The Heinke Trophy returns – could your club be our 2022 winner ?
POSTPONED DUE TO THE COVID lockdowns , the Heinke Trophy is back and now open for submissions from clubs both in the UK and overseas .
The Heinke Trophy is BSAC ’ s way of celebrating the significant contribution its clubs and members make to the growth and development of scuba diving . The trophy is presented every year to the BSAC club considered to have done the most to further the interests of its members and of BSAC . While the Heinke Trophy adjudicators recognise the impact Covid-19 has had on the ability of BSAC clubs to dive and train over the past year , the trophy is an excellent way to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of its club volunteers . It is also a fitting tribute to the BSAC club network in the face of such a challenging time .
Launched back in 1958 , over 50 BSAC clubs have been the recipient of the award to date . Each year our winner receives a cash award to spend on their club ’ s activities and will be presented with the prestigious Heinke Trophy .
Heinke adjudicator , Phil Harrison , said he hoped clubs would see the Heinke Trophy as a way of documenting and celebrating their achievements in the face of adversity .
“ BSAC , its clubs and members are both resilient and passionate about our sport , and the Heinke Trophy is one way to celebrate the determination , tenacity and creativity of our branch network .”
Clubs interested in taking part in the Heinke Trophy will need to register their interest by 31 January 2022 and then submit their final entry , documenting their activities , progress and achievements during 2021 , by 31 May 2022 .
For more information on the Heinke Trophy 2022 and to register your club ’ s intention to enter , go
to bsac . com / heinke
Instructor boost in Sri Lanka
THE RETURN TO IN-PERSON TEACHING on the ITS has given a boost to one of BSAC ’ s newest overseas clubs , S . Thomas ’ College Sub Aqua Club in Sri Lanka .
The Mount Lavinia-based club became a BSAC branch in January this year and had been looking to increase its instructor numbers in anticipation of a new member recruitment drive .
Club member Jonathan Swift , who is currently in the UK , completed the recent Open Water Instructor Crossover course in Wales and will be returning to Sri Lanka once lockdown and travel restrictions to the island are eased .
The club ’ s Diving Officer Yohan Abeyesekera said that boosting instructor numbers was an essential part of the club ’ s growth strategy and welcomed the support from BSAC in the UK .
“ In-person instructor training has always been part and parcel of our training programme ,” said Yohan . “ And offering BSAC qualifications through a BSAC OWI and the BSAC system is now key to growing our membership .” In addition to its new Open Water Instructor , S . Thomas ’ College Sub Aqua Club is now looking to taking part in an Instructor Foundation Course later in the year .
Dive with
Mark
SCUBAHUB
Coaching Advisor Mark Paisey considers the importance of flexibility in training
FLEXIBILITY MAY WELL BE THE KEY TO managing diver training . This proved the case during lockdown , with 220 webinars delivered and attended by more than 8,000 members . While online learning has its place , diving is a practical activity and members need flexible options to aid their return to the water . So , we worked tirelessly during lockdown to make the transition easier for the membership .
First , the Sport England Dive Leader / OWI scheme has drawn in 196 participants , with training events at most inland sites across the UK . The first event ran over 5 / 6 June , with 50 Dive Leader lessons completed , facilitated by Advanced Instructors from across BSAC .
Organised diving expeditions follow around the UK at various locations , looking to provide the experience dives required for Dive Leader , all under the supportive eye of Advanced Instructors . This managed programme has given members the flexibility to choose their own training pathway , while achieving their goals in a timely manner .
Second , branches have been given the opportunity to partner with BSAC Centres and offer flexible and timely Ocean Diver training to their members . Currently , BSAC has been working with Divecrew , DM Scuba and Stoney Cove ; there are 23 branches participating in the scheme and more exciting partnerships will roll out later this year .
Finally , members from across the UK have been using the flexible training method through centres to both gain experience and to complete various Skill Development Courses ( SDCs ). As a result , 100 members have upped their seamanship skills with the help of Quality Time Training in Portland , Dorset .
We are always trying to improve our skills base ; so , if you know what you want , you now have more flexibility to make it happen .
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