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Diver Training Day event , and BSAC ’ s Julia Branagan who teamed up with Bob Huyton ( West Midlands Regional Coach ) to deliver one of the first Underwater Surveyor courses .
In a change from last year ’ s event , manufacturers and distributors set out their stalls in the main car park , which gave them more space and constant footfall to present the newest and shiniest dive gear to the passers-by . The mood of the industry seemed upbeat , with several remarking that this was a great way to get brand recognition and connect with the diving public , with few of the costs of the conventional dive show environment .
From the outset , the organisers wanted the event to also attract non-BSAC divers to show them how we like to have fun . So it was a festive affair , with music to gear-up to courtesy of live DJ Cosche , who glanced up occasionally from behind his wheels of steel to see yet more divers embark on the underwater treasure hunt for one of the many mock gold ingots hidden in the quarry . If they came up empty-handed , there were more opportunities to strike gold later in the day in the raffle with some juicy prizes up for grabs .
As day rolled into evening and with water activities completed , attention turned to hot food in the restaurant , before an award presentation to BSAC clubs celebrating milestone anniversaries .
Organiser Stephen Dorricott said the NW Dive Fest 2024 raised £ 1,500 for the North West Air Ambulance . “ The event was 50 % bigger and busier than last year , with a lovely ‘ vibe ’... everyone I spoke to seemed to be having a great time . We ’ re already looking forward to next year !”
John Adams of BSAC Technical with a try diver
Splash-in time !
BSAC opposes hyperbaric cutbacks
BSAC HAS FORMALLY RESPONDED to the latest NHS England consultation on the provision of hyperbaric services , which could see the number of NHS chambers in England reduced .
The consultation – which closed on 13 October – is part of a regular review into the provision of services focusing on treating decompression illness ( DCI ) with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy ( HBOT ). The treatment is subject to commissioning under the NHS .
The latest consultation proposed some changes to the current service specification based on three areas :
1 . Improve timeliness of access to treatment for patients .
2 . Reduce variation in access to care for critically ill patients .
3 . Ensure long-term outcomes for patients are monitored and reviewed .
The main impact of the proposals for divers is in reconfiguring several commissioned HBOT centres in England from eight centres to six . This is based on the geographical scope of these services to ensure that there are no more than four hours of travelling time ( by road ). Good practice guidelines set out optimal time to treatment from symptom onset as within six hours .
In formally responding to the proposals , BSAC has opposed the reduction of treatment centres from eight to six . You can read BSAC ’ s full response to the consultation at bsac . com / nhsconsultation
Divers and other groups were also given the opportunity to contribute to the consultation . BSAC will keep members updated on the outcome of the proposals .
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