How many members are there ?
There are 40 dive section members at present , and a number of other club members attend our Skerrie Scuba social events too . Thankfully , numbers have remained stable during the Covid period , but before that we were increasing our numbers . For the first time in 2022 , our new club members were welcomed at a formal summer BBQ . You will quite often find the frying pan on for a bite to eat and some banter after a club dive , as everyone enjoys the opportunity to mingle , and the craic .
What resources does the club have access to ?
We use a swimming pool at the local leisure centre in Coleraine for try dive and training sessions . The club has full access to Portrush Yacht Club ( PYC ) facilities including a compressor , changing rooms ( with hot showers ) meeting rooms , catering and social facilities . We have two boats to dive from : our very much loved 6.2m Osprey , which despite being older than some of our members had a full refit five years ago and is still proving to be a very valuable club asset ; and our 7.2m Kestrel . Currently PYC is looking to replace the Kestrel .
Is it easy to look after all this ?
The PYC equipment officer is in charge , as PYC owns all the equipment . Dive kit for training is provided by UUC and members are encouraged to source their own kit once
Tim in the Osprey , enjoying a Portrush sunset
pool work is complete . Aquaholics , our local dive shop , provides a hire service or can supply new and preowned kit at very competitive prices . Existing members are always on hand to assist and were possible loan spare kit to trainees .
How does the club raise funds ?
As a special section attached to PYC , we don ’ t maintain our own funds . We have three members on the PYC committee and when funds are needed , for training for example , this is taken to committee and approved . We raise funds with club membership and social events . We have designed a new dive club logo , which we have put on a range of merchandise including tee shirts and hoodies .
What interests your members ?
Conservation and looking after the marine environment is important . Members are involved with the citizen-science project Sea Search , which tracks the health of our marine environment . Of course , given our parent club , we are always available to help local boat owners . For example , we regularly retrieve lost property from the harbour ; recently we found an iPhone in working order after being in the water for two days . We also provide safety boats for Portrush Raft Race and carry out environmental clean-ups within the harbour . In 2022 / 23 , working with the local council , members will be providing a cleanup service to other local harbours .
Tom attempting to walk on water
Divers at Skerries Gully , depth 6-35m
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