Know your chambers
FOLLOWING THE CLOSURE OF THE Whipps Cross Hyperbaric Chamber, BSAC is aware that the Chichester Chamber has encountered difficulties in maintaining a consistent service.
All divers and clubs are reminded that, in the event of an emergency, they should contact the British Hyperbaric Association( BHA) National Diving Accident Helpline for immediate advice. This service provides 24-hour emergency medical support to divers and healthcare professionals across the UK.
For incidents in Scotland, a separate emergency line is available— please request the on-call hyperbaric doctor.
The helplines have access to real-time information on chamber availability and will coordinate care as required.
NW Dive Fest:
Shelter from the storm
Emergency Contact Numbers:
■ National( England, Wales, Northern Ireland): 07831 151 523
■ Scotland: 0345 408 6008
For further contact details see bsac. com / dci
Once registered, your club should:
■ NEW- Access one-to-one mentoring as soon as you apply to help plan your application year journey in 2026
■ Record and document your club’ s activities from 1 Jan – 31 Dec 2026
■ Submit your final report by 31 January 2027
The Heinke Trophy 2026 winner will be announced in Spring 2027. For more details on the new-look Heinke Trophy and to register for 2026, go to bsac. com / heinke
MEMBERS FROM 45 BSAC CLUBS refused to let Storm Amy dampen their spirits when they descended on Capernwray for the recent NW Dive Fest. Now in its third year, the NW Dive Fest set up camp at the Lancashire-based diving centre for a full day’ s celebration of all things scuba.
Organised by BSAC’ s North West Regional Team, the day saw over 120 divers enjoy all the activities on offer, including underwater treasure hunts, an auction, a photographic competition, and the chance to try out CCR, scooter, and side-mount diving. Compère for the day was DJ Coshe, who provided the perfect music vibe.
Meanwhile, the NW Dive Fest‘ village’ played host to some of UK diving’ s top names, including Suunto, Cressi, Apeks / Aqualung, Mares, Dynamic Nord, Sea & Sea, Northern Diver, Liquid Sports and Reel Diving. Many generously donated raffle prizes, meaning funds raised by NW Dive Fest 2025 will be donated to the NW Air Ambulance.
North West Regional Coach Stephen Dorricott said that festival attendees were determined to have a good time.
“ Each year, the NW Dive Fest has expanded with more suppliers, new exhibitors and new activities to try. And everyone enjoyed their day’ s diving, despite the atrocious weather!”
With plans for the NW Dive Fest to return for a fourth year in 2026, Stephen said the day was a success thanks to all the hard work of volunteers and industry support.
“ I’ d just like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers and clubs who braved the rain, the instructors who worked tirelessly all day, and the suppliers / sponsors who donated some amazing prizes.
“ The event’ s original objective was to bring north west clubs together for a fun day out and celebrate BSAC. And while the weather didn’ t quite play ball this year, thanks to everyone’ s enthusiasm, I think we certainly hit the brief!”
Interested in the Heinke Trophy 2026 but would like to find out more?
Email heinke @ bsac. com before 30 November, and a member of the team will give you a call!
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