Primary schooling
BSAC has devised a workshop for those who want to use primary donate as their go-to alternative supply technique . Jacob Broughton-Venner reports on the pilot workshop , with an introduction by Sophie Heptonstall
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The origins of breathing from a long primary hose and donating the same long hose as the alternative supply come from diving in overhead environments . In a constricted space , where divers may not be able to dive side-by-side , this configuration ensures that a gas supply can be passed to a buddy in an emergency situation , and simplifies air sharing for a longer time until they can surface . The use of primary donate via a long hose is now preferred by some for all types of diving , not just overhead environments . We are pleased to announce that the Primary Donate Workshop is now available from BSAC to cover training in this technique . This also complements the recently launched Advanced Wreck Course , which encompasses overhead environments .
In 2017 , BSAC clarified its position on primary donate after a number of questions from members about whether they could dive using this technique for alternative supply . BSAC has always encouraged its members to choose kit to suit the kind of diving they are doing , but also to ensure they have sufficient training to be competent and confident with different equipment configurations . Divers have been able to use primary donate if they have been trained to use the technique , but at the time this training was only offered by other dive agencies , so BSAC started to develop a workshop for members .
We ’ ve identified Twin-set Instructors who ’ ve already had some primary donate training , and issued them the instructor qualification – which has given us about 20 people . Any other Twin-set Instructors who can demonstrate that they have had such training from another agency can contact BSAC and will be issued the instructor qualification , if appropriate . BSAC Twin-set Instructors completing the Primary Donate Workshop will be eligible to teach the workshop .