SCUBAHUB
BSAC welcomes new Head of Diving and Training
BSAC IS DELIGHTED TO WELCOME Sophie Heptonstall as its new Head of Diving and Training .
This head of department position exists to directly support BSAC ’ s strategy , along with its vision , to ensure that everybody can access the type of diving and training they want , in the way that best suits them , and at the same time enabling them to feel part of the BSAC community .
As the new Head of Diving and Training , Sophie , who lives in Cheshire , will now lead on the development and delivery of BSAC training and diving / snorkelling support services . Sophie will report to BSAC ’ s CEO and work as part of HQ ’ s senior leadership team .
Speaking on her appointment , Sophie said she welcomed the opportunity to join BSAC .
“ I ' m really excited to be stepping into the role of Head of Diving and Training at such an important time for BSAC . Using my skills to help put our strategy into action is something I ' m genuinely looking forward to . Being a member of BSAC for a long time , I have a real passion for the organisation and I ' m confident I can make a big impact ."
Sophie ' s experience
Sophie , who first dived at the age of 12 and is currently a member of Chester Sub Aqua Club , comes to BSAC from a senior marketing position in the automotive industry .
Sophie ’ s scuba diving journey encompasses a series of impactful roles and initiatives . As National Instructor Chief Examiner ( since November 2023 ) she led efforts to modularise exams and enhance qualifications . During her tenure as First Class Chief Examiner ( August 2023-January 2024 ), Sophie revamped communications to engage members , established a mentoring programme and streamlined event preparations . She has held the positions of BSAC National Diving Officer ( May 2015 to May 2018 ), Technical Group Lead ( May 2018- May 2019 ) and sat on BSAC ’ s Board from May 2009 to May 2018 .
Sophie ’ s contributions over the years have spanned a variety of projects , including developing courses for children , proposing an online scuba magazine and evaluating courses . Sophie ' s leadership has extended across various committees , industry meetings and training roles , demonstrating her dedication to enriching the scuba diving and snorkelling community .
BSAC CEO , Mary Tetley said : “ The role of Head of Diving and Training holds significant importance within BSAC , as it involves enhancing our training and diving / snorkelling support services to expand BSAC ' s reach . Sophie possesses the expertise , background and leadership acumen to advance this pivotal position . We are thrilled to have her join the BSAC team . Sophie will commence her new role on March 18th .”
Eileen Parker – a tribute
NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE SUB AQUA Club are saddened to announce the passing of women ’ s diving advocate Eileen Parker , writes David Taylor .
Eileen , who died on 19 December 2023 at the age of 70 , started diving with her husband Nigel in 1983 . The branch soon recognised her talents as a manager with Sheffield City Council and asked her to serve on the Committee . She continued to do so for many years , but it was her ability to attract other women to the branch that had the greatest impact , at a time when the sport was still dominated by men .
Eileen qualified as an instructor and encouraged others to follow suit . She inspired at least ten other women divers to become instructors and encouraged more than 50 women to learn to dive with the club .
Eileen even formed a women-only dive group within the branch , known as the ‘ Dolly Divers ’, who went on dive trips and diving holidays in the UK and abroad .
She will be greatly missed but has left a lasting legacy .
8