARTNERSHIP CENTRES
ANDARK DIVING AND WATERSPORTS 256 Bridge Road , Lower Swawick , Southampton , Hampshire SO31 7FL • 01489 581755 andy @ andark . co . uk • www . andark . co . uk
DIVECREW Brookers Corner , Crowthorne , Berkshire RG45 6ST 01344 771113 • info @ divecrew . co . uk www . divecrew . co . uk
DM SCUBA TRAINING 07920 556116 • dmscuba @ hotmail . com www . dm-scuba . co . uk
DV DIVING 138 Mt Stewart Rd , Carrowdore , Newtownards , BT22 2ES dvdiving . co . uk
ROBIN HOOD WATERSPORTS 152 Leeds Road , Heckmondwike , West Yorkshire WF16 9BJ • 01924 444888 • sales @ roho . co . uk www . roho . co . uk
SANDFORD & DOWN 24 Pier Street , West Hoe , Plymouth , Devon PL1 3BT 01752 266248 • dive @ sandfordanddown . co . uk www . divesubsea . co . uk
SCUBATS 19 / M Winchester Avenue , Denny , Falkirk , Stirlingshire , Scotland FK6 6QE 07449669494 • scubat2017 @ gmail . com www . scubats . co . uk
ST ABBS CHARTERS : St Abbs Harbour , Eyemouth TD14 5PW
STONEY COVE Sapcote Road , Stoney Stanton , Leicester LE9 4DW 01455 273089 • diving @ stoneycove . com www . stoneycove . com