the proud owners of a Coltri Sub 300 bar compressor that supplies its members with free air and also have nitrox facilities .
We are a very active dive club with multiple dives organised every week , along with trips both in the UK and abroad ; our members have completed 348 dives this year . The Isle of Wight has more than 4,000 shipwrecks around its stunning coastline , ranging from Victorian steamers to tug boats , warships and even a U-boat . All this alongside a stunning array of sea life , there is plenty to keep all levels of divers engaged . Dives vary from shallow shore dives to 40 metre boat dives of intact submarine wrecks ( HMS Upstart ). There is something for everyone .
We have regular training and try dive events in the colder months . The club boasts a team of in-house and highly qualified instructors enabling them to offer training to new divers and developing divers qualifications through the BSAC training scheme .
Our press officer , Jan Fletcher , has developed a good relationship with the local media to try to showcase the club ’ s activities and encourage new members into the fold . Local reporters have joined members on the club boat recently and are also engaging with upcoming try dive sessions .
In 2025 , our club celebrates its 50th anniversary – we are currently planning a trip to Sardinia .
19-year-old Ezra Grimaldi , who completed his Ocean Diver course this year , says : “ As the youngest member of the Island ’ s BSAC diving club , I ’ ve had some unforgettable moments and I couldn ’ t have asked for better skill development and teaching from the club community . The supportive environment and shared passion for diving have undoubtedly shaped my experience and I am now absolutely hooked !” WIGHT DOLPHINS 807
General knowledge is power
BACK IN LATE JULY / EARLY AUGUST WE EMBARKED ON OUR CLUB ' S ANNUAL pilgrimage to St Abbs for a weekend with Shore Diver , based in the harbour . Over the years , we have built up a strong connection with St Abbs … We attend our local pub ’ s quiz night every week , and any winnings are put in the pot for a charity donation . This year it was St Abbs independent lifeboat ; We donated £ 400 . The skipper we dive with is also one of the crew of the lifeboat , so they gave us a tour of the lifeboat house as well , which went down really well with the club as a great talking point when we got back . DOM HARVEY , Social Officer , Chelmsford BSAC
John Ulyatt – a tribute
TRAFFORD SUB AQUA CLUB ’ S LONGEST serving member passed away in August , aged 94 . He was known to everyone as JU . He had done several thousand dives , starting in the 1960s , when he was involved in commercial diving . He joined TSAC in the 1970s and was a very active member until he reached the age of 82 . At that time , his drysuit was needing replacement and he felt it was time to hang up his fins .
John served as Diving Officer for several years in the early 1980s , and did a lot of training as a Club Instructor ( the first level of Instructor qualification in those days ) He also did quite a lot with Norfed , a group that supported diving for North West clubs .
JU has dived all over the world and will be fondly remembered by the very many divers that he came in contact with in the almost 50 years that he was diving . JEN SCARSBROOK , TSAC
Bracknell Heroes
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE COVID , Bracknell BSAC headed out to the Red Sea , with 24 divers taking over the whole of MY Hero to tackle the Northern Wrecks and Brother islands . Booking through BSAC gave us the confidence that our money was safe , plus a really good deal on an amazing boat , fabulous crew and dive guides . We had new and seasoned divers on board from 24 to 82 years young , plus instructors so we could sign off depth progression and diver training . An incredible week , so thanks to everyone involved ! NIC HALLETT , Bracknell BSAC 434
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