SCUBA Dec 2025 issue 161 | Page 8

SCUBAHUB

Andy Torbet:

Champions Ambassador

BSAC HAS CELEBRATED REACHING ITS 50th Marine Champion milestone by announcing that SCUBA snorkel columnist Andy Torbet has become the project’ s Ambassador.
Scuba diver, snorkeller and TV personality Andy has joined forces with BSAC to raise awareness of the role Marine Champions and their clubs have to play in protecting and advocating for the marine environment.
Speaking on becoming a BSAC Marine Champions Ambassador, Andy said he was looking forward to working with the Marine Champion community to‘ instigate practical action and change.’
“ BSAC’ s growing network of Marine Champions is a shining example of the power of grassroots action, education, and participation and I am delighted to be an ambassador,” Andy said.
“ Whether it’ s a beach clean or underwater litter pick, data collected from a marine life survey, campaigning, or simply diving or snorkelling with an environmental purpose, now’ s the time to make our voices and actions count.”
Launched back in August, the Marine Champion initiative aims to create a community of marine environment advocates across the BSAC club network. Each Marine Champion has been tasked with coordinating their club’ s environmental activities, including beach cleans, underwater litter picks, surveys and conservation campaigns.
Response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive, with the project recruiting its 50th Marine Champion two months ahead of target. BSAC is now encouraging even more members to take up the Marine Champion mantle within their clubs.
BSAC CEO Mary Tetley welcomed Ambassador Andy to the growing Marine Champion‘ family’.
“ Our new Marine Champions community is going from strength to strength as more BSAC members and their clubs sign up to the role. And, with Andy’ s support, passion and knowledge of our underwater world, we are delighted to have him on board!”
You can watch new Marine Champion Ambassador Andy Torbet explain why the project is close to his heart at bsac. com / MCambassador
Inspired to become a Marine Champion?
To apply to become the BSAC Marine Champion for your club you need to be aged 18 + and have your application endorsed by a member of your club’ s committee. For more information on the Marine Champions initiative and to apply online, go to bsac. com / marinechampions

Final call for Heinke 2026

THE CLOSING DATE FOR BSAC CLUBS TO enter the Heinke Trophy 2026 is midnight on 30 November. So, if your club is thinking of taking part in this year’ s award, there’ s still time to do it!
Since 1958, the Heinke Trophy has been
BSAC’ s premier club award, celebrating the very best in club diving and snorkelling. The award is open to all BSAC clubs, whether UKbased or overseas, diving or snorkelling( or both), small, large, well-established, or new.“ Entering the Heinke Trophy 2026 is a fantastic way to capture a‘ year in the life’ of your club- how you dive, train, recruit, and connect with your community,” Heinke adjudicator Phil Harrison explained.
“ It’ s also a chance to shine a spotlight on your members’ passion, innovation, and commitment – and to inspire others to follow your lead.”
The rewards
■ £ 1,000 prize and the Heinke Trophy itself
■ National recognition across BSAC’ s platforms
■ An opportunity to inspire the entire diving and snorkelling community
How to enter for the 2026 Heinke Trophy
You will need to register your club’ s interest in entering the Heinke Trophy 2026 by completing the online registration form by 30 November 2025 at the latest.
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